- Special Diets
- Anti-Inflammatory
It’s budget-friendly and has a long shelf life in the pantry, so it’s a win-win in my book.
By
Alex Loh
Alex Loh
Alex Loh isEatingWell's associate food editor. As part of the food team, she creates healthy, delicious recipes for theEatingWellaudience. Alex also writes informative food and cooking articles that range from how to store ground beef to the best picks from Trader Joe's. Alex conducts product and taste tests to find the best options, from salad spinners to salsas.
EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
Published on August 14, 2024
Reviewed by Dietitian
Annie Nguyen, M.A., RD
Reviewed by DietitianAnnie Nguyen, M.A., RD
Annie Nguyen is a Registered Dietitian who manages EatingWell's Pinterest page. Before EatingWell, she worked with other dietitians to write nutrition blog posts, develop recipes and create social media content. Annie went to the University of Oklahoma to complete her B.S. in Health and Exercise Science. She went on to get her M.A. in Dietetics and finish her dietetic internship at the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center.
EatingWell's Editorial Guidelines
There are plenty of fish in the sea but, until this year, my fish choices consisted mainly of salmon and tuna. While I love recipes like our and , I was looking to expand my palate and switch things up. That’s when I discovered Trader Joe’s Sardines in Olive Oil. After buying them on a whim the first time, they’re now a must-have ingredient whenever I shop at the store—here’s why.
The #1 Underrated Frozen Side to Buy at Trader Joe’s, According to a Food Editor
Sardines are an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of polyunsaturated fat that offers a slew of health benefits. Eating more foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids has been shown to support heart health, protect eye health and reduce inflammation. In fact, sardines are one of the best foods to eat to fight inflammation because the fat has been found to increase your cells’ ability to rid themselves of harmful components. Eating a one-can, 3.75-ounce serving of Trader Joe’s sardines provides 1.7 grams of omega-3 fatty acids, which satisfies the adequate intake of omega-3s (1.6 grams for men and 1.1 grams for women).
I love that incorporating sardines into my meals is not only healthy but also super easy. Trader Joe’s sardines come packed in oil and are skinless and boneless. I appreciate that the fish comes without bones, as removing all of the tiny bones can be annoying (although they are safe to eat). Since the sardines are already prepped, I can quickly add the fish to my meals without any hassle. Buying these sardines is also a sustainable choice as the product comes from Morocco. Sardines caught in Morocco’s Atlantic Ocean are recommended as a sustainable option by Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.
One of my favorite ways to eat sardines is atop a bagel with veggie cream cheese. It gives a similar vibe to smoked salmon and is one of my go-to lunches. You could also try adding sardines to our Tomato Toast with Herbed Cream Cheese. Meanwhile, at dinnertime, I like to incorporate sardines into pasta. It’s an easy way to add protein to a dish, and sardines pair well with a variety of flavor profiles, from a simple to a One-Pot Tomato Basil Pasta. Just chop up the sardines and fold them into the pasta so you get some in every bite.
These sardines have a long shelf life, so you can stock up so they’re always on hand in your pantry (but if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself going through the cans quickly!). At $2.49 per can at my local store, it’s a budget-friendly way to add more fish to my plate. So the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, grab some sardines and thank me later.
3 Trader Joe's Products I Never Thought I’d Buy—and Now They’re Always on My List
Was this page helpful?
Thanks for your feedback!
Tell us why!
Sources
EatingWell uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.
National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Fact Sheet for Health Professionals. Omega-3 Fatty Acids.
Monterey Bay Aquarium, Seafood Watch. Sardine.