Chunk tuna (sometimes called "chunk light") and solid tuna are the most common forms of canned tuna on the market, and while the two don't differ in nutritional makeup, they have other differences to be considered for your cooking. From consistency to species to price, these are the main differences between these tunas.

Solid tuna usually comes from yellowfin tuna, which generally grow up to 7 feet long and weigh about 400 pounds. Because of their size and the firm consistency of their meat, it's easier to collect whole filets from these fish, and the final solid tuna product is processed and sold in larger filet pieces with firm, distinct layers.

Meanwhile, chunk tuna is made from albacore or skipjack tuna, which are much smaller than yellowfins at 125 pounds and 70 pounds respectively, and both species have more delicate meat. Therefore, chunk tuna comes in smaller pieces rather than thick, solid filets, and chunk tuna also sells for cheaper than solid tuna.