How to Identify
Troll-Caught Albacore Tuna

Most canned "white meat tuna" sold in North America today by the major US tuna companies comes from older, larger albacore caught in deep waters. Only a small amount of the younger, tastier, Omega-3 rich albacore is available on supermarket shelves -- and worse, it's not properly marked on the label!

However, there is an easy way for you to instantly recognize any younger troll-caught canned albacore that may be available on supermarket shelves: simply look at the nutrition label on the back of each can. Notice that older albacore packed in water will show a total fat content of 2 grams or less:

However, a can of younger, Omega 3 rich troll-caught in water or natural juices will have at least 3 to 5 grams of total fat:

The higher total fat content on the label reflects the Omega 3 essential fatty acids. Also, not only will you taste the difference, there's an added plus: you will find yourself using less mayonnaise or other added less-healthy oils when using troll-caught in your favorite recipes, since the younger fish are not nearly as dry as the more common older, larger albacore.

The obvious advantage is that heart disease and cancer-fighting Omega 3s end up replacing saturated fats or unhealthy oils in your cooking without sacrificing taste. Also note that if you take fish oil supplements, it won't be necessary to get your 2 or 3 grams of Omega-3 fat from capsules on the days when you eat troll-caught albacore or other Omega 3 rich fish (sardines, mackerel, etc.).

Younger albacore are naturally rich in beneficial Omega-3s and therefore require less mayonnaise or other added fats in your favorite recipes. People using older albacore with drier meat tend to compensate by adding more mayonnaise or other unhealthy fats. Older albacore also have less Omega 3s so it may be necessary to depend on other sources... such as fish oil supplements.

Identifying Troll-Caught Albacore Steaks and Loins
at the Fish Counter or in Restaurants

Obviously supermarket seafood counters, fish markets, and restaurant do not provide nutritional labeling, so it can be a lot harder to figure out whether you are being given younger or older albacore. However, the person behind the counter or serving your table may be able to tell you what variety of albacore is available -- just ask. If a seafood counter or restaurant professional doesn't know the answer, then let the person know about the differences and why you want to try troll-caught albacore the next time you come in.

Or Simply Visit Our Troll-Caught Albacore Tuna
Consumer Connections Webpage!

Click here to see a directory of custom-canned troll-caught albacore brands, as well as some of the seafood counters and restaurants that offer troll-caught albacore in California, Oregon, and Washington State.