5 Canned Sardine Brands Worth Buying in the US — and 5 You May Want to Think Twice About

Canned sardines are one of the most underrated foods in the grocery store. They’re affordable, convenient, and packed with nutrients that support heart and bone health.

But not every can is the same.

Some sardines are packed in extra-virgin olive oil, while others come in soybean oil, salty sauces, or heavily seasoned varieties.

The good news? You don’t have to spend a fortune to find a nutritious option.

Here are five brands worth considering and five others to compare carefully before adding them to your shopping cart.

5 Canned Sardine Brands Worth Buying

1. King Oscar — Best for Omega-3s

Its brisling sardines in extra-virgin olive oil contain 16 grams of protein and a reported 2,200 mg of omega-3s per tin. A strong option for people who enjoy smaller, tender fish.

King Oscar

2. Wild Planet — Best Everyday Choice

Wild Planet offers sardines packed in organic extra-virgin olive oil, as well as a no-salt-added water version containing just sardines and water. Excellent flexibility for different dietary needs.

Wild Planet Foods

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3. Season — Best for Beginners

Season’s skinless and boneless sardines in olive oil offer a mild taste and convenient texture. They’re particularly good for sandwiches, pasta, and salads.

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4. Patagonia Provisions — Best Flavor

Patagonia’s olive-oil sardines received top marks in independent taste tests for their balanced flavor and pleasant texture.

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5. Ortiz — Best Premium Choice

Ortiz sardines are known for their larger, meaty texture. They’re especially appealing when you want to add high-quality canned fish to a cooked meal.

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5 Canned Sardine Choices to Think Twice About

Not every product that deserves a second look is unsafe or poor quality. In fact, even affordable canned sardines can be nutritious. These are five types of products worth comparing carefully, rather than five brands that should be universally avoided.

1. Beach Cliff Sardines in Soybean Oil: Worth comparing with water- or olive-oil-packed alternatives if you prefer those ingredients. Soybean oil itself isn’t inherently unhealthy.

2. Brunswick Sardines in Tomato & Basil Sauce: Check the sodium content and sauce ingredients, particularly if you’re following a lower-sodium diet.

3. Heavily salted sardine varieties: Some flavored tins may add more sodium than you need. Compare the Nutrition Facts panels.

4. Sardines in rich, heavily seasoned sauces: These can be delicious, but added sugar, sodium, and calories vary by product.

5. Unlabeled or damaged canned products: Avoid cans that are bulging, leaking, or severely dented, regardless of the brand.

The important distinction is that a brand can offer both excellent and less suitable products depending on the specific variety.

What Should You Look for on the Label?

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Before purchasing canned sardines, consider these four details:

• Omega-3 fats: Sardines naturally contain EPA and DHA, beneficial fats associated with cardiovascular health.
• Sodium: Look for lower-sodium varieties when necessary.
• Calcium: Bone-in sardines provide calcium, which helps maintain strong bones.
• Ingredients: Simple products containing sardines, water or olive oil, and modest amounts of salt are easy choices.

Sardines are also generally low in mercury compared with larger predatory fish, making them a useful seafood option for many adults.

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to buy the most expensive canned sardines to eat well. King Oscar, Wild Planet, Season, Patagonia Provisions, and Ortiz all offer varieties worth exploring.

The smartest approach is to compare the actual product label, not judge an entire brand by its reputation.

A simple can of sardines can provide protein, healthy fats, and valuable nutrients without complicated preparation.

Which canned sardine brand do you usually buy? Have you noticed a difference in taste or quality?

For more everyday wellness reads, check out subtle signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency, this Vaseline-and-cocoa beauty tip, and the truth behind the eggshells-and-toothpaste cleaning trick.