Product Review canned sardines

Wild Planet Wild Sardines In Water No Salt Added (4.4oz 3pk)

4.6 ★★★★★ 37 verified reviews

37 Voice Reviews

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

These sardines taste fresh and have no added salt, which is exactly what I want. I cook them simply with tomatoes and a little bit of salt, and that's all they need.

★★★☆☆ · Verified Buyer

These sardines taste good and look fresh. I like to eat them with tomatoes and a little bit of salt.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

These sardines tasted premium with a good texture, and I appreciated the no-salt-added option. The packaging size felt right, giving a hearty serving that lasted me more than one day. My young child (under two) really enjoyed them, and I think they'd be good for children of all ages. The main downside is the bones, which must be removed before eating. They come off fairly easily, but I was worried about missing some or having them break apart. I had never purchased sardines before trying these, and while I haven't bought additional sardines since, the taste and quality were solid.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Really solid sardines, especially if you're looking for a no-salt-added option. I've tried quite a few canned fish products, so I'm familiar with what's out there, and this one stood out. The flavor is nice and not overwhelming or too fishy, and you can tell there isn't much bad stuff added to it. I was able to incorporate it into my meals easily. The no added salt was a big plus because I could give it to my toddler without worrying about extra sodium she doesn't need, and she liked the taste too. If you're not sure whether or not you want to try this, I say go for it.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Wild Planet sardines are a better quality brand with no seed oils and no added sodium, and they don't have that overly fishy flavor some brands do. The texture holds up well too, not mushy like some others I've tried. I eat a lot of sardines in different ways: on toast with yogurt and hot sauce, or with capers and green onions. I prefer sardines canned in water because sometimes the olive oil in other brands isn't the best quality and can even taste rancid, or the sardines end up too oily and heavy. No salt added works perfectly for me since I just add as much as I need. I eat them for the health benefits, but I genuinely enjoy the taste too. My only issue is that they're not readily available in all stores.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

A good, clean canned fish option and a nice change from my usual tuna when I'm looking for extra protein. It tasted really good mixed into a Caesar salad, and the dressing paired perfectly with the fish. I really appreciate that there's no salt added, so I can season and flavor it however I want. I haven't tried other sardine brands so I can't compare, but this is a convenient, tasty way to add protein to your day. I typically mix it into salads and would definitely purchase it again.

★★★☆☆ · Verified Buyer

Three stars because while my husband really enjoys these sardines, the taste just isn't for me. It's too fishy for my palate. He loves putting them on crackers or toast and eating them on their own. We did run into an inconsistency issue. When we bought a batch from the store, it didn't taste the same as the first one. It wasn't as fishy or salty, and there was a lot more boniness to it. We tried another batch after that and it was back to normal, so I think we just got a bad batch. If you're looking for something with that oceany, fishy, salty taste, these are very versatile. You can use them in pasta dishes, on toast or crackers, in salads, or even in seed mixes and salad dressings.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These are fantastic sardines for anyone who wants full control over flavor. Because they're packed in water with no salt or seasoning, they take on whatever you're cooking, which makes them incredibly versatile. We use them in salads, pasta, appetizers, you name it. The fish itself tastes fresh with that distinct sardine flavor, not masked by herbs, spices, or oils. Compared to other canned sardines I've had that are packed in oil, these come out as whole sardines, nice and firm and large. Other brands tend to give you broken-up pieces, but these hold together beautifully whether you want to slice them into slivers for salads or mash them up for something else. One of our favorite ways to eat them is as an appetizer: we mash them in a bowl with Worcestershire sauce and a little ketchup. I know it sounds weird, but it gives them this nice punch and bright flavor. We eat that on Triscuits alongside a cheese platter and wine before dinner. My entire family loves fish and seafood, so we're always looking for ways to add it to our everyday meals. These sardines are a great way to power up on protein in almost anything we make.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines have incredible texture and substance. Each one is meaty and juicy, so you get a lot more per sardine compared to other brands. My whole family noticed it. The flavor is very clean with no lingering greasy aftertaste, which is something I've definitely dealt with from other sardines. The no-salt option is one I'll always reach for because it lets me control the seasoning. I can pair them with a salty cheese or crackers and get exactly the flavor balance I want. The texture isn't chewy or greasy at all, just a really great, even bite with a lot of meat. Sardines fit perfectly into my lifestyle as an easy protein source. The packaging makes them simple to toss into a lunch bag or cooler with some crackers, and they're great thrown into a salad for something more sustaining throughout the day. I had zero complaints about the packaging or convenience. If you're looking for a sardine with real substance and a mild, clean flavor, these are exactly what you want. If you're after a strong, lingering sardine taste for cooking purposes, these might not be the best fit. Overall, these are something I will absolutely keep buying.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Great sardines with a mild, not-too-fishy flavor that makes them really easy to enjoy. I love that they're packed in water instead of oil, which makes them more versatile. The no-salt-added option is perfect because I can season them myself. My go-to preparation is on toast with lemon juice, capers, parsley if I have it, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. They're comparable to other brands I've tried. The only downside is they're hard to find locally, so I may have to order them online, which is a little bit of a pain. I'd rather they were easier to track down, but it's worth it for a great product.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines have a really good, strong flavor without the overwhelming fishy taste or smell you get from some brands. The no salt added and packed-in-water combination makes them incredibly versatile for recipes since you can adjust seasoning and flavor exactly how you want. We've been using them on top of salads and mixed into fish cakes to add more protein and omega-3s, and they work perfectly because there's no added oil or salt competing with the dish. The texture is really great, the sardines seem fresh, and the cans are packed full. Everything arrived with no damage, no dents, and the cans were easy to open. I also appreciate that the three-pack comes in a simple cardboard box, which seems to cut down on packaging waste. If you're new to tinned fish, I'd recommend looking up some recipes rather than eating these straight out of the can. Tinned fish has a very specific taste and smell that can be overwhelming at first. Opening the can and letting it breathe helps, and mixing the sardines into a dish like a fish cake where other ingredients balance the flavor is a great way to start. The no-salt, water-packed variety especially benefits from being integrated into a recipe rather than eaten plain. We've been eating a lot of tinned fish recently and really enjoyed getting to try these. We use salted sardines for other types of recipes, but having the no-salt water-packed option on hand has been a great addition to our pantry.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These are the best sardines we've tried. The taste is amazing, the texture is on point, and the no added salt is perfect. We also really enjoy that they're packed in water instead of oil. We didn't find any bones in these, which is a big deal because some other sardines we've tried have had bones and we don't like that for ourselves or our cats. The smell was minimal and preparation was easy. They're incredibly versatile. My husband loves them on pizza and salads, and my cats enjoy them as a treat. The value is great, and since we first tried this brand, it's become our go-to. We eat sardines about once a week or every other week, and it's been this brand ever since. I would highly recommend trying them, or even giving them to your cats.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Wild Planet sardines are clean, fresh, and so easy to work with. There aren't a lot of bones, and you can eat them right out of the can or cook them into a meal. They go well with all kinds of pasta dishes and vegetables. I've been using them for over a year now, and I probably have them about four times a week in my rotation. Having them on hand has actually helped me eat more fish and make healthier dishes overall because they're so available and easy to prepare. I've just loved adding them to my diet.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Great sardines with excellent texture and freshness, and I really liked being able to control exactly how much salt goes on them. They're definitely bland straight out of the can, but a couple turns of my salt grinder over the whole can was all it took. It's nice knowing exactly what's going into my diet rather than dealing with an unknown amount of sodium. I didn't notice any bones, and there were no packaging issues at all. I've never had unsalted sardines from other brands, so I can't compare directly, but they were definitely much less salty than the salted brands I've tried. It might take a few bites to dial in how much salt you need, so give yourself time to prepare them at home before eating them on the go. I eat sardines pretty much every way: straight up, on toast, on crackers. It was an adjustment from what I'm used to, but I liked it a lot and wasn't disappointed at all.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines taste great and make an incredibly convenient, filling protein source. The flavor is clean and simple, not salty, briny, or fishy at all. One container has so many pieces of fish that I was able to make a whole meal out of them, slathered on crackers and paired with some nice cheese. My toddler loves them too and happily eats them by themselves. I also love how easy they are to pack in my purse or backpack for an on-the-go meal. The packaging is straightforward with no hype or embellishment, which makes me feel good about what I'm eating. Everything about these sardines is simple and honest, from the container to the taste.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines have a fresher flavor than the oil-packed varieties my husband usually eats, and he actually liked them better. The texture was great, and they were meaty and delicious. We were both surprised that he didn't miss the salt at all since the flavor is really mild on its own. My husband eats canned fish pretty much every week and loves sardines, so he was excited to try this brand. He's definitely adding these to his repertoire. Yummy stuff.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

These sardines are a high-quality, convenient option for quick snacks or easy meals. They're a good source of protein and omegas, and Wild Planet is a sustainable brand, which makes me feel good about what I'm eating and purchasing. The portion size is just right, and the packaging makes them easy to grab whenever I need something quick and healthy. They're great to keep on hand.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines are delicious, clean, and surprisingly versatile. The flavor is mild with a nice umami bite, and they're not salty at all since it's a no-extra-salt product. I lightly fried them in olive oil and served them with garlic aioli as tapas, and I also made them with a simple tomato garlic sauce over rice. Both were excellent. The texture held up really well after frying and didn't fall apart the way I expected. A couple broke in half, but that actually showed off the nice flakiness inside. With 18 grams of protein, they're easy to prepare and pack a nutritional punch. I even used the water broth from the can, stirring it into noodles for an umami flavor without that overly fishy taste you find in other products.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

Delicious sardines with no overwhelming taste and no bony flavor. I love that there's no salt added so I can control the seasoning myself when cooking. I can't wait to try these in pasta sauces or Caesar dressing. I haven't tried other canned sardines in a while, but these were a great experience.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines taste noticeably cleaner than other canned sardines I've bought at the store. The texture is really soft, almost melting in your mouth, rather than the rubbery or chewy consistency I'm used to with other brands. I was surprised that sardines packed in just water with no salt could taste this good. They almost taste as if they were freshly cooked. I typically buy canned fish with olive oil or some kind of flavoring, so having something this clean and edible in plain water was a pleasant surprise. I ended up eating them right out of the can because I enjoyed them as is. I'd planned to add them to salads or rice bowls, but never got around to it because they were great on their own. I could definitely see them working well in either. You may want to add salt to your taste, but otherwise these are a really convenient, grab-and-go option. I eat canned fish a few times a month as part of a balanced diet, and for anyone looking for a cleaner, more sustainable sardine, this is a really great choice.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These are the best sardines to try if you're new to eating sardines, or even if you've had others before. The quality is noticeably better than other brands. The texture is meatier with whole pieces of sardine, not broken-up chunks, and there are no noticeable bones like you get with other products. The taste is mild compared to other brands, which tend to be fishier and way saltier. I really like that there's no added salt, so I can control my sodium intake. That's especially important for anyone in the family with high blood pressure. I didn't feel like I needed to add salt at all. The three-pack is convenient and the cans are easy to open. I honestly have no complaints. I started focusing on my diet more this year with mindful eating habits and read about all the health benefits of sardines. I'd had them in the past and liked them fine, but they were never something I craved. These changed that. I try to include them in my breakfast on weekends as often as I can, at least once a month, and they keep me full for longer.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

These sardines sounded great in theory, but I stopped reaching for them pretty quickly. The bones and skin made the texture unappealing to chew through, and with no salt or seasoning added, the taste just wasn't there on its own. I liked the idea of controlling my own sodium, but in practice it meant I always had to add salt and extra seasoning to make them palatable. That also made them inconvenient to take on the go since they need additional prep to be enjoyable. They sat on my shelf more than they made it into my meals.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These are the best canned sardines I've found. They're wild caught, not packed in oil, and not overly fishy, which has always been my struggle with other brands. Sardines in olive oil tend to feel too thick, greasy, or flavorful for me, but these come in just water with no salt added, so you have complete control over seasoning. The texture is great. They break apart really easily with a fork, which makes them perfect for mixing into dressings and sauces. I usually make a sardine salad the way most people make tuna salad, mixing in mustards or other dressings and eating it with crackers or bread. Since there's no added salt or oil, I don't have to worry about the mix-ins pushing the sodium or richness too far. It also works well blended into sauces as a sneaky protein boost. I try to eat fish at least once or twice a week for lunch, and I prefer sardines over tuna because they're more sustainable. In the past, I've always had trouble finding canned fish that wasn't too fishy in smell or came in cans that splashed everywhere when you opened them. These don't have either of those problems. Really happy with this find.

★★★☆☆ · Verified Buyer

The texture was a dealbreaker for me. The soft bones mixed in with the fillets really threw me off, and I would have much preferred a version without them. Because there's no salt added and no real brine, the flavor is very fishy with not a lot else going on. If you already love the taste of sardines, these would be great for you, but if not, this might not be the right product. I was intrigued to try canned sardines because I know the health benefits of eating more fish like tuna and mackerel. I did notice about 5 to 7 days after I started eating them that my hair seemed a little silkier and my nails felt a bit stronger. I haven't had any other canned sardines to compare these to, so I can't speak to how they stack up taste-wise. The cans are small and easy to store, and they're easy to open and get the fillets out.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines taste clean, not fishy, and have an amazing texture. They're not mushy or muddy like some other sardines I've had. The bones are soft and easy to eat, and the can is easy to open, making them perfect for on-the-go eating. I eat canned sardines once a day as part of a ketogenic diet, and I love this brand. They're very palatable and I'll keep buying them.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines tasted fresher than any brand we've tried, and we've eaten a lot of sardines in our day. My whole family loved them. We like to have sardines on a bed of spinach with a few other veggies and a little dressing on the side, and these were absolutely delicious prepared that way. We did add a little salt since we're a flavor-loving family, but the product itself is excellent. I've never found a sardine brand I don't like, and this one is definitely a cut above the rest. My only frustration is that we haven't been able to buy it again because we live in a small rural area and it's not accessible at the grocery stores near us.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

Not my preferred sardine from Wild Planet. The no-salt-added version has a raw, ocean-fresh fishiness that doesn't complement my cooking style at all. The salt in their other varieties really brings out the sardine flavor you actually want, especially when pairing with other foods. Without it, the flavor falls flat, more bland with a fishy odor rather than a nice addition to salads, pizza, or toppings. That said, the quality and freshness of the fish itself is really good. I've had other sardines from this brand, including the salted versions, and I love them. This is a solid brand I'd normally grab off the shelf, and I can absolutely see how someone who needs unsalted sardines would enjoy this product. It's quality, it's fresh, it's just not for me. The texture also caught me off guard, different from what I'm used to. I don't think I'd purchase this one again for my cooking needs. My family eats canned sardines roughly every other week, so we go through a lot of them. If you specifically need a no-salt option, this is a reliable pick. If you don't, go with one of Wild Planet's flavored or salted varieties instead.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

These wild sardines packed in water taste excellent and have a great texture. The soft bones are easy to eat, and because they're in water rather than oil, there's no slimy feel. We actually tried the olive oil version first, and my family was not a fan. The water-packed version was a much better experience all around. The no-salt-added feature was a real bonus when an eight-month-old baby came to visit. We felt good knowing we weren't adding extra salt to her diet. She enjoyed them, and we just pulled the bones out for her. My kids were able to eat the soft bones without any issue and gobbled these up. They made a super convenient snack, and I also added them to meals two to three times when my children weren't getting enough protein. First-time buyers should know these do have bones in them, but they're soft enough to eat and it was never an issue for us. The price, packaging, and product consistency were all fantastic. My family eats canned fish one to two times a month, and these fit right into our routine.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These wild sardines have been a game-changer for getting more fish into my family's diet. I do a lot of food prep and typically prioritize things that freeze well, so fish just isn't high on the list. Having cans sitting in the pantry that I can open at any point and use in an array of different dishes has made a huge difference. I've used them as a base for sauces, built on them with my own spices, and they work in so many different recipes. Since they're already cooked, they're incredibly fast to prepare. The quality is excellent. They're very well-preserved, and I've had absolutely no complaints. Taste and texture are decent for what they are. They're cooked fish in a can, and that's honestly exactly what I want. They do need a little love in the flavor department, but I actually like that they're neutral because I can build on them with a variety of my own spices. It would be nice if they offered some variations like a garlic or spicy option for when you want to eat them straight out of the can. Price, packaging, everything is very fair. Super easy to order too, since they do a lot of Whole Foods delivery. I work from home with little ones, and getting enough protein in for a quick lunch is always a struggle. These sardines help me hit my goals for protein and all the beneficial nutrients from fish oil. Getting the kids to eat them is a challenge, but that goes for anything with toddlers. Even the color of a sauce can be a dealbreaker for them. The accessibility and ease of having these on hand means I can keep offering them as an option, which is all you can do when you're trying to expand little palates. All in all, really happy with my experience.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Wild Planet sardines are the best brand my husband has tried, and he's eaten a lot of different sardines. Even with no salt added, they have better taste and texture than the competition. They're less fishy tasting, and the fish seem fuller, which makes them so much easier to eat compared to the limp, slimy sardines from other brands. The pull-top opening is smooth, doesn't require much force, and doesn't make a mess, which is great for on-the-go snacking. He takes them to work and has them on break really quickly and easily. He doesn't even add anything to them, except maybe some healthy mayo sometimes, but that's not necessary. He loves the high protein and omega-3 content, so he's really happy with this as a snack choice. This brand is slightly more expensive than others, but the quality is worth it.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines are delicious, packed with protein and omega-3s, and the no-salt-added feature is a huge win. I love salted canned sardines, but they can be a little extra fishy. These taste much more natural and pair perfectly with a cracker on the side. Since there's already so much salt in our diets, it's great to have a product where I can control that and add my own sauces instead. As a teacher who's always on the run, hitting my nutrition goals with whole, healthy food can be tough. These make it easy. The can is a great size that slips right into my lunchbox with no issues. I also love the cute branding and packaging. I've gone back and purchased my own Wild Planet sardines since trying them, and it's been a wonderful experience through and through.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These are hands down my favorite snack. High protein, lean, no salt added, and no unnecessary additives. You pop a can open and boom, you've hit your protein goal for the day. The texture is great and they're not overly fishy at all. I eat them two to three times a week and love how versatile they are. I add them with avocado, put my own seasoning on top. Sriracha is a go-to, lots of pepper, and I've even mixed in a little mayo and ranch. Because there's no added salt, I can season however I want without driving my sodium up and needing to drink gallons of extra water. It makes snacking healthy so much easier and faster. They're easy to turn into a family snack too. My kids love them.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

A solid, reputable sardine option, especially if you prefer to control your own salt levels. I expected sardines to be pretty salty, but these were way less salty than I anticipated, which was awesome. The no-salt-added option is great because I can add more or less according to a recipe or just what I feel like eating. They weren't too fishy either, which made them feel like a safe, healthy choice. I tried them on avocado toast and thought they were really good. I also tried them straight from the can. The consistency was definitely different that way, but I was pleasantly surprised. I don't eat sardines daily, so having them shelf-stable in the cupboard for whenever I get a craving or have a fancy meal coming up has been really handy. I can't really compare them to other sardine brands since I haven't had many before, but these were a great introduction. I try to eat more Mediterranean and generally go low-sodium with my food, so these fit right into what I'm looking for.

★★★★☆ · Verified Buyer

These sardines have great taste and texture, and I was pleasantly surprised by how mild they are. They're not nearly as fishy as I expected. Unlike canned tuna, which is just ground-up bits of fish, these are actual whole fillets, which gives them a much nicer texture and feel. The no salt added feature is a real plus. It lets me fully customize the seasoning for whatever dish I'm making without having to guess how much salt is already in the product. I mostly pan fry them with a little olive oil and a seasoned batter or breading, and they come out with a really nice texture. Everyone in my house seems to love the flavor. I also really like that each tin is essentially a single serving size, which takes the guesswork out of portioning. That said, my one complaint is that they only come in 3-packs. I have 4 people in my house, so I always have to buy an extra pack just to make sure everyone gets a serving. A 4-pack option would be much appreciated. If you haven't used sardines before, be aware that they're more delicate than you might expect. When pan frying, be gentle flipping them over. They're not as sturdy as other types of fish. I'd never tried canned sardines before these, so I can't compare them to other brands, but I really enjoy them and will continue purchasing.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Really great sardines overall, and I'm not even a huge sardines person. I took a risk trying this brand and I'm glad I did because it's become a staple in my house for me, my husband, and my son. The taste is great and the texture wasn't as weird as I thought it'd be. It just felt like what you'd expect a sardine to feel like. My husband said these are a lot more flavorful than other brands like Hill Country Fair or Great Valley that you'd find at the grocery store, and I agree. As for the no salt added, it's really not a big deal. I put them on crackers and the crackers give you that salty flavor if you're looking for it. They're also really good by themselves. Just know what you're getting yourself into because you're going to get addicted. This is a good brand to start with.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

Wild Planet's no-salt sardines are a superior quality product and an easy way to boost your omega-3 and omega-6 intake. These aren't chunks of sardines; they're whole, tender fish, and the quality of the brand really comes through when you eat them. I sautéed them with a can of Wild Planet tuna, plenty of garlic, and extra virgin olive oil to make a pasta with tuna dish for my family. The sardines did add a mildly different flavor to our usual recipe, but with the extra garlic it was far less noticeable than I expected. My son is used to eating pasta with tuna, so incorporating the sardines did alter the flavor profile he's accustomed to. That said, I think it's an easy swap to up your omega game. The no-salt formulation is something I personally appreciate because I like to control the flavor profile of my cooking. Just be sure you understand there's no salt added, so you'll want to season to taste.

★★★★★ · Verified Buyer

These sardines are an awesome, filling snack that my whole family loves. They come in a perfect grab-and-go size, and I've already bought more packs because we go through them so fast. I even convinced my brother to start snacking on them too. For my two-year-old daughter, I either put the whole sardine pieces on a plate or spread them on a piece of toast with some butter. It's a quick, easy, and healthy snack I feel great about giving her. No downsides at all.