When most of us think of Carnation, we think of milk products. But did you know that they also made tuna?
In the 1990s, Carnation was one of the companies that people didn’t buy from because they used cruel fishing methods that killed dolphins. However, they eventually pledged to only buy “dolphin-safe” tuna.
This article will talk about the history of Carnation Tuna and why it is no longer sold in stores.
The Rise and Fall of Carnation Tuna: Tracing the History of This Beloved Canned Fish
Carnation tuna holds a special place in the hearts and pantries of many American families. With its signature red and white label, Carnation chunk light tuna in water was a staple in kitchens across the U.S. for decades. But over time, this once ubiquitous canned fish quietly disappeared from store shelves, leaving shoppers wondering—what exactly happened to Carnation tuna?
In this article, we’ll dive into the history of Carnation tuna to uncover the story behind this brand’s swift decline. From its peak popularity to its gradual fade into obscurity, here is a look back at the canned tuna company that still evokes nostalgia today.
The Launch and Heyday of Carnation Tuna
Carnation tuna first splashed onto the market in 1984 after the Carnation Company acquired several tuna brands and merged them under one label. The newly consolidated Carnation lineup included both chunk light and solid white albacore tuna packed in water or oil.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Carnation established itself as an affordable canned tuna option. While not as high-end as gourmet tuna brands, it was a more budget-friendly choice compared to competitors like StarKist and Chicken of the Sea. Carnation’s low price point and classic flavor quickly earned it a dedicated following among thrifty shoppers looking for an inexpensive pantry staple.
During its peak era from the mid 1980s to 1990s Carnation sold a steady supply of canned tuna to American families. Its low cost and familiar product made it a go-to choice for tuna melts, tuna salad sandwiches casseroles, and any recipe calling for canned tuna fish. For a time, Carnation chunk light tuna was a kitchen must-have. But over the next two decades, this beloved pantry staple would slowly disappear.
The Gradual Decline of Carnation Tuna
In the late 1990s into the 2000s, Carnation tuna began a steady decline in both sales and store availability. A convergence of factors led to the brand’s downfall, including:
-
Lack of sustainability certifications – Competitors obtained Marine Stewardship Council certification, while Carnation never pursued sustainability labels. This turned away some environmentally-minded shoppers.
-
Perceived lower quality – Although affordable, Carnation was seen as having less flavor and a mushier texture compared to premium tuna brands.
-
Health concerns – Some consumers avoided Carnation due to mercury exposure risks and controversial fishing practices like longline fishing.
-
Rising operational costs – It became difficult for Carnation to maintain its low price point as expenses increased.
-
Generified labeling – Carnation quietly removed its brand name, instead labeling cans merely as “Chunk Light Tuna.” This generic look distanced it from name recognition.
-
Stiff competition – As rival brands stepped up marketing and sustainability efforts, Carnation fell behind the pace.
By 2010, Carnation tuna sales were a fraction of their former glory. The once ubiquitous brand slowly faded from store shelves as contracts ended with retailers. By the mid-2010s, the decline was complete—Carnation tuna had effectively disappeared.
The Disappearance of Carnation Tuna From Stores
Today, that familiar red and white labeled can of Carnation tuna is nearly impossible to find on store shelves. Occasionally, a few leftover cans marked with the vintage logo will surface at dollar stores or discount retailers. But for the most part, Carnation has vanished from grocery store aisles.
In 2016, Carnation’s parent company Bumble Bee Foods was acquired by Canadian tuna company Connors Bros., further divorcing the brand from its identity. While some generic canned tuna is still traceable back to original Carnation recipes, the branded logo has been out of sight for years.
So what led to the swift decline of what was once America’s go-to affordable tuna? It seems Carnation simply failed to evolve along with changing consumer habits and preferences. As shoppers began prioritizing sustainability and health, Carnation did not adapt quickly enough. Pair this with supply chain challenges and stiff competition, and Carnation slowly sank out of favor and public view.
While it exited unceremoniously, Carnation tuna enjoyed a memorable run in American pantries and recipes. For those feeling nostalgic for this former budget staple, some comparable alternatives still exist. But one thing is clear: the glory days of Carnation’s canned tuna empire have faded into the past.
Carnation Tuna Alternatives to Try
If you’re seeking a tuna that resembles the no-frills affordability of classic Carnation, these options may satisfy your craving:
-
Kirkland chunk light tuna – Similar barebones, budget-friendly canned tuna from Costco. Look for sustainability certifications.
-
Great Value chunk light tuna – Walmart’s low-price generic brand comparable to Carnation’s original price point.
-
365 Everyday Value albacore tuna – More sustainably sourced than Carnation, but still reasonably priced.
-
Trader Joe’s chunk light skipjack tuna – Affordable skipjack tuna low in mercury.
-
Chicken of the Sea chunk light tuna – Slightly pricier than Carnation but a reliable standard tuna.
The Future of Canned Tuna
Carnation may be gone, but the canned tuna category continues evolving to meet consumer demands:
-
Increasing sustainability – More brands obtaining Marine Stewardship Council and Dolphin Safe certifications.
-
Unique flavors – Smoked, chili lime, Cajun and other spice blends make tuna interesting.
-
Innovative packaging – Pouches and ready-to-eat kits provide new options beyond cans.
-
Direct-to-consumer – Small sustainable tuna companies are selling online.
-
Plant-based alternatives – Vegan tuna brands like Good Catch are entering the market.
While we may never see the return of classic Carnation tuna, there are still plenty of healthy, responsibly sourced canned tuna options on the market today. The legacy of affordable, shelf-stable tuna lives on in new forms.
So next time you’re shopping the canned fish aisle, look beyond the nostalgic Carnation label. With some research into brands and sustainability practices, you can find canned tuna that aligns with your budget, tastes and values.
Carnation’s Harmful Fishing Practices And The Dolphin Boycott
In the 1990s, when people didn’t want to buy dolphin meat, Carnation wasn’t one of the brands that said they would only buy animal-friendly tuna. This was because they kept using purse seine nets, which catch dolphins along with fish, on their fishing trips. Environmentalists strongly opposed this harmful way of fishing, and millions of people stopped buying canned tuna that was caught with these nets.
Carnation’s sales and reputation went down because they wouldn’t promise to buy only “dolphin-safe” tuna like the other companies did. People who cared about dolphins’ well-being were more likely to choose other brands that had made the promise.
Because of the boycott and the changes it caused in the tuna industry, the legal loophole that let companies kill up to 20,500 dolphins every year to get tuna was closed. Because of this, all brands must now follow strict rules to make sure that dolphins are not hurt on purpose during tuna fishing trips.
Carnation’s Pledge To Use Dolphin-Safe Tuna
In the 1990s, the tuna fishing industry faced pressure from consumers concerned about the killing of dolphins. As a response to this, Carnation pledged to only buy “dolphin-safe” tuna. In other words, they would only buy tuna from boats that didn’t use purse seine nets, which catch dolphins along with fish.
Even though it’s not clear how long Carnation kept their promise, it is clear that they stopped making and selling their tuna products. It is important to remember, though, that their promise was a big step toward protecting dolphins and the ocean.
Today, many brands have followed suit and offer “dolphin-safe” tuna options for consumers. This is partly because of the work of groups like the Earth Island Institute and people who keep asking the fishing industry to do things in a more moral and environmentally friendly way.
Carnation Tuna “Sells Itself” Spot
FAQ
Why is there a shortage of canned tuna?
What happened to Carnation milk company?
Is skipjack tuna healthy?
What is the safest canned tuna to eat?
How did America’s canned tuna industry go belly up?
How America’s canned tuna industry went belly up: the price fixing of StarKist, Chicken of the Sea, and Bumble Bee. The story is a lot bigger—and weirder—than a simple change in consumer tastes. Photo illustration by Slate. Photo by Bumble Bee Tuna.
Is the tuna industry ripe for collusion?
The problems that might’ve made the tuna industry ripe for collusion—it’s a commodity product in decline with razor-thin margins—haven’t gone away. Canned tuna actually got a sales boost from the onset of the COVID pandemic, as people stocked their pantries with all manner of shelf-stable goods, but it remains to be seen if that will be lasting.
Is canned tuna a problem?
Perhaps the biggest problem for the industry in recent years, though, is the consumer’s changing palate. Canned tuna was a staple of the mid–20 th century American pantry, but per capita, canned tuna consumption has dropped around 40 percent since the mid-1980s.
Does Tonnino do tuna in cans and jars?
Tonnino does tasty tuna in cans and jars, but here, we’re sticking with cans all day. Tonnino yellowfin solid pack tuna in olive oil feels like sticking a fork into a tender steak while basking in its ethical glow. Fans love that the brand serves up meaty, flavorful yellowfin that tastes like the sea, without being fishy.