Carnation tuna was once a pantry staple known for its budget-friendly canned fish. With its bright red and white label Carnation chunk light tuna in water was a familiar sight in kitchens across America. But over time the brand quietly faded from store shelves, leaving many shoppers wondering, what happened to Carnation tuna?
A Brief History of Carnation Tuna
Carnation tuna first appeared in grocery stores in 1984 after the Carnation Company acquired several tuna brands and merged them into one. The new Carnation tuna line included chunk light and solid white albacore packed in water or oil.
In the 1980s and 90s, Carnation established itself as an affordable canned tuna brand. While not as fancy as gourmet tunas, it was cheaper than major competitors like StarKist and Chicken of the Sea. The brand quickly earned a devoted following among shoppers looking for an inexpensive source of canned fish.
However, Carnation tuna began to decline in the late 1990s and early 2000s. As consumers became more concerned about sustainability and health, Carnation struggled to adapt. The brand was also impacted by fluctuations in tuna supply and rising operational costs.
By the 2010s, Carnation tuna had all but disappeared from store shelves. After decades as a leading canned tuna brand, what led to Carnation’s downfall?
The Decline of Carnation Tuna
Several factors contributed to the steady decline of Carnation tuna over the past few decades
Lack of sustainability certifications – As awareness of overfishing grew, brands like Wild Planet and Safe Catch obtained sustainability certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue eco-label. Carnation never pursued these certifications, causing some environmentally conscious consumers to turn away from the brand.
Perceived low quality – While affordable, Carnation tuna was sometimes seen as having less flavor and a mushier texture compared to premium tuna brands. This perception of lower quality led some shoppers to opt for pricier options.
Health concerns – Some consumers began shunning Carnation due to concerns about trace levels of mercury in canned tuna. The brand was also associated with controversial fishing practices like longline fishing.
Rising costs – Operational expenses went up over the years, making it difficult for Carnation to maintain its low price point. As the cheap brand, Carnation didn’t have flexibility to raise prices like StarKist and Chicken of the Sea did.
Label changes – In the 2000s, Carnation quietly changed its label by removing the Carnation name and just going by “Chunk Light Tuna.” This generic label distanced the brand from name recognition.
Competition – Rival tuna brands stepped up their sustainability efforts and marketing while Carnation fell behind the pace. The crowded shelf space led to Carnation getting squeezed out.
The Disappearance of Carnation from Stores
By the 2010s, Carnation tuna had vanished from most store shelves without any official announcement. The declining brand simply faded away as contracts with retailers ended.
In 2016, Carnation’s parent company Bumble Bee Foods was sold to Connors Bros., a Canadian tuna company. This further eroded the Carnation identity.
Today, Carnation cans with the vintage red and white label are nearly impossible to find in stores. The brand has been relegated to the occasional sighting at dollar stores and other discount retailers. But for the most part, the once ubiquitous Carnation tuna is a thing of the past.
While it met an unceremonious end, Carnation tuna enjoyed a long run as a budget staple in American kitchens. For those missing the taste of this classic pantry item, some retailers like Walmart still carry cans of generic chunk light tuna traceable back to the Carnation days. But one thing is clear: the big brand heyday of Carnation tuna has come and gone.
What to Buy Instead of Carnation Tuna
If you’re seeking a tuna that resembles the affordable Carnation of old, there are some comparable options on the market today:
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Kirkland chunk light tuna – This Costco brand offers similar no-frills canned tuna for a very low price point. However, sustainability is a concern with Kirkland.
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Great Value chunk light tuna – Walmart’s store brand is a barebones budget tuna comparable to Carnation. Look for MSC certification.
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365 Everyday Value albacore tuna – Whole Foods’ brand is reasonably priced while maintaining responsible sourcing standards.
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Trader Joe’s chunk light skipjack tuna – This is a go-to for an affordable skipjack tuna with low mercury levels.
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Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna – While pricier than Carnation, Chicken of the Sea provides a decent quality standard tuna.
When searching for a Carnation tuna alternative, go beyond price to consider sustainability certifications, fishing methods, and traceability. This helps ensure your tuna purchase aligns with your values while staying kind to your wallet.
The Future of Canned Tuna
While Carnation may be gone, the canned tuna category continues to evolve:
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Increasing sustainability – More brands are obtaining MSC, Dolphin Safe, and other certifications to reassure consumers.
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New flavor profiles – Smoked, chili lime, jerk, and other exotic flavors are launching to keep tuna interesting.
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Innovative packaging – Pouches and ready-to-eat kits are providing new convenience-driven packaging.
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Direct-to-consumer options – Smaller sustainable fishing companies are selling tuna online to increase access.
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Plant-based alternatives – Brands like Good Catch are launching vegan and vegetarian-friendly tuna alternatives.
So while Carnation tuna is a thing of the past, there are plenty of healthy and sustainable canned tuna options to explore in your grocery store today. The category lives on by returning to its roots as an affordable, nutritious protein source while appealing to modern tastes and values.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Carnation tuna disappear?
Carnation tuna slowly vanished from most store shelves over the course of the late 1990s through the 2010s. The decline was gradual, but by the mid 2010s, the brand was virtually extinct at major national retailers.
Who makes Carnation tuna?
Carnation tuna was produced by the Carnation Company, which was acquired by Nestle in the 1980s. In 1997, Nestle sold the tuna brands to Bumble Bee Foods. Bumble Bee was later purchased by Connors Bros. of Canada in 2016.
Where can you still buy Carnation tuna?
Carnation tuna is occasionally still spotted at discount stores like Dollar General and Big Lots. Some shoppers also report sightings at regional grocery store chains. But it is no longer carried nationwide at major retailers.
Does Carnation still make tuna?
No, the original Carnation branded tuna is no longer manufactured. Connors Bros. produces tuna for private label brands, which may include some generic chunk light tuna traceable back to Carnation recipes. But the Carnation logo has not been used for many years.
Is Carnation tuna bad for you?
Carnation tuna had higher traces of mercury compared to premium tuna brands, leading to some health concerns. However, all canned tuna should be consumed in moderation as part of an overall healthy diet. When consumed occasionally in reasonable amounts, tuna can be part of a nutritious lifestyle.