I Tried Every Starkist Tuna Flavor—Here Are My Favorites

When was the last time you thought about shelf-stable tuna? Was it back in 2018 when a StarKist executive blamed millennials for the decline of canned tuna because they supposedly don’t own can openers?

Or maybe during the early days of the pandemic, when everyone was looking for quick, easy meals at home?

Well, a lot has changed since then. The humble tuna pouch has evolved, and StarKist is leading the way. Their Tuna Creations line offers an array of adventurous flavors, ranging from Ranch to Sriracha and even Spicy Korean Style with Gochujang.

Curious to see if these new flavors lived up to the hype, I tried as many as possible. Here are my top picks for the best StarKist Tuna Creations flavors.

My Method for Testing Tuna Flavors

I’ll admit—I didn’t rip open all the tuna packets simultaneously. Instead, I spread my taste test over a few weeks, eating one flavor at a time to savor and evaluate each. This approach allowed me to appreciate the unique flavors without overwhelming my taste buds.

How Many StarKist Tuna Creations Flavors Are There?

According to StarKist’s website, there are 16 Tuna Creations flavors. However, not all flavors are available at every store some are harder to find. Here are the flavors I could locate:

Bacon Ranch
Deli Style Tuna Salad
Ginger Sesame
Herb & Garlic
Hickory Smoked
Honey BBQ
Hot Buffalo
Jalapeño
Lemon Pepper
Premium Tuna with Rice & Beans in Hot Sauce
Ranch
Sriracha
Spicy Korean Style with Gochujang
Sweet & Spicy
Thai Chili
Whole Grain Dijon Mustard

Now, let’s get into my top picks for the best flavors.

Top 6 StarKist Tuna Creations Flavors

After tasting each flavor, I narrowed down my favorites based on taste, versatility, and overall satisfaction. Here are the top StarKist Tuna Creations flavors that I think are worth trying:

1. Lemon Pepper

I underestimated this one! The Lemon Pepper flavor surprised me with its bright and refreshing taste. Unlike other flavors, it didn’t try too hard to cover up the tuna—it worked with it. This flavor is perfect on its own or with some crackers.

2. Thai Chili

Out of all the spicy flavors, Thai Chili was my favorite. It strikes a nice balance between sweet and spicy, bringing a fresh twist to the tuna. I found it pairs well with crunchy veggies like carrots or snap peas. You could also mix it with cream cheese for a protein-packed dip.

3. Herb & Garlic

Herb & Garlic is a great starting point for those new to flavored tuna. It’s flavorful without being overpowering, making it an ideal gateway flavor. This one works well on a salad or in a wrap.

4. Whole Grain Dijon Mustard

I’m not usually a mustard fan, but this flavor won me. The mild mustard adds a unique texture to the tuna. It’s a little tangy but not too much, making it an excellent choice for mustard lovers and skeptics alike.

5. Ranch

Ranch seasoning and tuna? Yes, please! The Ranch flavor is strong enough to mask any fishy taste, which might appeal to those who aren’t huge tuna fans. It also works well in a sandwich or as a dip with veggies.

6. Honey BBQ

I didn’t expect to like this one, but the Honey BBQ flavor was a pleasant surprise. The texture of the tuna is similar to pulled meat, so the barbecue sauce works here. This flavor is best enjoyed on a warm sandwich, like in BBQ Tuna Fritters.

Ways to Enjoy StarKist Tuna Creations

Tuna Creations are versatile and easy to incorporate into meals. Here are a few simple ways to enjoy these flavors:

Tuna Salad: Mix your favorite flavor with some mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a quick tuna salad. Eat it on a sandwich or with crackers and veggies.
Tuna Patties: Combine a bolder flavor, like Sriracha or Hot Buffalo, with breadcrumbs and an egg, then fry for a tasty tuna patty.
On-the-Go Snacks: Some flavors, like Deli Style Tuna Salad and Ranch, are ready to eat straight from the pouch, making them perfect for a quick, protein-packed snack.

If you’re a shelf-stable tuna fan, you’ll find something to love in StarKist’s Tuna Creations line. The flavors are varied and allow for endless meal possibilities. Whether you’re looking for something mild and straightforward or bold and spicy, there’s a flavor for everyone.

So, the next time you’re in the grocery store, consider picking up a few packets of StarKist Tuna Creations. You may find your new favorite flavor. And with such a long shelf life, you can stock up and always have a tasty meal option.