Went to Trader Joe's in search of some of their sardines I had seen reviewed on youtube. It took two trips as they were out of stock on one of them. I liked the first one, wanted to purchase more, and of course, when I went back it was out of stock on the second trip. Sigh...
Skinless & Boneless Sardines In Olive Oil
This is one of the few seen that list net weight (3.75oz.) as well as drained weight (2.8oz.). The can seems big; maybe it's just the atypical ratio of length to width that makes it appear that way. I think it may be because the can I got had the fillets oriented parallel to the width of the can vs. the more typical lengthwise. The ingredients list "Sardines, olive oil, salt", so no indication of what you're getting until you open the can. They might have been pilchards, but after seeing other opened cans of the same online, with the fish packed lengthwise, I'm not so sure. At $2.49, the quality and taste were more than acceptable, and the price in line with similar offerings costing 10 to 20% more.
Brand: Trader Joe's
Description: Skinless & Boneless Sardines In Olive Oil
Species: Pilchards?
Country of Origin: Morocco
Skin/Bones: No/No
Net Wt: 3.75 oz.
Price Range: $$
Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil
The second was the one in the hard-to-miss hot pink can. It, too, listed net weight (4.25oz.) and drained weight (3oz.) which, at over an ounce, was a big swing compared to the first one. Ingredients were listed as "Sardines, olive oil, salt, natural smoke flavor." According to the TJ website they are pilchards, although they seem a little large, with only 3 or so per can. It hadn't dawned on me to check if these were skinless/boneless; they were not. Best advice: if it doesn't say, don't assume. These tasted fine, but reminded me that I prefer skinless/boneless, or at least boneless. Don't hate me for not being a purist.
Brand: Trader Joe's
Description: Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil
Species: Pilchards
Country of Origin: Portugal
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.25 oz.
Price Range: $$
These are actually sold at Amazon, but at really stupidly high prices, so don't bother looking for them there.