All About Tinned Sardines
What are Sardines?
Sardines are small, silvery fish found around the world. There are over a dozen common species of sardine, but they all feature long, streamlined bodies, a forked tail, and rarely grow longer than a foot.
They are members of the herring family, and like all herring they swim in large schools and feed on zooplankton. Sardines are an important part of the food chain. They are consumed by seabirds, large fish, and even whales, which are often able to eat many sardines at once.
Because they are plentiful, nutritious, and relatively easy to catch, sardines are popular with people, too. They were first tinned in France during the early 1800s and have remained popular ever since.
What varieties of Tinned Sardines are there?
Sardines are packaged in a variety of ways. They can be found as filets, steaks, or as whole fish. There's even sardine Paté, perfect for spreads and dips. They often come packed in oil, mustard, or tomato sauce.
Sardines are tinned all over the world. Some of the leading producers are Morocco, Spain, and Portugal, who access productive waters off the eastern Atlantic and Mediterranean sea. Other leading producers are Chile, Italy, and Japan.
Here are some of the varieties of Sardines we’ve shipped at Tinned Fish Club:
- Sardinha: Year of the Dragon Special Edition
- Luças Brand Petingas in Olive Oil
- King Oscar Sardines in White Wine Vinegar & Capers
- Maria Organic Sardines in Tomato
- A Poviera Minerva Sardine Paté
What are Some Recipes for Tinned Sardines?
Sardines are a versatile and nutritious food. They are rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and vitamins B12 and Niacin. They can enrich nearly any meal.
In salads, sardines pair well with crispy greens like romaine lettuce and tangy dressing, such as a balsamic vinaigrette. In pasta dishes, sardines mix well with tomato based sauces, especially ones with a little kick. Of course, sardines are great as a snack on toast or crackers as well.
Want to try some of our favorite tinned sardine recipes? Check out the options below!
- Whipped Ricotta Salad with Sardine Filets: Combine whipped ricotta with spinach arugula, tomatoes, raisins, and sardine filets to merge sweet, salt, and bitter tastes.
- Mediterranean Sardine Salad: Combine sardines with olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese for a refreshing and hearty salad.
- Sardine Pasta with Tomato and Basil: Toss sardines with pasta, a rich tomato sauce, and fresh basil for a quick and flavorful meal.
- Sardine Toasts with Lemon and Herbs: Serve sardines on toasted bread with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a delicious snack.
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
Tinned Fish Club for July 2026: Kersen Kipper Fillets, Açôr Sardines in Olive Oil, Threeline Icelandic Cod Liver
