Reviews and Information for Sardines
Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Mackerel
Be careful with canned fish! Our tests showed which tuna, salmon, sardines, and mackerel are best or worst based on amounts of beneficial omega-3s (EPA and DHA) and contaminants (mercury and arsenic). Differences among albacore (white), skipjack, and yellow tuna, as well as sockeye (red) and pink salmon, sardines, and herring kippers are revealed and explained in this new report.
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CL Answer
How good are sardines? Are they healthy and safe? What did CL's tests find?
Find out amounts of omega-3s (DHA and EPA), protein, and vitamin D in sardines, as well as contaminants mercury and arsenic based on ConsumerLab's tests.

Product Review
Fish Oil, Krill Oil, and Algal Oil Omega-3 (DHA & EPA) Supplements Review
See Our Omega-3 Top Picks and Avoid Rancid Fish Oils.

News Release
June 12, 2025
Best & Worst Canned Tuna, Salmon, Sardines & Mackerel
White Plains, NY, June 12, 2025 – High levels of mercury and/or arsenic were found in several popular brands of canned tuna and sardines recently tested by ConsumerLab.com.
News Release
July 10, 2020
Best and Worst Tuna, Salmon and Sardines? ConsumerLab Tests Reveal Amounts of Omega-3s and Toxic Heavy Metals in Canned and Packaged Fish
White Plains, New York, July 10, 2020 — Canned and packaged tuna, salmon and sardines can be an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, but some may also be contaminated with toxic heavy metals such as mercury and arsenic.
CL Answer
Can I use a home test for mercury to check for mercury in fish, like canned tuna, fresh fish, and sushi?
Find out if home mercury test kits can be used to test fish, such as canned tuna, fresh fish or sushi for mercury contamination. Plus, find out how much mercury ConsumerLab found in popular canned tuna and canned salmon. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

Recalls & Warnings
January 25, 2021
Clover Leaf Sardines Recalled Due to Risk of Botulism
On January 22, 2021, Clover Leaf Seafoods Corp.
CL Answer
To avoid mercury, I tried skipjack tuna instead of albacore, but I didn't like the taste. Is it safe to continue to eat albacore if just once a week?
Concerned about mercury in albacore tuna? Find out how often it is safe to consume albacore tuna, and the best canned tuna and salmon alternatives to albacore tuna that are high in omega-3s and low in contamination with mercury. ConsumerLab.com's answer explains.

CL Answer
Is it better to eat farmed salmon or wild salmon? Which one has more omega-3s and less contamination with PCBs, mercury, etc.?
Learn more about wild caught vs. farm raised salmon, including omega-3 content and contamination with PCBs, mercury, and other toxins.

CL Answer
Which supplements and foods help with gout and which may worsen it?
Find out about the effects on uric acid levels and gout of fish and fish oil, coffee, beer, animal meat, milk proteins, vegetable proteins, fructose, lemon juice, tart cherry juice, vitamin A, vitamin C, and niacin

CL Answer
How much calcium do you need each day, what forms are best, and how much is too much?
Learn about the recommended daily intake of calcium from food & supplements and why taking too much can be harmful. Also, learn about the forms of calcium that are available and which are best.

CL Answer
Which foods and supplements contain lead, cadmium, or arsenic?
Discover which foods and dietary supplements contain lead and other metals, the limits, who’s testing, and how to stay safe.

CL Answer
Which supplements, foods or diet and lifestyle changes help relieve acid reflux (heartburn), and which worsen it?
Find out which supplements and foods can help relieve acid reflux, and which can make it worse.

Recalls & Warnings
April 03, 2023
Smoked Salmon Recalled Due to Listeria Risk
On March 14, 2023, Seven Seas International USA, LLC issued a voluntary recall of 295 cases of Biltmore Smoked Sockeye Salmon after routine testing by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services discovered the presence of Listeria monocytogenes or Salmonella.
CL Answer
Lovaza, a prescription omega-3 fish oil, is very expensive. Can I get the same omega-3 oils from a supplement that costs less?
Lovaza fish oil (prescription) vs. over the counter fish oil supplements. Understand the differences in cost and benefits before you buy.

Recalls & Warnings
February 12, 2025
Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Genova Canned Tuna Recalled
On February 7, 2025, Tri-Union Seafoods recalled select canned tunas sold by Trader Joe’s, Van Camp’s, H-E-B, and Genova, due to a manufacturing defect that compromises the integrity of the “easy open” pull tab on the can.
CL Answer
Do any supplements help with COVID-19? Do supplements like vitamin D, zinc, vitamin C, or herbals work?
Find out if natural remedies & supplements for coronavirus such as zinc, vitamin C, garlic, or elderberry help to prevent or treat COVID-19.

CL Answer
Is it safe to consume fish oil as a long-term food supplement?
Learn more about fish oil supplement safety including long-term use, side effects, and more.

Recalls & Warnings
July 15, 2019
Mislabeled Green Tea Supplement Recalled
On July 11, 2019, DaVinci Laboratories of Vermont issued a recall of 256 bottles of the weight management supplement Dim Plex because they may undeclared fish allergens.