Stick with light tuna for frequent consumption.

Yes, white (albacore) tuna has about three times more mercury than light (skipjack) tuna. If you eat tuna more than a couple times a week, light is the safer bet.

The difference comes down to size and diet. Albacore are larger, older fish that accumulate more mercury over their lives. Skipjack, the main fish in light tuna, are smaller and lower on the food chain. FDA guidelines say “chunk light” is fine for two to three servings a week for most adults; “solid white” should be limited to one serving. For kids and pregnant people, the caution is even stricter.

So if you’re just making a tuna salad sandwich every few weeks, go with whatever tastes better to you. But if you’re like me and crushing a can weekly for lunch, buy light. The price is usually lower too, which doesn’t hurt.

— Future you is less likely to be wondering about mercury buildup.