Jake Harper
Starkist and Chicken of the Sea are two popular canned tuna brands. While some consumers prefer Starkist for its firmer pieces and versatility with sauces and sandwiches, others find it unpalatable and overly salty. Chicken of the Sea, on the other hand, is a familiar brand with a default flavour and slightly chunky texture. However, some have criticised its taste as chalky and dry, while others have praised Starkist for its salty-savoury flavour and moist, solid texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Starkist tuna has larger, firmer pieces. Chicken of the Sea has a slightly chunky texture, but some reviewers have described it as ["chalky" and "dry to disintegrating."] |
| Flavor | Starkist tuna has a substantial texture and a deep, savory tuna flavor. Chicken of the Sea has a deep brininess that makes it overly salty. |
| Sustainability | Chicken of the Sea has an initiative program called SeaChange, but it is unclear how this impacts the brand. |
| Health | Starkist tuna contains added sea salt. Chicken of the Sea tests the mercury levels of every fish. |
| Safety | Some reviewers have reported getting stomach bugs from Chicken of the Sea. |
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What You'll Learn
Taste test comparisons
Taste tests conducted by Bon Appétit and The Takeout compared popular canned tuna brands, including Chicken of the Sea and StarKist. While personal preferences may vary, here is a summary of the taste test comparisons between the two brands:
Bon Appétit Taste Test
Bon Appétit conducted a blind taste test of nine types of popular canned tuna, including StarKist and Chicken of the Sea. The tasters praised StarKist for its tender meatiness, luxurious chunks, and savoury flavour. They also noted that it lacked an overwhelming smell and had a substantial texture. StarKist was described as versatile, suitable for various dishes such as onigiri or Niçoise Toast.
On the other hand, Chicken of the Sea received mixed reviews. Some tasters described its texture as "chalky" and "dry to disintegrating." The oil was also criticised for being watery and flavourless. However, it is important to note that the tasters' expectations and sensory experiences may have influenced their perceptions.
The Takeout Taste Test
The Takeout also conducted a blind taste test, rating canned tuna brands on texture, taste, and fishing practices. In this test, StarKist did not perform well. The taster described the texture as "mushy" and found the flavour unpleasant, to the extent that they could not finish a small bite. Chicken of the Sea, on the other hand, scored in the middle of the pack. The taster described the flavour as expected and the texture as slightly chunky, neither stringy nor dry. While it did not blow them away, it was deemed easily edible.
Individual Reviews
Outside of formal taste tests, individual reviews offer additional insights. One reviewer who consumes Starkist regularly appreciates its firmer pieces and versatility in holding up to various preparations, such as marinades, sauces, and sandwiches. However, they also note a slight mass-produced taste. Another reviewer, familiar with Chicken of the Sea, found the flavour and texture consistent with their expectations, reminding them of the tuna they ate as a child.
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Sustainability
Starkist and Chicken of the Sea have both been criticized for their sustainability practices, or lack thereof. Starkist has been ranked as the lowest-performing brand by Greenpeace, with concerns about its lack of transparency and failure to take sustainability seriously. Chicken of the Sea, on the other hand, has been criticized by Greenpeace for its reliance on destructive tuna fisheries and lack of sustainable products in the US. However, its parent company, Thai Union Group, has an initiative program called SeaChange, and its 2022 sustainability report shows progress toward more sustainable choices.
To make sustainable choices when purchasing canned tuna, consumers should look for terms like "wild-caught", "pole caught", "pole and line caught", "troll caught", and "FAD-free". The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) endorsement is also important, indicating that the tuna has been caught with minimal environmental impact and from a sustainable stock. MSC-compliant tunas will have a blue logo on their labels. Sea Tales, for example, has ranked highly in taste tests and is also committed to sustainability, partnering with local fishermen to avoid overfishing. Wild Planet is another brand that offers sustainably sourced albacore tuna.
While Starkist and Chicken of the Sea are popular brands, they have not performed well in sustainability rankings. Starkist, in particular, has been criticized for its lack of transparency and sustainability efforts. Chicken of the Sea has been called out for its reliance on destructive fishing practices, although its parent company is working towards more sustainable choices. Consumers who prioritize sustainability should look for specific labels and certifications, such as "wild-caught" or the Marine Stewardship Council endorsement, to make more eco-friendly choices.
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Flavour
In terms of flavour, Chicken of the Sea has been described as "chalky" and "dry to disintegrating", with a watery taste. It has also been said to be flavourless, lacking richness. However, it has also been described as "easily edible", tasting like the kind of tuna you'd expect. The flavour is similar to Genova, which is also owned by Thai Union Group, although Genova is slightly more salty and is often packaged in olive oil, which imparts a rich, sometimes peppery taste.
Starkist, on the other hand, has been described as having a "deep, savoury tuna flavour". It has also been described as having a "bit of a mass-produced taste". Starkist's tuna is packaged in water, which may dilute the flavour.
In a blind taste test, tasters described Bumble Bee as "unmemorable", "missing richness and flavour", and "tasting like chicken".
Whole Foods' tuna was described as tasting the most pure, likely due to its low sodium levels.
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Texture
When it comes to texture, opinions differ on which brand of canned tuna is better between Chicken of the Sea and StarKist. Some people find the texture of Chicken of the Sea's tuna to be chalky, dry, and disintegrating, while others describe it as slightly chunky, not stringy, mushy, or dry. On the other hand, StarKist's tuna has been described as having a good texture that is neither too dry nor too oily. However, some people have experienced inconsistencies with StarKist, with some cans containing mush while others have firmer, flakier pieces.
In a blind taste test by The Takeout, Chicken of the Sea's tuna was placed in the middle range for texture, with a stringy feel that resembled shredded chicken rather than lumps or slices of fish. The reviewer noted that while the texture was not mushy, it also wasn't dry.
Another review by Chowhound described StarKist's Yellowfin tuna in oil as having a superior texture to the water-logged kind, with a reasonable price and good taste. The oil-infused texture was described as far better than the water-packed variety, which can be dry.
Bon Appétit also conducted a blind taste test that included both Chicken of the Sea and StarKist. The testers described Chicken of the Sea's tuna as tender and meaty, with a substantial texture and large, luxurious chunks. However, another tester from the same publication described the texture of Chicken of the Sea's tuna as "totally desiccated" and "pre-chewed," indicating that there may be inconsistencies in the texture of their tuna.
While texture is an important factor when choosing a canned tuna brand, it's worth noting that individual experiences may vary due to factors such as production batches, storage, and personal preferences.
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Stomach bugs
To reduce the risk of stomach bugs from any brand of canned tuna, it is advisable to follow safe food handling practices. This includes checking the expiration date on the can, ensuring that the can is intact and not damaged, and storing it properly before and after opening. Practicing good hygiene when handling food, such as washing hands and utensils, can also help prevent the spread of bacteria and reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses.
In terms of taste and texture, Starkist tuna is known for its firmer and larger pieces, making it quite palatable to some consumers. It also holds up well in various dishes, such as marinades, sauces, and sandwich slices. On the other hand, Chicken of the Sea has been described as having a "chalky" texture, with a dry and disintegrating consistency. However, it is important to note that individual preferences may vary, and some people may still prefer the taste and texture of Chicken of the Sea over other brands.
To conclude, while Starkist and Chicken of the Sea are both popular canned tuna brands, some consumers have reported experiencing stomach bugs specifically after consuming Chicken of the Sea. To minimize the risk of any foodborne illnesses, it is important to practice safe food handling and storage practices. Additionally, when considering taste and texture, Starkist may be preferred by those who appreciate firmer and larger tuna chunks, while Chicken of the Sea has received some criticism for its texture and flavor.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on your preferences. Some people prefer StarKist because of its firmer pieces, while others find it unappetizing. Chicken of the Sea has been described as having a slightly chunky texture and a familiar flavor. However, some people have reported getting stomach bugs from Chicken of the Sea products.
Chicken of the Sea's parent company, Thai Union Group, has an initiative called SeaChange, but it is unclear how this program impacts the brand. StarKist does not appear to have a similar initiative, but it is important to look for specific labels on the fish to ensure sustainable fishing practices.
In a blind taste test, StarKist ranked poorly, with one tester unable to finish a small bite. Chicken of the Sea scored in the middle of the pack, with a familiar flavor and texture. Other brands like Bumble Bee, Trader Joe's, and Whole Foods offer unique flavors and textures, but some may be harder to find or more expensive.
