Canned Tuna Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Retail prices for canned tuna in the US are typically reported per can (e.g., 5 oz, 142g) or per pound (453g). 

2020: 

• Average price: ~$0.77/pound (based on 2019 Statista data, with minimal change assumed for 2020). 

• A 5 oz can of skipjack or albacore (e.g., Starkist, Bumble Bee) retailed around $1.00–$1.25, translating to $3.20–$4.00/pound. 

• The COVID-19 pandemic boosted demand for shelf-stable foods, but prices remained relatively stable due to existing supply chains and competition among brands.

2021: 

• Average price: ~$0.80–$0.85/pound. 

• A 5 oz can ranged from $1.05–$1.30, or $3.36–$4.16/pound. 

• Rising production costs (fuel, labor) and supply chain disruptions from 2020 began pushing prices up slightly, though canned tuna remained an affordable protein option.

2022: 

• Average price: ~$0.85–$0.90/pound. 

• A 5 oz can typically cost $1.10–$1.40, or $3.52–$4.48/pound. 

• Inflation accelerated (US CPI rose ~7% year-over-year), impacting packaging and shipping costs. Posts on X from late 2022 noted canned tuna prices creeping toward $1.50/can at some retailers, though discounts kept averages lower.

2023: 

• Average price: ~$0.90–$0.95/pound (estimated). 

• A 5 oz can likely ranged from $1.20–$1.50, or $3.84–$4.80/pound. 

• The US canned tuna market was valued at $3 billion in 2023 (per industry reports), with a projected CAGR of 2.59% through 2033. Inflation and higher input costs (e.g., tin, fishing quotas) drove gradual increases, though competition from private labels tempered spikes.

2024: 

• Average price: ~$0.95–$1.00/pound (estimated). 

• A 5 oz can likely cost $1.25–$1.60, or $4.00–$5.12/pound. 

• Inflation slowed but persisted (CPI 3% annually), and consumer demand for convenience foods remained strong. Late 2024 suggested prices for premium brands (e.g., Wild Planet) hit $2.00/can ($6.40/pound), while budget options stayed closer to $1.25.

2025: 

• Average price (as of March 2): ~$1.00–$1.05/pound. 

• A 5 oz can ranges from $1.30–$1.65, or $4.16–$5.28/pound. 

• Early 2025 data reflects ongoing inflation and a nearly 80% increase in Pacific bluefin tuna catch limits (1,017 to 1,822 metric tons for 2025–2026), which may stabilize supply for some species. However, skipjack (the primary canned tuna species) prices are more tied to global fishing and processing costs. In early 2025 note cans at Walmart around $1.35, with premium options nearing $2.00.

Key Factors

• Inflation: From 2020–2025, cumulative US inflation is ~20–25%, directly raising retail prices.

• Supply: Skipjack dominates canned tuna (~70% of production), and its price is less affected by bluefin quotas. Global fishing yields and fuel costs are bigger drivers.

• Demand: Canned tuna’s affordability keeps it stable, though premium brands (sustainable, low-mercury) command higher prices.

• Packaging: Aluminum and tin costs rose post-2020, adding ~5–10 cents/can by 2025.