What I Thought Were the Greatest Starkist Tuna Flavors After Trying Them All

When was the last time you seriously considered canned or pouch tuna? Maybe it was in 2018 that a StarKist representative stated that millennials’ lack of can openers was a factor in the problems facing the canned tuna industry.

Perhaps it was during the early stages of the pandemic when many of us began experimenting with recipes that used ingredients that could be stored on shelves, like tuna in a can, to liven up evenings.

Considering how frequently stylish canned fish products appear on cheese boards and our Instagram accounts, it seems logical that tuna hasn’t been on your radar recently.

Though some may have, tuna manufacturers have not surpassed the basic canned tuna. Companies like StarKist have been actively updating their products with captivating new flavors and packaging options.

If you examine the shelves of your neighborhood grocery store more attentively, you’ll see that StarKist has been working hard to expand its creation line. In addition to tuna, the line also offers salmon, chicken, and even beef pouches, all with a range of flavor options.

StarKist has taken flavor innovation to new heights with the Tuna Creations series. Each palate is different, with options ranging from mild, like Ranch and Herb & Garlic, to bold and spicy, like Jalapeño and Sriracha.

Are you interested in knowing how these tuna packets compare? I was, too. This is why I decided to sample every StarKist Tuna Creations flavor. After weeks of sampling, here’s what I discovered about these inventive tuna pouches and some suggestions for improving your meals.

A Fresh View on Tuna Creations, A StarKist Brand

A Taste for Every Emotion

StarKist’s Tuna Creations line has grown dramatically over time. According to their website, they currently offer 16 different flavors, which consist of:

Delicious Bacon Ranch Style Ginger, sesame, herb, and Garlic with tuna salad
Hickory BBQ with Smoked Honey
Warm Buffalo
Jalapeño
Premium Lemon Pepper Tuna served over Rice and Beans with Spicy Sauce
Farm
Sriracha
Korean cuisine done spicy and with gochujang
Sweet and Hot
Thai Chillies
Dijon Mustard Whole Grain

Finding these flavors’s not always easy, even though they all appear amazing. Some flavors, such as Ginger Sesame, may be hard to get, but others, like Ranch and Hot Buffalo, are frequently available.

I made every effort to taste as many as I could, but I was unable to. However, this method taught me a lot about which ones to avoid and which ones to stock up on.

How I Conducted My Taste Test

I spread my taste test across several weeks, not opening every sample at once to not waste all that precious protein. I began consuming the Tuna Creations pouches for lunch, sampling each flavor as soon as I opened the container to ensure I was fully focused.

While certain flavors caught me off guard, others left me unimpressed. However, likeability varies, so if your preferred flavor isn’t included here, it could not be to my taste, or I haven’t found it.

My Top Picks for the Best Flavors of StarKist Tuna Creations

Lemon Pepper: Bright and Delectable

To be honest, I thought too highly of Lemon Pepper. Though initially thought this flavor would pair better with chicken, I was pleasantly surprised by how nicely the tuna complemented it.

Thanks to the harmonious combination of savory tuna and vibrant lemon, the meal was so wonderful that it didn’t need any further spice. This flavor is perfect for a quick, light dinner or a wholesome snack.

Thai Chili: A Burst of Spice and Sweetness

Of all the hot kinds I tried, my favorite flavor of Tuna Creations was Thai chili. It struck the perfect balance between sweet and spicy, giving the dish something special.

This flavor is versatile; it works nicely on a snack board with crisp veggies like carrots and snap peas, or it can be combined with cream cheese to make a tuna dip. Think of it as a high-protein option for cheese board pepper jelly.

Herb & Garlic: A Tasty, Delicate Option

If you’ve never tried flavored tuna, herb and garlic-flavored tuna is an excellent place to start. The fresh flavor of the herb mix is just enough to add complexity to your cuisine without being overbearing.

Tuna is a perfect alternative for those who wish to experiment with flavors other than traditional tuna without going too far.

Whole Grain Dijon Mustard: Exceptionally Mild

Let me begin by saying that I hate mustard. I was wary when I opened the Whole Grain Dijon Mustard container since I’ve never been a big fan of the sharp, spicy flavor. It astonished me that I missed it.

Thanks to the whole grains, the tuna had a delicious texture and a hint of mustard flavor. If you enjoy mustard, you’ll probably enjoy this one much more than I did.

Ranch: Identifiable and Cozy

It’s hard to go wrong with Ranch. The creamy, tangy flavor overpowers Any traces of fish flavor, creating a hearty, comforting snack. There is a Bacon Ranch taste, but it doesn’t include bacon, so go for the regular Ranch flavor if you’re in the mood for something a little naughtier.

Honey Barbecue: Very Delicious

I never imagined that I would like BBQ honey. The texture of the tuna was unexpectedly similar to pulled barbecue pork even though pairing it with barbecue sauce seemed odd.

And so the coupling functioned. Try this taste in a warm dish like BBQ Tuna Fritters or a sandwich instead of eating it straight out of the bag.

Inventive Uses for StarKist Tuna Products

One of StarKist Tuna Creations’ strongest points is how versatile it is. They’re more than simply an easy snack straight out of the package. Here are some creative ways to include these tuna pouches in your meals:

Tuna Salad: Many of StarKist’s Tuna Creations make a simple and quick tuna salad. Mix your favorite flavor with brine, pickle, mayonnaise, or both, then spoon it over a sandwich, crackers, or veggies.
Tuna Patties: If you’re up for the challenge, consider preparing hot buffalo or sweet and spicy tuna patties. The pouches provide more flavor, so you don’t need to add anything else to make a delicious burger.
Snack Boards: A container of tuna, cheese, crackers, and veggies may make a wonderful snack or light meal. Flavors like Ranch or Thai chili may add a special touch to a classic snack tray.

Conclusion

If you have ignored shelf-stable tuna, you should think twice. With the range of flavors available in StarKist’s Tuna Creations collection, cooking delicious, wholesome meals in minutes is easy. Whether you prefer the bright, lemony flavor of lemon pepper or the powerful, scorching punch of Thai chili, there is something for everyone.

These tuna pouches are a pantry staple you can always rely on due to their convenience and long shelf life. StarKist Tuna Creations serves daring home chefs trying out new tastes and busy professionals looking for quick lunch alternatives.

You’ll likely choose a favorite or two because there are so many options! Once you’ve found your favorite flavor, you won’t want to run out, so don’t forget to stock up when you see them on the shelves.