Best Canned & Jarred Fish of 2026
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Canned and jarred fish are convenient and versatile options for quick and easy meals. They come in a variety of types such as tuna, salmon, sardines, and anchovies. These products are a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for maintaining a healthy diet. Canned and jarred fish can be used in a variety of recipes such as sandwiches, salads, and pasta dishes. They also have a long shelf life, making them a great pantry staple for busy individuals and families.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Canned & Jarred Fish
Fishwife Starter 7-Pack Tinned Seafood Variety
The Fishwife Tinned Fish 7-Pack offers a convenient selection of seven different tins, including smoked salmon, trout, sardines, and tuna, perfect for trying a variety of flavors. Each tin contains responsibly sourced, wild-caught fish from trusted regions worldwide, so you can feel good about what you’re eating. The fish is hand-packed using quality ingredients like Spanish olive oil and natural spices, ensuring freshness and great taste. Plus, these tins are shelf-stable at room temperature, making it easy to store and enjoy premium seafood anytime without worrying about refrigeration until opened.
SEASON Wild Caught Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil 12-Pack
The SEASON Olive Oil Sardines offer a nutritious and tasty option for your diet. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, these sardines help support heart health and brain function. Since they are wild caught, you get a sustainable source of protein that is low in mercury, making it a safer choice for regular consumption. These sardines come skinless and boneless, making them easy to eat and enjoy without any fuss. Plus, they provide a rich source of essential vitamins and minerals, giving you a wholesome boost with every serving. This makes the product a convenient and healthy snack or meal addition.
Chicken of the Sea Chub Mackerel, 15 oz. Can (Pack of 12)
Chicken of the Sea Chub Mackerel is highly nutritious, non-GMO, and a great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, and protein. The chub mackerel is versatile for use in many recipes like sandwiches, wraps, or rice dishes. It is responsibly caught and ready-to-eat, offering a convenient, excellent source of nutrition at a great price. Each order comes with 12 cans.
ICAN Wild Cod Liver 4-Pack
The ICAN Cod Liver 4-Pack offers you a natural source of nutrients with cod liver that is wild-caught, ensuring quality and freshness. This product comes in a convenient pack of four, making it easy to stock up and enjoy over time without frequent shopping trips. Sourced from Iceland, you can trust the product's origin, known for its clean waters and sustainable fishing practices. Each can contains simple ingredients—cod liver, cod liver oil, and a touch of salt—giving you a wholesome and straightforward option for your diet.
Best Natural Surströmming Fermented Baltic Herring
The Best Natural Surströmming offers you a taste of a unique Swedish delicacy made from Baltic herring caught in the spring. The fish is slowly fermented in brine, which develops its distinctive flavor and aroma. You can tell how rich the taste is by the thickness and dents on the can, adding an interesting way to choose your preferred intensity. Plus, the fermentation process ensures you get an authentic, traditional flavor that’s been enjoyed for centuries. Just remember to open the can outdoors to fully enjoy this special treat safely.
Beach Cliff Wild Caught Fish Steaks in Soybean Oil with Hot Green Chilies
The Beach Cliff Spicy Fish Steaks offer a flavorful and nutritious option for seafood lovers. These wild caught fish steaks are packed in soybean oil with hot green chilies, giving you a tasty and convenient snack or meal addition. Each can provides 16 grams of protein, making it a great choice to help meet your daily protein needs. Whether you're looking to enjoy it straight from the can or add it to your favorite pasta or seafood dishes, this product adds both flavor and convenience to your pantry. It’s perfect for quick meals that don’t compromise on taste or nutrition.
Vigo Jumbo Squid in Sunflower & Olive Oil
Vigo Jumbo Squid in Sunflower & Olive Oil, also known as Vigo Squid in Oil, is a premium imported canned seafood from Spain. This specialty flavored squid is soaked in a marinade and select spices, enhancing its taste. The squid is part of the mollusk family and is closely related to octopus and cuttlefish. It is known for its tenderness, especially when it is younger and smaller. The squid comes completely seasoned and ready to eat, making it a versatile ingredient for various dishes such as stews, stir-fries, and grilled or fried dishes. With its simple preparation, anyone can feel like a chef in minutes. Vigo Squid in Oil is packed with flavor and is gluten-free, making it a delicious and satisfying choice for even the pickiest eaters.
Wildfish Cannery Spicy Habanero Coho Salmon
The Wildfish Spicy Habanero Salmon brings you a flavorful taste of Alaska with its wild Coho salmon sourced from Craig, Alaska. This salmon is caught using a troll method, which means it’s caught one line at a time, ensuring freshness and sustainability. The addition of habanero hot sauce adds a spicy kick that livens up your meals without overpowering the natural fish flavor. Each can contains 4.23 ounces, making it a convenient portion size for quick snacks or easy meal additions. If you want a tasty, responsibly sourced seafood option with a spicy twist, this product fits the bill perfectly.
Bar Harbor Smoked Wild Kippers KHR-213
The Bar Harbor Smoked Kippers come in a compact package measuring about 2.6 cm long, 8.8 cm wide, and 15.2 cm high, making it easy to store in your pantry without taking up much space. Each can weighs 6.7 ounces, offering a convenient portion size perfect for quick meals or snacks. The product features naturally wood-smoked herring fillets seasoned simply with salt, providing a rich, smoky flavor you can enjoy right away. Plus, it’s made in a facility that handles common allergens like milk and shellfish, so if you have allergies, this is good to know before you buy.
COLE'S Seafood Sampler Variety Pack
The COLE'S Seafood Variety Pack offers you a delicious selection of five different canned fish, including smoked salmon, wild mackerel, and smoked trout with unique flavors like lemon pepper. This variety lets you enjoy a range of tastes in one convenient pack. Each fish is packed with high-quality olive oil and sea salt, giving you a natural, preservative-free option that’s also gluten and BPA-free—perfect for healthy eating. The wild mackerel is carefully hand-skinned and deboned for easy eating, while the smoked salmon and trout provide consistent textures and rich flavors. This pack is great for quick, nutritious meals with minimal prep.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How do you eat jarred fish?
Jarred fish can be enjoyed in various ways. You can make it into patties by adding chopped fresh herbs, spices, and glazes. It can also be served with pasta, used in salads, mixed with rice, made into sandwiches, or used to create dips and spreads. Another option is to use jarred fish to build fish tacos. The versatility of jarred fish allows for a wide range of delicious meal options.
2. Is canned fish as good as fresh fish?
Canned fish, such as salmon, tuna, sardines, and kippered herring, is comparable to fresh fish in terms of nutritional value. Canned fish provides the same heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as fresh fish, and sometimes even more. These essential oils help prevent heart rhythm abnormalities. Therefore, canned fish is a convenient and nutritious alternative to fresh fish.
3. Why should you not eat canned tuna every day?
While tuna is a nutritious food, it is important to consume it in moderation and not every day. Tuna, especially canned tuna, can contain high levels of mercury compared to other fish. Mercury exposure can lead to health issues such as poor brain function, anxiety, depression, heart disease, and impaired infant development. To minimize the risk of mercury toxicity, it is advisable to limit the consumption of canned tuna.
4. Can canned fish be eaten directly?
Yes, canned fish can be eaten directly from the container. It is often packed in oil or water, which can be drained depending on recipe directions or personal preference. Canned fish is a convenient and ready-to-eat option that can be enjoyed as is or used in various recipes.
5. Are you supposed to cook canned fish?
Canned fish, such as tuna, can be enjoyed straight from the can without cooking. The fish is already cooked during the canning process, so there are no health risks associated with consuming it without additional cooking. However, it can also be used in cooked recipes if desired.
6. What are the cons of canned fish?
When it comes to canned fish, there are a few potential downsides to consider. The main concerns are the mercury content and sustainability. Tuna, in particular, can contain high levels of mercury. Additionally, canned fish may have higher fat and sodium content compared to fresh fish. It's also important to consider the safety of the can itself. However, with moderation and awareness, these cons can be managed.
7. Should you drain canned fish?
Draining the liquid from canned fish, such as tuna, can be beneficial for those who are conscious of their sodium intake. Removing the excess liquid lowers the sodium content of the fish. Additionally, draining the liquid can prevent a sandwich from becoming soggy when using canned fish in recipes like tuna salad sandwiches.
During our canned & jarred fish research, we found 24 canned & jarred fish products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 34,213 customer reviews through our big data system to write the canned & jarred fish list. We found that most customers choose canned & jarred fish with an average price of $25.87.
The canned & jarred fish are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of canned & jarred fish, including Fishwife, SEASON, Chicken of the Sea, ICAN, Best Natural by NJTrading. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 171 consumers with an average rating of 4.6.
Ashley Abels is a former restaurant executive and has worked in the restaurant industry for 15 years. She is also a gourmet who loves tasting different cuisines and trying out all kinds of cooking methods. The food she writes about will make you want to try it!