Survey: Americans hoard canned tuna

According to a recent National Fisheries Institute survey, American families are stocking up on canned tuna, with more than four out of five adults storing cans or pouches of tuna in their cupboards at any given time.
 
More than half (56 percent) of the adults surveyed said they store at least three cans or pouches of tuna at home, while 25 percent said they store five or more cans or pouches.
 
"A return to basic whole foods can be a healthful change in the way families shop," said NFI spokesperson Jennifer McGuire, registered dietitian. "In addition to canned fruits and vegetables and whole grains like rice and pasta, I always keep plenty of canned seafood like tuna on hand."
 
According to the survey, 45 percent of adults said that omega-3 fatty acids are the most important nutrient found in tuna. Other key nutrients such as B vitamins, potassium and magnesium were mentioned by only a few as the most important nutrient found in tuna.
 
"Seafood like tuna is one of the healthiest, yet most under-consumed sources of lean protein," said McGuire.
 
The survey also found that one of the most popular ways to eat tuna is with a "crunchy" add-on. Aside from 73 percent who chose to add mayonnaise to tuna, 41 percent add onions, 40 percent add lettuce, 27 percent add celery, 25 percent add pickles and more than 10 percent add potato chips.
 
Nearly one-quarter (24 percent) of those surveyed only eat tuna in sandwiches, while 76 percent eat tuna in other ways, such as in salads (28 percent), dips (9 percent) or casserole or pasta dishes (40 percent). Of the 83 percent of adults who have ever made a tuna sandwich, 57 percent make at least one per month and more than 13 percent make at least one per week.
 
Administered Harris Interactive, the survey was conducted online within the United States between 19 and 23 December. A total of 2,144 adults were polled, of whom 2,036 have eaten a tuna sandwich.

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