The 6 Best Sardines on Amazon in 2026

By TwelveTabs · Updated

Illustration: three open round navy tins of sardines in olive oil with lemon wedges and slices of toast on a white wooden table, drawn as a soft 3D render. Not a real product.

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The top picks

Our top pick is the Wild Planet in olive oil, a scale-free, skin-on sardine in olive oil. We read 120 Amazon search cards for “sardines”, set aside mackerel, tuna and other tinned fish, and compared 10 finalists. Sardines vary by packing liquid, size and how they are cooked, so we picked six for different tastes.

For everyday toast and crackers, the Brunswick Sardines in Soybean Oil is Wirecutter’s budget pick. The King Oscar in olive oil is a small, mild brisling sardine, and the NURI Portuguese Sardines Variety Pack is a sampler of four Portuguese cans. For smoke, the MW Polar Smoked Brisling comes in glass jars, and for no added salt, the Wild Planet in water is packed in water. For crackers to serve alongside, see our guide to crackers for dip. For another tinned fish, see our guide to anchovies.

The method

How this pick was made

Wild Planet Wild Sardines in EVOO and Sea Salt, 4.4 oz, 12 Pack is the top pick. This is the work behind that choice.

  1. 96Amazon search results read, across 1 search
  2. 10finalist pages read in full
  3. 40shopper reviews read
  4. 2expert sources cross-checked: Wirecutter, Chowhound

Run on September 29, 2026. AI read the listings and what shoppers say, then wrote this guide. Full method and limits

Our picks in detail

The WinnerBest overall
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in EVOO and Sea Salt, 4.4 oz, 12 Pack

Wild Planet Wild Sardines in EVOO and Sea Salt, 4.4 oz, 12 Pack

Best for: Meaty, scale-free sardines in olive oil

  • $35.01
  • 4.5 (6,042 reviews)5-star 75% · 1-star 5%
  • 8K+ bought last month
  • #1 Best Seller
  • Pros Scale-free, skin-on and bone-in
  • Cons Chowhound found them under-salted and a bit bland

Prices and ratings as of September 29, 2026.

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Pros, cons and what reviewers say

Pros

  • Scale-free, skin-on and bone-in
  • Packed in extra virgin olive oil
  • Pull tab, ready to eat
  • North Pacific, selective harvesting

Cons

  • Chowhound found them under-salted and a bit bland
  • Cans are small

Amazon's review summary

Customers find these sardines delicious, noting they're notably better than other brands and offer good value with lots of product for the price. They appreciate the health benefits, with one customer describing them as a high-quality protein source.

Top Alternative
Brunswick Sardines in Soybean Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 Pack

Brunswick Sardines in Soybean Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 Pack

Best for: Everyday sardines for toast, crackers and pasta

  • $22.32
  • 4.5 (912 reviews)5-star 76% · 1-star 6%
  • 2K+ bought last month
  • Pros Wirecutter's budget pick
  • Cons Wirecutter says the texture is on the softer side

Prices and ratings as of September 29, 2026.

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Pros, cons and what reviewers say

Pros

  • Wirecutter's budget pick
  • Neutral soybean oil
  • 14 g of protein per can, per its listing
  • Shelf-stable, ready to eat

Cons

  • Wirecutter says the texture is on the softer side
  • Soybean oil, not olive oil

Amazon's review summary

Customers find these sardines to be the best they've had, with a delicious taste and good value for money. The size receives positive feedback, with customers noting they're just right for a single serving. The texture and oil content receive mixed reviews - while some praise the firm flesh and neutral soybean oil, others find them mushy and not very oily.

Top Alternative
King Oscar Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 Pack

King Oscar Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 Pack

Best for: Small, mild brisling sardines

  • $43.56
  • 4.6 (7,779 reviews)5-star 79% · 1-star 4%
  • 2K+ bought last month
  • Pros Small brisling sardines with a delicate texture
  • Cons Chowhound calls it good but not great

Prices and ratings as of September 29, 2026.

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Pros, cons and what reviewers say

Pros

  • Small brisling sardines with a delicate texture
  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Only three ingredients: sardines, olive oil, salt
  • Chowhound calls it a good middle ground

Cons

  • Chowhound calls it good but not great
  • Smaller 3.75 oz cans

Amazon's review summary

Customers find these sardines to be of top quality with a delicious taste and good value for money. The smaller size is particularly appreciated as a protein snack, and customers praise their health benefits, noting they are healthier than salmon and rich in nutrients. The texture receives positive feedback for being tender and not mushy, though opinions about the meatiness are mixed.

Top Alternative
NURI Portuguese Sardines Variety Pack, 4 Pack Bundle

NURI Portuguese Sardines Variety Pack, 4 Pack Bundle

Best for: Trying different Portuguese flavors

  • $29.99
  • 4.7 (1,651 reviews)5-star 85% · 1-star 2%
  • 1K+ bought last month
  • ★ Amazon's Choice
  • Prime
  • Pros Four different cans in one bundle
  • Cons Only one can of each kind

Prices and ratings as of September 29, 2026.

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Pros, cons and what reviewers say

Pros

  • Four different cans in one bundle
  • Handcrafted Portuguese sardines
  • Wild-caught, no preservatives or additives
  • Gluten-free and non-GMO

Cons

  • Only one can of each kind
  • Four cans go quickly

Amazon's review summary

Customers love these sardines for their large pieces and firm texture, with one noting they're not mushy or rubbery. They appreciate the different spices and flavors, particularly the spiced ones in tomato sauce, and find the spiciness to be mild. Customers enjoy the variety pack, with one describing it as a fine dining experience in a can.

Top Alternative
MW Polar Alder Wood Smoked Brisling Sardines in Olive Oil, 9.5 oz Jar, 6 Pack

MW Polar Alder Wood Smoked Brisling Sardines in Olive Oil, 9.5 oz Jar, 6 Pack

Best for: Smoked brisling sardines in jars

  • $42.99
  • 4.3 (922 reviews)5-star 73% · 1-star 10%
  • 1K+ bought last month
  • Prime
  • Pros Naturally smoked over real wood
  • Cons Glass jars are heavier and can break

Prices and ratings as of September 29, 2026.

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Pros, cons and what reviewers say

Pros

  • Naturally smoked over real wood
  • Wild-caught in the Baltic Sea
  • Packed in olive oil in glass jars
  • Ready to eat

Cons

  • Glass jars are heavier and can break
  • 9.5 oz jars are large for one snack

Amazon's review summary

Customers love these sardines for their distinct taste and strong smoke flavor, describing them as the best they've had, with a pleasant texture that's not mushy. Customers find them excellent as an anytime snack and consider them well worth the price.

Top Alternative
Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, 4.4 oz, 12 Pack

Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, 4.4 oz, 12 Pack

Best for: Water-packed sardines with no salt added

  • $44.44
  • 4.6 (2,063 reviews)5-star 81% · 1-star 4%
  • 6K+ bought last month
  • ★ Amazon's Choice
  • Pros Water packed, with no added salt
  • Cons No salt added, so plain on its own

Prices and ratings as of September 29, 2026.

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Pros, cons and what reviewers say

Pros

  • Water packed, with no added salt
  • Scale-free skin and bones
  • 18 g of protein per 3 oz serving, per its listing
  • Non-GMO verified and kosher

Cons

  • No salt added, so plain on its own
  • Water pack has less richness than olive oil

Amazon's review summary

Customers find these sardines have a nice taste that's not too salty, and appreciate that they're water-packed and low in sodium, making them suitable for dogs that can't have salt. Customers consider them a healthy food and an excellent addition to homemade dog food routines, with three huge sardines per can.

Compare the picks

Prices and ratings as of September 29, 2026. They change often, so check today's price on Amazon.

Our picks, side by side
PictureProductOutcome
1Wild Planet Wild Sardines in EVOO and Sea Salt, 4.4 oz, 12 PackWild Planet Wild Sardines in EVOO and Sea Salt, 4.4 oz, 12 PackPacked in: Olive oil · Cans: 12 x 4.4 ozPrice $35.018K+ bought last monthRating 4.56,042 reviews5-star 75% · 1-star 5%Winner. Best for: Meaty, scale-free sardines in olive oil
2Brunswick Sardines in Soybean Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 PackBrunswick Sardines in Soybean Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 PackPacked in: Soybean oil · Cans: 12 x 3.75 ozPrice $22.322K+ bought last monthRating 4.5912 reviews5-star 76% · 1-star 6%Best for: Everyday sardines for toast, crackers and pasta
3King Oscar Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 PackKing Oscar Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3.75 oz, 12 PackPacked in: Olive oil · Cans: 12 x 3.75 ozPrice $43.562K+ bought last monthRating 4.67,779 reviews5-star 79% · 1-star 4%Best for: Small, mild brisling sardines
4NURI Portuguese Sardines Variety Pack, 4 Pack BundleNURI Portuguese Sardines Variety Pack, 4 Pack BundlePacked in: Olive oil, spiced · Cans: 4 x 4.4 ozPrice $29.991K+ bought last monthRating 4.71,651 reviews5-star 85% · 1-star 2%Best for: Trying different Portuguese flavors
5MW Polar Alder Wood Smoked Brisling Sardines in Olive Oil, 9.5 oz Jar, 6 PackMW Polar Alder Wood Smoked Brisling Sardines in Olive Oil, 9.5 oz Jar, 6 PackPacked in: Olive oil, smoked · Cans: 6 x 9.5 oz jarsPrice $42.991K+ bought last monthRating 4.3922 reviews5-star 73% · 1-star 10%Best for: Smoked brisling sardines in jars
6Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, 4.4 oz, 12 PackWild Planet Wild Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, 4.4 oz, 12 PackPacked in: Water · Cans: 12 x 4.4 ozPrice $44.446K+ bought last monthRating 4.62,063 reviews5-star 81% · 1-star 4%Best for: Water-packed sardines with no salt added

How to choose sardines

The tin looks the same, but the fish inside differ. These are the choices that matter.

  • What they are packed in. Wirecutter’s picks are mostly in olive oil. It says the soybean oil in its budget pick is more neutral than olive oil, and the sardines still tasted good. Water packs have no oil to sop up, and some have no salt added.
  • Skin and bones. Chowhound says a sardine’s skin is tender, delicious and safe to eat. It found a boneless, skinless brand noticeably lacking in flavor and texture, closer to an unseasoned can of tuna.
  • Salt. Saltiness varies a lot. Chowhound found one well-known brand under-salted, and Wirecutter’s tasters found some brands oversalted and others underseasoned. A no-salt-added tin lets you decide.
  • Size and type. Brisling are among the smallest fish used for sardines. Wirecutter notes that big, plump sardines are almost a main course, and that young pilchards run smaller.
  • Texture. Wirecutter calls its budget pick soft but says the fish held together, and Chowhound praises fish that come out of the tin without crumbling.
  • Sustainability. Wirecutter says to look for certification from the Marine Stewardship Council or Friend of the Sea, and that a brand without it is not necessarily unsustainable.

What we left out, and why

We read 120 search cards, 108 different products, and the pages of 10 finalists. We kept six and left out:

  • Season Sardines in Olive Oil. Another olive oil case doing the same job as pick 3.
  • Matiz Sardines in Olive Oil. A Spanish olive oil pack that overlaps with pick 3.
  • Beach Cliff Wild Caught Sardines in Water. Amazon’s own summary of its reviews raises an authenticity concern, that the fish are sprats and not sardines.
  • Chicken of the Sea Sardines in Water. A single can, and Chowhound ranks the brand last of nine.

Amazon’s results for “sardines” also mixed in mackerel, tuna, salmon, herring and kipper cards, and a sponsored King Oscar mackerel in the first position. We kept only products titled as sardines.

Wirecutter’s top pick is Açôr Sardines in Olive Oil. It did not appear in our Amazon search, so there is no Wirecutter pick in the comparison table. Wirecutter’s budget pick is our Brunswick Sardines in Soybean Oil.

How we researched

On September 29, 2026 we read 120 Amazon search cards for “sardines”, 108 different products. AI compared them, set aside mackerel, tuna and other tinned fish, sponsored repeats and non-sardine cards, read the pages of 10 finalists and chose six sardine products for different tastes. AI wrote this guide from that research.

Listings change: we read them on September 29, 2026, and a pack size, seller or delivery time may differ today. Ingredients and claims are the listing text as we read it, which the collector cut to about 200 characters per bullet. Taste and texture notes come from Wirecutter and Chowhound.

Prices, ratings and review counts come from Amazon and were read on September 29, 2026.

Sources

Frequently asked questions

What is the best brand of sardines?

It depends on taste. Wirecutter picks Açôr, Donostia and Patagonia Provisions for flavor, none of which appeared in our Amazon search. On Amazon, the Wild Planet in olive oil is our pick for a meaty olive oil sardine, and the Brunswick Sardines in Soybean Oil is Wirecutter’s budget pick.

Are sardines in olive oil or water better?

Olive oil adds richness, and Wirecutter’s picks are mostly packed in it. Water packs like the Wild Planet in water are plainer and let you control the salt.

Can you eat the skin of a sardine?

Chowhound says a sardine’s skin is tender, delicious and safe to eat, and that a skinless, boneless sardine loses flavor and texture.

What is a brisling sardine?

A brisling is a small fish sold as a sardine. The King Oscar in olive oil and the MW Polar Smoked Brisling are both brisling.

How did TwelveTabs choose these sardines?

TwelveTabs read the first two pages of Amazon results for “sardines”, set aside other tinned fish and sponsored repeats, and read the pages of 10 finalists. We kept six that suit different tastes and checked the advice against Wirecutter and Chowhound. AI wrote this guide from that research. To see what TwelveTabs picks today, run the search yourself with the button on this page.

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