Best Canned Tuna Substitutes | Seafood & Vegan Alternatives
The best substitute for canned tuna is Canned Salmon at a 1:1 by weight ratio. It works best for sandwiches, salads, casseroles. There are 4 other alternatives below, each with exact ratios and usage notes.
Best Substitute
Canned Salmon
1:1 by weight
Slightly richer flavor and softer texture; works identically in most recipes
What are the other substitutes for canned tuna?
Canned Chicken
1:1 by weight
Milder flavor and similar flaky texture; season a bit more to compensate
Mashed Chickpeas
1:1 by volume
Mash with fork and season with nori or dulse for oceanic flavor; add vegan mayo
Shredded Jackfruit
1:1 by volume
Young green jackfruit; drain well and mix with vegan mayo, lemon, and kelp powder
Hearts of Palm
1:1 by volume
Shred with fork for flaky texture; naturally mild so season with seaweed and lemon
What should you know before substituting canned tuna?
When substituting for canned tuna in cold preparations like tuna salad, add a pinch of seaweed flakes or nori to plant-based substitutes to mimic the oceanic flavor. Drain all substitutes well before mixing.
How do you substitute canned tuna in a recipe?
Canned tuna is pre-cooked, preserved tuna fish packed in water or oil, offering a convenient source of lean protein. It's a pantry staple for sandwiches, salads, casseroles, and pasta dishes.
The best substitute for canned tuna depends on what role it plays in your recipe. Our top recommendation is Canned Salmon (1:1 by weight), which works well for sandwiches, salads, casseroles.
If you need a different option, Canned Chicken (1:1 by weight) is another reliable choice. Milder flavor and similar flaky texture; season a bit more to compensate
When substituting canned tuna, consider the flavor profile, texture, and cooking method of your recipe. For vegan alternatives, look for the options marked with the vegan badge above.
Substitution ratios verified against USDA FoodData Central and FoodSafety.gov. See our testing methodology for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use instead of canned tuna?
Canned salmon or chicken work well as direct substitutes. For vegan options, mashed chickpeas, shredded jackfruit, or hearts of palm provide similar flaky texture. Season plant-based options with nori or kelp for oceanic flavor.
What is a good vegan substitute for tuna?
Mashed chickpeas make an excellent vegan tuna substitute. Mix them with vegan mayo, lemon juice, and crumbled nori for oceanic flavor. Hearts of palm can be shredded for flaky texture, while jackfruit works well in sandwiches and wraps.
Can I substitute canned salmon for tuna?
Yes, canned salmon works perfectly as a tuna substitute using a 1:1 ratio. It has a slightly richer flavor and softer texture but works identically in sandwiches, salads, and casseroles.