Tinned fish has existed for centuries as a method of food preservation, but there’s likely never been a better time to enjoy canned seafood than now. Social media has fueled a growing interest in tinned fish over the past few years, and market growth projections indicate the trend won’t be slowing down any time soon.
Among the thousands of brands that produce tinned fish around the world — from giants like Bumble Bee to artisanal producers in Portugal — it can be difficult to decide what to try first, even if your local grocery store whittles its selection down to several dozen options.
When spending money on groceries and exploring an area of the food world I’m less familiar with, I prefer to enter the fray with information. As someone who has purchased a truly inordinate amount of canned tuna but few other tinned fish options, I wanted to find out which products I should sample to get a feel for the category’s best offerings — so I reached out to an expert.
As a content creator focused exclusively on tinned fish, Tyler (@tinnedfishwishtyler) has tried hundreds of cans from around the world. Watch any of his videos, and you’ll likely spot his personal pantry of tinned fish behind him, with cans stacked from floor to ceiling.
When I asked Tyler to name a short list of his all-time favorite tinned fish, he admitted it was a difficult task, noting that “I really do struggle with this because I love so many tins for so many different reasons…. Of course, I already keep a running list, but it’s a long one.”
When recommending just a short selection of tins, he finds it best to divide them into categories, such as favorite salmon, sardines, budget tins, and more. He also emphasizes accessibility — focusing on easy-to-find options in the United States — and has narrowed his top picks to seven tins everyone should try.
Wildfish Cannery Fried King Salmon Cheeks
Tyler describes this Alaskan salmon as “a true top-shelf tin. Not only are salmon cheeks incredibly unique in the tinned fish world, but the flavor is deeply comforting — almost like a roasted Sunday dinner packed into a tin.” According to Wildfish Cannery, the brand’s Fried King Salmon Cheeks have a rich, buttery flavor profile.
Eating this salmon straight from the tin is perfectly acceptable, but Tyler also suggests enjoying it on crostini with crème fraîche and a touch of lingonberry jam for the best experience.
Takenaka Kanzume Co. Smoked Scallops
Packed in a neutral oil, these smoked scallops from Takenaka Kanzume have a tender, luxurious texture and a subtly sweet flavor. “This showcases the remarkable skill Japan brings to tinned seafood,” Tyler said. “Clean flavors, gentle smoke, and an immediate sense that you’re eating something very special. This makes for an amazing addition to a cheese and charcuterie board.”
Sanniti Mussels in Garlic Butter
If you want an affordable tinned shellfish, this delivers great value at a reasonable price. You can snag these mussels for around $5 per tin at major grocery stores like Walmart, and Tyler emphasizes that “this is a budget tin, but you’d never know it from the taste.”
The morsels of meat are packed in a rich garlic butter that the content creator says “demands crusty bread for dipping.” You do need to briefly heat the mussels and their buttery sauce before serving, which can be easily accomplished by boiling water, pouring it over the unopened tin, and letting the mussels sit for five minutes before opening.
Nice Cans Sardines With Rosemary and Fennel
Packed in an adorable can that’s designed to look like a colorful box of cards, these flavorful sardines would make a great gift for the seafood lover in your life.
Rosemary and fennel add aromatic notes to the flavor profile, and Tyler explains that they’re “everything you want from a great Portuguese sardine: meaty fish, good olive oil, and subtle herbal notes.” He recommends enjoying them “on toasted bread, topped with arugula tossed in the oil from the can. Finish with a squeeze of lemon, and you’re set.”
Fishwife Slow Smoked Mackerel with Chili Flakes
Anyone who’s dabbled in tinned fish in the past few years is likely familiar with Fishwife. The California-based brand is known for its high-quality, ethically sourced seafood packed in colorful, ornately illustrated cans. Fishwife offers a wide array of excellent products, and this slightly spicy mackerel is the tin to try first.
Per Tyler, “There’s something magical about traditional hot-smoked mackerel. Leaving the skin on gives it an incredible texture and richness. This is the closest thing we have to the United Kingdom’s selection of tinned, hot-smoked mackerel, which is incredible. Try it on toasted bread with a thin smear of cream cheese and some pickled onions. You’ll wish you had more.”
Josephson’s Smoked Wine-Maple Salmon
The tinned fish reviewer gives this find a resounding endorsement, calling the tin “one of the most slammin’ salmons I’ve ever experienced. Meaty, fatty, and perfectly balanced.” The smoky-sweet salmon comes from Josephson’s Smokehouse, a family-owned business that’s been in operation for over 100 years. Packing the fish in a Chardonnay and maple marinade gives the salmon its signature flavor profile, with a touch of sweetness Tyler describes as “a truly heavenly bite.”
Artesanos Alalunga Hake in Salsa Verde
Cans of this tender, flaky European hake feature a bright salsa verde made with parsley, onions, and garlic. Reviews often highlight the almost-creamy texture of the tinned fish, and Tyler notes that this luxurious texture is intentional.
The content creator explains that “From the moment you open this tin, you know you’re in for something special. It’s hard to believe such depth of flavor comes from a can. The silky mouthfeel comes from the collagen-rich hake broth they make themselves, paired with a beautifully balanced salsa verde. This isn’t just tinned fish; it’s a full experience.”
