Best Canned Pickled Herrings of 2026

"I've reordered these herrings several times because the taste and low sodium level are unbeatable. The only drawback is the cans are tough to open and sometimes the tabs break, but the fish itself is so good that I keep coming back. I always recommend them, but be careful when opening the cans!"

"I eat a lot of fish, and after trying countless brands, I keep coming back to this one for its excellent smoky flavor, solid fillets, and reliable nutrition. I avoid farmed or Asian fish, so it's great to have a trusted wild-caught option. My only gripe is when the price goes up or if cans arrive dented, but overall this is the best-tasting kipper for the money."

"I bought these after my father suggested them, and they're not too fishy, taste great, and are packed full of fillets. I used to get them at Walmart, but Amazon had a better deal and more consistent stock. They're quickly becoming my go-to snack!"

"I absolutely love the flavor and texture of this fish—it's tasty, not too salty, and I even enjoy it straight from the can with some spices over rice or bread. For me, it's a great value for money and feels like a healthy treat."

"I was surprised at how much I liked the water-packed kippers—they had the same taste and firm bite as the oil-packed ones, with fewer calories, which is great since I'm mindful of what I eat. I ended up ordering a dozen more cans after trying just one."

"This is honestly the best sardine I've ever had. The quality and flavor stand out, and even though it's a bit more expensive, it's absolutely worth it."

"I've become a fan of these kippers for their naturally mild, not overly smoky flavor. They taste much better than ones with an artificial smoke aftertaste."

"Since retiring, I've relied on King Oscar products for their convenience and ease. These kippers are perfect for a quick, satisfying lunch."

"After sampling a few brands, I stick with King Oscar because of their consistent quality and delicious taste. Their kippers make for a healthy, quick snack or meal."

"I picked up a can of surstromming for a quirky food night, and it turned out to be a life-altering event—from the intense aroma to the wild flavor. The smell hit hard (even my dog fled), but the taste was salty, funky, and absolutely unforgettable. Just don’t open it indoors unless you want to test your relationships! Would I try it again? Only after therapy, but it’s an experience I recommend."

"We made it a challenge night and had a professional chef friend experiment with surstromming. The smell was legendary, but the real surprise was how versatile it was in recipes. After rinsing and mixing it into curry and salad, we actually enjoyed dishes we’d eat again. It’s a hilarious and surprisingly tasty adventure if you’re brave!"

"I was hoping for a wild reaction, but honestly, the experience was more about the strong smell and unique texture than anything else. It’s really salty, and the aroma is intense, but if you like strong pickled fish, this is next level. Just be ready for the sight and smell—it’s not for everyone."

"I've sampled nearly every kipper out there and these are absolutely the best by a clear margin! At first, the briny aroma caught me off guard, but after the first bite, the smoky, peppery, and rich flavor blew me away. Even though they're a bit pricier, I'm happy to buy them by the case—they're that delicious!"

"I was nervous since I'm usually not adventurous with canned fish, but the generous portion and balanced spices made this a hit. The slight heat was perfect, and the flavor wasn't too fishy or overpoweringly smoky. We enjoyed them with crackers and wine—definitely worth the extra cents for the quality. I'll buy again!"

"I tried both regular and peppered varieties. While the pepper version was a bit much for my taste, I found the overall flavor mild, not fishy at all, and pleasantly smoky. The texture was spot-on—soft but not falling apart. If you enjoy pepper, you'll really appreciate these."

"I've bought this canned herring multiple times because the quality and flavor are consistently excellent, and it's a real bargain. I love how convenient it is for work lunches, and the omega-3 benefits are a huge plus. No other brand matches the taste for me, so I'm definitely a loyal customer!"

"For those who love fish, this is a great choice! The fillets are firm and meaty, and the mustard sauce is creamy and mild. I usually eat them straight from the can or on a sandwich—perfect portion and always satisfying. Highly recommended!"

"I was drawn in by the price and interesting flavor, but after trying these, I realized the strong taste isn't for me, and I wish they didn't contain trans fats. I prefer healthier options, so I won't be repurchasing, but I can see why some people enjoy them."

"I've found these herring fillets to be the best quality I've tried. The taste is outstanding, and the fillets are always fresh and firm. My only gripe is that the cans are a bit smaller than expected, so I usually need two for a full meal. Still, the flavor more than makes up for it."

"These fillets have a delicious flavor—the tomato sauce isn't overpowering or spicy, which I prefer. There's no fishy aftertaste at all, so even my wife who dislikes herring enjoys them. I keep coming back to these as a healthy, tasty option."

"I love the tangy and mildly spicy sauce; it's just right for my taste. I do wish the cans were sturdier, as they tend to get dented easily, but that doesn't stop me from buying them again—they're my favorite herring fillets."

"I've bought this pickled herring several times and every order has arrived quickly and securely. The taste is delicious and authentic, so I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys pickled fish."

"After living in a Norwegian town for over 70 years, I know my pickled herring. While I found Olsen's to be high quality with excellent shipping, I personally thought the pieces were a bit too salty and small for my taste."

"Olsen's Herring in wine sauce was a real treat. I've always liked ACME, but this brand might be my new favorite—great flavor and quality!"

"I've tried a lot of smoked herring and honestly, this is the best cracked pepper herring I've had in a while. The flavor is fantastic, and I'll definitely be ordering again!"

"As someone who looks for high-protein, keto-friendly foods, these fillets are a real find. The smoked taste is bold, and I love that the fillets are whole and not just pieces. Great choice for anyone watching carbs."

"I was so impressed after trying these that I finished the whole can in one sitting. The cracked pepper is genius and really surprised me with how well it works with the smoky herring. The quality and taste make them worth every penny."

"I've tasted a lot of kipper snacks, but these truly stand out. The smoky aroma and perfectly balanced pepper seasoning make for an unforgettable experience, whether I eat them straight from the tin or with rye bread. The fillets are firm yet tender and totally boneless, which makes them a joy to eat. For anyone craving an authentic taste of the sea, these snacks are the real deal."

"As a fan of this brand's sardines, I decided to branch out and try the kipper snacks. While the packaging and quality are impressive, I personally found them a bit dry and not as flavorful as I hoped. If you're already a herring lover, you might appreciate them more. I'll stick with the sardines, which my husband and I enjoy often."

"These are hands down the best canned kipper I've ever had. Just sauté them in butter for a delicious meal. They never disappoint!"