People preparing a quick hot meal
For a quick pan-fried or oven-baked dish, a 200 g tray can save you from buying more than you need. Carrefour, for example, lists fresh fillets in this size. Check that the quantity suits your recipe.
Who are fresh fillets for?
Households cooking several portions
A larger pack may suit you if you can use all the fish within the time stated on the label. Auchan lists a 1 kg box with an average use-by period of 48 hours. Plan around the date on the product you receive.
People who pay close attention to fishing information
If the species, fishing area or whether the fish has been defrosted matters to you, take the time to read the label or product information. The DGCCRF sets out the information that must be provided to consumers in France for unprocessed fishery products.
What should you check before buying?
If you’re planning a hot meal soon, first make sure you can transport and store the fish chilled. Then choose a weight that suits the number of portions and compare the fishing information.
| What to check | Check for | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Storage and use-by date | The use-by date on the label and the storage temperature given for the product you’ve chosen. The Anses recommends keeping fishery products between 0 and 4 °C in the coldest part of the fridge. | I want to cook the dish soon and keep the fillets chilled until then. Around 44% of consumers put use-by dates and storage at the top of their list. |
| Pack size and portions | The net weight for your recipe: Carrefour lists a 200 g tray, while Auchan also lists a 1 kg box. | For a small gathering, I’d rather buy an amount I can cook all at once; for several portions, I can plan for more. Pack size is the main consideration for around 33% of consumers. |
| Fishing information | The sales name and scientific name, the area and method of production, as well as details of the fishing gear and whether the fish has been defrosted. The DGCCRF sets out the information requirements in France for unprocessed fishery products. | I want to know what fish I’m buying and where it comes from before comparing two products. Around 23% of consumers give this information top priority. |
What mistakes should you avoid?
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Confusing fresh fillets with tinned fillets
You’ll also see the word “fillets” on tins of sardines that have already been prepared. These aren’t fresh fillets for you to cook.
If you want to cook the fish yourself, look for the word “fresh”, a use-by date and instructions for keeping it chilled.
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Buying more fish than you need for the meal
A 1 kg box means planning to use all the fish within the time stated on the label. It’s not as flexible as something you can keep in the cupboard.
Work out how many portions your recipe needs before choosing between a small tray and a larger pack, then stick to the use-by date on the product you receive.
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Choosing based on the word “sardines” alone
Information about the species, fishing method and whether the fish has been defrosted can help you compare products beyond their everyday name.
Check the label or product information, including the sales name, scientific name, fishing area and whether the fish has been defrosted.
Brands and retailers to consider
Carrefour and Auchan list fresh fillets. Saupiquet and Connétable feature here as tinned options, which are worth considering only if you’re happy to choose a different type of product.
Carrefour
A retailer to check for smaller packs of fresh sardine fillets.
- A Carrefour listing features a 200 g tray, with the origin given as “North-East Atlantic”.
- Check the listing for your store and the freshness period stated when you order.
Auchan
A retailer listing fresh fillets in 200 g and 1 kg packs in the product listings reviewed.
- The 200 g product listing gives the species as Sardina pilchardus and says to store the fish between 0 and 2 °C.
- For the 1 kg box, Auchan gives an average use-by period of 48 hours. Check the date on the product you receive.
Saupiquet
A brand of tinned sardine fillets, which are different from fresh fillets that need cooking.
- One plain fillet product listed by Auchan contains sardine fillets, water and salt.
- This tin isn’t the right choice if you’re looking for fresh fillets to cook on the day.
Connétable
A brand to consider if tinned fillets in olive oil suit the recipe you have in mind.
- Carrefour lists a 90 g tin of sardine fillets in extra virgin olive oil.
- This tinned product isn’t a fresh fillet to cook as it is.
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Frequently asked questions
How can I tell fresh fillets from tinned fillets?
If you’re buying fresh fillets to cook, look for the word “fresh”, a use-by date and instructions for keeping the fish chilled. The Saupiquet and Connétable products mentioned here are tinned fillets, while the Auchan fish counter listings are for fresh fillets.
How long can I keep fresh sardine fillets?
Follow the use-by date and storage instructions on the product. The Anses recommends storing fishery products in the coldest part of the fridge, between 0 and 4 °C. One 200 g Auchan product specifies storage between 0 and 2 °C.
Do I need to cook the fresh fillets for this hot meal?
Yes. Cook the fish all the way through for this dish, as recommended by the Anses for fresh fish. A prepared tin is intended for a different use and isn’t a substitute for fresh fillets that you want to cook and season yourself.
What information should I check when comparing fresh fillets?
Check the species, fishing area and whether the fish has been defrosted, as well as the weight and use-by date. For unprocessed fishery products sold in France, the DGCCRF also sets out information about the sales name, method of production and fishing gear.