The “Snack-ization” trend of tuna in the US: When convenience surpasses traditional meals

At major supermarket chains in the US, such as Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s, a noticeable shift is taking place on the seafood shelves: the dominance of ready-to-eat tuna in aluminum pouches over traditional metal cans. By 2026, the “snackification” trend for protein-rich foods has made tuna a favorite snack for young people and gym-goers in the United States.

Aluminum pouch tuna is popular because it doesn’t require draining, is easy to tear open, and can be carried in a handbag or backpack. Importantly, these products are no longer simply salted tuna but are now pre-seasoned with globally popular flavors such as spicy Sriracha sauce, Mediterranean lime and pepper, or American-style grilled chicken. This makes tuna a healthy “protein snack” that can be eaten directly or quickly combined with salads and sandwiches.

According to market analysts, American consumers are now willing to pay 20-30% more for tuna products labeled “Dolphin Safe” and using recyclable aluminum pouches. For Vietnamese export businesses, shifting from processing canned tuna to high-value-added aluminum pouch products is an inevitable direction to meet the tastes and busy lifestyles of Americans in the period of 2026-2030.