Tinned fish has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its image as a basic pantry staple to become a celebrated artisanal delicacy. This revival, inspired by European traditions known as conservas, emphasises quality over convenience, with brands like Ortiz boasting over a century of family heritage. Attractive packaging and social media buzz have propelled these products back into popularity, but the real appeal lies in the premium fish inside, preserved in oils ranging from olive to sunflower.
The Best Tinned Fish for 2026
From sustainably sourced British trout to luxurious Spanish anchovies, here are the top picks taste-tested on toast and in dishes, highlighting flavour, sourcing, and value.
1. Sea Sisters Smoked Rainbow Trout
Best tinned fish overall
This UK-based brand, produced in small batches in Dorset, offers a lightly smoked rainbow trout preserved in extra virgin olive oil. With a delicate texture and hints of maple or honey sweetness, it has earned a Great Taste Awards star. Perfect for sharing, it pairs excellently with scrambled eggs on toast.
2. M&S Food Collection Cantabrian Anchovies
Best budget tinned fish
Aged for six months in Spain and preserved in extra virgin olive oil, these anchovies provide an affordable umami depth ideal for canapés or enhancing pasta sauces and stews.
3. Rockfish Cantabrian Tuna in Olive Oil
Best tinned tuna
Caught by rod and line in northern Spain and processed in Devon, this northern bonito tuna is moister and more delicate than standard skipjack tuna. Hand-filleted and tinned in olive oil, it elevates dishes like tuna mayo.
4. Ortiz Premium Cured Anchovies
Best premium tinned anchovies
These large, meaty anchovies from Cantabria are salted for six to twelve months, then hand-washed and filleted. Known for their balanced umami flavour, they are perfect for serving on quality bread as canapés.
5. Waitrose No.1 Peppered Mackerel
Best tinned peppered mackerel
Smoked over beechwood and coated in crushed black peppercorns, these Scottish mackerel fillets offer a flaky texture and well-balanced flavour. They are ideal for quick salads or as a cupboard staple.
6. Catalina Smoked Anchovies
Best luxury tinned smoked anchovies
Aged for twelve months with a final month of smoking, these large anchovies from Cantabria boast a light smokiness and have received three Great Taste Awards stars. They make an excellent gift or special canapé.
7. Delicius Strait of Sicily Anchovy Fillets in Olive Oil
Best tinned Sicilian anchovies
Originating from Italy, these anchovies are tender and slightly saltier than Spanish varieties. They are chunkier than some budget options and work well in Mediterranean salads and pastas.
8. Sainsbury's Taste The Difference Anchovy Fillets
Best large tin for value
Packed with MSC-certified sustainable anchovies from Spain, this large tin offers excellent value. The fillets, preserved in extra virgin olive oil, have a deep umami flavour perfect for snacks on toast.
9. Los Peperetes Sardines in Olive Oil
Best tinned small sardines From Galicia in Spain, these hand-processed sardines are smaller but flavourful, preserved in olive oil. Note that they contain spines, so careful preparation is needed before serving. Best tinned sardines in spicy sauce Caught using small boats in Ría de Arousa, these sardines come in a spicy tomato-based sauce. With a firm texture and savoury flavour, they are easy to add to toast or salads for a speedy lunch. Best tinned mackerel in sunflower oil British mackerel caught in Brixham, Devon, this product is fresh-tasting and juicy, making it easy to spread on toast. Despite using sunflower oil, it avoids greasiness and offers great flavour. Best tinned mackerel fillets to add to pasta From Portugal, these deboned mackerel fillets are tinned in a garlic-infused oil with parsley and lemon, creating a creamy sauce. Sustainably caught and fairly priced, they are ideal for pasta dishes or fish cakes. Each tinned fish was evaluated based on flavour, sourcing, and value. Flavour assessments included smokiness, saltiness, and umami richness, while sourcing focused on sustainable practices like line fishing and small-boat operations. Value considered both luxury and everyday options, ensuring recommendations cater to various budgets. Additionally, tinned fish offers environmental benefits, as aluminium packaging is almost infinitely recyclable, reducing plastic waste. This makes it an eco-friendly choice for conscious consumers. The Sea Sisters smoked rainbow trout stands out as the overall favourite for its exceptional flavour, texture, and UK production. For luxury, the Catalina smoked anchovies provide a wow factor perfect for gifting or entertaining. Meanwhile, the Waitrose No.1 peppered mackerel is a game-changer for quick, flavourful meals. As tinned fish continues to evolve, these artisanal options prove that quality and sustainability can go hand in hand.10. La Narval Sardines Picantes
11. Rockfish Mackerel in Sunflower Oil
12. ABC+ Mackerel Fillets in Garlic Olive Oil
Testing Methodology and Sustainability
Final Verdict
