Best Canned Clams of 2026

"I've been using these clams for nearly a decade, and they never disappoint. Large, tender pieces with just the right texture set these apart from other brands. The juice isn't overly salty, and after a quick check for grit, I'm good to go. They hold up beautifully in my chowders and stews. Highly recommended if you want consistency and quality every time."

"As a seafood lover, I find these wild-caught chopped clams to be a game-changer for my home recipes. I appreciate their fresh, authentic taste and reliable texture. They're the perfect size for a satisfying bite and come in a can that's just right for most dishes. No tough pieces, no extra prep—just open and cook. These clams have become a pantry staple for me."

"Whenever I want to whip up a quick pasta or soup, I reach for these clams. The small cans are super convenient, and the clams are tender with a true ocean flavor. I’ve used them straight from the can in cold salads and tossed them into sauces—they always deliver great taste and texture. Perfect for adding that seafood touch to any meal."

"I've tried several brands, but Bar Harbor clams stand out for their large, fresh pieces and clean, sea-like brine. These were the key to making my chowder a hit—definitely the only brand I'll buy from now on."

"Using these chopped clams for linguini with clam sauce has been a win for me. They're not too salty, have a pleasant chew, and blend perfectly into pasta and salads. I also appreciate that there's no gritty texture."

"The chunks are bigger than other brands, which I like, and they hold up well in soups, providing hearty bites. The brine is a bit weak, but in cooked dishes, the clams work great."

"I've been using these clams in my New England clam chowder for over two decades, and the consistent quality and rich flavor never disappoint. The large chunks add fantastic texture—everyone who tries my chowder raves about it!"

"Every Christmas Eve, I make clam chowder using these clams, and they always deliver on quality. My guests look forward to it year after year, and it's always a highlight of our holiday meal."

"While nothing beats fresh clams, I like that these are caught and packed in the U.S.. There’s a generous amount of juice, maybe a bit too much, but for things like clam fritters or dip, they’re a solid choice."

"I've been buying these chopped clams for years and have yet to find a better source. When I follow the chowder recipe on the can, it turns out to be the most flavorful and clam-packed chowder I've ever had."

"Since moving away from the coast to the desert, I rely on this brand for my white clam sauce. These clams are excellent if you add them at the right moment—just be sure not to overcook them. The result is always a hit and full of flavor."

"Though I grew up harvesting clams myself on the North Carolina coast and know fresh is best, these canned clams are a huge timesaver and still make a delicious chowder—especially if you use the Sea Watch recipe."

"I made a delicious clam linguine with these and it turned out even better than what I've had at restaurants. The flavor was outstanding and I’m definitely keeping these in my pantry for when I crave clams."

"I used three cans in my homemade New England clam chowder and was pleasantly surprised by the excellent quality and better value compared to grocery store prices. Looking forward to trying these in a clam dip for New Year's."

"It’s hard to find whole baby clams locally, so these were a lifesaver for my clam chowder. The price was reasonable and the quality met my expectations for a trusted brand."

"I've found that the 6.5 ounce can of Maine Lobster Meat is a great addition to soups and bisques. The meat has a clean, mild aroma and comes packed in water. While I'm not the biggest fan of claw meat, it worked well for my lobster bisque. I live inland and can't get fresh seafood easily, so this is a special treat that I’ve reordered several times."

"I use these clams for chowder, and I really like that they aren’t rubbery and taste fresh. The broth adds a lot of flavor to my easy clam chowder recipe. Some people say the clams are too minced, but for me, the quality and taste are just right."

"After trying the canned lobster, I was disappointed by the small amount of meat and the lack of real lobster flavor. The texture and taste were not what I expected compared to fresh Maine lobster. I ended up using a lot of celery, salt, and mayo to make the lobster rolls work. If you want the authentic experience, this might not be for you."

"I'm a big fan of seafood, and these clams impressed me with their intense, fresh sea flavor. I added some malt vinegar, which really balanced the taste and made them delicious. They are definitely on the pricier side, but I'd consider buying them again as a special treat."

"As someone from the Pacific Northwest, I'm picky about clams, and I can say these are well-cleaned, tender, and not overcooked. They work great on toast or pasta, especially with a splash of olive oil and vinegar. Much better than most canned seafood I've tried in the U.S."

"The flavor was good and the clams were enjoyable, but I did notice a little sand in one, which was disappointing. Unless I'm desperate, I probably won't buy them again, but overall they were an affordable alternative for razor clam lovers."

"I’m a big fan of clams and these were delicious with minimal grit, which is rare for canned clams. They worked well in chowder, with good-sized, flavorful pieces. I prefer them in chowder over pasta, since the taste and texture shine better in soups. The juice was perfect for adding richness to the dish."

"I bought these because it’s tough to find canned clams with this kind of deep, fresh flavor. The cans are bigger than I usually use, but I just freeze what I don’t need right away. It takes a little more effort, but the taste is worth it for my homemade clam chowder."

"These clams are packed with authentic broth flavor and the pieces are tender, not rubbery or sandy. I use them for NE clam chowder and pasta sauces, and everyone loves the results. The packaging was solid and I’m happy to pay a little more for this quality. You really get what you pay for with these clams."

"I was surprised by how much my whole family enjoyed these clams—even my young kids loved them. The flavor is unique, reminiscent of both smoked salmon and sardines. They're perfect for crackers or making a creamy clam dip. I’m excited to add these to my list of favorite foods!"

"Preparing chowder with these was a breeze—super convenient and ready to use right out of the packet. The taste is a bit 'fishy,' which I expected, but the only thing to note is that 24 packs might be a lot to finish before the expiration date. Just something to consider if you don’t eat shellfish often."

"I noticed that some packs had grit and tiny shell bits, and the clams weren’t all whole, with lots of shredded pieces. The flavor didn’t live up to my previous orders. This last batch was definitely not as good as before."

"I was happy with the quality and taste of these minced clams. The flavor really stood out, and I’ll be ordering again."

"These were just tiny pieces floating in water—definitely not what I expected for chopped clams. No clam juice at all. I won’t be buying this brand again."

"Honestly, the clams were unpleasant. There was some strange black stuff inside the cans. Sadly, I couldn’t return them as I opened them too late. I do not recommend this product."