Wild Planet Skipjack Wild Tuna

The Verdict

Let’s be honest: most canned tuna is a mushy, bland afterthought. Wild Planet Skipjack is not that. This is the tuna you buy when you actually care what’s in the can — and it shows in both price and flavor.

What you’re actually getting

Each 5-ounce can contains pole-and-line caught skipjack tuna, packed in either water or olive oil. That’s it. No vegetable broth, no soybean oil, no hydrolyzed protein fillers. The ingredient list reads: “Skipjack tuna, water (or olive oil), sea salt.” As shown in the product images, the tuna is offered in chunk light and solid pack varieties, with the olive oil version being the clear standout for flavor.

The sustainability credentials aren’t marketing fluff. Skipjack is a faster-reproducing species than albacore, which means lower mercury levels and healthier stocks. Wild Planet’s pole-and-line method eliminates bycatch — no dolphins, turtles, or juvenile fish harmed. If you’re tracking your seafood footprint, this is one of the cleanest options on Amazon.

Real-world performance

The texture is where this tuna separates from the pack. Skipjack is naturally darker and firmer than albacore, with a more pronounced marine flavor. It flakes in substantial chunks rather than dissolving into paste. In a salad, it holds its shape. In a sandwich, it actually tastes like fish — not like vaguely fish-flavored mayonnaise.

One Amazon reviewer put it plainly: “Finally, tuna that tastes like tuna. The texture is firm and meaty, not that mushy stuff from the big brands.” Another noted the olive oil version “makes the best tuna salad I’ve ever made — no need to add extra oil.”

Where it falls short

First, the flavor. If you grew up on Starkist or Bumble Bee, skipjack’s stronger taste might catch you off guard. It’s not overpowering, but it’s unmistakably fishier than albacore. Several reviewers flagged this exact issue — one wrote: “Too fishy for my family. We prefer the mildness of albacore.”

Second, the price. At roughly $4–6 per 5-ounce can, this costs two to three times what you’d pay for conventional tuna. You’re paying for the fishing method, the clean ingredients, and the lower mercury — that’s a legitimate value, but it’s a real budget line item.

Third, packaging quality. A few buyers reported receiving dented cans. The aluminum is thinner than traditional steel tuna cans, likely to reduce weight for shipping. The tuna inside is fine, but if you’re gifting or stocking a pantry, it’s worth noting.

Who should buy this

The olive oil version is ideal for Mediterranean-diet eaters who want clean protein with healthy fats. The water-packed version suits anyone tracking sodium or calories strictly. If you meal-prep tuna salads or protein bowls multiple times a week, the flavor and texture justify the premium. If you’re feeding picky kids who prefer mild fish, or you’re on a tight grocery budget, this isn’t the right purchase.

FAQ

Is Wild Planet skipjack actually lower in mercury? Yes. Skipjack is a smaller, faster-growing tuna species, which naturally accumulates less mercury than albacore or yellowfin. Wild Planet also tests their catch independently — their published results show skipjack averaging well below FDA action levels.

Which version should I buy — water or olive oil? The olive oil packs are noticeably richer and more flavorful. If you’re using the tuna in salads or eating it straight, spend the extra dollar. If you’re mixing it with mayonnaise or yogurt for tuna salad, the water version works fine and saves you money.

Is this tuna worth the premium over store brands? That depends on what you value. You’re paying for verified sustainable fishing, a clean ingredient list, and better texture. If those matter to you, yes. If you just need cheap protein, no.

The verdict

Buy it if: You’re a tuna snob who wants verified sustainable, low-mercury fish with real texture and clean ingredients. The olive oil version is genuinely excellent.

Skip it if: You prefer mild albacore, you’re on a strict budget, or you’re feeding people who don’t like pronounced fish flavor.

Rating: 4.6/5 — premium product, premium price, and honest about both. One star docked for the occasional dented-can issues and the flavor intensity that won’t suit everyone.

Where to Buy

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Last updated: 2026-08-06. Ratings and prices current as of review date. Verify on Amazon before purchasing.