The #1 High-Protein Canned Food to Buy at Costco, According to a Food Editor

Costco is an excellent place to buy in bulk. Need a dozen muffins or several rolls of paper towels? Costco has got you covered. But as someone cooking for one, I tend not to buy in bulk unless it’s a really good deal. And the No. 1 high-protein canned food that I can’t pass up at Costco is Genova Seafood’s Yellowfin Tuna in Olive Oil.

Genova Seafood sells their tuna in a pack of six 7-ounce cans for $17.99, or about $2.99 per can. Compared to Hannaford, my local grocery store, buying this brand of canned tuna at Costco is a much better deal. At Hannaford, a single 3-ounce can of yellowfin costs $3.19—so if I wanted to get the same amount of tuna, I’d have to buy 14 cans, which would cost me $44.66. So shopping at Costco allows me to save money. Plus, since it’s a canned good, I can stock up and let it sit in the pantry for months (although I usually go through it much more quickly than that). 

With all of that tuna on hand, I always have a source of protein to add to my meals. One 7-ounce can of Genova Seafood’s yellowfin contains 40 grams of protein. Protein is a key nutrient that supports many bodily processes, including bone health, digestion and muscle growth. Eating enough protein can also help support satiety, so you’ll feel full between meals. The 2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends varying the sources of protein on your plate and suggests consuming 8 ounces of seafood each week. Tuna is an excellent place to start, especially since Genova is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council, a nonprofit organization that works to end overfishing.

One of my favorite ways to eat tuna at dinnertime is the Easy Tuna Cakes with Greens & Lemon Dressing. The cakes come together in just 15 minutes, so it’s perfect for a busy weeknight. Meanwhile, a simple Tuna Salad paired with crackers and sliced veggies is an easy lunch that I like to make, especially during the hot summer months when I don’t want to turn on the stove. Although I might make an exception for a Tuna Melt—because who can say no to a cheesy sandwich? 

While I haven’t quite figured out how to incorporate tuna into my breakfast, it’s only a matter of time with my cans of Genova Seafood’s Yellowfin Tuna sitting in the pantry. So the next time you’re at Costco, keep an eye out for this deal and you’ll be enjoying tuna at every meal.