We all know that fish is a very nutritious food source. However, in the hustle and bustle of life, making a sophisticated dish from fresh fish is very difficult. That’s why we have canned sardine.
Canned sardine could bring you a delicious meal like fresh fish but it’s easier and quicker to prepare and cook. Also, this product is very high in essential nutrients, especially Omega-3.
To give you some suggestions for best canned sardines, I have written the following review. Let’s get started!
Contents
- What Are The Best Canned Sardines?
- Best Canned Sardine Comparison Chart 2020
- Top 16 Best Canned Sardine Reviews In 2020
- Chicken of the Sea Canned Sardine
- Best Overall: Wild Planet Canned Sardines
- Best with Brisling: King Oscar Extra Virgin Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Best for Dog: Ocean Prince Sardines in Water Canned Sardine
- Beach Cliff Canned Sardines
- Best from Spain: Matiz In Spanish Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Best for Sandwich: Crown Prince In Water Canned Sardine
- Best for Omega-3: Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Canned Sardine
- Bumble Bee Canned Sardines
- Best for Breakfast: BRUNSWICK Fillets in Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Safe Catch Canned Sardine
- Santo Amaro Canned Sardine
- Best with Bone: Season in 100% Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Best for The Money: Season In Water No Salt Added Canned Sardine
- Best with Olive Oil: Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Canned Sardine
- Season’s Skinless and Boneless Canned Sardine
- The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Canned Sardine In 2020
- FAQs
What Are The Best Canned Sardines?
Since each product has its own advantages and disadvantages so it’s necessary to know what is the best feature of a canned sardine. The list below will offer you 11 best canned sardines in different categories.
- Best Overall: Wild Planet Canned Sardine
- Best for The Money: Season In Water No Salt Added Canned Sardine
- Best with Olive Oil: Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Canned Sardine
- Best with Brisling: King Oscar Extra Virgin Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Best with Bone: Season in 100% Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Best for Omega-3: Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Canned Sardine
- Best from Spain: Matiz In Spanish Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Best for Breakfast: BRUNSWICK Fillets in Olive Oil Canned Sardine
- Best for Dog: Ocean Prince Sardines in Water Canned Sardine
- Best for Sandwich: Crown Prince In Water Canned Sardine
Best Canned Sardine Comparison Chart 2020
For more information about ingredients, nutrient content, package size, and weight of these 16 best canned sardines, let’s read this comparison table below.
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Top 16 Best Canned Sardine Reviews In 2020
If you want to know more details and features of these 16 best canned sardines, it’s necessary to follow a thorough review. Thus, I have created an in-depth review for you to save your time and effort in looking for the most suitable canned sardine.
Chicken of the Sea Canned Sardine
Pros
- There are many flavors to pick
- Come at a great price
- Easy to prepare
- Slightly smoky flavor
Cons
- The fish seems to be overcooked
- BPA-free cans are not included
Chicken of the Sea Canned Sardine comes with 18 packs while other products on the market usually have 12 packs or less. Thus, this best canned sardine is very suitable for a big family.
Also, there are many flavors to choose from such as Oil, Hot Sauce, Mustard so if your family’s members have different tastes, these Chicken of the Sea Canned Sardines are the great options.
These canned sardines have a slightly smoky flavor that makes them more delicious and easier to maintain. Along with that are pouched tuna and salmon ingredients that provide high protein, essential nutrition but low fat and calories.
Product Specs
| Weight | 106 grams |
| Package size | 4; 18 |
| Ingredients | Smoked Sardines; Soybean Oil; Water; Salt; Smoke Flavor |
| Nutrient content | Not available |
| Brand | Chicken of the Sea |
Best Overall: Wild Planet Canned Sardines
Pros
- Many delicious flavors to choose
- Wild caught sardines
- Provide essential nutrients
- Good price
Cons
- Just for who loves small sardines
These best canned sardines 2020 have five different delicious tastes for you to choose from including Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Lemon, Marinara Sauce, No Salt Added, and Water.
The sardines are wild-caught in the North Pacific to provide the best tasty and healthy canned fish for you. These sardines are not only good for your health but also for our planet when they are caught by sustainable methods.
The best thing about these Wild Planet sardines is that they are friendly with Paleo and Keto diets. These small canned fishes could provide all essential nutrition for your long day like protein, fat. Also, these sardines are high in Vitamin D, Calcium, and Omega-3.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.2 pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Sardines (Sardinops sagax or Sardinops melanostictus); Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Water, Sea Salt, Aqueous Natural Smoke |
| Nutrient content | Total Fat 11g; Cholesterol 35mg; Sodium 260mg; Total Carb 0g; Protein 18g |
| Brand | Wild Planet |
Best with Brisling: King Oscar Extra Virgin Olive Oil Canned Sardine
Pros
- Non-GMO, gluten-free
- Recyclable and BPA-free cans
- Come with less fishy smell than other products
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Too much pepper
If you are looking for some canned sardines that don’t have much flavor of raw fish then these King Oscar Extra Virgin Olive Oil canned sardines are a worth-consideration. Thanks to extra virgin olive oil medium, this one has less smell of raw sardines.
Also, these cans are seasoned with a lot of pepper and little salt so they are more fragrant and attractive. However, these King Oscar sardines might not be suitable for those who don’t like pepper.
These headless sardines could provide a large amount of essential nutrition including 2200mg of Omega-3 and 16g of protein. Moreover, with the backbone kept, these canned sardines give you a lot of calcium that is very beneficial for your bones and skin.
Product Specs
| Weight | 2.82 pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Lightly smoked brisling sardines; extra virgin olive oil; salt |
| Nutrient content | Protein 16g; Total Fat 18g; Omega-3 2,200 mg; Cholesterol 65 mg |
| Brand | King Oscar |
Best for Dog: Ocean Prince Sardines in Water Canned Sardine
Pros
- Very affordable
- Non-GMO verified
- Low sodium
- Recycled and BPA-free can
- No salt added
Cons
- Caught in China
These Ocean Prince Sardines in Water canned sardines are made from the highest quality small-size sardines which are called pilchards. This type of fish is not only delicious but also has a firm texture.
Additionally, this sardine can is a great source of Omega-3 and protein which are highly recommended for dogs. In each serving this product provides up to 3,775mg of Omega-3. Thus, this product is one of the best canned sardines for dogs. Feeding your dogs with these Ocean Prince Sardines in Water canned sardine could reduce the allergies and improve their skin as well.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.8 pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Pilchard sardines; Water |
| Nutrient content | Protein 10g; Total Fat 7g; Omega-3: 900 mg; Cholesterol 30 mg |
| Brand | Ocean Prince |
Beach Cliff Canned Sardines
Pros
- Ideal for keto diet
- Come at a good price
- From an reliable brand
- Hot and spicy flavor
Cons
- BPA content
Beach Cliff canned sardine is a product of Bumble Bee which is one of the best canned sardine brands on the market. The canned fishes are seasoned in real Louisiana hot sauce so they will bring a spicy and hot flavor for your meals.
This one comes with 18 packs which are easy-open and quick to prepare. Thus, Beach Cliff canned sardine is ideal for quick meals and breakfast. Also, this best canned sardine is made for the keto diet since it’s high in protein but low in fat and sodium.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.7 Pounds |
| Package size | 18 |
| Ingredients | Sardines; Water; Maltodextrin; Acetic Acid; Spice Extractives; Salt; Paprika; Modified Cornstarch; Xanthan Gum; Polysorbate 80; Caramel Color Contains: Fish (Sardines) May Contain Crustaceans |
| Nutrient content | Not available |
| Brand | Beach Cliff |
Best from Spain: Matiz In Spanish Olive Oil Canned Sardine
Pros
- Can be used for varied recipes
- Non-GMO and gluten free
- Packed by hand
- Give natural flavor and texture
- Affordable
Cons
- Quite salty
- The tin is quite hard to open
This Matiz in Spanish Olive Oil canned sardine will give you the most natural flavor of fish since its sardines have bone and skin. Also, canned fish is smaller in size than other products on the market. Thus, this one is more delicious, easier to use with bread or crackers.
Another great thing about this best canned sardine is that it is seasoned in high-quality Spanish olive oil. Thanks to that, these sardines will be tastier and easier to maintain.
Product Specs
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Package size | 5 |
| Ingredients | Wild Caught Sardines, Spanish Olive Oil, Sea Salt |
| Nutrient content | Protein 18g; Total Fat 14g; Cholesterol 34 mg |
| Brand | Matiz |
Best for Sandwich: Crown Prince In Water Canned Sardine
Pros
- Great source of Omega-3
- Wild caught sardines
- Non-GMO
- Come at an affordable price tag
Cons
- Not BPA-Free
These best canned sardines 2020 will offer you fresh, flavorful sardines in water. Since they are seasoned in the water medium, you could prepare and cook them in a flexible way. You could serve your own by adding tomato sauce, got the sauce or oil depending on your taste.
Moreover, sardines in Crown Prince in Water cans are large-size, firm but not too fishy. Also, these canned sardines could provide many nutrients like protein, calcium for your health.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.75 Pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Sardines, Water |
| Nutrient content | Total Fat 7g; Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 85mg; Calories 110; Total Carbohydrate 1g; Protein 10g; Omega-3 0.9g |
| Brand | Crown Prince |
Best for Omega-3: Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Canned Sardine
Pros
- Contains a large amount of Omega-3
- Non-GMO verified
- High in protein and calcium
- Product of Scotland
Cons
- More expensive than other products
- Doesn’t come with BPA-Free packaging
These Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Canned Sardines come with many flavors for different tastes including extra virgin olive oil, Mediterranean style, mustard, soybean oil, and tomato sauce. Also, you could use this canned fish product for a variety of cooking recipes and purposes.
These products have small and headless sardines that are placed in two layers and slathered in oil or sauce. The fish is very delicious and attractive and each can has about 14 sardines. There is a slightly smoky flavor that is claimed “naturally wood smoked” by the manufacturer.
The most impressive point about this Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling canned sardine is that this product contains an extremely high amount of Omega-3, up to 2 grams per can. This is a nutritious source for your health, especially for your eyes. Thus, there is no doubt when this product is one of the most expensive sardines on the market.
Product Specs
| Weight | 45 ounces |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Brisling Sardines; Extra Virgin Olive Oil; Salt |
| Nutrient content | Total Fat 16g; Cholesterol 70mg; Sodium 420mg; Total Carbohydrate 0g; Protein 16g; Omega-3 2g |
| Brand | Crown Prince |
Bumble Bee Canned Sardines
Pros
- Tasty and new flavor of chub mackerel
- Inexpensive
- Gluten-free
- High in protein and other nutrients
- Easy to prepare
Cons
- Sardines are caught in China
If you prefer to try a new flavor, this Bumble Bee canned sardine is an ideal option for you. While other canned fishes on the market come with tuna or salmon, this one is made from chub mackerel. For those who don’t know, chub mackerel has the same size as a large sardine but it comes with a unique flavor.
This product is very suitable for hot dishes, especially casserole. There are about 3 to 4 fishes per can so you can cook them for your whole family.
In addition, if you are on dietson diets like the Keto diet or Paleo diet, this best canned sardine is the way to go since it’s gluten-free. It not only provides essential nutrients but also helps you to have more good minerals for the body such as calcium, iron.
Product Specs
| Weight | 15 ounces |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Chub mackerel; water; salt |
| Nutrient content | Not available |
| Brand | BUMBLE BEE |
Best for Breakfast: BRUNSWICK Fillets in Olive Oil Canned Sardine
Pros
- Come with large-size fish
- Wild caught sardines
- Gluten-free
Cons
- Quite pricey
This BRUNSWICK Fillets in Olive Oil is one of the best canned sardines for breakfast thanks to its ease-of-prepare. These sardines are seasoned in premium olive oil which reduces the fishy flavor. Furthermore, this product is high in protein so it could offer enough power for your long day.
These sardines are boneless and skinless so they are very soft and meaty. Also, they are Herrings which are the biggest type of sardines on the market. Thanks to that, these sardines will offer a more delicious dish for your family. Also, you could prepare the best canned sardine recipes with this product.
Product Specs
| Weight | 5.4 pounds |
| Package size | 18 |
| Ingredients | Herring sardines (Clupea harengus); olive oil; salt |
| Nutrient content | Protein 16g; Total Fat 15g; Cholesterol 60 mg |
| Brand | BRUNSWICK |
Safe Catch Canned Sardine
Pros
- 100% sustainable caught
- Offer a large amount of Omega-3
- Keto diet and Paleo diet friendly
- Gluten-free
- Very low mercury content
Cons
- Quite pricey
- Difficult to open the can
These Safe Catch canned sardines are the top of the healthiest products on the market since they are tested for mercury. Thanks to that, this one is a healthy source for everyone including kids, pregnant women. You could enjoy this canned sardine with confidence when it doesn’t have any toxins.
Moreover, these best canned sardines 2020 contain a large amount of Omega-3, up to 1600mg per serving. These sardines are cut and packed by hand for the best quality and simmered to preserve maximum nutrients.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.14 Pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Not available |
| Nutrient content | Total Fat 7g; Cholesterol 40mg; Sodium 380mg; Total Carbohydrate 0g; Protein 24g; Vitamin D 3mcg; Iron 1.4mg; Calcium 104mg; Potass 290mg; Omega-3 1600mg |
| Brand | Safe Catch |
Santo Amaro Canned Sardine
Pros
- Easy-to-open cans
- GMO-free
- Wild caught sardines
- Versatile
Cons
- Quite expensive
These SANTO AMARO Canned Sardines are hand packed in Portugal that brings an unforgettable European flavor. These sardines are headless and seasoned in pure olive oil. Thanks to that, the canned fish has a wild, perfect texture and taste.
In addition, this best canned sardine is an excellent source of protein. A tin of canned sardine contains up to 24g of protein, which is equivalent to four large eggs. These sardines are gluten-free, GMO-free, and BPA-free so you could use them with complete peace in mind.
This product is very suitable for daily meals as well as diets like Keto or Paleo since canned fish are not only delicious but also rich in essential nutrients and minerals.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.2 Pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Atlantic Wild Sardines (Sardinas Pilchardus); Pure Olive Oil; Sea Salt and Natural Smoke Flavor |
| Nutrient content | Total Fat 9g; Cholesterol 30mg; Sodium 240mg; Total Carbohydrate 0g; Protein 12g |
| Brand | SANTO AMARO |
Best with Bone: Season in 100% Olive Oil Canned Sardine
Pros
- Bone in and skin on for natural taste
- High in protein and Omega-3
- Could be prepared for varied cooking recipes
- Seasoned in pure olive oil for traditional flavor
Cons
- Quite hard to prepare
This Season in 100% Olive Oil canned sardine comes with bone and skin to maintain the natural taste of the ocean. Thanks to that, these sardines are high in protein and calcium.
They are seasoned in 100% pure olive oil which reduces the flavor of raw fish. You could also prepare varied recipes with this canned sardine when they are packed full in a can and they offer a lot of nutrition.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.6 Pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Sardines; Olive Oil; Salt |
| Nutrient content | Protein 13g; Total Fat 8.5g; Omega-3 1700mg; Cholesterol 45g |
| Brand | Season |
Best for The Money: Season In Water No Salt Added Canned Sardine
Pros
- Attractive price
- Bring natural flavor
- Gluten-free and non-GMO
- BPA-free cans
Cons
- Fishy smell is quite strong
If you are looking for some canned sardines which have the original taste of raw fish, this Season In Water No Salt Added Canned Sardine is the way to go. It comes with sardines that are seasoned in water to keep the “fishy” flavor.
Furthermore, you could get a large amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, up to 1700mg per serving. This nutrient is very beneficial and necessary for your eyes.
In case you use these canned sardines for your dog, it will definitely love this product since it has a delicious flavor and an attractive smell of raw fish.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4.5 Pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Pilchardus Sardines; Water |
| Nutrient content | Protein 22g; Total Fat 9g; Omega-3 1700 mg; Cholesterol 56 mg |
| Brand | Season |
Best with Olive Oil: Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Canned Sardine
Pros
- Hand filleted and packed for premium quality
- Non-GMO
- Great source of Omega-3
- Product of Morocco
Cons
- More expensive than rivals
In general, sardines are removed bone and skin to have a soft texture and ease-of-prepare. This Crown Prince Skinless & Boneless Canned Sardine is not an exception. The skinless and boneless fishes are seasoned in cold-pressed olive oil that offers a firm texture and a meaty, rich flavor.
Along with that is a high content of Omega-3 and protein per serving. In each serving, this canned sardine could offer up to 1700mg Omega-3 fatty acids and 21g of protein. Thus, if you are on diet, this one is a great option for daily diets.
Product Specs
| Weight | 4 Pounds |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Wood-smoked Pilchard Sardines; Olive Oil; Salt |
| Nutrient content | Protein 21g; Total Fat 10g; Omega-3 1700 mg; Cholesterol 15 mg |
| Brand | Crown Prince |
Season’s Skinless and Boneless Canned Sardine
Pros
- BPA-free and GMO-free
- High in protein and other nutrients
- Good quality olive oil
Cons
- Quite expensive
This Season’s Skinless and Boneless Canned Sardine is imported from Morocco so you could be satisfied with the quality of this product. The sardines are wild-caught in the Atlantic Ocean of Morocco.
With the olive oil medium, this one offers a mild, delicious taste for your meal. You could use them for your daily meal or even for your diet because they are rich in protein and calcium but low in cholesterol and sodium.
Product Specs
| Weight | 3.75 ounces per pack |
| Package size | 12 |
| Ingredients | Sardines; Olive Oil; Salt |
| Nutrient content | Calories 144; Total Fat 10g; Cholesterol 28mg; Sodium 110mg; Total Carbohydrate 0g; Protein 12g |
| Brand | Season |
The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Best Canned Sardine In 2020
Medium
In general, canned sardines will be seasoned with a type of medium. There are some typical mediums including water, sauces, olive oil, and vegetable oil. Depending on your taste, you can choose the most suitable medium.
For example, if you want the original taste of fish, you should go to canned sardines in water. In case you don’t prefer the smell of raw fish, olive oil medium is ideal for you.
Type of fish
There are five popular types of canned sardines including Brisling sardine, Pilchard, Herring, Slender rainbow sardine, and Slender white sardine. Brisling is the most delicious, highest quality type of canned sardine. Pilchard sardine is the best option for those who love small fish while Herring is the largest of sardine that you could get on the market. In addition, you could get tuna, salmon, or chub mackerel canned for more nutrients.
Nutritional Value
All types of canned sardines offer a large number of nutrients and minerals. For example, many canned sardines are high in protein and Omega-3. Also, there are many canned sardines that are gluten-free so they’re ideal for keto diets.
FAQs
What is the best canned sardine brand?
Personally, I think Season is the best canned sardine brand on the market. Season is a long-standing canned fish brand in the world, established more than 90 years ago. Not only that, this manufacturer has always received the trust and support of thousands of customers all around the world thanks to its high-quality ingredients and affordable price.
Is canned sardine healthy?
Yes, it is. Canned sardine is a rich source of nutrients such as protein, calcium, and especially Omega-3 fatty acids. Moreover, they are low in cholesterol and carbohydrate so it’s ideal for daily diets.
Which canned sardines are the healthiest?
My picks are:
- Wild Planet Canned Sardine
- Crown Prince Two Layer Brisling Canned Sardine
- Season in 100% Olive Oil Canned Sardine
Can you eat sardines straight from the can?
Yes, you can. Canned sardine could be used as a portable snack. You could eat them with salad, mayonnaise or some types of sauce. However, I don’t recommend this because some cans might contain BPA which is harmful for your health.
How many times a week should you eat sardines?
According to the Food and Drug Administration, you should eat fish at least twice a week, including canned sardines.
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