Can You Eat Canned Tuna Raw? (The Pros and Cons)

The practice of canning tuna has been common for many centuries to preserve fish. However, the mode of preservation and its later consumption raises many risks.

Many people feel confused when they think about whether they can eat raw tuna out of the can or not. Probably, you came to this article with the same question, can you can canned tuna raw? And the answer is,

Yes. You can eat canned tuna raw. The reason is that the manufacturers cook the tuna during canning. So, it is edible for everyone when you open the can. Canned tuna is long-lasting, and it provides convenience to users for eating food instantly. Raw tuna is the main ingredient in famous Japanese dishes like sashimi and sushi.

However, eating canned tuna raw is not entirely risk-free, and you have to know the proper way to eat canned tuna raw. Below in this article, you will get every answer to queries in detail. So, let’s give it a roll!

Table of Contents

Can You Eat Raw Tuna Right Out of the Can

People hold different opinions on eating raw tuna out of the can. However, it is not harmful to eat within the prescribed limit. Usually, people avoid eating raw tuna because they are not sure about the time when the company preserved it.

You should not eat it completely raw out of the can to remain healthy. The preservation stage involves some chemicals that can harm you. Canned tuna contains mercury that can diminish the health of human beings.

So, you decide to eat raw, canned tuna in basic form. Many people don’t like the raw taste of canned tuna, which is the main reason behind their avoidance. It is better to eat light canned tuna in raw form than the albacore.

Is Tuna in Raw Canned Form Good for You?

Yes, canned fish has a lot of benefits for human beings. It is a highly nutritious food that contains proteins and omega fatty acids. There is no added quantity of salt and sugar in canned fish.

Many people suffer from vitamin D deficiency, and they can fulfill it through this food. Moreover, it is an affordable way to consume proteins.

You can store canned tuna for a longer time due to preservatives. Light canned tuna contains only 100 calories, perfect for diet-conscious people.

LEARN MORE: Can You Eat Catfish Raw?

Is Canned Tuna Already Cooked?

Commonly, canned tuna is not entirely raw. They cook it before preserving it in a metal can. So, it is safe to eat canned tuna.

The manufacturers boil the fish thoroughly, removing all possible bacteria. Bacteria are the main reason for people’s health problems by consuming raw tuna.

Make sure that you purchase canned tuna from a brand that cooks fish before preserving it. Otherwise, it is better to cook it for consumption.

How Do You Eat Raw Tuna From a Can?

If we talk about raw canned tuna, they cook it once before packing the can. So, You can eat it raw.

You need to simply open the can and set the tuna inside the can on a plate. You can eat it directly or cook it for further flavors.

Canned tuna has so many recipes and ways to eat it. Some people like to eat it raw, while others may combine it with mayo to add flavor.

Likewise, people also use canned tuna as a salad topping and sandwich ingredient. You can eat it as you like.

However, you must keep track so that you don’t overeat. It might cause health issues due to high mercury levels.

You can find mainly two main kinds of canned tuna: chunk light and albacore.

Albacore tuna: It contains a high level of mercury which is harmful to eat raw. It comes from the larger fish species (It has 0.32 parts per million mercury).

Chunk light tuna: It contains less mercury than albacore (0.12 parts per million mercury). Usually, they make it from small tuna species.

If you consider this question from nutrition, then water-packed is better. It contains natural proteins and a subtle tuna flavor. However, both types of canned tuna are beneficial. You can get them from any reputable non-GMO brand.

Follow These Tips to Make Raw Canned Tuna Taste Better

You can add oil to the tuna can for better taste.
If you want a more enhanced taste, then add some quantity of chopped onion or unpeeled lemon.
You can add some salt and a little chopped garlic to enjoy the canned tuna meal with chips or crackers.
Take some sweet onion slices mixed in butter and add them to the tuna jar for enhanced flavor.
You can also keep tuna inside the tomato sauce instead of water for a better experience.
Chopped tuna combined with sweet peppers, olives, cucumbers, and other vegetables can give heightened flavor.
You can make a tuna spread for bread or crackers by mixing it with pepper, salt, and olive oil.
Lastly, you can make tuna bites containing low fat. Simply blend the fish pieces, make tiny balls, and then fry them in oil.

LEARN MORE: Can You Eat Shrimp Tails?

The Risks of Eating Canned Tuna Raw

Today, organic food holds more importance than processed food. Canned tuna is also harmful because it comes under processed foods. Moreover, it is rich in mercury, sodium, and many toxic substances.

Here are some risk factors of eating canned tuna:

Raw, canned tuna can cause eczema, allergies, Alzheimer’s, and asthma, especially in children.
Generally, raw, canned tuna exceeds the daily limit of the FDA consuming mercury levels. The higher mercury level can cause mental confusion, anxiety, memory loss, and depression.
Mercury poisoning through canned tuna can lead to kidney diseases and nerve disorders.
A high quantity of PCBs in canned fish can cause skin problems and cancer. It also leads to pregnancy complications and low sperm count.

The Benefits of Eating Raw Canned Tuna

Here are some of the main benefits you acquire by eating canned tuna:

It maintains a healthy heart rate.
It decreases the development of coronary artery disease and cardiovascular diseases due to the high quantity of omega fatty acids.
The Omega fatty acids further reduce the blood pressure, cholesterol level, and triglycerides in your body.
It assists in reducing body fat and preserving muscle tissue.
Canned tuna also assists in increasing the levels of EPA and DHA in the brain that further enhancing cognitive function.

LEARN MORE: Can You Freeze Spinach Artichoke Dip?

Conclusion

Eating raw, canned Tuna is a controversial topic. Many people search for the question: “Can you eat canned tuna raw?”

However, they don’t get any definite answer. This comprehensive guide tried to answer every possible query concerning, “Can you eat canned tuna raw?”

We provided every aspect of knowledge regarding canned tuna fish, its consumption ratio, benefits, types, risks of eating canned tuna, etc.

Canned tuna is not hazardous to health. It depends on you to control the intake of canned tuna to acquire its benefits instead of damages.