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A Tale of Two Brunswick Sardines

The Brunswick brand, marketed by Bumblebee Seafoods, offers two different products that, at first glance, may seem identical, perhaps just a packaging variation, but upon closer inspection 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. These compare favorably to the King Oscar offering, considered by many a standard by which to judge skinless/boneless pilchards, and can be had a slightly better price.

Brand: Brunswick
Description: Sardines Served in Olive Oil
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Morocco
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $$

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A variation, served with mild red peppers, is also very good, and not too spicy.

Brunswick Boneless Butterflied Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil

The second version, upon inspection of its ingredient list, contains herring. While the pilchards version might contain four to six fish, this version contains roughly two fillets spanning the length and breadth of the can. This version also differs in that its tin is packaged in a cellophane wrapper, with the description "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.

Brand: Brunswick
Description: Sardine Fillets in Olive Oil
Species: Herring
Country of Origin: Canada
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $$

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While different, both are satisfactory, quality products, so which ever one you happen to buy should not disappoint.

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