17 Canned Sardine Brands, Ranked From Worst To Best

Canned sardines are a pantry superstar packed with omega-3s, protein, and calcium. When shopping for these little swimmers, quality makes all the difference between a delicious snack and a fishy disappointment.

I’ve tasted my way through countless tins to separate the mediocre from the magnificent, ranking 17 popular brands you’ll find on store shelves.

17. Dobrova Sardines in Sunflower Oil

Dobrova Sardines in Sunflower Oil
© DoorDash

Budget-friendly doesn’t always mean taste-friendly. These Croatian imports might save pennies, but they sacrifice flavor in the process.

The sunflower oil lacks the richness that olive oil brings, leaving the fish tasting flat and uninspired. The texture tends toward mushy, and there’s often a metallic aftertaste that lingers unpleasantly.

16. Cento Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil

Cento Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil
© Amazon.com

Mechanical deboning sounds convenient but ruins what makes sardines special. The industrial processing strips away character along with bones.

Cento uses a low-grade olive oil that masks rather than enhances the natural fish flavor. The sardines themselves taste bland and overly processed, like they’ve had the soul removed along with the skin and bones.

15. Siesta Co. Sardines in Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Siesta Co. Sardines in Organic Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
© Reddit

Style over substance defines these Instagram-worthy tins. The packaging might look fantastic on a charcuterie board, but what’s inside disappoints.

The sardines have an oddly firm texture that borders on tough, requiring more chewing than quality fish should.

Despite the organic oil claims, there’s a harsh flavor note that overwhelms any natural sweetness the fish might have had.

14. Roland Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil

Roland Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil
© Amazon.com

Mass production rarely yields excellence, a truth evident in these Moroccan-sourced sardines. The fillets lack personality and distinction from other budget brands.

The texture problem can’t be ignored. Overly firm fish that feels almost rubbery between your teeth. The olive oil tastes like an afterthought, neither complementing nor enhancing the bland fish it’s meant to showcase.

13. Wild Planet Sardines in Water

Wild Planet Sardines in Water
© Wild Planet

Health-conscious consumers might gravitate toward these water-packed sardines, but flavor suffers without oil’s protective embrace. The naked fish taste surprisingly metallic.

While Wild Planet deserves credit for sustainable fishing practices, their water-packed variety misses the mark.

The sardines themselves are decent quality, but the absence of oil leaves them vulnerable to developing that tinny flavor that turns many away from canned fish.

12. BELA Sardines in EVOO with Piri Piri & Smoke

BELA Sardines in EVOO with Piri Piri & Smoke
© BELA Brand Seafood

The promise of smoky heat creates expectations these sardines can’t fulfill. Where’s the advertised piri piri kick? It’s barely a whisper.

BELA deserves praise for responsible sourcing and quality fish. The sardines themselves have good texture and freshness.

However, the flavor profile falls short of its exciting description, offering only the faintest hint of chili heat and smoke that most palates would struggle to detect.

11. Reese Golden Smoked Sardines

Reese Golden Smoked Sardines
© Reddit

Smoke flavor done right is the saving grace here. Unlike brands with fake smoke essence, Reese delivers authentic smokiness that permeates each fish.

Unfortunately, texture problems hold these sardines back. The flesh has a pasty quality that suggests overprocessing. Salt levels fall short too, requiring additional seasoning to bring the flavor to life.

A decent option for smoke lovers willing to add their own finishing touches.

10. Trader Joe’s Wild-Caught Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil

Trader Joe's Wild-Caught Skinless & Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil
© Reddit

Sardine novices will appreciate the approachable nature of these entry-level fish. The skinless, boneless preparation removes potential texture barriers for first-timers.

The olive oil quality is respectable, providing a clean backdrop for the mild fish. However, experienced sardine enthusiasts will find these lacking in character and depth.

They’re like the training wheels of the sardine world, perfectly fine to start with but limiting once you’re ready for more.

9. JOSE Gourmet Sardines in Ravigote Sauce

JOSE Gourmet Sardines in Ravigote Sauce
© Rainbow Tomatoes Garden

Culinary adventurers will appreciate this Portuguese offering. The ravigote sauce – a herby, caper-studded creation – transforms ordinary sardines into something special.

The fish itself shows tenderness that speaks to proper handling and processing. However, these divisive tins won’t please everyone. If you dislike tangy, tartar-adjacent flavors, you might find the sauce overwhelming.

For sauce enthusiasts, these represent a delightful departure from standard oil-packed varieties.

8. Esplinar Baby Sardines in Spicy Sauce

Esplinar Baby Sardines in Spicy Sauce
© Rainbow Tomatoes Garden

Timing is everything when harvesting sardines, and Esplinar nails it. These baby sardines offer delicate flesh that melts in your mouth rather than requiring vigorous chewing.

The spicy paprika-infused oil brilliantly cuts through any potential fishiness. Young sardines tend to be milder anyway, and the warming spice adds complexity without overwhelming.

The small size makes these perfect for spreading on toast or tossing with pasta for quick, flavorful meals.

7. King Oscar Wild-Caught Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

King Oscar Wild-Caught Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
© King Oscar

Consistency makes King Oscar a trusted name in the sardine world. These wild-caught sardines strike an ideal balance.

The extra-virgin olive oil complements rather than competes with the fish flavor. Neither too fishy nor too bland, these sardines hit the sweet spot for everyday consumption.

The texture remains firm without toughness, making them versatile for eating straight from the tin or incorporating into recipes.

6. Fangst Brisling No. 2 (Beechwood-Smoked in Rapeseed Oil)

Fangst Brisling No. 2 (Beechwood-Smoked in Rapeseed Oil)
© FANGST

Nordic innovation shines through these distinctive tins. Though technically smoked sprats rather than true sardines, the rapeseed oil brings a nutty dimension rarely found in Mediterranean-style preserved fish.

The beechwood smoking process infuses these brislings with complex flavor that develops as you eat. Each bite reveals new depths without overwhelming smokiness.

The fish retain their integrity while absorbing the complementary flavors of smoke and oil, creating a uniquely Northern European take on tinned fish.

5. Wild Planet Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with Lemon

Wild Planet Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil with Lemon
© Wild Planet

Brightness elevates these sustainable sardines above many competitors. The lemon infusion isn’t artificial or overpowering, just a gentle citrus note that enhances the fish.

Wild Planet’s commitment to responsible fishing practices shows in the quality of their catch. These sardines have substantial, meaty fillets that satisfy hunger.

The combination of quality olive oil and subtle lemon creates a ready-to-eat product that needs nothing more than a fork and maybe some crackers.

4. Patagonia Sardines in Olive Oil

Patagonia Sardines in Olive Oil
© Patagonia Provisions

The outdoor clothing company surprisingly excels at tinned fish. Their sardines offer a robust flavor profile with herbal notes that set them apart from standard offerings.

The texture achieves that elusive balance, firm enough to hold together when lifted from the tin yet flaky when bitten. These sardines taste clean and fresh, reflecting Patagonia’s commitment to environmental standards.

The olive oil has a character of its own, enhancing rather than merely preserving the fish.

3. Ortiz Sardinas a la Antigua

Ortiz Sardinas a la Antigua
© Rainbow Tomatoes Garden

Spanish tradition translates to superior sardines from this family operation. Ortiz selects larger specimens that offer a more substantial eating experience.

The buttery texture distinguishes these sardines from lesser brands. Each fish melts in your mouth while still providing satisfying richness.

The high-quality Spanish olive oil they’re packed in deserves to be saved and used for dipping bread after the sardines are gone. It’s that good.

2. Season Brand Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Season Brand Sardines in Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
© Walmart

Approachability defines these mild-mannered sardines. The skinless, boneless preparation removes potential texture barriers while maintaining good flavor.

Season Brand uses a silky olive oil that enhances without overwhelming the delicate fish. These sardines shine particularly when mixed into other dishes – pasta, salads, or spreads – where their clean taste adapts well to various flavor profiles.

Their neutral character makes them perfect for sardine beginners or recipes requiring a fish that plays well with other ingredients.

1. Fishwife Tinned Sardines Co. (Plain Olive Oil)

Fishwife Tinned Sardines Co. (Plain Olive Oil)
© Campanula Design Studio

Artisanal excellence justifies the premium price of these standout sardines. Sourced from Cornwall waters, these fish represent the pinnacle of sardine quality.

The texture achieves sardine perfection: tender without mushiness, substantial without toughness. Fishwife’s attention to detail extends to the olive oil, which complements the natural sweetness of fresh-caught fish.

Food experts consistently praise these tins for good reason. They deliver a sardine experience that converts even skeptics.