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🐟

●Low GI
💪High Protein

Plain Canned Tuna Calories

High in protein, vitamin B12, and selenium

In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter

CALORIES · 100 G

116kcal

GI

0low

POTASSIUM · 100 G

237mg

FIBER · 100 G

0g

Quick answer

1 can (whole) of Plain Canned Tuna (120 g) has 139 calories. That works out to 116 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 30.6 g of protein, 1 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 96 µg of Selenium covers 175% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.

Plain Canned Tuna Nutrition Facts

Selected: 1 can (whole) · 120 g

139

KCAL / 120G

Carbs

0g

· 0% DV

Protein

30.6g

· 61% DV

Fat

1g

· 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%

Plain Canned Tuna nutrition facts table · 1 can (whole) (120 g)

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories139 kcal
Total fat1 g1%
Saturated fat0.24 g1%
Trans fat0 g
Sodium296 mg13%
Total carbohydrate0 g0%
Fiber0 g0%
Protein30.6 g61%

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.

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How Many Calories in 1 Can of Plain Canned Tuna?

ServingAmountCalories
1 can (whole)120 g139 kcal
1 tablespoon (medium)15 g17 kcal
1 ounce (small)28 g32 kcal
1 can (quarter)30 g35 kcal
1 can (half)60 g70 kcal
1 serving (medium)85 g99 kcal
100 g100 g116 kcal
1 serving (large)170 g197 kcal

Calculated from 116 calories per 100 g.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plain Canned Tuna

Is plain canned tuna healthy?

Yes, plain canned tuna is a convenient source of protein, vitamin B12 and selenium. It can fit into a balanced eating pattern; if you are limiting sodium, compare products because the amount of salt varies between cans.

Does plain canned tuna contain mercury, and how often can you eat it?

Yes, tuna can contain mercury, and levels vary with the species and catch. Vary the fish you eat rather than relying on tuna alone; people who need specific mercury guidance should follow recommendations for their location and situation.

Do you need to cook plain canned tuna before eating it?

No, plain canned tuna is ready to eat because it is cooked during processing. You can drain it and add it straight to a sandwich or salad, or warm it in a dish if you prefer.

How long does plain canned tuna last in the fridge after opening?

Transfer leftover plain canned tuna to a covered container and refrigerate it promptly. Use it within a few days, and discard it if it smells sour, changes colour, or develops an unusual texture.

Can you freeze plain canned tuna after opening?

Yes, you can freeze leftover plain canned tuna in an airtight, freezer-safe container rather than in the opened can. Thawed tuna may be drier or more crumbly, so it works especially well in cooked dishes or mixed fillings.

Can you eat plain canned tuna while pregnant?

Yes, plain canned tuna is cooked and can be eaten during pregnancy within recommended limits. Tuna mercury levels vary by species, so follow current local guidance on which types and amounts are appropriate while pregnant.

Should you drain the liquid from plain canned tuna?

Draining plain canned tuna is optional, not a food-safety requirement. Removing the liquid gives you a firmer, less wet texture for sandwiches or salads; keeping some can help tuna stay moist in a recipe.

How is plain canned tuna made?

Plain canned tuna is processed: the fish is typically cooked, packed into cans, sealed and heat-treated. This preserves it for storage without refrigeration until opening; “plain” describes the simple preparation, not an unprocessed product.

What is the difference between plain canned tuna and fresh tuna?

Plain canned tuna has been cooked and packed for storage, while fresh tuna is raw and needs cooking. Canned tuna is convenient and consistent; fresh tuna’s texture and flavour depend more on the cut and cooking method.

What can you mix with plain canned tuna for an easy meal?

Mix plain canned tuna with mayonnaise or yogurt, lemon, pepper and chopped celery or onion for a quick filling. For a meal without a creamy dressing, combine it with beans, tomatoes and greens, then season to taste.

Plain Canned Tuna Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamins

B12

3µg · 125% DV

B3

12.6mg · 79% DV

B6

0.54mg · 32% DV

Vitamin D

2.04µg · 10% DV

Minerals

Selenium

96µg · 175% DV

Phosphorus

305mg · 44% DV

Iodine

20µg · 13% DV

Sodium

296mg · 13% DV

Potassium ⭐

284mg · 8% DV

Plain Canned Tuna Glycemic Index

GLYCEMIC INDEX

0
Low
0 Low5570100

GLYCEMIC LOAD

0
Low

Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.

How to Burn Off Plain Canned Tuna

To burn the 139 calories in 1 can (whole) (120 g):

🚶

34min

Walking (5 km/h)

🏃

14min

Running (8 km/h)

🚴

19min

Cycling

🏊

16min

Swimming

Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.

What is Plain Canned Tuna?

Plain Canned Tuna is cooked tuna packed without a sauce, so its mild, savoury flavour and flaky texture come through. Depending on the product, it may be packed in water or brine; once opened, the fish can be left in chunks or flaked with a fork.

It is a convenient pantry staple worldwide, commonly added to sandwiches, salads, pasta and grain bowls, often with lemon, herbs or crisp vegetables. It is high in protein, with 25.5 g per 100 g, and also provides vitamin B12 and selenium. Drain it before mixing to keep a salad from becoming watery, or pair it with beans and greens for a more filling meal.

How Nutritious Is Plain Canned Tuna?

Nutrient density

Very high

82/ 100

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

58/ 100

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 Plain 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 Plain Canned Tuna Contain Allergens?

Contains these allergens:

Gluten free
Dairy free
Eggs free
Peanuts free
Tree nuts free
Fish yes
Soy free
Sesame free

Which Diets Is Plain 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

Plain Canned Tuna Fat Profile

SATURATED

0.24g

MONOUNSATURATED

0.22g

POLYUNSATURATED

0.34g

⚖️

Omega 6:3 ratio 0.2:1

Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.

Compare Plain Canned Tuna

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Foods Similar to Plain Canned Tuna

🐟

Salmon Fillet

206 kcal

🐟

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116 kcal

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132 kcal

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Baked Sea Bass

110 kcal

🐟

Grilled Sea Bass

124 kcal

🐟

Whiting

90 kcal

🦪

Stuffed Mussels

175 kcal

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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.