Our Favourite Tinned Fish for Cooking, Snacking and More
One way to cut down your protein carbon footprint? Choosing tinned seafood over fresh. Many tin-able fish, such as sardines and anchovies, can be harvested more sustainably, don’t require refrigeration and have an ultra-long shelf life, which cuts down on food waste. Plus: They’re nutrition and flavour powerhouses that are easy to incorporate into a quick weeknight meal—or eat straight out of the can.
Our Picks For Best Tinned Fish
Limfjord Cockles in Cold-Pressed Rapeseed Oil, $14
These tiny Danish saltwater clams are a favourite of Luke Champion, proprietor of Toronto shop Good Cheese. “They’re sweet and salty with a firm, meaty texture,” he says. “Mild without being boring and neutral enough to go with virtually anything.”
Conservas de Cambados Scallops in Galician Sauce, $13
The tangy tomato sauce that enrobes these tender little scallops makes them a perfect appetizer topper for potato chips, crackers or tiny toasts.
Siesta Co. Cantabrian Anchovies in Olive Oil, $50 for 3 tins
Anyone who formed their opinion about anchovies based on those sad, parched little pellets you sometimes find on pizza should give these tasty, tiny fish a second chance. California-based Siesta Co. sources some of the best from northern Spain, where they’re harvested in the spring and packed in good-quality olive oil. The result is an umami flavour bomb that shines perfectly on its own—and will take your Caesar salad dressing to the next level.
Scout Canning Atlantic Lobster Infused in Lemon Olive Oil, $25
This lemon-infused Atlantic lobster is a bit of a splurge, but we’ve long been fans of Charlotte Langley’s Scout Canning tinned fish and seafood snacks. It’s one of the few excellent and responsibly sourced Canadian-made options in the tinned-fish category.
Patagonia Lemon Herb Mussels, $14
Patagonia Provisions, as in the outdoor-gear brand? Yes, and its tinned seafood is as high quality as its sweaters. These parsley-, thyme- and lemon-seasoned mussels are “perfect for a ‘seacuterie’ selection or as a stand-alone snack,” says Jonathan Larrad of Tinmonger, a Canadian online tinned-seafood purveyor.
Riga Gold Smoked Sprats, $25 for 4 tins
On buttered rye bread with a squeeze of lemon, these smaller, fattier cousins to sardines have an Eastern European flavour and are an unbeatable snack.
La Curiosa Spicy Sardines, $15
Sardines are what a lot of people think about when you mention canned seafood. “These ones are line-caught and cleaned meticulously before being toasted the traditional way,” says Larrad. “They’re packed lovingly by hand before being covered in good-quality olive oil and chili. Perfect amount of spice.”
La Curiosa Tuna Belly, $19
Larrad calls this pesto-flavoured tuna a favourite for its versatility. “I love to tip the entire contents of the tin into some plain pasta for a simple—and incredibly tasty—lunch or dinner.”
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Chantal Braganza is a writer and editor living in Toronto. She is deputy editor, food at Chatelaine, a cookbook nerd, lover of vintage dish ware, and currently training for yoga teacher certification. Her first book, Story of Your Mother, is out with Strange Light Press.
