The Best Canned Sardines To Eat If You're Afraid You'll Hate Them

Small, oil-packed sardines are the best place to start

Many people worry that snacking on canned sardines will result in an overpowering fishy taste. To mitigate this concern, Gareth Maccubbin suggests, "I recommend looking for small sardines packed in oil from Spain or Portugal and enjoying them straight from the tin with a variety of accompaniments." Most sardines are preserved in soybean oil, which lacks the flavor needed to balance the fishiness. Instead, opt for brands that use olive oil, as it adds a pleasant, familiar taste.

Using complementary ingredients can also help disguise the fish's natural flavor. For instance, Maiden Lane offers sardines canned in olive oil with flavors ranging from lemon to tomato; some tins even feature fish that have been fried in flour and stewed with onions and sweet red peppers before being preserved in olive oil.

When it comes to accompaniments, conservas are typically enjoyed with crusty bread or crackers, along with other preserved items like pickles and olives. According to Maccubbin, small sardines, known for their delicacy, are ideal for this bite-sized presentation. For larger varieties, he suggests incorporating them into dishes rather than serving them alone. "Regular sardines," he notes, "are meatier and can handle more robust condiments or light cooking."