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The 8 Best fresh sardines of 2025

Are you trying to find fresh sardines among various brands on the market but aren’t sure where to begin? To assist you in finding the right one, we’ve put together a list of the 7 best to help you pick the perfect one!

We investigated and evaluated a number of the top-selling fresh sardines on the market in order to create our list of the best. Making a decision among the many options available is never simple. There are an infinite number of models available, each with a distinct price. And as you’ll find out, the best options aren’t usually the ones you imagine! This comparison is rich and relevant because of the numerous factors that were employed. You will find products featured in this ranking not only based on their pricing but also on their features and other customers reviews. To write this review, we completed 17 hours of research and did 48 fresh sardines tests. You won’t need to pick products at random any more. If you’re unsure of what to look for, browse our list and consult the buying guide!

An overview of our top picks

Table of contents

The best fresh sardines you can buy today

No. 1
Sardines Frozen 8 Lb.
  • ready to cook
  • great for the grill
  • whole sardines
  • Brand may vary depending on availability
No. 2
Chicken of the Sea Sardines in Water, 3.75 Ounce Cans (Pack of 18), Wild Caught Canned Sardines
  • RICH, SAVORY FLAVOR: Our wild-caught Chicken of the Sea Sardines in Water are a perfect starting point for your favorite recipes (and delicious all by themselves).
  • NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSE: Our sardines feature protein; calcium, and heart-healthy omega-3s, making them highly nutritious and perfect for keto. paleo, and Mediterranean diets; or any healthy lifestyle.
  • WILD-CAUGHT: Our sardines in water are responsibly sourced because we believe in preserving our seas today and for future generations.
  • 100% SIMPLE INGREDIENTS: Our sardines in water are gluten-free and contain only simple ingredients—with no preservatives.
  • BULK 18-PACK: Buy your wild sardines in bulk and save! Each order contains (18) 3.75-ounce cans so you can stock your pantry with nutritious; delicious sardines.
No. 3
Brunswick Sardine Fillets in Water, 3.75 oz Can (Pack of 12) - Wild Caught Sardines in Spring Water- 18g Protein per Serving - Gluten Free, Keto Friendly - Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes
600 Consomer Reviews
Brunswick Sardine Fillets in Water, 3.75 oz Can (Pack of 12) - Wild Caught Sardines in Spring Water- 18g Protein per Serving - Gluten Free, Keto Friendly - Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes
  • WILD CAUGHT SARDINES IN WATER: Premium, high-quality wild caught, canned sardine fillets preserved in spring water for a clean, natural taste with no sauce or added oil
  • GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN: This 12 pack of 3.75 ounce can of Brunswick Sardine Fillets in Water contains 18 grams of protein per serving (1 serving per can)
  • CONVENIENT PANTRY INGREDIENT: Enjoy a can of sardines in water as a great-tasting, protein-packed seafood snack or as an addition to any pasta or seafood recipe
  • PERFECT FOR SEAFOOD RECIPES: Brunswick sardines are the perfect choice for all your favorite seafood recipes and is a great food for those on a ketogenic (keto) diet
  • CANNED SARDINES: High-quality Brunswick Wild Caught Sardine Fillets in Water are keto friendly and gluten free
  • SUSTAINABLY MANAGED SOURCES: Our products feature a code you can enter on our Trace My Catch website to learn where and how your seafood was caught, processed and more
No. 4
Coastal Gourmet Sardines in Water- No Salt Added 4.375 oz. (Pack of 12) (Packaging May Vary)
  • WILD CAUGHT, SUSTAINABLE ATLANTIC SARDINES- Fresh caught off the Atlantic coast of Morocco, home to the world's best sardines.
  • PACKED WITH NUTRITION- 22g of protein and chock-full of vitamins and Omega-3 fatty acids
  • CONVENIENT SNACK, CONVENIENT MEAL- pop a can in your bag for a convenient snack on-the-go, or pair with some vegetables for a quick, balanced meal!
  • CERTIFIED- Non-GMO, gluten-free and OU Kosher.
No. 5
Fresh Spanish Sardines, Fresh Fish | Premium Whole Fresh Seafood | 10 lbs | Wild-Caught, Gourmet Quality | Gluten Free
  • WILD-CAUGHT SPANISH SARDINES – Premium Whole Fish, Frozen at Sea for Peak Freshness, High-Protein & Omega-3 Rich Seafood, 10 lb
  • FRESH FROZEN SARDINES – Wild-Caught & Frozen at Sea for Superior Flavor, High in Protein & Omega-3, Perfect for Cooking & Grilling, 10 lbs
  • PREMIUM WHOLE SARDINES – Sustainably Sourced, Frozen at Sea for Unmatched Freshness, Rich in Omega-3 & Protein, Gourmet Seafood, 10 lbs
  • WILD-CAUGHT GOURMET SARDINES – FAS Frozen at Peak Freshness, High in Omega-3 & Protein, Perfect for Grilling, Frying, or Smoking, 10 lbs
No. 6
King Oscar Wild Caught Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil 3.75 Ounce (Pack of 4)
  • BRISLING SARDINES IN EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL – Finest quality, extra small brisling sardines in top-grade extra virgin olive oil. A Norwegian classic! 12-22 fish per can. Try on sandwiches, in salads, or in fresh pasta dishes
  • A SIMPLE, LOW-CARB, CONVENIENT SUPERFOOD - Omega-3s, protein, calcium, iron. Non-GMO, gluten-free, no sugars added, low carb. Ready-to-eat.
  • A NORWEGIAN EXCLUSIVE SINCE 1902 – The original premium brisling sardines and the only tiny brisling sardines from Norway’s pristine, icy fjords and coastal waters. Smaller fish for best taste and texture. The #1 selling sardine in America
  • CERTIFIED BPA-NI, RECYCLABLE, EZ OPEN CANS – Certified BPA-NI (no BPA used in manufacturing), recyclable aluminum cans with easy-open pull-rings.
No. 7
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, Tinned Fish, Non-GMO, Sustainable 4.4 Ounce , (Pack of 12)
  • DELICIOUS SARDINES IN WATER- Meaty, and scale-free, WIld Planet's Wild Sardines in Water with No Salt Added are delicious, meaty, and tender
  • CONVENIENCE AND QUALITY- With a convenient pull tab, enjoy these sardines at home or on-the-go for a great-tasting, satisfying snack or healthy lunch
  • NUTRITIONAL POWERHOUSES- One 3 oz serving contains 18 g of clean protein, 1,800 mg of EPA & DHA Omega 3s and 70% of your daily value of vitamin D
  • SCALE-FREE- Our Wild Sardines in Water contain scale-free skin and bones and are Non-GMO verified, gluten-free, and OU Kosher Pareve
  • SUSTAINABLY SOURCED- We use sustainable and selective harvesting methods to catch our sardines to help eliminate bycatch. From the North Pacific
No. 8
Season Sardines in Water - No Salt Added, Wild Caught, 22g of Protein, Keto Snacks, More Omega 3's Than Tuna, Kosher, High in Calcium, Canned Sardines - 4.37 Oz Tins, 12-Pack
  • HIGH OMEGA 3's - Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids & excellent source of natural fish oils, Season Sardines are a great way to incorporate their nutritional benefits in your diet!
  • SARDINES WILD CAUGHT - All of our sardines are wild-caught, low in mercury, & a rich source of sustainable protein. Full of essential vitamins & minerals & known as a staple in the Mediterranean diet
  • MAX OUT ON NUTRITION - Bone-in sardines are the way to go if you want to add more calcium to your diet. Sardine fillets are meaty & flavorful providing you with a delicious, low-sodium protein source
  • PROTEIN POWERHOUSE - Ounce for ounce, sardines deliver more total nutrition than other, larger protein sources, and they do it without the saturated fat. All the healthful goodness you want!
  • PRIDE IN SUSTAINABILITY - Caring for our Ocean Ecosystem is important to the Season Brand. We are certified sustainable by Friend of the Sea, which is a seal of approval and a badge of honor for us
No. 9
Ortiz Sardines A la Antiqua 'Old Style', Moist and Tender, Wild Caught in Spain and Hand-Packed in Premium Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Enjoy in Salads, Sandwiches and on Toast, 6.7oz Jar (Pack of 1)
  • SARDINES IN OLIVE OIL: Enjoy premium quality sardines that take a quick lunch from modest to marvelous. Generous in size, smooth in texture, and full of flavor, Ortiz sardines in olive oil are the best you’ll ever taste.
  • QUALITY YOU CAN TASTE: Ortiz sardines in olive oil are so much better than sardines in water, or even other brands of sardines canned in olive oil. The difference is an outcome of our traditional fishing and packaging methods, which are better for the environment, and for you. Caught sustainable, prepared with classic Spanish technique, and packed in high quality olive oil, our sardines melt in your mouth with an unparalleled buttery smoothness and rich flavor.
  • HEALTHY, CONVENIENT & VERSATILE: Packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, sardines are a wonderful addition to your diet. When canned in olive oil, sardines are also very convenient, with a long shelf-life (you may want to keep them intentionally as they get better with age!) For a delicious, healthy breakfast or lunch, just serve our sardines on lightly toasted bread, with a drizzle of the olive oil.
  • BROUGHT TO YOU FROM SPAIN: Ortiz sardines are caught in the Cantabrian Sea, off the northern coast of Spain. To ensure you get sardines of the highest quality, the fish are wild-caught during the natural fishing season, then hand cleaned and briefly fried over in olive oil, before packaging.
  • CONSERVAS ORTIZ: For over 130 years, our family-run company has been bringing you superior canned fish, distinguished by its exceptional flavor and texture. Our commitment to traditional, ecologically friendly fishing and handling techniques ensures your product is as authentically tasty as it was all those years ago.

How to choose a good fresh sardines

Does the idea of finding a fantastic fresh sardines make you anxious? When it comes to purchasing this product, specifically when deciding which model to select, has your head been spinning between options? You are not alone if that is the case. We are aware of the pressure involved in the purchasing process!

Your presence here indicates that you are interested in fresh sardines. Before choosing which product would be the best for your needs after being inundated with information, locate a reliable source with genuine selections. You can get that information from a variety of sources, including buying guides and rating websites, word-of-mouth recommendations from friends and family, online discussion forums where users can share their own experiences, product reviews that can be found all over the internet, and YouTube channels. You can only get the right product through exhaustive analysis. But you realize that’s not always simple. In order to ease your concerns, we have taken the time to develop a list of the top fresh sardines products available right now. You might be wondering how we came up with the list. How was this buying guide developed?

First, we used our algorithms to gather as much reliable data as we could about these products. To verify all the data gathered, we used both artificial intelligence and a lot of algorithms.
Then, our experts used criteria that are recognized in the business to evaluate them according to their quality to price ratio, allowing us to choose the top fresh sardines on the market right now!

The selection of the goods is not arbitrary. Before creating a list, we take into account a number of factors. Below are some of the criteria discussed:

Brand Value: What happens if you choose a dubious brand just because it appears to be a good deal? So the likelihood of receiving a product with a short shelf life increases. That is due to the fact that well-known brands have a reputation to uphold, while others do not. Top fresh sardines brands strive to provide some distinctive traits that set them apart from the competition. So, hopefully one or more of the items on our list will be perfect for you.

Features: Useful features are all you need, not tons of them. We consider the important aspects and select the top fresh sardines based on those.

Specifications: Numbers always help you measure the quality of a product in a quantitative way. We try to find products with higher specifications, but with the right balance.

Quality: A product’s quality may always be quantified with the aid of numbers. We look for goods with better standards that strike the proper balance. The best quality product that gets highly appreciated and recommended by experienced users.

Customer ratings:  Would it be accurate to suggest that the fresh sardines were used by hundreds of customers before you? Superior ratings indicate that many customers had better service.

Customer Reviews: Like ratings,  provide you with accurate and reliable information about the product from genuine customers. Customer ratings are very important to all of us because they contain accurate and reliable information about the customer service we received from several hundred customers.

Seller Rank: This is very intriguing! Not only do you need a good fresh sardines, you also need a product with rising sales that is trendy. It accomplishes two goals. First, the expanding user base proves the quality of the product. Second, given that number, producers must be able to offer greater quality and after-sales support.

Value: You get what you pay for, they say, so consider the value. Cheap isn’t always good and expensive isn’t always bad. However, that does not imply that spending a lot of money on a product that is flashy but underwhelming is a good idea. Before adding them to the list, we make an effort to evaluate how much value you can get for your money from your fresh sardines.

Durability: Durability and reliability are closely related concepts. You will benefit from a strong and long-lasting fresh sardines for months and years to come.

Product availability: Products come and go, and new ones replace the old ones. Most likely, a few new features and required changes were made. What use is it to use a supposedly good product if the maker no longer supports it? We make an effort to highlight products that are current and offered by one or more trustworthy sellers, if not more.

Negative Reviews: Yes, we do take that into account as well! The goods with the majority of bad reviews are filtered out and disregarded when we choose the best-rated one on the market.

These are the standards by which we selected our fresh sardines. Do we end our process there? Hell no. The most crucial fact about us that you should be aware of is that we regularly update our website with current and pertinent information. We have one more layer of filtration since we place the greatest importance on reader satisfaction. Please let us know if any product included here is incorrect, irrelevant, subpar, or simply out of date. We always value your opinions, and we’ll work hard to make any necessary corrections to our list in response to them.

Why should you believe us?

There are now thousands of possibilities for these products on Amazon, but choosing the best one can be difficult and time-consuming. And what fresh sardines should you purchase in 2022?

This guide is the result of more than 10 years of experience in researching, testing and writing about many topics. Each member of our team is an authority in their area. We read every article we could find online and every consumer review on every retail website for seven hours. Additionally, we discovered a ton of websites that offered helpful resources, including buying tips and thorough information on fresh sardines.