A month-long sardines taste test was recently conducted to find the best sardines.
Canned sardines were never really my thing. However, in our house, they are very much my husband’s—and, somewhat surprisingly, my kids’. So, what started as a slightly unconventional holiday gift—a stack of tins from Trader Joe’s, Safeway, Berkeley Bowl, Whole Foods Market, and Market Hall Foods—quickly turned into something more.
Over the next month, it became a ritual. Each time, we opened a new tin at the kitchen table. Then we poured the infused oil, plated the fish, and took notes. Curious kids stopped playing with their toys and magically appeared to join us for this structured sardines taste test. It became a surprisingly fun family snack-time activity.
Early on, one preference became clear. My husband is not a fan of the brisling style. It leans more fish-forward than he prefers. The kids, on the other hand, didn’t seem to mind. Even so, that discovery helped shape how we evaluated each tin.
By the end, we had a clear goal. We wanted to find the best sardines from a can—and understand what made them stand out.
Eighteen brands later, some clear winners emerged.
Top Picks
Everyday Favorite (Best Value)
Wild Planet Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil — $1.83
If there were only one sardine to keep stocked, this would be it. It is not the most complex. However, it is impressively consistent.
The flavor is slightly smoky and straightforward. At the same time, it delivers excellent value. For that reason, it’s an easy choice for everyday eating.
Interestingly, this pick came with unexpected validation. In a completely separate conversation, our friend—Jen—mentioned Wild Planet as her favorite without any prompting. We loved the endorsement—she gets us. Our taste buds are clearly aligned.
If you’re new to sardines, this is also one of the best sardines for beginners.
Best Overall
Matiz Wild Sardines in Spanish Olive Oil — $6.98
This is what you hope for when opening a tin. First, the aroma is clean and fresh. Then, the flavor is balanced and savory.
The fish are intact. The oil enhances rather than overwhelms. In addition, the texture is tender but structured. Everything works together.
Among all the sardine brands ranked, this came closest to the ideal. It was the only brand that literally checked every box in our evaluation.
Favorite Splurge
Ortiz Sardines in Olive Oil — $12.95
From the start, Ortiz feels different. It comes packed in a glass jar. As a result, it immediately signals a more premium experience.
The flavor is refined. The texture is delicate. Overall, it’s less about everyday use and more about slowing down and enjoying it.
Honorable Mentions
- Da Morgada Portuguese Sardines (Portugal) — balanced and complete
- 365 by Whole Foods Wild Sardines (Morocco) — mild, approachable, almost tuna-like
- Maria Organic Small Sardines — fragrant oil, with a slightly tinny finish
All three earned top marks and would be easy to return to.
What We Learned From 18 Tins
Over time, a few patterns emerged.
Oil quality makes or breaks the tin.
The best sardines had an olive oil that was fresh, lightly aromatic, and complementary—not overpowering.
Price isn’t everything.
While premium tins offered refinement and presentation, several mid-range options held their own on flavor alone.
There’s a wide spectrum of flavor.
Even within olive oil-packed sardines, differences in intensity, texture, and finish were striking.
Consistency is worth noting.
Even without repeat testing across every brand, the few we revisited made one thing clear: some delivered consistent quality, while others varied—making reliability a defining trait.
How We Evaluated Each Sardine
Each tin was judged across the same criteria:
Visual & First Impression
Fish intact, skin bright and silvery, oil clear
Flavor
Balanced, savory, with natural sweetness and no bitterness
Aroma
Clean and mild, without harsh or metallic notes
Finish
Pleasant, without lingering oiliness or tinny aftertaste
Oil Quality
Fresh, lightly fruity or peppery, enhancing the fish
Texture
Tender but structured, holding together easily, with unobtrusive bones
Full Rankings: 18 Sardine Brands Ranked
For those interested in the full breakdown, here’s a complete alphabetical list of sardine brands, with each rated on a scale from 1 (lowest) to 5 (highest).
- Bela Sardines in Olive Oil (smoked): 3.0
- Crown Prince Brisling Sardines: 3.0
- Da Morgada Portuguese Sardines (Portugal): 5.0
- Fangst Brisling No. 1: 3.0
- Henry & Lisa’s Wild Sardines (this one’s in spring water): 4.0
- King Oscar Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 1.0
- Maria Organic Small Sardines: 5.0
- Matiz Wild Sardines in Spanish Olive Oil: 5.0
- Nice Cans Smoked Sardines: 3.5
- Ortiz Sardines in Olive Oil (Spain): 5.0
- Patagonia Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 2.0 (salty, mixed species)
- Pollastrini di Anzio Sardines (this one’s in sunflower oil): 4.5
- Sea Tales Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil: 4.5 (larger bones)
- Season Sardines in Olive Oil: 2.0 (beginner-friendly, but highly variable from can to can)
- Tiny Tots King Oscar Brisling: 0.0 (strong odor)
- Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Sardines (smoked): 4.5 (slightly dry)
- Wild Planet Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil :3.5
- 365 by Whole Foods Wild Sardines (Morocco): 5.0
One More Thing: It Always Comes Back to the Oil
After a month of opening tins, comparing textures, and debating favorites, one thing became clear. Sardines don’t stand alone. They are only as good as what they’re packed in.
And more often than not, that comes back to a good olive oil.
A great tin had more than just good fish. It had oil that tasted fresh. Sometimes grassy. Sometimes peppery. Occasionally even a little bitter—in the best way.
In other words, the best sardines weren’t just about the sardines.
They were about the oil carrying them.
Which, in a way, brings this full circle.
And honestly, after this whole exercise, it’s hard not to imagine the two coming together more intentionally. Our favorite sardine and our favorite extra virgin olive oil. Maybe even one day, a collaboration worth opening slowly—and savoring to the last drop.
Final Take
Sardines may not be for everyone. Still, they are hard to ignore. They are shelf-stable, versatile, and surprisingly enjoyable at their best. In fact, sardines are one of the most underrated “superfoods” out there—packed with protein, Omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D.
Looking back, this started as a simple gift. Then it became a month-long project. More importantly, it turned into a fun family ritual.
Not every tin impressed. However, the process made one thing clear. With the right pick, sardines can win people over.
So, if you’re curious, start simple. Try a can (or two) of the best sardines we’ve noted. Then see where it takes you.