Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
Light canned tuna Calories
Lean protein and selenium source
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
Quick answer
1 can (medium) of Light canned tuna (113 g) has 131 calories. That works out to 116 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 28.8 g of protein, 0.9 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 90.4 µg of Selenium covers 164% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Light canned tuna Nutrition Facts
Selected: 1 can (medium) · 113 g
131
KCAL / 113G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
28.8g
· 58% DV
Fat
0.9g
· 1% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 93% · Fat 7%
Light canned tuna nutrition facts table · 1 can (medium) (113 g)
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 131 kcal | |
| Total fat | 0.9 g | 1% |
| Saturated fat | 0.23 g | 1% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 279 mg | 12% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 28.8 g | 58% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
Log this food in EatBetter
100,000+ people use it
- Get your daily calorie target
- Snap your meal, log it in seconds
- See every vitamin and mineral
📸 Scan the code to get the app free.
How Many Calories in 1 Can of Light canned tuna?
| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 can (medium) | 113 g | 131 kcal |
| 1 tablespoon (small) | 15 g | 17 kcal |
| 2 tablespoon (double) | 30 g | 35 kcal |
| ½ can (half) | 56 g | 65 kcal |
| 1 pack (mini) | 80 g | 93 kcal |
| 1 serving (small) | 85 g | 99 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 116 kcal |
| 1 serving (large) | 150 g | 174 kcal |
| 1 can (large) | 170 g | 197 kcal |
Calculated from 116 calories per 100 g.
Frequently Asked Questions About Light canned tuna
What is the difference between light canned tuna and albacore tuna?
Light canned tuna usually comes from smaller tuna species, often skipjack, while albacore is a larger species with lighter-colored flesh. Light tuna is generally lower in mercury, but “light” does not necessarily mean lower in calories; labeling varies by market.
Does light canned tuna contain mercury, and how often can you eat it?
Yes, light canned tuna contains some mercury, although it is generally lower in mercury than albacore. The amount varies by species and product, so include different types of fish in your meals and follow local seafood-consumption guidance.
Is light canned tuna good for you?
Yes, light canned tuna is a convenient source of protein and selenium. It is already cooked during canning, so it can make a quick addition to a meal; pairing it with vegetables and whole grains adds variety.
Do you have to cook light canned tuna before eating it?
No, light canned tuna is ready to eat straight from the can. It has been cooked during the canning process, so you can add it directly to a sandwich, salad, or pasta; heat it only if your recipe calls for it.
How long does opened light canned tuna last in the fridge?
Opened light canned tuna keeps for 3–4 days in the refrigerator when transferred to a covered container. Do not leave it in the opened can, and discard it if it develops an unusual smell, color, or texture.
Should you drain the liquid from light canned tuna?
Usually, drain light canned tuna for sandwiches and salads if you want to avoid a watery texture. For pasta or a sauce, you can keep some of the liquid for moisture. Rinsing it is not usually necessary.
Can you eat light canned tuna during pregnancy?
Yes, light canned tuna can be eaten during pregnancy, but limiting mercury exposure matters. Choose lower-mercury fish and follow your local pregnancy seafood guidance; ask your healthcare professional for advice tailored to your situation.
Can you freeze light canned tuna after opening it?
Yes, you can freeze opened light canned tuna. Drain it and transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container; thawed tuna may be softer, so it tends to work better in cooked dishes than in a crisp salad.
What is the best way to use light canned tuna in a tuna salad sandwich?
Drain light canned tuna, then mix it with a binder such as mayonnaise or plain yogurt and add crunchy ingredients like celery or chopped pickles. Serve it in bread or a wrap, or spoon it over lettuce.
How can you tell if a can of light canned tuna is unsafe to use?
Do not use light canned tuna from a can that is bulging, leaking, punctured, or deeply dented. After opening, discard the tuna if it smells unusual or looks discolored; store unopened cans in a cool, dry place.
Light canned tuna Vitamins & Minerals
Vitamins
B12
2.83µg · 118% DV
B3
11.86mg · 74% DV
B6
0.45mg · 26% DV
Vitamin D
1.92µg · 10% DV
Minerals
Selenium
90µg · 164% DV
Phosphorus
421mg · 60% DV
Iodine
19µg · 13% DV
Sodium
279mg · 12% DV
Potassium ⭐
268mg · 8% DV
Light canned tuna Glycemic Index
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
How to Burn Off Light canned tuna
To burn the 131 calories in 1 can (medium) (113 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
What is Light canned tuna?
Light canned tuna is cooked tuna sealed for storage in a can. “Light” generally describes the tuna style or flesh rather than guaranteeing a lower-calorie product; check the label to see whether it is packed in water or oil.
Its flavour is mild and its texture flakes easily, making it handy for salads, sandwiches, pasta or a quick jacket-potato topping. In many places, it is served simply with vegetables, lemon or a dressing, and can be kept in the pantry for an easy meal. It is lean and protein-rich, with 25.5 g of protein per 100 g. For a lighter plate, drain it and pair it with plenty of fresh vegetables.
How Nutritious Is Light canned tuna?
Nutrient density
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Satiety score
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
Is Light canned tuna Processed?
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Does Light canned tuna Contain Allergens?
Contains these allergens:
Which Diets Is Light canned tuna Good For?
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
✓ Suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
Light canned tuna Fat Profile
SATURATED
0.23g
MONOUNSATURATED
0.2g
POLYUNSATURATED
0.27g
Omega 6:3 ratio 0.1:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Compare Light canned tuna
Foods Similar to Light canned tuna
Have another question about Light canned tuna?
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Scan calories with your camera
Instant AI nutrition analysis
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.