One can of Cento chickpeas and two types of store-bought vegan tuna substitutes, one in a pouch, one in a short can.
Photos: Arabella Breck

What Is The Best Vegan ‘Tuna’?

An investigation into what makes the best fish-free fish, plus a recipe for vegan ‘tuna’ salad

Tenderly
Published in
5 min readJul 17, 2020

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Like so many of us, in the summer I often turn to sandwiches and salads that don’t require me turning on any kitchen appliance that releases heat, but will still be satisfying and delicious. And one of my favorite options is vegan “tuna” salad, which conveniently can be eaten on its own or as a sandwich.

Because of my love for this salad/sandwich, I wanted to try out all the options I could get my hands on to see what is really the best for those of us who do not want to support fish farming and the cruel treatment of fish.

I ended up comparing the original vegan “tuna”—chickpeas—plus two pre-made plant-based options. To test these options I decided to make tuna salad with each one and judged each one on its texture and flavor. Personally, I lean more toward an option that is tender while not totally falling apart and doesn’t have too strong of a fishy flavor, so those preferences are reflected in the reviews.

Check out the end of the reviews for my tried-and-true recipe for vegan chickpea “tuna” salad!

Chickpeas

Rating: 9/10

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Tenderly

Published in Tenderly

A vegan magazine that’s hopefully devoted to delicious plants, liberated animals, and leading a radical, sustainable, joyful life

Arabella Breck

Written by Arabella Breck

queer writer + editor from the southwest, living in the midwest.

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