Quick Summary: When looking for the best canned sardines for both health and convenience, we selected the Wild Planet Wild Sardines In Extra Virgin Olive Oil. With the skin included and the scales, tails, and head removed, these sustainably captured sardines are healthy for both you and the environment. They are loaded with health benefits as they are rich in protein, Omega 3, calcium, and iron.
A delicacy to many, while others stick up their nose, the best canned sardines are a staple for many people and households. Filled with all the best omega fats, nutrients, and proteins from the ocean, canned sardines are inexpensive and precooked to complement any meal.
Our article looks at some of the best sardine brands, all of which anyone who likes sardines would consider a good meal. However, you no longer need to spend hours searching for these products.
Whether you have a specific meal in mind for your friends and family, or you just feel like creating a sardine-topped delicacy for yourself, these are some of the best canned sardines on the market today.
Quick Navigation:
- Comparison of 10 Best Canned Sardines
- Reviews of 10 Top Canned Sardines
- How to Choose the Best Canned & Packaged Sardines
- Canned Sardines VS Fresh Sardines
- Canned Sardines VS Canned Tuna VS Anchovies VS Herring
- Final Verdict
Comparison of 10 Best Canned Sardines
 | 1. Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil (Best Overall) The perfect selection of canned sardines dressed in olive oil. They are great for dieting and recommended for Keto or Paleo. | Read Our Review |
 | 2. Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Sardines (Best Budget) No more deboning or removing the skin with these Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Sardines, dressed in extra virgin olive oil for better taste. | Read Our Review |
 | 3. Season's Skinless and Boneless Sardines If a healthy diet is on the top of your mind, Season's Skinless and Boneless Sardines are deboned and skinned, with 100% gluten-free ingredients. | Read Our Review |
 | 4. King Oscar Sardines Extra Virgin Olive Oil These wild-caught and wood-smoked sardines are perfect for a healthy lifestyle enthusiast. The can is easy to open and all the materials can be recycled after use. | Read Our Review |
 | 5. BRUNSWICK Wild Caught Sardine Fillets If you want the purest and freshest canned sardines you can find, BRUNSWICK Wild Caught Sardine Fillets fit the bill and have no bones or skin. They are also soaked in water, with no salt added. | Read Our Review |
 | These fresh saltwater sardines are completely sustainable and affordable and packed full of omega-3s, with other vitamins and minerals. | Read Our Review |
 | 7. Crown Prince Sardines in Water Here you have a smaller Prince sardine made for the perfect salad or meal. No oil is added, giving you a truly natural sardine flavor to experiment with. | Read Our Review |
 | 8. King Oscar Wild Caught Brisling Sardines Instead of creating your sardine meal, the King Oscar Wild Caught Brisling Sardines are already a sufficient meal, with hot sauce added to improve the taste. | Read Our Review |
 | 9. Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Sardines If you don’t like to be confined to the rules, Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Sardines are available in a variety of different flavors that include soy sauce and other variants to spice up your meals. | Read Our Review |
 | 10. Crown Prince Sardines in Louisiana Hot Sauce The ultimate hot sauce sardines on the market. They have a smooth texture, are completely deboned, and contain no BPA. The can is recyclable. | Read Our Review |
Reviews of 10 Top Canned Sardines
To find the best canned sardines, we sifted through buyers’ and experts’ ratings and reviews of loads of brands and flavors. From that long list, we managed to choose these top ten choices to share with you based on their medium, flavor, health benefits, and sustainability practices.
Best Overall
1. Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
What You Will Love: These sardines are lightly smoked to retain the flavor and packed in BPA free cans.
Wild Planet Wild Sardines are sustainably caught and then packed in extra virgin olive oil and sea salt in BPA free sardine cans. The olive oil leaves the sardine with a fresh taste and no smelly odors.
The skin remains increasing the amount of calcium and iron you get, but the scales, tails, and heads have been removed.
They have been lightly smoked to help keep the flavor in. These smoked sardines are both gluten-free and non-GMO certified as well as Kosher.
Just one serving provides you with 18 g of protein and 1800 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids. They are also ready to eat straight from the can.
Only two possible downsides were found. One is that the cans are a bit hard to open at times. The other is that these have less calcium than brands with the bones left in.
Pros:
- packed in extra virgin olive oil
- stored in BPA free cans
- lightly smoked to retain flavor
- very flavorful without strong odors, heads and eyes are removed but
skin remains for extra nutrients - gluten-free, non-GMO
- Kosher
- plenty of protein and Omega 3 fatty acids in each serving
- budget friendly
Cons:
- the cans may be difficult to open and require force or extra tools (i.e. knife or can opener)
- less calcium because bones have been removed
Best Budget
2. Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil
What You Will Love: It has a firm texture but a mild flavor.
These Crown Prince Skinless & Deboned Sardines are great for those who are just starting to eat fish. That is because many people who are new to fish, and even some that have been eating it for a long time, are not really interested in eating fish with eyes, skin, or bones.
I am one of those people. As crazy as it may sound to some, I cannot eat something that looks like it is staring back at me.
Also, the idea of eating skin and bones is not too appetizing even with the knowledge that they are good for you. That is what makes these great for new consumers. The bones and skin are removed before it reaches you making it a little easier to swallow, literally.
They are hand filleted and hand packed in cold pressed olive oil. The flavor is also not as intense as some other brands making it even easier for newbies.
These sardines are Kosher,
The only downsides I could locate are that this brand, too, is known as being difficult to open forcing you to use a can opener, and that without the skin and bones, some of the nutrients are missing.
Pros:
- skinless and boneless
- great for new consumers
- firm texture
- mild flavor
- hand filleted
- hand packed in cold pressed olive oil
- kosher
gluten free - non-GMO certified
- packed with nutrients
- reasonable price
Cons:
- lid that is supposed to be easy to open requires a can opener
- missing nutrients from skin and bones
Best Canned Moroccan Sardines in Pure Olive Oil
3. Season’s Skinless and Boneless Sardines in Pure Olive Oil
What You Will Love: These sardines are packed in pure olive oil and salt that helps them retain their flavor and gives them a great taste with many meal options.
Season’s Skinless and Boneless Sardines are sustainably harvested in and sourced from Morocco. The pure olive oil they are packed in helps them retain their rich flavor.
The skin and bones are removed for buyers who do not like them, and the can is made of whole bristling sardines, which are smaller but more nutritional than other sardines. They are packed in BPA free cans and are
Additionally, Season’s is a brand that has been around long enough to have a good reputation in the industry. Each serving contains 1500 mg of Omega 3 fatty acids, is high in protein and calcium, and low in calories.
They are ready to eat straight from the can as they have already been seasoned with salt. The price is reasonable, especially for all of the health and flavor benefits.
The only downside I can find is that the flavor does not suit every consumer. Some say it is too intense while others say it is too salty. Most reviews, however, state that the taste is great.
Pros:
- packed in pure olive oil and salt
- boneless and
skinless - sustainably harvested
- made from nutritional bristling sardines
- BPA free cans
- gluten-free
- non-GMO
long standing brand- high in protein, calcium and Omega 3 fatty acids, and low in calories
- reasonably priced
Cons:
- lacking nutrients of skin and bones
- may be too salty for some or too intense for others
Best Canned Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
4. King Oscar Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
What You Will Love: These cans contain two layers of wild caught, wood smoked brisling sardines.
Though bristling sardines are smaller than others, they are also more nutritional and, some say, more flavorful.
These King Oscar sardines are packed in BPA free cans with extra virgin olive oil and salt.
The bones and skin remain for extra calcium and iron. There are tons of Omega 3 fatty acids and protein yet very low mercury levels.
These King Oscar sardines are packed in BPA free cans with extra virgin olive oil and salt. The bones and skin remain for extra calcium and iron. There are tons of Omega 3 fatty acids and protein yet very low mercury levels.
They are gluten free and great for low carb diets. King Oscar sardines are tasty straight from the can because the olive oil helps to minimize the “fishy” flavor while the salt gives them a little extra seasoning.
However, they are a bit delicate so it may be somewhat difficult to pick them out of the can. King Oscar’s cans are much easier to open than most others. Additionally, the price is reasonable for most budgets.
Pros:
- two
hand packed layers of extremely nutritional - flavorful bristling sardines
- BPA free cans with easy to open lids
- bones and skin remain for additional nutritional value
- very low mercury levels
- reasonable price
- gluten-free and low carb
- stored in olive oil to minimize “fishy” taste
- seasoned with salt
- full of nutrients
- smoked for extra flavor
Cons:
- the sardines may be too delicate to lift straight from the can- may need to pour them out onto a plate or into a bowl to eat easily
Best Sardine Fillets in Spring Water
5. Brunswick Sardine Fillets in Spring Water
What You Will Love: They are packed in spring water with no salt added making them great for low sodium diets.
Brunswick Sardine Fillets in Spring Water are sustainably caught and taste like fresh, natural fish. They are a great high-protein snack.
One great thing about this brand is that it is tied with Bumblebee brand products, which is a brand that has been around for a long time. It is a reputable company that is known for its eco-friendly practices.
These sardines are great for those on a keto-friendly diet as they are only packed in natural spring water instead of with salt or oil. They are also gluten-free and set at a great price.
While these sardines can be used for a variety of snacks and meals, sardine fillets such as these are great for making sandwiches. Their texture and taste give you many options
The one downside is that not everyone will like this flavor. If you do not like the natural taste, you may need to try adding a little salt or another of your favorite seasonings.
If you are brand new to the sardine world, you may want to consider another brand until you become more tolerable to the taste of sardines in general. In time, you may find yourself moving to this natural tasting brand.
Pros:
- fresh flavor
- packed only in natural spring water
- fillets are great for sandwiches
- high protein snack
long standing company withreputation for eco-friendly practices- keto- friendly and gluten free
- no added salt so also great for low sodium diets
- great price
- packed with nutrients and minerals and Omega 3 fatty acids
Cons:
- the natural taste may not be good for everyone
- especially those new to eating sardines
Best Moroccan Sardines in Water
6. Season Sardines in Water, No Salt Added
What You Will Love: These whole sardines have the raw flavor of fish for those who want sardines that taste like sardines.
Season’s Sardines in water are caught in the wild of Morocco and sustainably harvest. There is no salt added making them a great choice for low sodium diets.
Without oil, hot sauce, or seasoning to affect the taste, these sardines provide sardine lovers with the raw, natural flavor that some crave.
The skin and bones remain
The sardines are packed in BPA free cans, are non-GMO certified and gluten free. Seasons is a loved and trusted brand so you can feel comfortable purchasing their products. Also, the lids are easy to open by simply pulling the tab. They are a great price for a great product.
Some people, including those new to eating sardines, may not enjoy the taste. As there is no oil to decrease the smell, the odor might make them difficult to eat.
The skin and bones that are left in may be off putting for some. Also, with no seasoning, the taste may be even stronger to some.
Pros:
- raw fish flavor for people that like the taste of sardines
- no oil added means less fat
- low in cholesterol
- low sodium
- gluten-free
- BPA free packaging
- skin and bones remain for extra calcium and iron
well known brand withreputation for sustainable practicesgreat source of vitamins and minerals- non-GMO verified
Cons:
- no oil to decrease smell
- some may not want to eat with skin and bones
- may need to add seasoning
- may not be a good choice for those new to eating sardines
Best Hand Packed Pilchard Sardines in Water
7. Crown Prince Sardines in Water
What You Will Love: These sardines are hand packed to the brim in nothing but water.
Crown Prince Sardines are another great option packed only in water giving them the natural, raw taste than many sardine connoisseurs enjoy. They are hand packed with no salt added making them excellent for those needing to cut back on their sodium intake.
The texture makes them simple to lift from the can. These sardines are sustainably caught in the wild of Morocco and are both kosher and non-GMO verified.
Though they are packed in only water, the flavor is said to be mild enough for even those new to eating this gourmet food though that will likely still depend on each individual’s taste. And that is one of the only downsides I could find- that they may still be a bit too raw for some.
If you try them and find you do not like the taste straight from the can, try seasoning them or try them with a recipe that you do love. Some creativity might lead you to a favorite new food.
They are set at a good price for consumers. The other probable downside is that the can is difficult to open without help from a tool.
Pros:
- no oil means less fat
- raw flavor for those who like it
- packed only in water
- no salt added great for low sodium diets
- kosher
- sustainably caught in Morocco
- firm texture and mild flavor
- hand packed
- full of protein and calcium
- non-GMO verified
- good price
Cons:
- very difficult to open
lid withouttool - no oil means stronger smell
- flavor may be too raw and natural for some leading them to add salt or other seasonings
Best Wild Caught Brisling Sardines
8. King Oscar Wild Caught Brisling Sardines in Tapatio Hot Sauce
What You Will Love: These spicy sardines go great with Mexican style food such as tacos, nachos and burritos.
King Oscar Wild Caught Brisling Sardines are oak wood smoked before being dipped in the zesty Tapatio hot sauce to provide a kick in the flavor for those who like it hot.
The hot sauce adds some extra flavor to what some might find as a bland or non-enjoyable meal. They have been sustainably caught and packed in Norway for over 100 years.
These sardines are gluten free, non-GMO certified, kosher, and low carb foods. Like all other sardines, they are high in Omega 3 fatty acids, iron, calcium and protein. With no sugar added they are great for weight loss diets.
The sardines are packed in BPA free recyclable cans as an even more eco-friendly practice. Those who like hot sauce may find it easier to eat these sardines than those packed in oil or water since the hot sauce can make the flavor of the fish less intense. They are also a great price.
There are a couple of downsides. The first is that those that cannot eat hot sauce will not be able to enjoy this flavorful gourmet food. The second is that the hot sauce limits the number of dishes you could easily eat these sardines with.
Though I know a few people who may argue with this statement, hot sauce does not taste good on everything- at least not for most of us. Therefore, you would have to stick to certain dishes or get really creative.
Pros:
- great price, oak wood smoked
- dipped in tasty hot sauce
- packed in BPA free recyclable materials
- gluten-free and low carb,
- non-GMO certified
- kosher
- no added sugar
- sustainably caught
- flavorful
Cons:
- not everyone can eat hot sauce meaning not everyone can enjoy
- hot sauce limits the dishes you can use these sardines for
Best Two Layer Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
9. Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil
What You Will Love: These sardines are smoked over hard wood chips before being hand packed with salt and extra virgin olive oil.
Crown Prince is a trusted brand that has been around for a long time. These two layer brisling sardines are another great product in a long line of great products.
They are sustainably caught and are a product of Scotland. The fact that they are brisling instead of regular sardines adds a great deal of extra nutritional value to them.
They are packed full of protein, calcium, and 2g of Omega 3 fatty acids in every serving. Both Kosher and non-GMO verified, these sardines are smoked over hard wood chips to give them a smoky flavor.
They are then hand packed with pure, cold pressed extra virgin olive oil and salt to preserve the fish. The olive oil minimizes the “fishy” smell that many sardines have. The salt gives them a little extra flavor. They are a very good price for the benefits and flavor.
I did come across a few downsides. First, though these sardines do have a smoky flavor, buyers have commented that the natural flavor of this brand has a smokier taste.
If that is what you are after, try the natural version instead. Second, olive oil adds
Pros:
brisling - smoked over
hard wood - hand packed
- cold pressed extra virgin olive oil is used as the medium
- sustainably caught
- great brand
- 2g of Omega 3 in every serving
- Kosher
- non-GMO verified
- good price
Cons:
- more fat because of the oil
- higher sodium content due to added salt
- not as smoky as the natural brand
Best Sardines in Louisiana Hot Sauce
10. Crown Prince Sardines in Louisiana Hot Sauce
What You Will Love: These Louisiana hot sauce flavored pilchard sardines have 1.6g of Omega 3 fatty acids per serving.
Crown Prince Sardines in Louisiana Hot Sauce are a wild caught product of Morocco. They are kosher and full of nutrients including calcium, protein, iron, and 1.6 grams of Omega 3 fatty acids in every single serving.
The hot sauce makes them the perfect flavor for some who like spicy and zesty foods. It can also make any fish taste or odor less intense so new consumers can tolerate sardines. They are set at a very low cost.
I found some complaints about the hot sauce itself, however, that may suggest you start by purchasing a small amount to try before buying a large bulk amount.
Some buyers said that the hot sauce tasted nothing like Louisiana hot sauce and that it was too oily. Therefore, I went on the hunt for ingredients.
The list I found states these ingredients
Of course, as the full recipe of Louisiana hot sauce is proprietary information, we cannot compare them fully side by side, but you can now be aware of what is in the can with the sardines.
Perhaps trying to find a can at your local market to try might be better than ordering a bunch online that you cannot return if you do not like them.
Pros:
- low cost
- 1.6g of Omega 3 fatty acids in each serving
- kosher
- full of nutrients
- hot sauce adds flavor
Cons:
- may not be packed with authentic Louisiana hot sauce
- may be too oily for some
How to Choose the Best Canned & Packaged Sardines?
Before making a trip to the grocery store or checking out canned sardines online, it is very important that you know that there is more than one option.
To make the best choice, you need to understand the differences in those options and details. Be sure to check out the following specifications before deciding which type to purchase:
Medium
Sardines are packed with extra ingredients such as oil, water, and hot sauce. For those who are not a fan of the smell or taste of raw fish should choose some packed with oil. Some of the healthiest canned sardines are packed in olive oil.
While you can also choose vegetable oil, this is a very fattening option and does not fit in well with any dieting.
Choosing canned sardines packed in water are good choices by those who do like the raw fish taste and smell. And for those who like a little kick, those packed in hot sauce are the best choice.
Type of Fish
You also have a choice in the type of sardines you choose.
Some canned sardines consist of one type while others are more of a mix. You might find whole fish, fish fillets,
Type of Dishes
What do you plan to use the sardines for? Are you planning to eat them straight from the can, add them to a sandwich, or use them for gourmet food?
The answer to this question will determine the type of sardines you choose. For example, if you want a flavorful snack, you might choose sardines packed with hot sauce.
If you want to eat them on a sandwich, the fillets would be a better choice. Determine what all you want to use them for so that you can add the right type to your grocery list.
Added Ingredients or Seasonings
Many canned items come with added salt or other seasonings. While these seasonings can improve the flavor, they are not always best for you.
A lot of canned items already contain a large amount of sodium, which is troublesome for those who should be cutting that down. Extra salt can make it worse.
Check for added ingredients before purchasing so that you can stay away from those you do not need.
Nutritional Value
Most, if not all, canned sardines add protein, Omega 3, calcium
Those that include the skin and bones of the sardines contain more of these vitamins and nutrients than those that do not.
Canned Sardines VS Fresh Sardines
Canned and fresh sardines are similar to one another in their
Generally, the healthiest fish to eat are those at the lowest part of the food chain. That is because they have not taken in anywhere near the amount of mercury and other dangerous substances that larger fish or those higher up the food chain take in.
As such, sardines are some of the healthiest fish there are whether they are canned or fresh. There are, however, a few differences.
Due to being packed with oil, some canned sardines are oiler than the fresh ones, which means they are more fattening. Canned sardines will likely also have higher sodium levels, especially if seasoning or salt is added when they are canned.
Canned sardines are also a much lower source of carbs than fresh sardines. Fresh fish is always more expensive than canned fish meaning that canned sardines are much more cost effective than fresh ones, and they last longer.
Lastly, they are simpler to eat and find. You do not have to do any preparation in order to eat them unless there are specific things you want to do.
Canned Sardines VS Canned Tuna VS Anchovies VS Herring
Both canned and fresh sardines are healthy options for a diet. In fact, both show that they have equal amounts of Omega 3 to pink salmon, but how do they stack up against tuna, anchovies, and herring?
First, sardines have the least amount of mercury in them, according to the Food and Drug Administration. That is because they are so low on the food chain.
There are other differences and similarities between these four options, though.
Tuna and sardines are similar in the types and amounts of nutrients they add. Both are great sources of protein, Omega 3s, vitamins E and K, calcium, and sodium.
The difference comes in the amounts they bring to the table. Tuna provides your body with more vitamin K, which activates the protein you take in, and higher levels of protein.
Sardines, on the other hand, provide you with more Omega 3 fatty acids, more vitamin E, which helps improve blood circulation, more calcium, and more sodium.
Both of these are great
If your blood circulation needs to improve, sardines would be good for you. Ask your doctor which of the two or what type of combination you should choose for your diet.
When it comes to sardines and anchovies, the simplest similarities to point out is that they are both small, packed in a similar tin can, and placed side by side in most grocery stores.
The similarities go beyond that, however, They contain a long list of similar nutrients which consists of calcium, protein, potassium, iron, riboflavin, Omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and vitamin B12.
There are some differences as well. Sardines are a bit larger than anchovies and have a less intense flavor. Anchovies’ curing process turns them darker than sardines and gives them a stronger flavor.
While they are both versatile, anchovies are used more in restaurants and recipes than sardines. In fact, I was surprised to find that anchovies are an important part of my beloved
Many people think that sardines and herring are different fish when, in fact, this is not actually the case. They are both the same basic fish. When they are smaller, they are referred to as sardines.
When they grow larger, they are known as herring and can grow up to 1.5 feet long. Because they are basically the same fish, they have the same benefits.
They contain high levels of Omega 3 fatty acids, which are important for brain development and can help with the regulation of inflammation. This means that they are great for people experiencing cramps, arthritis, high cholesterol, diabetes, and more.
Additionally, even with herring being a little larger, they are both still at the bottom of the food chain so they contain less mercury and other harmful chemicals.
Fish, in general, is extraordinarily healthy for those who consume it, and thanks to sustainable fishing practices, we can eat it regularly. With all of the options out there in both fresh and canned versions, there is an abundance of choices.
You may find it most enjoyable and beneficial to eat several kinds of fish or to simply stick with one. As the benefits and nutrients differ in some of these options, it is best to speak with your doctor about what you should add to your diet or take out.
This is even more important if you have current health issues, currently do not eat fish, or are changing your diet.
Final Verdict: Best Canned Sardines
Sardines might not be everyone’s cup of tea, even among people who like fish. However, they are a great option for a quick snack or a great item to build a special meal around.
These sardines are all wild-caught, making them a bit more expensive, but this also eliminates many of the preservatives that are often added. The perfect sardine meal has never been easier.
Be sure to let us know in the comment section which of these sardine products you like. We would love to see if we missed any other great all-natural options.
