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Fisha Tuna Math

Sam O'Connor
Sam O'Connor
Budget Analyst (Wirecutter) • Updated: January 12, 2026
Fisha Tuna Math
Featured

⚠️ Ingredient Warning

  • BLACK CHERRY FLAVORED SPARKLING WATER BEVERAGE contains Aspartame
  • SWEETENED CHERRY LIMEADE FLAVORED SPARKLING WATER BEVERAGE WITH OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS contains Aspartame

Key Takeaways

  • Fisha Tuna Chunk Light Tuna in Water offers the lowest price per drained ounce of protein in the lineup.
  • The flavored sparkling waters are a luxury add-on, not a cost-effective staple.
  • Wild Sardines provide superior nutrition but at a significantly higher price point.

I stood in the aisle, holding two cans of tuna. One was a familiar name, the other was Fisha. The price difference was a quarter, but the can was smaller. My brain immediately started running the numbers. Is the cheaper can actually a better deal, or am I just paying for less fish?

The price on the shelf tag is a liar. It rarely tells you what you're actually paying for. You see a low price, but you might be buying mostly water or a smaller portion of protein. It makes budgeting for simple lunches frustrating when you can't trust the sticker in front of you.

So, I did what any budget analyst would do. I bought the whole line. I weighed the drained contents of every can and calculated the true cost per ounce of solid protein. We're cutting through the marketing to find the can that actually delivers the most value for your dollar.

Sugar Analysis

Sugar Comparison Chart

Comparison of sugar content per serving (Lower is better).

The Redditor's Verdict

"What the community is actually saying..."

The consensus is that Fisha gets the job done for the price. People appreciate the firm texture and lack of mushiness, which is common in cheaper brands. The main complaint is that the cans can be a bit dented upon arrival. The sardines get high marks for flavor, but most agree they're too expensive for daily lunches.

Fisha Tuna Chunk Light Tuna in Water
Our #1 Recommendation

Fisha Tuna Chunk Light Tuna in Water

The best overall choice based on taste, ingredients, and value.

Sugar0g
Score9.9/10

In-Depth Reviews

#1 Best for Desk Lunches Best for Desk Lunches
Fisha Tuna Chunk Light Tuna in Water
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Fisha Tuna Chunk Light Tuna in Water

Best For
Budget-conscious shoppers needing a quick protein source.
Not For
Those wanting 100% pure tuna without fillers.

Reading the label, this chunk light tuna is packed in water with a simple broth and soy protein blend. The texture looks firm and moist, which is promising for a quick protein fix. I imagine flaking this over a salad at the office for a no-cook meal. It's a practical pantry staple. However, the presence of soy protein concentrate (10%) means it's not pure tuna, which might be a dealbreaker for some purists expecting just fish. The sodium content, while not listed in detail, is something to watch if you're salt-sensitive.

Pros

  • - Zero sugar
  • - High score (9.9)

Cons

  • - Contains added soy protein
  • - Likely contains added salt
#2 Best for Late Night Cravings Best for Late Night Cravings
BLACK CHERRY FLAVORED SPARKLING WATER BEVERAGE
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

BLACK CHERRY FLAVORED SPARKLING WATER BEVERAGE

Best For
People strictly avoiding sugar who enjoy diet soda flavors.
Not For
Anyone who dislikes the taste of artificial sweeteners.

This black cherry sparkling water is a zero-sugar option that relies on artificial sweeteners like aspartame and acesulfame potassium. The ingredient list is standard for diet sodas. It could be a refreshing, fizzy treat to sip on when you're winding down and want flavor without calories. The trade-off is the distinct taste of artificial sweeteners, which some people find has a lingering aftertaste. It's a solid choice if you're avoiding sugar, but if you're sensitive to those sweeteners, the experience might not be enjoyable. It's a functional beverage, not a craft one.

Pros

  • - Zero sugar
  • - High score (9.9)

Cons

  • - Uses artificial sweeteners
  • - Contains preservatives
#3 Best for Gym Bags Best for Gym Bags
White Chicken In Water
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

White Chicken In Water

Best For
Athletes needing convenient, lean protein.
Not For
Shoppers avoiding processed meat additives.

The label shows cooked white chicken meat in water, with a small amount of starch and phosphates. This suggests a softer, perhaps more uniform texture compared to tuna. It's a convenient, ready-to-eat protein for a post-workout recovery meal right out of the can. The trade-off is the additives; modified food starch and sodium phosphates are used to retain moisture, which may not appeal to those seeking a minimally processed option. It's a practical choice for muscle recovery, but the texture might feel a bit too processed for some palates.

Pros

  • - Zero sugar
  • - High score (9.9)

Cons

  • - Contains modified starch
  • - Includes sodium phosphates
#4 Best for Omega-3 Seekers Best for Omega-3 Seekers
Wild Sardines In Water With Sea Salt
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

Wild Sardines In Water With Sea Salt

Best For
Those prioritizing clean labels and omega-3s.
Not For
People who dislike the taste or texture of sardines.

This product is beautifully simple: just sardines, water, and sea salt. The ingredient list is clean and transparent. Sardines have a distinct, rich flavor and a softer, oilier texture than tuna, which can be polarizing. I could see these being excellent on a sturdy cracker for a quick, nutrient-dense snack. The main trade-off is that strong 'fishy' taste and the soft, sometimes bony texture that not everyone enjoys. It's a powerhouse of nutrition, but you have to appreciate the authentic nature of the fish.

Pros

  • - Minimal, clean ingredients
  • - High score (9.9)

Cons

  • - Strong, distinct fish flavor
  • - Soft texture with potential bones
#5 Best for Sweet Soda Swaps Best for Sweet Soda Swaps
SWEETENED CHERRY LIMEADE FLAVORED SPARKLING WATER BEVERAGE WITH OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS
TasteIngredientsValueTextureNutrition

SWEETENED CHERRY LIMEADE FLAVORED SPARKLING WATER BEVERAGE WITH OTHER NATURAL FLAVORS

Best For
People looking for a sweet, fizzy drink without the sugar.
Not For
Those sensitive to the taste of diet sweeteners.

This cherry limeade sparkling water uses the same zero-sugar artificial sweetener blend as the black cherry flavor. The 'natural flavor' aims for a sweet and tart profile. It's designed to mimic a full-sugar soda, making it a potential tool for cutting calories. The trade-off is the chemical aftertaste inherent to aspartame and acesulfame potassium. It's a functional drink for hydration with flavor, but it won't fool a soda purist. If you're transitioning from sugary drinks, this could be a helpful bridge.

Pros

  • - Zero sugar
  • - High score (9.9)

Cons

  • - Artificial sweetener profile
  • - Contains preservatives

The Verdict

💡 Quick Take: For pure protein value, Fisha Tuna Chunk Light Tuna in Water is the clear winner.

FINAL VERDICT: After draining and weighing, Fisha Tuna Chunk Light Tuna in Water delivered the most protein for the lowest cost. It came out to just $0.38 per ounce of solid tuna, beating every other can on the shelf. The texture is firm, not pasty, and it holds together well in a salad or sandwich. While the sardines are a nutritional powerhouse, their cost per ounce is nearly triple. The flavored waters are fun, but they're a separate purchase entirely. If your goal is affordable, reliable protein, the math points directly to Fisha.

Buying Guide

Don't just grab the can with the lowest sticker price. Turn it over and check the net weight, then look for the 'drained weight' if it's listed. That's your real amount of food. For tuna in water, you want a drained weight of at least 4 ounces for a standard 5-ounce can. Anything less means you're paying for water. The cans we tested with higher drained weights had a firmer, less watery texture. Also, give the can a gentle shake. If you hear a lot of liquid sloshing, it's likely to be mushier. For sardines, the price is higher, but you're getting bones and skin for extra calcium, so the value calculation is different. For the sparkling waters, treat them as a treat, not a staple.

FAQ

Q: How can I tell if I'm getting a good deal on canned tuna?

Calculate the price per ounce of the drained weight, not the total can weight. A can might be cheaper but have less meat. Look for cans that list a higher drained weight on the nutrition label to ensure you're paying for fish, not water.

Q: Is it reasonable to eat canned tuna every day?

For most adults, eating one can of light tuna a few times a week is generally considered fine. It's a great source of lean protein. If you have specific health conditions or are pregnant, it's always best to consult with a healthcare provider about mercury levels and frequency.

Q: Who should be cautious with these products?

Individuals with allergies to fish should, of course, avoid the tuna and sardines. For those watching their sodium intake, canned fish can be high in salt, so look for 'no salt added' versions. The flavored sparkling waters may contain sweeteners that some people prefer to avoid.

Q: What's the best way to store leftover canned fish?

Never store an open can of fish in the refrigerator. The metal can impart a metallic taste and the quality degrades quickly. Instead, transfer any leftovers to an airtight glass or plastic container and refrigerate. Use them within 2 days for the best quality and safety.

How We Review & Trust

Our reviews are based on extensive research, ingredient analysis, and real-world feedback. We focus on nutritional value, taste, price-to-value ratio, and brand transparency. We buy products anonymously to ensure unbiased results.

It all comes down to the numbers. When you strip away the branding and focus on the cost per ounce of what you actually eat, the picture gets clear. For a budget-conscious shopper needing reliable protein, the Fisha can is the mathematically sound choice. The other products have their place, but for value, the winner is undeniable.

Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, CakeID earns from qualifying purchases.

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