If you are someone who frequents TikTok, your local brunch establishment, or any kind of shoppy shop, you’re likely aware of tinned fish. In a big way.

Against all odds, the apocalypse-proof, Great Depression-core food has become—dare I say it?—sexy. Or, at least, stylish. Having a tin or two of tightly packed fishies on hand is now a status symbol, especially if its packaging bears bold colors and intricate, cartoon-like mascots of the species you’re about to devour. 

But it’s not all about packaging. On a mission to find the very best tinned fish, I tried some of the most popular brands—including Tiny Fish Co., Fishwife, and Scout—and ranked them based on flavor, nutrition profile, sustainability, and vibes. (Those matter!)

Here’s how the best tinned fish options stack up:

1. Tiny Fish Co. Smoked Mussels en Escabeche 
2. Tiny Fish Co. Octopus in Butter with Lemon and Dill
3. Fishwife Seafood Co. Smoked Albacore Tuna 
4. Fishwife Seafood Co. Smoked Atlantic Salmon 
5. Wild Planet Sardines
6. José Gourmet Spiced Calamari in Ragout 
7. Scout Atlantic Canadian Lobster 
8. Wild Planet Mackerel

Through taste testing and research, the Smoked Mussels en Escabeche from Tiny Fish Co. emerged victorious. If you’re not familiar with escabeche, it’s a Moorish-Spanish vinegary sauce packed with herbs and spices. When I peeled open the tin, the smell signaled to my brain that I was about to eat some kind of chorizo, not something from the ocean. 

After one bite, the taste and texture seemingly confirmed that it was chorizo. But it’s not! These smoked mussels are pescatarian-friendly, but carry a consistency flavor that feels a lot like sausage. The smoky taste eliminates any unsavory fishy flavor, and the robust sauce was plentiful enough to dip some bread into once the mussels had all been scooped up. The texture was the most surprising, as it it’s much denser, meatier, and less chewy than a freshly served cooked mussel. 

The mussels are tinned whole and are about 1-inch in length by ½-inch in width. From a nutrition standpoint, the ingredients in this product are relatively clean. Tiny Fish Co. uses high-quality extra virgin olive oil paired with a variety of spices including onion, garlic, paprika, and cumin to create a deep, briny escabeche. Including the sauce they’re preserved in, these mussels pack a lot of nutritional sustenance for a 3.5-ounce tin: 19 grams of fat and 17 grams of protein. If sodium is a concern for you, you might want to eat these sparingly, as these mussels pack 650 mg per tin. (The recommended daily sodium level FDA “Sodium in Your Diet” View Source for Americans is 2,300 mg.) Each tin contains a single serving, which I found satisfactory for sharing or adding to a meal for one.  

Mussels are a sustainable choice, too—they carry a much lower carbon footprint than other types of meat and seafood—which ultimately bumped this product to one of our top picks. Mediterranean mussels like these are a certified species by the Marine Stewardship Council. 

These mussels will cost you, though. At $15 a can, this offering ranks among the more expensive options we tested. But unlike some other brands, you can order a single tin at a time—rather than a whole set—directly from Tiny Fish Co.’s site. 

I’ll give it to you straight: When I tore open Tiny Fish Co.’s vibrant package and opened this tin, my first impression was not particularly strong. The octopus is chopped in unidentifiable pieces, looks gray in color, and, all told, does not feel particularly visually appealing. At first taste, however, my concerns dissolved.

I’m an octopus lover—and this is some of the best of the species I’ve ever bitten into. The flesh was soft but firm and had no chewiness at all. Swimming in a buttery, lemony sauce, the flavor is rich, and begs to be thrown into pasta or risotto and finished with lemon zest. 

If you’re someone who tries to avoid seed oils, you might be surprised to find that this dish’s second ingredient is sunflower oil. (Butter is the third.) Oils like sunflower oil—known as industrial oils—are often found in ultra-processed foods and don’t have the same benefits as olive oil, avocado oil, or coconut oil. They may also raise our omega-6-to-omega-3 fatty acid ratios Missouri medicine “The Importance of Maintaining a Low Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio for Reducing the Risk of Autoimmune Diseases, Asthma, and Allergies” View Source , which may harm the heart and the gut when taken in excess, according to registered dietician Kimberly Gomer, Owner and Director of Nutrition at Body Beautiful Miami.

However, intense fears about seed oils themselves may be overblown. We don’t know exactly if (or how) they cause harm, and one study shows that consuming a moderate amount of omega-6 linoleic acid may help reduce the risk of heart disease Nutrients “Beneficial Outcomes of Omega-6 and Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids on Human Health: An Update for 2021” View Source . Either way, it’s a good idea to reduce your intake of ultra-processed foods. Tiny Fish Co.’s octopus, to our estimation, doesn’t count. 

No matter how you feel about sunflower oil, the rest of the ingredients look great. And it’s one of the most satiating tinned fish types on this list. With a whopping 21 grams of protein and 26 grams of fat (a burger has about half that), it’s a great on-the-go product for nutrient-dense fuel. One downside: One can contains a lot of sodium (2260 mg!) and isn’t the best choice for those watching their salt intake.

Tiny Fish Co. works with pot-caught fisheries in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, to procure this octopus. Pot or trap catching allows a single mollusk to climb into each pot that has been lowered into the water, slowing the catch process and preventing overfishing over time. Octopus out of the Alaskan gulf (like what’s in this Tiny Fish Co. tin) is one of the most sustainable choices.

The bad news: It’s another expensive tin, at $15/can.

It almost feels like a cop-out to include tuna in our top picks, but this option is a far cry from the traditional stuff. It’s lightly smoked, barely sweetened, and enhanced with a curry flavor in a nearly undetectable way. The smoky flavor would lend itself well to a baconless BLT (TLT?), but it’s not overpowering either.  

It’s also a standout when it comes to the ingredient list. The fish is canned with only golden yellow sugar (a fancy way of saying cane sugar fortified with a bit of molasses), sea salt, garlic powder, curry powder, and black pepper. This makes for a clean, lightly campfire-esque flavor. Like the first two picks, the smoked albacore tuna from this female-founded brand is packaged in an intricately illustrated, colorful piece of art. The tins are also BPA-free.

If you’re looking for a lower-fat tinned fish, this tuna is a good option as it contains less fat (a total of 6 grams) than most other picks on this list without compromising protein (28 grams). The sodium level in this tin is moderately high, however, at 680 mg. 

Fortunately, this is another really sustainable option. The brand works with vessels that participate in the MSC-certified British Columbia albacore tuna fishery and catch fish one at a time via hook-and-line to ensure quality standards. 

This option differs from other tinned fish on this list because tuna is a big fish. (Most options feature little guys, like sardines.) Albacore tuna also contains high levels of mercury. If you’re pregnant or otherwise at risk for mercury toxicity, opt for something else. For healthy and non-pregnant individuals, it’s safe to eat, as long as you don’t overdo it. Most people can eat two to three servings of Albacore tuna fish per month.

What Is Tinned Fish?

Tinning is a long-lasting fish preservation method. Tinned fish lasts so long because it’s sealed in airtight containers and heated to high temperatures to cook, along with oil, water, or other liquids for preservation. The fish inside the tin gets sterilized through this process by killing bacteria and other microorganisms that cause spoilage. This typical canning process is the same method used to produce most canned foods on shelves today. 

By creating an environment that’s hostile to bacteria and other spoilage agents, canning helps to preserve fish at its freshest state. As long as the can remains sealed and is not damaged, the fish inside stays fresh for a long time, sometimes for several years. This makes it a convenient protein source for camping, hiking, and other outdoor activities (as well as disaster-prepping, if you’re into that kind of thing), as it can be stored safely without refrigeration for extended periods of time.

Is Tinned Fish Healthy?

Tinned fish can be as healthy as it is convenient. Regardless of the seafood you choose, it’ll be packed with protein, healthy fats, and other essential nutrients. Most also contain omega-3 fatty acids Nutrients “The Importance of Marine Omega-3s for Brain Development and the Prevention and Treatment of Behavior, Mood, and Other Brain Disorders” View Source , which support heart health and brain function. “Particularly canned salmon European journal of nutrition “Salmon fish protein supplement increases serum vitamin B12 and selenium concentrations: secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial” View Source and sardines are a fantastic source of omega-3 fats which are anti-inflammatory and wonderful for health,” according to Gomer.

Tinned fish like salmon and mackerel can be a great source of vitamin D, vitamin b12, and selenium, too, which are all essential for overall health. The high-heat canning process essentially melts away bones, too, resulting in a calcium-packed end product. 

But not all products are created equal when it comes to nutritional value. It’s important to pay attention to the type of fish. Large fish, such as albacore tuna and larger varieties of mackerel, can be high in mercury, so it is important to consume these sparingly. “Mercury levels may also be of concern to women who are pregnant, may become pregnant, and nursing mothers and children,” says Kiran Campbell, a registered dietitian in Michigan. This is because consuming too much mercury Mayo Clinic “Pregnancy and fish: What's safe to eat?” View Source can cause it to accumulate in the bloodstream and potentially cause issues with a baby’s developing brain.

Smaller fish, like mussels and sardines, tend to be lower in mercury. You’ll also be able to scope it out for yourself—most brands make it clear if the fish inside the tin is a low-mercury option, so opt for one of those if you’re concerned about mercury intake.

Some tinned fish—especially those preserved in sauces—may contain a lot of additives, sodium, or sugar. This means they can inadvertently increase sodium or calorie content. According to Gomer, the most important thing to look for in terms of ingredients is the type of oil added to the fish, if any. 

If you’re concerned about the type of oil Harvard Health Publishing “Expand your healthy cooking oil choices” View Source you’re consuming, look for fish that’s canned in water or extra virgin olive oil. 

Why Is Tinned Fish So Popular?

The recent explosion in tinned fish’s popularity can be chalked up in part to its sustainability, convenience, convenience, and the fact that it’s been dubbed a “hot girl food.” The emergence of aesthetically unique brands that market heavily through social media plays a big role—Fishwife alone has grown by 9,900% since launching just two years ago. But to really understand the trend, it’s important to look to TikTok, which currently has about 30 million views on tinned fish videos. 

Viral Tikok creators such as Bay Area chef Ali Hooke are also responsible. Hooke created the “tinned fish date night” series, in which she showcases a charcuterie-style spread featuring a variety of canned seafood products, and has amassed over 85,000 followers alone. She credits some of her content’s success to consumer education: The more people know about these products and see how they’re being enjoyed, the more likely they are to give them a try. 

The boom appears to be anything but a quick fad. IndustryARC projects the tinned fish industry will surpass $11 billion by 2027.

Is Tinned Fish Sustainable?

The sustainability of tinned fish depends on various factors such as the type of fish, fishing methods used, and the country or region of origin. Choosing sustainable tinned fish can help support healthy ocean ecosystems and ensure the long-term availability of fish as a food source.

Some types of tinned fish are more sustainable than others, so it’s good to know what to look for. Here are some things to consider:

Species: Some species of fish, like Atlantic mackerel from the Northwest Atlantic Ocean or yellowfin tuna from the Indian Ocean, for example, are overfished or harvested using unsustainable methods like purse seines or drifting longlines, which function by catching large schools of fish at once. It’s important to choose tinned fish that comes from sustainably managed fisheries or farms, which use methods such as hook-and-line to catch fish one at a time and prevent overfishing. Look for labels such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification to ensure that the fish is sustainably sourced. These certifications indicate that a fishery meets the internationally recognized standards for sustainable fishing practices. If you want to learn more about the sustainability rating of a specific product before purchasing or consuming, use an online tool like seafoodwatch.org.

If you’re concerned about sustainability, look for these types of fish:

• Farmed mussels
• Giant Pacific octopus
• Albacore tuna
• California market squid
• Longfin squid
• Atlantic salmon
• Aurora rockfish
• Japanese pilchard sardine
• Atka mackerel
• Rainbow trout

And avoid these types:

• Argentine shortfin squid
• Indian squid
• American lobster (U.S. and Canada)
• European pilchard sardine
• Atlantic mackerel

Pay Attention to Fishing Methods

Certain fishing methods, such as bottom trawling or purse seining, can cause damage to marine ecosystems and result in high levels of bycatch, or unwanted fish (which can sometimes include endangered animals). Choosing tinned fish that has been caught using more sustainable methods, such as pole and line or trap fishing, can help reduce the environmental impact of fishing. Tinned fish brands with certifications from the MSC and ASC must prove that they use these methods and that their fish stock remains within the recognized sustainable limit for a given species.

Which Factors Matter Most When Buying Tinned Fish?

When shopping for tinned fish, here are a few important factors to consider:

Type of fish: The type of fish used can affect the flavor and texture of the tinned fish. If you’re new to tinned fish, try a popular option like tuna, or one preserved in a sauce with flavors you like. If you’re looking for a tinned fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, opt for salmon or sardines. 

Mercury: Worried about mercury? When in doubt, go with a small fish, like sardines or mussels (and avoid big ones, like albacore tuna).

Ingredients: Look for tinned fish packed with high-quality ingredients and without excess sugar or sodium. 

Sustainability: Consider buying tinned fish that is sourced sustainably, such as those certified by organizations like MSC. It’s a great idea to use an online tool like seafoodwatch.org to check the sustainability rating of a given product before purchasing.

Price: The cost for a single tin can range anywhere from $3-$22, depending on what variety you’re shopping. Expect species like tuna and mackerel to be more budget-friendly, while lobster, octopus, and anything preserved in a specialty sauce will run you toward the higher end of the scale. Compare prices between different brands and types of tinned fish to find the best value for your money.

Our Testing Process

Meet Your Guinea Pig

I’m Talene Appleton, a full-time editor and writer covering health, nutrition, and fitness. I began my career in the kitchen, where I worked as a line cook, executive sous chef, and recipe developer. I’m also a retired professional dancer and love to spend my free time cooking soulful, nutrient-forward meals for friends and family. You can contact me through my website.

How We Found The Best Tinned Fish

To identify the contenders for tasting, I sifted through the internet to identify the top tinned fish companies and varieties. From Chef Hooke’s tinned fish date night videos and reviews to verified buyer reviews, I got an idea of what people like in the vast, metaphorical tinned fish sea. 

After that, we compiled a list of 19 products for testing. After selecting the top options, The Nessie ordered them for testing. I spent two evenings, joined by a table of tinned fish-savvy friends, taste-testing, discussing, and rating the contenders. This testing panel included six adults. I started with a blind taste test consisting of a quarter-sized bite of each fish, followed up with a second bite of the top-ranked picks on a piece of bread, cracker, or whatever it seemed to pair well with. 

Once we’d tasted each product twice and rated on flavor, texture, and overall quality, the work really began. I turned to the internet once more to dig deep for nutritional value, sustainability, and buying experience.

Other Tinned Fish to Consider

If you’re looking to reap nutritional benefits, Atlantic salmon is one of the best seafood choices you can make. It’s super high in omega-3 fatty acids Mayo Clinic “10 great health foods” View Source and plenty of other vitamins and minerals like vitamin B12 and selenium. Fishwife takes an oil-free approach to canning this naturally-oily fish on its own, which is perfect for eating straight out of the can (no shame). Dark brown sugar is used in the flavoring and curing process but only amounts to a gram per tin.

The garlic salt used in this tin contains modified corn starch, so be aware if you have a sensitivity to corn or avoid GMO ingredients. A total of 21 grams of protein and 12 grams of fat makes this another ultra-satiating option when you need to fuel up with a substantial meal, or to share. (Each can contains a single 100-gram serving.) Fishwife’s cans are BPA-free.

Similar to the brand’s tuna, the salmon has a delicious smoked flavor and smell. It carries a little sweetness and brininess at the same time, too. It tastes a lot like lox but has the consistency of a perfectly cooked, juicy salmon fillet.The factor that contributed to this pick not making the cut for our top choices? Sustainability. At first blush, it’s pretty good—this salmon is sourced from the first finfish farm to carry the Fair Trade USA seal, and carries BAP, ASC, and Global G.A.P. certification. But it’s farm-raised in Norway, which should be avoided, according to Seafoodwatch.

If you’re a canned fish purist, these Wild Planet sardines check all the boxes. The brand’s fishing practices live up to their claims of sustainability, and their use of only high-quality extra virgin olive oil in this product deserves brownie points (that’s a lot of omega-3s!). 

But, as a seafood lover relatively new to the world of tinned fish, the taste and texture of these sardines felt inferior to other products we tested. The fish is packed tightly and has a  firm, meaty texture, so it’s hard to get out of the can with a fork alone. (We ended up dumping them out to break off pieces to try.) Although the sardines had been descaled, the skin had an off-putting consistency. The lightly smoked taste was tasty but almost undetectable, and we were left wishing for a smokier flavor like you’ll find in other brands.

José Gourmet comes from Portugal. With it comes an ingredient list that’s hard to read for anyone who isn’t fluent in Portuguese. The illustration on the packaging also leaves a lot to the imagination, not giving away that this Spiced Calamari in Ragout (a hearty tomato-based sauce) is actually stuffed with veggies.

Still, as far as surprises go, it’s a great one. The calamari is tender and whole, about 3 inches in length, and cooked just enough. It’s stuffed with a blend of rice cooked with tomato, onion, and spices which provides some added carbs for energy. If you’ve had grilled or fried calamari and are not a fan of the typical chewy consistency, you’ll love this variation. 

According to the brand, “[The] squids selected to prepare this fish stew offer nutrients that bring added value to the general well-being and health of the consumer.” We can’t attest that each individual squid packaged in this tin contains more nutritional value than others in the sea, but this product is more of a well-rounded snack or meal addition than any other we tested due to the addition of rice and vegetables. The ingredients (listed online in English) are fair but not great, thanks to the low-quality vegetable oil this tin variety contains.

The fish itself is rich in protein, antioxidants, and vitamins and minerals such as vitamin B12, potassium, and iron. Each tin contains 21 grams of protein, 9 grams of fat, and 2 grams of carbohydrates, making it a much leaner option compared to some other products on this list.

Featuring only Atlantic lobster claw and knuckle meat and lemon-infused olive oil, Scout’s canned lobster is a true no-frills snack. With no carbs, only 11 grams of protein, and a whopping 25 grams of fat, it doesn’t stack up as well as other options in terms of protein-to-fat ratio. As lobster is a relatively lean protein source, most of the fat contents come from olive oil, which contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids that can help promote heart health by lowering cholesterol. One 3.1-ounce can also contain your daily recommended levels of many minerals, including copper, selenium, and zinc.

The taste and consistency of this lobster is great—as good as any New England lobster roll or claw I’ve ever had. When you buy this product, you’ll know you’re getting high-quality lobster meat. 

Scout is one of the more shoppable tinned fish brands we evaluated and ranked. It can be ordered on Amazon, and this lobster is available at many Whole Foods stores in different regions across the U.S.
What bumped this product out of the top contenders was its sustainability score. The brand reports that its lobster is MSC-certified, wild-caught, and harvested off the shores of Prince Edward Island, Canada. However, third-party seafood sustainability databases report a high level of concern with the environmental impacts of fisheries in this region.

If you’re the type of person who most appreciates a plain Jane can of fish, Wild Planet mackerel likely won’t disappoint you. The fish is sustainably-caught, wild, and packed with protein. My group liked that these were skinless and boneless, and the 100% EVOO flavor, too. 

But at first taste, this mackerel registered as much fishier than others we tried. The texture is dense and gave a mouthfeel more reminiscent of a dried-out pan-cooked fillet than the tender tinned varieties we were testing. Compared to the other saucy, smoked, and unexpected products we tested, the flavor is lackluster.