I got these Whole Foods 365 Sardines in EVOO during a recent trip to stock up on some different chili crisps while they were on sale there. These are wild-caught Moroccan, packed in EVOO, and $3. Seemed like a no brainer. It appears to be a new item (Fall 2025) at Whole Foods. Their house brand 365 stuff is usually of good quality, at least in my experience. Let's see how I did.
Initial impression upon opening the can: 4.5/5.
The aroma of fish and the sea hits even before the can is fully open. Not the prettiest can of fish, but at the price point, who can complain?
They're pilchards. Usually, at the lower price points, we're talking sprats. There look to be at least four in there. At 4.4 oz, a generous quantity. A sip of the oil is neutral, maybe a tad fishy.
Digging Them Out
They're packed in pretty tight. The first one won't come out without breaking apart. Subsequent ones are easier. I counted four, plus one about 3/4 size, and another about 1/2 size. At least an effort was made to pack in a full portion. Not much in the way of scales and no fins, which is good.
A taste of just some fish is about average. They are reasonably firm but tender. Might have benefitted from a little more salt.
Let's Eat
Out over some rice, you can see there's a lot of fish for the money.
They are tasty enough. Still, as I went through a fish or two, it seemed like it needed something to offset the blandness.
I opened my new jar of Fly By Jing Xtra Crunchy Chili Crisp. It's more mild, less spicy than the Original. The sesame and sunflower seeds, plus soy and fava beans do deliver on the promised extra-crunchiness.
Admittedly, I may have used a little too much. The fish didn't need quite the amount of salt as it added. But overall, I thought it livened things up fairly well.
Main Takeaways
- A lot of fish for the money
- Good quality fish, tender and not dry at all
- Needed a little salt, or something to enhance the flavor
I found it interesting the carton doesn't mention a California Proposition 65 warning, normally ubiquitous on tinned fish. Neither does it state "not for sale in California", as do those products whose manufacturers just don't want to risk litigation. Strange.
Brand: Whole Foods 365
Description: Sardines in EVOO
Species: Sardina pilchardus
Country of Origin: Morocco
Source: FAO34, Eastern Central Atlantic
Skin/Bones: Yes/Yes
Net Wt: 4.4 oz.
Price Range: $3