I Ate Tinned Fish Every Day for a Week?Here’s What Happened.Tinned fish, such as sardines, tuna, and salmon, is a great way to get more omega-3s into your diet. These fatty acids help protect against heart disease, Alzheimer’s, and blood clots.
They also provide calcium, vitamin D and iron, as well. Plus, they’re more economical than fresh fish and can last years in your pantry.
- I felt bloated.
Why Are Tins of Fish So Popular?
If you’ve ever watched TikTok or Instagram, you probably know that tinned fish–tuna, mackerel, sardines and more–have become the latest gastronomical obsession. In the form of “tinned fish date nights” and seacuterie boards, they’re becoming a foodie craze on social media.
Tinned fish has been gaining popularity because it’s an inexpensive and convenient option to fresh, sustainably sourced seafood that can go bad quickly. It’s also a great source of protein, which is essential for maintaining and building muscle.
But some tinned fish products are high in sodium, so it’s important to read labels to find low-sodium versions that are still packed with flavor. Plus, you’ll want to consider the mercury levels in some tinned fish before buying, since it can increase your risk of certain health conditions.
- I felt sluggish.
The latest wave of the tinned fish craze is a melange of gourmet offerings, from smoked rainbow trout to mussels escabeche.
Despite being packed in oil, the fishy tins that have made it big include a plethora of high-quality, sustainable options. For instance, Jose Gourmet sells a tin of smoked rainbow trout that is worth the hype.
And while tinned fish certainly doesn’t qualify as the best food to eat in the microwave, it is a solid option when it comes to spicing up your next pot of quinoa. To help you get the most out of your tins, we’ve rounded up some of the top-rated tinned seafood brands, including the best in the business. Let’s see if you can eat your way to a healthy happy hour with these canister-worthy choices!
- I gained weight.
Tinned fish — fish, like sardines, mackerel, cockles and other seafood, preserved in oil or broth — has become a trend. Americans have been catching on to conservas (pronounced con-ro-fah), largely because they’ve been imported from European countries, such as Spain and Portugal.
Tanned fish can be a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are important for your heart health. They also contain vitamin D and calcium.
But if you want to indulge in tinned fish, make sure you choose brands that are low in mercury. It’s also a good idea to check the sodium content, since canned foods often have a lot of added salt.
- I felt irritable.
Tinned fish–specifically, sardines, anchovies and mackerel packed in oil–have recently resurfaced as a hip food trend. Their popularity has been driven by a few things: sustainability trends, the tins that have the best branding and a little something called TikTok.
Tinned fish has many health benefits, including more calcium than fresh fish and a decent amount of vitamin D. However, it can also be a source of sodium. That said, if you’re not a salt fiend, it isn’t a bad choice for a light dinner or snack, says Rumsey. She also points out that tinned fish is more likely to be accompanied by other healthy foods, like vegetables and fruits. It’s also a good way to sneak in a few extra servings of omega-3 fatty acids, which is what you really want from fish, especially for heart health.
- I felt tired.
Traditionally, canned seafood has been relegated to mayo-laden tuna sandwiches or as a topping for pizza. But in recent years, tinned fish has been gaining popularity among Americans who are looking for nutrient-dense, sustainable meal solutions. This heightened interest is largely driven by cultural traditions overseas, particularly those in Spain and Portugal (where tinned fish are known as “conservas”), as well as in Korea, China, and Japan.
One of the most exciting brands in this space is Jose Gourmet, which offers a variety of different fish in tins that are designed to look like works of art. Their smoked albacore tuna in sunflower oil, for example, looks gorgeous and is incredibly satiating. It’s also a good choice for those who want to avoid using oil for added flavor.