3 Things to Know About Choosing Light vs. White Tuna

Light tuna has much less mercury than white tuna White (albacore) tuna contains about three times more mercury than light (skipjack) tuna. If you eat tuna more than a couple times a week, light is the safer bet.

The mercury difference comes from the fish’s size and diet Albacore are larger, older fish that accumulate more mercury over their lives. Skipjack, the main fish in light tuna, are smaller and lower on the food chain.

Follow FDA guidelines for weekly servings Most adults can eat two to three servings of chunk light tuna per week, but should limit solid white to one serving. For kids and pregnant people, the caution is even stricter.