Tinned Tuna in Spring Water is canned with little added beyond a touch of salt, keeping it close to a whole food rich in iodine, selenium and vitamin B12 and a handy way to eat more fish. It is a source of selenium, vitamin B12 and niacin. Work out the numbers for any portion and age below, then see the full breakdown.
For meat and fish the numbers that matter most are protein, saturated fat and salt. The tables below set each against age-appropriate guidance.
Half a tin, drained (about 80g) provides about 20.8g of complete protein, supplying the amino acids the body needs for growth and repair. Because children need less than adults, that portion covers a large share of a younger child's daily protein.
Tinned Tuna in Spring Water is naturally very low in fat, with about 0.8g per portion and 0g of added fat. Only around 0.24g is saturated, well within the daily maximum for every age group.
Percentages are share of the daily Nutrient Reference Value (NRV). Under UK and EU rules a food is a source of a nutrient at 15% NRV per 100g and high in it at 30%.
These tables show how the nutrients compare to daily needs across different ages, using UK Reference Nutrient Intakes (RNIs). This differs from the source of and high in labels above, which use the single adult figure (NRV) set for food packaging. Children's needs are lower, so a portion goes further.
Selenium helps protect cells from damage and supports the immune system. Half a tin, drained (about 80g) contains 64ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Vitamin B12 supports red blood cell formation and a healthy nervous system, and is found almost only in animal foods. Half a tin, drained (about 80g) contains 2ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Niacin (B3) helps release energy from food and keeps skin and the nervous system healthy. Half a tin, drained (about 80g) contains 10mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium for strong bones; oily fish is one of the few natural food sources. Half a tin, drained (about 80g) contains 2ug. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Phosphorus works with calcium to build strong bones and teeth. Half a tin, drained (about 80g) contains 176mg. Because children need less than adults, that same portion covers a bigger share of a younger child's daily target.
Barely. Canned with little more than a touch of salt, Tinned Tuna in Spring Water is close to a NOVA group 1 whole food and a convenient way to eat more fish.
Nutrition data from McCance and Widdowson and UK FoodData Central, per 100g raw edible portion; values are reference figures and can vary by variety and ripeness. Reference intakes: EU NRVs for labelling and UK RNIs (SACN) for age-based needs. For guidance only.