Lately, I've been looking at some odd places for sardines and other tinned fish. I expect selection will be low, but always hope for something interesting. These Beach Cliff Herring Fillets Kipper Style Snacks were found at a dollar store. Nothing special, but for $1.50, worth a try.
The packaging doesn't match that on the store's website, but these are well in date, with a best by of 9/28.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.8/5.
A little loose on the packing, but the stated net weight of 3.53 oz. is well within the range typical of kipper snacks. The aroma of the "natural smoke flavoring" hits you first. The appearance, however, is enough to confirm it hasn't been truly wood smoked. A sip of the broth echoes the aroma.
Let's Dig In
Over rice isn't a typical way to enjoy kipper snacks, but it doesn't add or subtract anything from the fish, so it's a good way to assess flavor.
The fish is quite moist and tender, not unusual for this type of herring.
I found the smoke flavor palatable enough, and didn't think it overpowered the flavor of the fish.
Kipper style herring is inherently salty, and the 500mg. of sodium was not unexpected. But it didn't seem excessive.
Main Takeaways
- Typical herring kipper snacks
- Acceptable salt and smoke
- Cheap
Kipper snacks are a good, low calorie, inexpensive tinned fish. Although the MW Polar remains a favorite, most brands are acceptable.
Brand: Bumble Bee Seafoods / Beach Cliff
Description: Herring fillets kipper style
Species: Clupea Harengus
Country of Origin: Canada
Source: FAO21, Northwest Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/No
Net Wt: 3.53 oz.
Price Range: < $2