Hosts preparing several appetisers
If sardines are just one part of the buffet, check how many portions you can make from each tin. E.Leclerc lists Pêche Océan sardines in single tins and multipacks, while Carrefour lists a 135 g size.
Who are you serving, and how will you prepare them?
People making their own seasoning
If you’re adding sardines to a dish with soy sauce, ginger or sesame, plain sardines mean you won’t be starting with a strong seasoning already in the mix. Saupiquet offers plain fillets without oil, while Connétable lists plain sardines.
Hosts mindful of what’s in the meal
When sharing a meal, check the ingredients and allergens on the tin you’re serving. Fish is an allergen; the type of oil and other ingredients will depend on the product you choose.
What should you check before choosing?
First decide whether you’ll mix the sardines into a dish or serve them as they are. Then choose a size and quantity to suit the number of appetisers you’re planning.
| Criterion | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Amount to serve | Drained net weight and the number of tins in a multipack, if applicable. A 135 g Carrefour product lists a drained net weight of 95 g. | I’m planning several appetisers and want enough fish without opening too many tins. Around 42 % of consumers prioritise this quantity. |
| How well they suit the recipe | Check whether they contain oil or flavouring ingredients; choose whole sardines or fillets to suit the preparation. | If I’m making my own sauce, I’d rather choose the flavours that go with the sardines myself. Around 33 % of consumers put this freedom to season first. |
| Ease of serving | Check whether they come as fillets or whole sardines, and whether they need draining before serving. | If I want to get appetisers onto the table quickly, I’m looking for a format that needs little preparation. This is the top priority for around 17 % of consumers. |
| Ingredients and storage | Check the ingredients list, allergens and instructions for storing the tin after opening. | When I’m cooking for others, I need to be able to check what’s in the tin and how to store any leftovers. Around 8 % of consumers prioritise these checks first. |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Choosing a flavoured variety without thinking about the rest of the menu
A tin of lemon and basil sardines or sardines in oil already brings flavours that may not suit the sauce you’ve planned.
If you want to control the seasoning of the dish, compare the ingredients with your recipe first. Save flavoured tins for occasions when their flavours will work well.
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Confusing the tin’s total weight with the amount of sardines you can serve
The drained net weight may be less than the weight shown for the whole contents. For example, a 135 g Carrefour product lists a drained net weight of 95 g.
Work out how many appetisers you’d like to make using the drained weight, and check how many tins are in a multipack.
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Overlooking the label because the recipe seems simple
Fish is an allergen, and ingredients vary between products. Auchan also notes that the composition of some products may depend on the chosen drive and purchase date.
Before sharing a meal, read the label on the tin you’ve actually bought and follow its storage instructions after opening.
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Treating a tin as if it were a frozen product
Packaging changes what you need to consider: plain sardines or sardines in oil won’t meet a search for frozen sardines.
Before choosing a product, be clear about whether you’re looking for frozen sardines, frozen accompaniments or tinned sardines to prepare appetisers.
Brands and retailers to know
Saupiquet
Saupiquet offers whole sardines and fillets, including plain varieties, sardines in olive oil and lemon and basil.
- Saupiquet describes its plain fillets as containing no oil, making them worth considering if you’re preparing a separate sauce.
- The lemon and basil variety already has a distinct flavour profile, so check that it will work with your planned dish.
Connétable
Connétable offers plain sardines and sardines in olive oil, alongside other tinned varieties.
- Choosing between a plain variety and one in oil lets you take your planned seasoning into account.
- Check the format and ingredients of the specific product rather than relying on the brand name alone.
Carrefour
Carrefour lists Carrefour Classic’ sardines in extra virgin olive oil or sunflower oil, including a 135 g tin.
- The product listing for the sunflower oil variety distinguishes between the 135 g weight and a drained net weight of 95 g.
- Don’t assume that all 135 g tins have the same drained weight; check each product.
E.Leclerc
E.Leclerc lists Pêche Océan sardines in single tins and multipacks.
- These formats let you choose the number of tins to suit your planned buffet.
- E.Leclerc advises checking availability with the relevant store.
Auchan
Auchan lists sardines under its own brand, as well as Connétable and Parmentier products.
- Listings for some products include ingredients and storage instructions for after opening.
- Auchan notes that the composition may vary depending on your preferred drive and the purchase date, so check the packaging you receive.
Lidl
Lidl shares recipes that use tinned sardines.
- These recipes offer preparation ideas, including ways to use drained sardines.
- When choosing a tin, refer to the product listing and label for the one you’re considering.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
Can you use tinned sardines for an Asian-themed evening?
Yes, as an ingredient in a dish that you season yourself. Plain sardines leave more room for your sauce. If you’re serving the sardines as they are, check that the oil or flavourings in the tin will suit the rest of the menu.
Which weight should you check when preparing appetisers?
Check the drained net weight to estimate how many sardines you’ll have to use. A 135 g Carrefour product lists a drained net weight of 95 g; check the information on each tin before working out how many you’ll need.
What should you check if a guest is allergic to fish?
Sardines contain fish, so they aren’t suitable for anyone with a fish allergy. Also check the labels of the other products you’re serving for their ingredients and allergens, and prepare a suitable dish for the guest concerned.
How should you store an opened tin of sardines?
Follow the instructions on the product you’ve bought. For a Parmentier sardines in olive oil product, Auchan advises keeping it in the fridge after opening and eating it within two days. Don’t automatically apply this timeframe to other tinned products.