All About Tinned Pilchards
What are Pilchards?
Pilchards are small, oily fish found in the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. They belong to the herring family and are characterized by their elongated bodies, silver scales, and forked tails, typically measuring around 10 to 12 inches in length. Pilchards are not a specific species, but rather a culinary term that describes their size and age.
Are Pilchards the Same as Sardines?
Pilchards and sardines are, in fact, the same species of fish. These are in fact generic terms describing a variety fish species and in a variety of sizes. Pilchards, as a fish sold in grocery stores, are usually fully grown sardines, measuring about a foot in length. Long story short: All pilchards are sardines, but not all sardines are pilchards.
Are Pilchards Healthy to Eat?
Like all sardines, pilchards are nutritional powerhouses, packed full of necessary fatty acids, protein, and even selenium. Pilchards that contain bones also offer calcium and vitamin D. Much like sardines, the bones are cooked down and safe to eat.
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Cooking with Pilchards
Because they are usually older and larger than tinnedsardines, tinned pilchards can often have a stronger, more "fish-forward" flavor than sardines. Their larger size makes it a little easier to put them at the center of a dish.
Some of the leading producers of tinned pilchards are Namibia and South Africa, where they are found packed in spicy sauces. Pilchards can also be found wherever sardines are popular, including England, Spain, and Morocco.
- Pilchards in Tomato Sauce: A classic preparation featuring pilchards in a tangy tomato sauce, ideal for hearty meals such as puttanesca and casseroles.
- Pilchards in Brine: This simple option preserves the natural flavor of the fish, perfect for adding to salads.
- Pilchards in Oil: Packed in olive or sunflower oil, these pilchards have a richer, more intense flavor. Supremely versatile, they are perfect for salads, pastas, and casseroles, and anything else. A blank canvas, as it were.
- Smoked Pilchards: These offer a deep, smoky taste that enhances the natural umami of the fish. We love smoked pilchards on toast.
What are Some Recipes for Tinned Pilchards?
Tinned pilchards are versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. Here are some simple recipes to help you make the most of this nutritious seafood:
- Pilchard Toast: Lay smoked pilchards in on buttered toast for a quick and satisfying snack. Our Latvian Sprats on Rye recipes works with pilchards as well.
- Pilchard Salad: Combine pilchards in brine with mixed greens, cucumber, tomato, and a lemon-olive oil dressing for a refreshing salad. A crumbly cheese such as feta complements the brininess well.
- Pilchard Pasta: Toss pilchards in tomato sauce with cooked pasta, garlic, and a bit of extra olive oil for a flavorful and easy meal.
The world's best tinned fish, on your table every month.
Three curated tins from small canneries in Portugal, Spain, Denmark and beyond, with the recipes and maker stories that go with them.
Tinned Fish Club for August 2026: Bom Petisco Tuna in Brine, Ati Manel Garfish in Spiced Olive Oil, Fangst Brisling No. 4
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