Best Tuna in Olive Oil in the UK (2026)

Tuna in olive oil is a useful option when you want the fish to bring more richness to pasta, salads, toast, rice dishes and Mediterranean-style meals. Compared with tuna in spring water, the packing oil becomes part of the product’s flavour, so texture and oil quality matter more when choosing between tins and jars.

This guide compares six tuna in olive oil options listed on Amazon UK, ranging from compact everyday tins to larger fillets and premium white tuna. Amazon prices, sellers and availability can change, so check the current pack size and price per 100g before ordering.

Quick Picks Box

• Best overall: Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil, 3 x 80g
• Best budget: Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil, 160g
• Best for salads and tapas-style meals: Ortiz White Tuna in Olive Oil
• Best simple ingredients option: Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil
• Best for larger fillets: Brindisa Ortiz Bonito Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil
• Best for an Italian-style premium option: Callipo Yellowfin Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil

How We Judged These Tuna in Olive Oil Options

Tuna texture: Standard tuna pieces are practical for pasta and mixed salads, while larger fillets and loins are better when the fish needs to remain intact on the plate.

Oil format: Olive oil adds flavour and richness, so we looked for products where it forms a useful part of the finished dish rather than simply acting as packing liquid.

Pack size: Small tins suit individual lunches and portion control, while larger tins and jars are more practical for family meals or sharing plates.

Versatility: The strongest products should work across pasta, salads, toast, rice and simple Mediterranean-style meals.

Ingredient simplicity: Products with clearly stated tuna, olive oil and seasoning make it easier for shoppers to understand what they are buying. Always check the current label because formulations can change.

Presentation: Firmer fillets and loins have an advantage when tuna is served as a main ingredient rather than broken into a filling.

Value: Premium tuna can cost considerably more than everyday tins, so compare current price per 100g against how you intend to use it.

1. Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil, 3 x 80g

Best for: Everyday pasta, salads and quick lunches

Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil comes in three compact 80g tins, giving it a practical balance between individual portions and the richer character of oil-packed tuna. Amazon UK’s listing describes tuna packed with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt, making it suitable for meals where the tuna needs more flavour than a spring water version.

Why it’s good:

• The 80g tins are easy to portion for individual meals.
• Olive oil adds richness that works particularly well with pasta, tomatoes and salad ingredients.
• The compact multipack is easier to store than a large catering-style tin.
• The tuna can be eaten simply or incorporated into cooked dishes.

Trade-off: Small tins may work out more expensive per 100g than larger formats, particularly if you use tuna frequently.

How to use:

• Flake into pasta with tomatoes, capers and herbs.
• Serve over salad leaves with beans, olives and a little of the packing oil.

Substitution: Choose the 160g Rio Mare tin if you want the same general style in a larger format for shared meals.

2. Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil, 160g

Best for: Larger lunches, pasta and shared salads

This 160g Rio Mare tin provides a larger portion than the compact multipack above, making it more convenient when cooking for more than one person. The Amazon UK listing describes tuna with olive oil and sea salt, with the oil helping the fish work particularly well in simple Mediterranean-style recipes.

Why it’s good:

• The 160g format is practical for larger salads and pasta dishes.
• Olive oil contributes useful flavour when the tuna is served with relatively simple ingredients.
• The larger tin can reduce the need to open several small tins for one meal.
• It suits recipes where tuna is an important part of the finished dish.

Trade-off: A larger tin is less convenient for a single sandwich or small lunch if you do not plan to use the remainder promptly.

How to use:

• Add to spaghetti with tomatoes, garlic, parsley and olives.
• Use in a substantial bean, potato or tomato salad.

Substitution: The 3 x 80g Rio Mare multipack is easier to portion if you normally cook for one person.

3. Ortiz White Tuna in Olive Oil, 112g

Best for: Premium salads, toast and tapas-style serving

Ortiz White Tuna in Olive Oil is a better fit when texture and presentation matter more than everyday sandwich use. The 112g tin format suits salads, toast and sharing plates where you want to keep the tuna in larger recognisable pieces rather than breaking it completely apart.

Why it’s good:

• White tuna provides a firmer, more structured format than basic tuna chunks.
• Olive oil complements tomatoes, peppers, beans and crusty bread.
• The smaller tin suits premium lunches without requiring a large container.
• The fish is particularly useful when presentation matters on the plate.

Trade-off: The premium format is usually harder to justify for tuna mayonnaise or recipes where the fish will be heavily mixed.

How to use:

• Place larger pieces over a Niçoise-style salad.
• Serve on toast with tomatoes, roasted peppers or olives.

Substitution: Brindisa Ortiz Bonito Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil is better suited to larger sharing dishes when you want more tuna in one container.

4. Brindisa Ortiz Bonito Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil, 220g

Best for: Larger salads and serving tuna in visible fillets

Brindisa Ortiz Bonito Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil comes in a larger 220g format, making it a stronger choice for shared meals than the smaller Ortiz tin. Fillet-style tuna is particularly useful when the fish needs to retain its shape in salads, tapas-style dishes or simple plates with vegetables and bread.

Why it’s good:

• The fillet format keeps more structure than ordinary tuna chunks.
• The 220g size is practical for sharing or larger recipes.
• Olive oil suits simple dishes where the fish remains a prominent ingredient.
• The larger pieces make presentation easier for salads and sharing plates.

Trade-off: This is more specialised than standard tinned tuna, so it is less practical for basic sandwiches and everyday tuna mayonnaise.

How to use:

• Arrange over potatoes, green beans, tomatoes and olives.
• Serve with roasted peppers and bread as part of a simple sharing plate.

Substitution: Ortiz White Tuna in Olive Oil, 112g, is the more compact alternative if you only need one or two portions.

5. Callipo Italian Canned Tuna in Olive Oil, Pack of 9

Best for: Shoppers wanting an Italian-style bulk option

Callipo offers yellowfin tuna in olive oil in a multipack format, making it useful for shoppers who want to keep several smaller tins available rather than buying one large container. The Amazon UK listing identifies yellowfin tuna and olive oil, so it fits particularly well with pasta, salads and antipasti-style meals.

Why it’s good:

• The multipack provides several individual portions for regular cupboard use.
• Yellowfin tuna is clearly identified on the Amazon UK listing.
• Olive oil works naturally with Italian-style pasta and salads.
• Individual tins are easier to portion than a large jar when cooking for one or two people.

Trade-off: A nine-pack requires more cupboard space and may not suit shoppers who only use tuna occasionally.

How to use:

• Add to pasta with lemon, parsley, tomatoes and capers.
• Serve with white beans, red onion and herbs for a quick lunch.

Substitution: Rio Mare 3 x 80g is a smaller multipack if you want fewer tins at one time.

6. Callipo Yellowfin Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil, 170g Jar

Best for: Premium tuna fillets and attractive serving

Callipo Yellowfin Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil comes in a glass jar rather than a conventional tin, with fillets packed so they can remain relatively intact when served. This format is particularly suited to salads, antipasti and simple meals where you want the fish itself to be visually prominent.

Why it’s good:

• The fillet format provides larger pieces than everyday tuna chunks.
• The glass jar makes it easier to see the tuna before opening.
• Yellowfin tuna is clearly identified on the Amazon listing.
• Olive oil complements simple Mediterranean-style ingredients without requiring a heavy sauce.

Trade-off: Jarred fillets are generally a premium purchase, so they make less sense for heavily mixed fillings where their texture will be lost.

How to use:

• Serve with tomatoes, cannellini beans, parsley and red onion.
• Lay the fillets over toasted bread with roasted peppers or olives.

Substitution: Brindisa Ortiz Bonito Tuna Fillets in Olive Oil offers another larger fillet-style option with a Spanish rather than Italian focus.

How to Choose Tuna in Olive Oil

For everyday pasta

A standard tin such as Rio Mare is usually the most practical choice because the tuna breaks apart easily while the olive oil adds flavour to the sauce. Small 80g tins suit one-person meals, while a 160g tin is more convenient for larger portions.

For salads

Choose according to how visible you want the tuna to remain. Standard tuna works well in mixed salads, while Ortiz or Callipo fillets are better when you want larger pieces arranged over vegetables, beans or potatoes.

For sandwiches

Tuna in olive oil can be used for sandwiches, but consider how much additional mayonnaise or dressing you plan to add. If you want a very neutral tuna mayonnaise filling, spring water tuna may be the more straightforward option.

For tapas-style meals

Fillets and white tuna are better suited to simple serving because their texture remains noticeable. Ortiz is particularly useful with bread, peppers, tomatoes and olives, while Callipo provides a similar approach with Italian-style yellowfin tuna.

For individual portions

Look for compact 80g tins. They are easier to use for a single lunch and reduce the need to store opened tuna.

For family meals

A 160g to 220g format can be more convenient because you can prepare a pasta dish or large salad without opening several small tins.

For value

Compare current price per 100g rather than judging value by the headline price. Premium fillets can be worthwhile when served intact, but ordinary tuna in olive oil is usually more economical for pasta sauces and mixed dishes.

FAQs

What is the best tuna in olive oil for everyday use?

Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil, 3 x 80g, is the strongest all-round option in this selection because the small tins are easy to portion and the tuna works across pasta, salads and quick lunches.

What is the difference between tuna in olive oil and tuna in spring water?

The main difference for shoppers is the packing medium. Olive oil adds richness and flavour, while spring water provides a more neutral base for mayonnaise, dressings and sauces.

Should I drain tuna in olive oil?

That depends on the recipe. You can drain most of the oil for sandwiches, or retain a little when making pasta and salads where the olive oil complements the other ingredients.

Is tuna in olive oil good for pasta?

Yes. It is particularly useful for simple pasta dishes because the packing oil adds richness and works well with tomatoes, herbs, capers, olives and lemon.

Are tuna fillets better than chunks?

They suit different meals. Fillets are better when texture and presentation matter, while smaller tuna pieces are easier to mix into sauces, sandwiches and pasta.

What is white tuna?

White tuna is a description commonly associated with albacore or bonito del norte products. Check the current product label and species information because terminology can vary between brands and markets.

Is jarred tuna better than tinned tuna?

Not automatically. Glass jars are useful for larger fillets and visual presentation, while tins are usually more compact and convenient for everyday cupboard storage.

Is premium tuna worth paying more for?

It makes the most sense when the tuna is being served in larger visible pieces. For tuna mayonnaise, pasta sauce or heavily mixed fillings, a standard tin usually provides better practical value.

What should I check before buying tuna in olive oil online?

Check the tuna species where stated, the type of olive oil, pack size, drained weight and current price per 100g. For dietary requirements or specific sourcing preferences, confirm the latest packaging before ordering.

Conclusion

Rio Mare Tuna in Olive Oil, 3 x 80g is the easiest all-round pick for most shoppers because its compact tins work well for pasta, salads and individual lunches. The 160g Rio Mare tin is more practical when cooking a larger meal and you do not want to open several small tins.

For shoppers prioritising firmer texture and presentation, Ortiz White Tuna in Olive Oil and Brindisa Ortiz Bonito Tuna Fillets are better suited to salads and tapas-style dishes. Callipo Yellowfin Tuna is worth considering when you want an Italian-style option, with the jarred fillets providing the strongest fit for meals where the tuna itself is the main feature.