I Asked 3 Experts To Name the Best Tinned Sardines—They All Said the Same Thing

From old-school European brands to hip, stateside direct-to-consumer options, tinned fish is having a moment. And while tuna may be the most highly consumed of the choices, the resurgence of preserved seafood is spurring lots of culinary innovation both in restaurant kitchens and at home. 

One of my favorite tinned fish is sardines. They add an extra touch of umami to any dish. I love them straight-up on toast, mixed into a salad, tossed into pasta, or blended with mayo. Alas, my favorite brand is no longer being imported from Italy. So, in an effort to feed my sardine jones, I reached out to some experts to gather their advice on the best brand of the tinned fish, and they all said the same thing! 

The Sardine Specialists I Asked

• Erin Clarke: Creator of Well Plated and author of the bestselling Well Plated Cookbook and Well Plated Every Day
• Ashia Aubourg: Freelance food editor and writer
• Marcia W. Smart: Culinary instructor, founder of Smart in the Kitchen School, and author of Dinner is Done

The Best Tinned Sardines, According to the Pros

I was glad that the three experts all agreed that the best tinned sardines are produced by Fishwife Tinned Seafood Co. The female-founded and -led company is one of my favorite places to source other tinned fish (particularly its Smoked Salmon collab with Fly by Jing); and, apparently, Fishwife’s sardines are just as phenomenal as the rest of their offerings. 

“For years I’ve been loyal to Fishwife’s sardines,” says Aubourg. “The filets in these cans are tender and packed with delicious ingredients. They really upgrade all kinds of meals.” Responsibly harvested off the coast of Cornwall, the wild-caught sardines are packed with high-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil, which, says Aubourg, “gives them a rich and fancy flavor.”

“Fishwife feels like a treat. The quality is fantastic,” says Clarke. “The brand stands out, thanks to their elevated flavors and premium feel.” On the website, the company offers the plain olive oil version, as well as preserved lemon and hot pepper varieties, but Clarke recommends checking your local grocery store for its smoked sardines. 

Beyond the excellence of the can's contents, Smart says, “I’m just a sucker for good design.” The packaging is also one of my favorite aspects of the brand. Its fun and funky graphics turn a tin of preserved seafood into a gift-worthy purchase. 

While Fishwife isn't the most common brand of sardines, you can find its products at many Whole Foods, World Market, and Natural Grocers locations.

How To Use Tinned Sardines

As for what to do with the fillets once you pry open a tin, Smart suggests using them on crudité boards or as a snack on crackers. “They’re a great protein boost and so full of Omega 3s!” she raves. Clarke, who uses the fillets as often as possible—specifically, she notes, because “sardines are one of the most sustainable seafood choices out there”—likes hers flaked into pasta with lemon and capers or whipped into a creamy salad served on toast. 

Aubourg, for her part, keeps it simple. “My personal favorite application is on a toasted bagel with cream cheese,” she says. Guess I know what I’m having for breakfast tomorrow!