The Ultimate Trader Joe’s Canned Goods Showdown: 19 Must-Try Picks and the Honest Tinned Fish Taste Test!

Trader Joe’s is a treasure trove of culinary delights, especially when it comes to their wide variety of canned goods. From premium tuna and salmon to sardines and smoked oysters, there’s something for every seafood lover. In this showdown, we’re diving deep into 19 must-try canned goods, focusing particularly on Trader Joe’s tinned fish collection. These picks are sure to impress. Read on!

1. Trader Joe’s Solid Light Yellowfin Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil $2.49/5 oz

This Yellowfin tuna is packed in extra virgin olive oil, ensuring rich flavor and tender texture. Perfect for salads, sandwiches, or a simple snack.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 160
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 270mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 22g

Ingredients: Yellowfin Tuna, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Enjoy straight out of the can or mix with mayonnaise and lemon juice for a quick tuna salad.

2. Trader Joe’s Solid White Albacore Tuna in Extra Virgin Olive Oil $2.49/5 oz

Albacore tuna is known for its mild flavor and firm texture. This variety, soaked in extra virgin olive oil, is ideal for gourmet tuna dishes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 160
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 250mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 22g

Ingredients: Albacore Tuna, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Sea Salt.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Perfect for making tuna pasta or adding to Nicoise salads.

3. Crown Prince Natural Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Pure Olive Oil $2.49/3.75 oz

These sardines are hand-packed and wild-caught, offering a pure taste that’s enhanced by olive oil. A great source of Omega-3s.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 can (85g) drained
  • Calories: 140
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 370mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 17g

Ingredients: Sardines, Olive Oil.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Great on toast with avocado or in pasta dishes.

4. Crown Prince Natural Smoked Oysters in Olive Oil $3.49/3 oz

These smoked oysters are a delicacy, offering a smoky flavor that’s perfect for appetizers or adding depth to recipes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 can (85g) drained
  • Calories: 170
  • Fat: 14g
  • Carbohydrates: 2g
  • Sodium: 110mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 7g

Ingredients: Smoked Oysters, Olive Oil.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Enjoy on crackers with a squeeze of lemon or add to your favorite pasta for a smoky twist.

5. Trader Joe’s Lightly Smoked Salmon in Extra Virgin Olive Oil $3.69/5 oz

This skinless and boneless salmon is lightly smoked and packed in extra virgin olive oil, offering a delicate and rich flavor.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 9g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 18g

Ingredients: Salmon, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Perfect for bagels, salads, or a gourmet sandwich filling.

6. Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon $3.99/14.75 oz

A pantry staple, this Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon is versatile, whether used in salads, patties, or simply enjoyed on its own.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 90
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 260mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 12g

Ingredients: Pink Salmon, Salt.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Mix with breadcrumbs, egg, and herbs to create salmon patties, or add to pasta dishes for a protein boost.

7. Trader Joe’s Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon (Skinless, Boneless, No Salt Added) $3.99/6 oz

For those who prefer a no-salt option, this skinless and boneless pink salmon is perfect. Use it in salads or casseroles.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 70
  • Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 25mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 14g

Ingredients: Pink Salmon.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Excellent in a light, refreshing salmon salad with dill and lemon.

8. Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Sockeye Salmon $3.99/7.5 oz

This Sockeye Salmon is wild-caught and offers a robust flavor, making it a great choice for more flavorful dishes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 3.5 slices (57g) drained
  • Calories: 80
  • Fat: 3g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 13g

Ingredients: Sockeye Salmon, Salt, Applewood Smoke.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Ideal for use in chowders, salads, or on top of crackers with cream cheese.

9. Trader Joe’s Farm Raised Hardwood Smoked Trout Fillets in Canola Oil $4.49/3.9 oz

These trout fillets are smoked using hardwood, adding a deep, smoky flavor perfect for gourmet dishes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 120
  • Fat: 8g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 11g

Ingredients: Trout Fillets, Canola Oil, Salt, Natural Smoke Flavor.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Serve on toast with cream cheese and capers, or use in a smoked fish dip.

10. Trader Joe’s Wild Skipjack Tuna $1.79/3 Oz

Hand-cut and packed, this Skipjack tuna is perfect for those who appreciate high-quality, minimally processed seafood.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 pouch (85g)
  • Calories: 90
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 280mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 22g

Ingredients: Skipjack Tuna

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Great for sandwiches, salads, or as a protein-packed snack.

11. Trader Joe’s Chunk Light Skipjack Tuna in Water $1.79/5 oz

This chunk light tuna is packed in water with a touch of sea salt, offering a light and fresh flavor perfect for various recipes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 60
  • Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 13g

Ingredients: Skipjack Tuna, Water, Sea Salt.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Ideal for tuna salads, sandwiches, or mixed into a light pasta dish.

12. Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Boneless Grilled Sardines in Olive Oil $1.99/3.88 oz

These grilled sardines bring a slightly smoky flavor, adding depth to any dish they’re part of. Packed in olive oil, they are perfect for a quick snack or gourmet meal.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 can drained (77g)
  • Calories: 390
  • Fat: 34g
  • Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Sodium: 220mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 15g

Ingredients: Sardines, Olive Oil, Salt, Natural Flavor.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Delicious on toast with lemon juice or mixed into salads.

13. Trader Joe’s Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water $1.99/5 oz

This albacore tuna, packed in water, offers a clean, rich flavor. With low sodium, it’s perfect for those watching their salt intake.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 can drained (4oz/113g)
  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 29g

Ingredients: Solid White Tuna, Water, Salt.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Great for making classic tuna salad or adding to casseroles.

14. Trader Joe’s Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water (No Salt Added) $1.99 for 5 oz

This version of albacore tuna has no salt added, providing a pure tuna flavor that can be customized to your liking.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 1 can drained(4oz/113g)
  • Calories: 130
  • Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 70mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 29g

Ingredients: Solid White Tuna, Water.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Perfect for healthy tuna salads or adding protein to your diet without the extra sodium.

15. Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Sardines in Olive Oil with Smoke Flavor $1.99/4.25 oz

These sardines are flavored with natural smoke and packed in olive oil, making them a great choice for a smoky seafood dish.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 150
  • Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 360mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 12g

Ingredients: Sardines, Olive Oil, Natural Smoke Flavor.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Ideal for topping pizzas or adding to savory dishes with a hint of smoke.

16. Trader Joe’s Lightly Smoked Mussels in Extra Virgin Olive Oil $2.29/4.02 oz

These mussels are lightly smoked and packed in extra virgin olive oil, offering a rich, luxurious flavor perfect for appetizers or adding to pasta dishes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 100
  • Fat: 7g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 310mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 6g

Ingredients: Mussels, Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Natural Smoke Flavor.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Enjoy on crackers with a squeeze of lemon or mix into a seafood pasta.

17. Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Unsalted Sardines in Spring Water $1.49/3.75 oz

For those seeking a lighter option, these unsalted sardines are packed in spring water, offering a delicate flavor that pairs well with a variety of dishes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 100
  • Fat: 5g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 12g

Ingredients: Sardines, Spring Water.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Use in salads or as a light snack on whole-grain crackers.

18. Cento Flat Fillet Anchovies in Olive Oil $1.79/2 oz

These flat fillet anchovies packed in olive oil are a pantry essential, known for their rich, umami flavor that elevates any dish.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 5 fillets (15g)
  • Calories: 25
  • Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 740mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 4g

Ingredients: Anchovies, Olive Oil.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Add to pizzas, pastas, or use as a salty, savory topping for salads.

19. Trader Joe’s Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water $1.99/5 oz

This solid white albacore tuna is known for its firm texture and mild flavor, making it a premium option for those who enjoy tuna without the extra oil. It’s perfect for light, healthy meals or as a base for various dishes.

Nutritional Facts

  • Serving Size: 2 oz (56g) drained
  • Calories: 60
  • Fat: 1g (Saturated Fat: 0g)
  • Carbohydrates: 0g
  • Sodium: 140mg
  • Dietary Fiber: 0g
  • Sugars: 0g
  • Protein: 13g

Ingredients: Solid White Tuna, Water, Sea Salt.

Preparation/Cooking Instructions: Use in classic tuna salads, mix into casseroles, or enjoy with crackers for a simple snack. This versatile tuna is also great in wraps or tossed into a pasta salad for added protein.

This guide highlights Trader Joe’s standout canned goods, especially their tinned fish, which offers a wide range of flavors and uses. From adding a gourmet touch to your meals to serving as convenient pantry staples, these 19 picks are essential for anyone looking to elevate their everyday dishes. With detailed reviews and preparation tips, you’re ready to make the most of Trader Joe’s canned goods selection.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.