Olive oil packed tuna wins on flavor.

Yes, the packing liquid makes a big difference. If you care about taste, go for olive oil.

Water-packed tuna is dry and bland. It’s fine if you’re trying to cut calories or mixing it into something with a strong dressing, but on its own it tastes like wet cardboard.

Brine-packed is a step up. The salt helps, and it’s less dry than water, but you still miss the richness. Good for salads where you want salt without extra oil.

Olive oil packed is where the flavor is. The oil coats the tuna, keeps it moist, and adds its own subtle taste. Even cheap olive oil tuna beats the others. You pay a little more, but you get tuna that actually tastes good on its own.

Skip the water pack unless calories are your only concern.