From buttery, melt-in-your-mouth fillets to bold, briny bites perfect for tapas, choosing the best canned sardines can be overwhelming. Whether you're a seafood expert or new to the world of tinned fish, this list breaks down the top sardine brands to try this year. We focused on taste, sustainability, and quality - all so that you can find your perfect option.
This article was reviewed and updated on 17/12/2024 to show customer popularity this year - we look forward to hearing your thoughts if you agree with our new rankings!
6. Nazarena - Portuguese Treasures
A Portuguese cannery that shut its doors in the 1960's - now revived and as great as ever. The sardine options offered by Nazarena have been wowing us all year, making them an exceptional brand to open our list (and to have sitting in your pantry).
Whether you prefer your sardines as a pate or as fillets in olive oil, Nazarena's traditional preparation methods will leave you amazed (and going back in for seconds!)
We love that Nazarena offers a tin of Boneless and Skinless Sardines - supreme flavor without additional hassle
5. José Gourmet - A Hyperfocus on Quality Pays Off
José Gourmet pride themselves on sourcing fish from the Portuguese coast. Each fish is hand-packed with care and prepared with creative flavors combinations. Some examples include the sardines in tomato sauce or with lemon and spices. There's a wide array to choose from, plus we can't get enough of the exquisite packaging and unique flavors.
There's no doubt in our minds - José Gourmet sardines are a perfect delight your palate.
Where to begin? We suggest to try the Sardines with Lemon & Olive Oil
4. La Brujula - Over 50 years of Galician Mastery
La Brujula are artisanal canners from Galicia who are always demanding in the quality and origin of their fish. Every tin is full of flavor and sets you up for a great meal. They have a mix of products available but their sardines absolutely can't be missed. They were even ranked in the top 10 of the World's 101 Best Canned Products From the Sea.
What to start with? We recommend the Small Sardines in Olive Oil
3. Maria Organic - Organic Iberian Delights
Indulge in the natural flavors of the sea while supporting sustainable fishing practices. Maria Organic is an exceptional choice for anyone who values taste and sustainability. Their full selection of organic sardines come exclusively from responsibly managed fisheries. We are big fans as we know Maria Organic is committed to operating only using organic farming practices. So enjoy a delightful experience, free from harmful chemicals and additives.
Our pick is the classic Maria Organic Sardines in Organic EVOO
2. Ramón Peña - Simple, Sustainable, Delicious
This is a brand with a long-standing history of excellence. Crafted with utmost care and attention to detail, they offer delectable sardines. You can't miss out!
Ramon Peña sources their fish from the crystal-clear waters of Galicia, Spain. They select each for their superior quality and firm texture. That's why you can guarantee each tin contains a burst of exquisite taste and rich flavor.
Another point we love about Ramon Peña is their dedication to sustainability. They achieve this through fishing methods that focus on marine ecosystem preservation. Choose them and you can be sure you're making a delicious, conscious choice for the environment.
Intrigued? We recommend starting with the Ramón Pena Small Sardines in Olive Oil
1. Nuri - The Classic Must-Try
A renowned Portuguese brand that sources sardines in the Atlantic Coast's pristine waters. Nuri offers a delightful range for even the most discerning palates. We love that they imbue quality into every step of the process (and a wide range of different options to try!).
The fish are hand-packed with premium olive oil and prepared with traditional methods. This way, natural flavors shine through, making each tin an unmatched taste experience.
The Nuri Spiced Sardines in Olive Oil is our top pick to get you started. If you prefer a bit more spice in your life, try the Nuri Extra Spiced Sardines
Agree with our picks? Get in touch with us and let us know your thoughts!
The seafood that can't be missed
When it comes to the best canned sardines, Lata stands out from the crowd. We are dedicated to providing you with an exceptional culinary experience.
What does that mean to us?
- Meticulously sourced fish
- Diverse flavor options
- A commitment to sustainability
Visit our store today to explore our wide selection of premium tinned sardines. Discover the perfect options to take your meals to new heights of flavor.
Did you know we also have a Sardine Lovers Box? It's a collection of our eight favorite tins from a number of different brands (including ones mentioned in this list!).
