The Brunswick brand, marketed by Bumblebee Seafoods, offers two different sardines that, at first glance, may seem identical, perhaps just a packaging variation. But upon closer inspection, they are two very different offerings.
Brunswick Skinless Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil
The first contains the more-traditional pilchards, the thumb-sized fish most often associated with the term sardines. Its tin is packaged in a cardboard carton.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.
These compare favorably to the King Oscar offering, considered by many a standard by which to judge skinless/boneless pilchards. It can also be had a slightly better price.
Brand: Brunswick
Description: Sardines Served in Olive Oil
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Morocco
Source: FAO34, Eastern Central Atlantic
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $2-3
A variation, served with mild red peppers, is also very good, and not too spicy.
Brunswick Boneless Butterflied Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4/5.
The second version, upon inspection of its ingredient list, contains herring. While the pilchards version might contain four to six fish, this one had two thick fillets spanning the length and breadth of the can.
This version also differs in that its tin is packaged in a cellophane wrapper. The description is "sardine fillets" rather than just "sardines", and "boneless butterflied" vs. "skinless/boneless". Herring is among the species legally allowed to be marketed as sardines, so technically there is no misrepresentation.
Some may be tempted to think this might be a way to enjoy herring without all the trappings of kippers and the extra sodium they usually contain. But this one at 370 mg/serving falls squarely in the middle of the sodium content found in a variety of kipper snacks.
Brand: Brunswick
Description: Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil
Species: Herring
Country of Origin: Canada
Source:
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $2
While different, both are satisfactory, quality products, so which ever one you happen to buy should not disappoint. The herring version is typically less expensive than the pilchards, with both often available just on either side of $2.