Is Specially selected Tuna steaks (Aldis) Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

When determining if a product is vegan, we look for any ingredients derived from animals. In the case of Aldi's Specially selected Tuna steaks, the answer is immediately clear due to the primary ingredient. The product is built around YELLOWFIN TUNA (FISH), which is a marine animal, making it incompatible with vegan or vegetarian diets.

Beyond the fish itself, the marinade and sauce components are generally plant-based or synthetic. For instance, ingredients like SODIUM CITRATE and SODIUM ASCORBATE are used as preservatives and color retention agents; these are typically vegan-friendly salts and forms of Vitamin C. The Garlic and Parsley Sauce relies on flavorings like Garlic Powder, Parsley Powder, and Maltodextrin (a starch derived from plants), which do not pose an issue for vegans. However, because the core product is animal flesh, the entire item is classified as non-vegan.

Nutritional Value

Tuna is widely regarded for its high protein density and low fat content. While we do not have the exact nutritional label for this specific Aldi SKU, marinated tuna steaks generally offer a significant amount of protein per serving with relatively low carbohydrate counts, as the marinade usually contains minimal sugars. This makes it a popular choice for high-protein diets, though the sodium content can be elevated due to the salt and preservatives used in the marination process.