The Best Canned Sardines (Review) in 2020

In this buying guide, we will look at what factors you should consider when buying tinned fish. We will look at the difference between canned sardines and fresh sardines and answer your most commonly asked questions regarding the health benefits of sardines and much more.

Keep reading to find out more...

Factors to Consider When Buying Canned Sardines

• Who is Eating Them?

This might seem like a really odd thing to consider but you'll need to think about who is going to be eating sardines in your family. Many sardines are packed with the skin and bones and so, although the bones are small and edible, they can cause a choking hazard to young children. Opt for skinless and boneless fillets for children and you might also want to consider sardines which are packed with a tomato sauce; children tend to prefer fish that isn't too oily! Another consideration is the can itself, if you are purchasing sardines for older or less able people then it will be sensible to opt for the easy-open cans as some tins are super tricky to open, even for nimble fingers.

• What Will You Use Them For?

If you are buying sardines for weight loss then you might want to avoid fish that has been canned with olive oil or sauce. These extra calories will soon add up! Sardines that have been smoked or canned with extra flavors such as lemon and herbs, tomato sauce or extra virgin olive oil, make great snacks to be eaten with crackers. If you are adding them to a pasta dish or casserole then it might be sensible to buy sardines which have been packed in water or a little oil, so you can add your own flavor afterward.

• Are they Sustainable?

You are probably already aware, but the ocean's resources are being depleted rapidly, and so it's important to buy sustainably-caught fish that doesn't have a negative impact on the environment. Check the label for clues that the fish has been wild-caught and is sustainable.

Canned Sardines VS Fresh Sardines

Just like any fish, canned is always a world apart from fresh. You will find that often fish that has been canned will have a stronger flavor than fresh - think how different tinned tuna is from a fresh tuna steak; it's the same for sardines - however, both should have a place in your diet. One of the benefits of eating canned sardines is that it's more likely to be wild-caught and not farmed. Farmed fish is often associated with having more pollutants. You will find more calcium in canned sardines as the calcium-rich bones have been softened in the canning process and are therefore edible. Canned sardines in oil (not water) are more likely to retain more omega-3 fatty acids which are widely recognized as healthy "brain food". The best canned sardines offer plenty of value for money, are significantly cheaper than fresh fish and are super quick and convenient. Not only can you eat tinned sardines straight from the can, but they have a much longer shelf life too, so you can always keep a few tins in your cupboard for quick, healthy meals and snacks.

Choose fresh sardines if you are looking for a more delicate flavor or wish to impress dinner guests at the table!

Best Canned Sardine FAQ:

Q: Are canned sardines healthy?

A: There are many health benefits to canned sardines. As we mentioned earlier, canned sardines which still retain their skin and bones contain more calcium and this is because the canning process softens the bones, making them edible. Sardine bones contain plenty of calcium and good for our skin and bones too! Oily fish is naturally gluten-free and high in protein. This is wonderful for those on a low-fat diet or people just looking to add more protein to their daily food intake. Low in carbohydrates, eating this fish will help you to stay healthy and lose weight at the same time. Sardines contain omega-3 fatty acids which have many, many health benefits. Omega-3 fish oils are good for your heart and can help lower blood pressure. Our brains are made up of around 60% fat! Omega-3 helps our brains to function well and can even help with certain mental disorders too. This fatty acid can even help with eye health as well as inflammation and maintaining healthy skin. Omega-3 can help reduce liver fat and help reduce allergy risk too.

Q: Are sardines better than tuna?

A: This is a question that many people ask, as tuna is generally more popular than sardines.

Although both types of canned fish contain lots of viable health benefits, there is a difference when it comes to comparing tuna to sardines. Tuna has slightly more protein per gram than sardines and they also contain vitamin K, whereas sardines contain more vitamin E and calcium. Another reason why sardines are better than tuna is that they contain x 10 less mercury than tuna, which is a huge difference comparatively. They are more sustainable too. Tuna are overfished, which is partly due to its popularity in sushi dishes, so it's more eco-friendly to eat sardines where possible.

Q: Is it bad to eat sardines every day?

A: Fish can contain mercury and therefore, we don't ever advise eating it every single day as a build-up of mercury could be very harmful. A healthy diet should contain a balance of fish and vegetables. Oily fish consumed twice or three times a week is sufficient.

Q: How long are canned sardines edible?

A: You should always check the best-before date in the can, but generally, a tin of sardines can last years and that's what makes them a handy storecupboard choice. Once opened they need to be eaten within a few days and you should remove them from the can and store in an airtight container - your refrigerator could smell pretty fishy otherwise! Please always refer to the dates on the tin and the guidelines offered as each product may vary.

Our Top Pick

Our favorite choice by far was the Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil which not only provides great value for money but boasts a wonderful full flavor too. These sardines have been wild-caught which we believe is the best way to responsibly source fish. The best canned sardines pack plenty of flavor and these are no exception. They have been lightly-smoked and are canned with extra virgin olive oil, which means that they are great for cooking and eating as they are as a healthy snack. These wild sardines are rich in nutrition and this particular fish is packed with omega 3 oils, protein, calcium and iron, making them perfect for your healthy diet. The brand Wild Planet claims to pride itself on the maintaining of the ocean's natural ecosystem and these particular sardines have been harvested from the North Pacific using sustainable methods. They would make an excellent base for dishes that require a salty, smoky flavor, full of protein and goodness. You can buy different varieties of the product including lemon, extra virgin olive oil, marinara, no salt added and sardines in water for a plain base. They are non-GMO and gluten-free and kosher. They are perfect for low carb, low fat, paleo and keto diets too.