Where to find sardines online? At some point in your tinned fish adventure, you'll probably want to try some that just aren't available in your local marketplace. There are several online options, each with it's own advantages or disadvantages. Let's explore some of them.
Amazon
This link will land you at an Amazon search page listing hundreds of tinned fish selections. Some are available individually; others must be purchased in lots. Some are from sellers taking advantage of the fact that their item is not typically found on local store shelves. Others are at prices the same as or better than what you might find locally. Several sellers show obsolete packaging, which can be confusing.
If you have Amazon Prime, most times shipping will be free and not a factor. If you make a purchase after clicking through to Amazon using our link, we may receive a small commission. The price to you will be no different as a result of using our link.
If you have a nearby Whole Foods (owned by Amazon), an Amazon Prime membership will get you discounted prices even below their ordinary sale prices. Very handy when tinned fish products are on sale there.
World Market
World Market carries a selection of over 60 tinned fish products by brands you probably won't see locally unless you have a Whole Foods, a gourmet specialty store or a World Market (duh). In many cases, WM will only ship certain selections in a lot of two, and that's the price shown on the website. So, don't look at a price of $9.98 and think it's necessarily for only one; that's just how they do it on the website. If you click through, you'll see that the item is sold individually at their stores for $4.99. Their pricing appears competitive with other online sellers specializing in tinned fish products.
Their shipping is Standard Ground (3-8 business days), and based on the dollar value of your order, with a minimum charge of $8.95.
Caputo's Market & Deli
When you read "cave aged cheese", "craft chocolate", "shrubs and drinking vinegars" and "tinctures and extracts", you know this deli isn't your average corner sandwich shop. They also happen to sell some of the most esoteric tinned fish you're likely to find. And the cool thing is, they'll ship it to you for free. No supermarket 'deenz here, many of Caputo's tinned fish offerings are mighty spendy, but there are some more affordable options among them. Expect to pay about $8 a can to get started. Don't forget to add a bottle (or two) of Salsa Espinaler to your order, it rides for free.
Choose from: ABC+, Arroyabe, Artesanos Alalunga, Ati Manel, Barnacle, Conservas de Cambados, Ekone Oyster Co, Espinaler, Fangst, Güeyu Mar, IASA, José Gourmet, Les Mouettes d'Arvor, Maria Organic, Matiz Gallego, Nassari, Nice Cans, Olasagasti, Ortiz, Patagonia Provisions, Ramón Peña, Wildfish Cannery.
We've ordered from this vendor multiple times, and have been pleased with the careful packaging and customer service.
RTG
RTG is sort of a Mecca of online tinned fish sales, and since early 2024 it's basically all they do. They currently sell over 80 brands, most of which you've never heard of nor will ever find in a local store. 20 of their most popular brands are categorized in a handy dropdown menu. Combinations of some recommended items are offered in themed, curated "bundles". Also available are "side by sides", pairings of two items for comparison tasting.
Some of their offerings you will look at and say, "How much? For a can of sardines???" Suffice it to say there are connoisseurs out there who will and do actually pay that much for a can of sardines. You can get started for as little as $3.50 a can, and work your way up as you become more adventurous and your tastes become more refined.
Shipping is by priority flat rate box only, and generally will vary from $5.24 (two tins) to $22.65 (a pretty large box full). They make every effort to pack your shipment safely in the smallest, least expensive box possible. Shipping is billed separately, after the fact. Oddly, credit card payment is via Paypal invoice.
Update: As of late May, 2025, RTG has adopted a new business model. They now accept credit cards directly. Shipping charges are calculated and added concurrently with the order. And they now offer free shipping on orders over $100. Unfortunately, it would also appear that they've also taken a substantial across-the-board price increase. You may want to shop around for those brands sold by other competitors.
RTG is short for Rainbow Tomatoes Garden. Seems that until late 2023 the tinned fish was a side hustle for a tomato farm operation. They have since "sold the farm", and are now focused solely on canned fish.
International Loft
This specialty food importer sells tinned fish from about a dozen well-regarded producers, including AS do Mar, Angelo Parodi, Briosa, Minerva, Nuri, Olasagasti, Ortiz, Pollastrini, Porthos, Ramon Pena and Yurrita.
Pricing overall is competitive to quite good. Shipping is free on orders over $25. 10% discount on orders over $99.
Multiple orders from this vendor have arrived promptly and packed satisfactorily.
Others To Consider
Specialty Tinned Fish Retailers
- Fishwife – https://eatfishwife.com
A trendy, U.S.-based brand known for sustainably sourced and stylishly packaged tinned fish. Selections in lots of three only, so you may want to just use their Store Locator to find a local source to buy singles. Free shipping on orders over $75. If you use our affiliate link (above) we may earn a small commission. - Jose Gourmet – https://josegourmet.com
Portuguese brand offering premium-quality tinned seafood, often sold through their site and stockists. They don't sell 'deenz directly, "Shop" links redirect you to Caputo's. They do show you actual photos of what's in the cans if you hover over the photos of the boxes, though. - Natural Catch – https://naturalcatchtuna.com/
Premium-quality tinned tuna, sold through their site and stockists. Sardines and mackerel limited to one selection each. Sales in lot quantities of 6, 12 or 24 only, with incremental savings. 6-packs ship free, but are the most expensive per can. Now in Whole Foods, where periodic sales and Amazon Prime member savings can combine to achieve best pricing.
Gourmet and Specialty Food Stores
- Tin Can Fish – https://tincanfish.com
U.S.-based shop offering a curated selection of premium tinned fish from Spain, Portugal, and beyond. Most selections in lots of 6 or more only. Flat $9.99 per order shipping when shipping charges apply. Free shipping over $99. Random selection variety packs with "subscribe and save" option can be good values. Annoying Venmo style pop-up tells you what others have purchased just minutes ago. - Browne Trading Company – https://www.brownetrading.com
Specializes in fine seafood and caviar, including an array of gourmet tinned options. Next day air shipping only, minimum charge $35. Free shipping on orders over $300 (contiguous US; $400 PR, AK HI). They probably get a lot of lookie-loos.
General Marketplaces with Strong Selections
- Thrive Market – https://thrivemarket.com
A membership-based platform with a strong selection of sustainable canned seafood. Downside: you can't even shop unless you join.