Best Canned & Jarred Fish of 2026

Ashley Abels Avatar
Ashley Abels
Last Updated: Jan 9, 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

Fishwife Starter 7-Pack Tinned Seafood Variety Cover #TOP 1
Fishwife Starter 7-Pack Tinned Seafood Variety
ftb score rating icon 9.9
SEASON Wild Caught Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil 12-Pack Cover #TOP 2
SEASON Wild Caught Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil 12-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Chicken of the Sea Chub Mackerel, 15 oz. Can (Pack of 12) Cover #TOP 3
Chicken of the Sea Chub Mackerel, 15 oz. Can (Pack of 12)
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Canned & Jarred Fish

Fishwife Starter 7-Pack Tinned Seafood Variety

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Fishwife Starter 7-Pack Tinned Seafood Variety Cover
Fishwife Starter 7-Pack (Variety of Tinned Seafood including Smoked Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Sardines, Tuna & More!) | Gluten Free, High Protein, Omega-3s | Hand-Packed

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.

What We Like
Variety of seven seafood tins
Wild-caught, ethical sourcing
Hand-packed with quality ingredients
Shelf-stable for easy storage
#TOP 2

SEASON Wild Caught Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil 12-Pack

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SEASON Wild Caught Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil 12-Pack Cover
Season Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil - Skinless & Boneless, Wild Caught, 22g of Protein, Keto Snacks, More Omega 3's Than Tuna, Kosher, High in Calcium, Canned Sardines - 4.37 Oz Tins, 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.

What We Like
High omega-3 content
Wild caught and low mercury
Skinless and boneless
Rich in vitamins and minerals
Good source of sustainable protein
#TOP 3

Chicken of the Sea Chub Mackerel, 15 oz. Can (Pack of 12)

Chicken of the Sea Chub Mackerel, 15 oz. Can (Pack of 12) Cover
Chicken of the Sea Jack Mackerel in Brine, 15 oz. Cans (Pack of 12), Nutrient Rich, Wild Caught Canned Mackerel

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.

What We Like
Highly nutritious, no preservatives, non-GMO
Great source of Omega 3 fatty acids, calcium, and protein
Responsible, sustainable sourcing
Convenient and versatile for use in many recipes
Ready-to-eat, offering a convenient, excellent source of nutrition at a great price
#TOP 4

ICAN Wild Cod Liver 4-Pack

ICAN
ICAN Wild Cod Liver 4-Pack Cover
Wild Cod Liver Canned From Iceland 4.06oz pack of 4

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.

What We Like
Wild-caught cod liver
Pack of four cans
Originates from Iceland
Simple, natural ingredients
#TOP 5

Best Natural Surströmming Fermented Baltic Herring

Best Natural Surströmming Fermented Baltic Herring Cover
Surströmming Fermented Pegs in Traditional Tin

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.

What We Like
Authentic Swedish delicacy
Slow fermentation process
Flavor intensity indicator
Traditional preparation method
#TOP 6

Beach Cliff Wild Caught Fish Steaks in Soybean Oil with Hot Green Chilies

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Beach Cliff Wild Caught Fish Steaks in Soybean Oil with Hot Green Chilies Cover
Beach Cliff Wild Caught Fish Steaks in Soybean Oil with Hot Green Chilies, 3.75 oz Can (Pack of 12) - 16g Protein per Serving - Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes

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.

What We Like
High protein content
Wild caught fish
Spicy flavor with green chilies
Convenient pantry staple
#TOP 7

Vigo Jumbo Squid in Sunflower & Olive Oil

Vigo Jumbo Squid in Sunflower & Olive Oil Cover
Vigo Premium Imported Canned Seafood, Jumbo Squid in Sunflower & Olive Oil, Specialty Flavored, Perfect for Recipes and Dishes (Jumbo Squid in Sunflower & Olive Oil, 4 Ounce (Pack of 10))

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.

What We Like
Imported from Spain
Ready to eat
Simple preparation
#TOP 8

Wildfish Cannery Spicy Habanero Coho Salmon

Wildfish Cannery Spicy Habanero Coho Salmon Cover
Spicy Habanero Coho Salmon by Wildfish Cannery

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.

What We Like
Wild Alaskan Coho Salmon
Troll-caught freshness
Spicy habanero flavor
Convenient 4.23 oz size
#TOP 9

Bar Harbor Smoked Wild Kippers KHR-213

KHR-213
Bar Harbor Smoked Wild Kippers KHR-213 Cover
Bar Harbor All Natural Smoked Wild Kippers,6.7 Oz Cans

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.

What We Like
Compact package size
Convenient 6.7 oz weight
Natural wood-smoked flavor
Simple salt seasoning
#TOP 10

COLE'S Seafood Sampler Variety Pack

Cole's
5 Pack
COLE'S Seafood Sampler Variety Pack Cover
COLE'S Seafood Sampler Variety Pack - With Skinless, Boneless Smoked Salmon and Wild Caught Mackerel, and Smoked Fresh Water Rainbow Trout, Canned Fish, High in Protein, 5 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.

What We Like
Variety of five fish types
High-quality olive oil packing
Gluten-free and preservative-free
Hand-skinned and deboned fish
Convenient ready-to-eat meals
Buying Guide Image

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.

Editor's Notes

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.

Written by
Ashley Abels Avatar

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!