This really annoys me. I grabbed a can of tuna this morning. Why can’t manufacturers be more honest in their advertising? As a general rule I read the labels on most everything I buy, but I don’t always have time. And for most people if they use a product often enough they get comfortable enough to simply grab and go. Some products that I buy often, I still check the labels from time to time to make sure the ingredients. Why? Over the years I’ve seen labels change where one or more ingredients are added or removed. There are also those instances where the quantity is less but the size of the container remains the same. Or the per serving amount is altered to make the numbers seem better than they really are.
However, what is annoying me this morning is a lot simpler and easier to catch, IF you’re looking for it. Take a look at this:
Now, that says Starkist Solid White Albacore Tuna IN WATER. The IN WATER is clear, right? Now take a look at the ingredients list on the back of the same can:
Can you see what I’ve tried to highlight in red? This can contains vegetable broth and soy. Now, I’m not a chef, but if you add vegetable broth to water, I’m assuming the two liquids will combine so, is it still water? You are so right! You could argue that they didn’t say it was in pure water. You got me there! But understand that there’s no way to tell what’s IN the vegetable broth they used s
o why aren’t the ingredients for that at least listed in enclosed brackets? I think that information could be useful. This is probably the source of the soy but we really don’t know. It doesn’t say it’s manufactured in a facility that processes and MAY contain soy, it says it’s in there. At least they’ve included that information, if only we would read the label. So, if you’re allergic to soy you may want to be aware. This product is clearly not IN WATER if you ask me. In watered down vegetable broth, yes, but in water, absolutely not. The last time this tuna was IN WATER it was probably still alive, and that wasn’t pure water either 
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Let me just say that Starkist is NOT the only offender here, and I buy their products often. I singled them out because It’s what I’m making to eat right now, because I happen to read the label today and apparently I never did before, and because the can of albacore tuna is significantly more expensive than a regular can so you don’t always get better because you pay more. I won’t be buying this product again. This however, also from Starkist, I will buy as long as the ingredients remain unchanged.
And the ingredients couldn’t be simpler:
Yellow fin tuna, and extra virgin olive oil. Pour off any extra olive oil (and there’s usually not much in the packet they’ve done a great job with this) and add it to salad or whatever you prefer. I use EVOO for most everything that requires oil these days so I’m good with this.
- Konscious Vybz
