And we are here for it!
Last year’s ‘Sardine-Girl Summer’ aesthetic saw everyone wearing our favourite canned fish on their faded tees. Meanwhile, the more recent viral sardine fast had us all eating the silvery little guys on repeat. It's official: sardines are having a moment. And we are pleased to say it shows no sign of stopping.
Sardines make up over seventy per cent of our orders here at Sea Sisters, and we have big plans for the fish formerly known as pilchards in 2026. But why all the sardine-love?, you ask.
There’s the undeniable goodness of them. Nutritionists have long hailed the nutritional powerhouse that is the sardine. Oily and substantial, they are jam-packed with omega-3 fatty acids, known for supporting cardiovascular health, arthritis symptoms, and eye health.
Omega-3s are also powerful protectors of hormone health for women. The author and founder of the Flo-app, Alissa Vitti, writes in her book, In The Flo: ‘Mountains of evidence point to omega-3s as potent soothers of menstrual-related symptoms, mood boosters, stress busters, anti-inflammation agents and skin rejuvenators.’ Music to our ears here at Sea Sisters, where our team is mostly female.
But it’s not just omega-3s that the humble sardine can offer. They’re also a great source of lysine, now emerging as an essential amino acid for forming collagen, which supports skin, tendons and bones. It also helps to combat infections and viruses and improves calcium retention; great for bones and reducing the risk of osteoporosis—another bonus for women.
High in protein, rich in vitamin D; the list of good things found in sardines is long. But enjoying them isn’t only about the health benefits. Sardine fishing is an important and long-established British industry, with strong links to female labour and entrepreneurship. Cornish sardines are a PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) product, meaning they are caught within six miles of the Cornish coast and processed in Cornwall or Plymouth (where we get ours from, more on this and the brilliant women who fillet our sardines coming soon for International Women’s Day). We believe it’s not only the incredible flavours in our cans but the knowledge that buying (and eating) British sardines is straightforward, sustainable, and good for British business, that keeps our customers coming back for more.
There’s also the simple fact that sardines are extremely tasty! Stir a can of our sardines with rosemary and capers through your favourite pasta, spread our harissa-drenched sardines over toasted sourdough or, as you’ll often find us doing, eat them straight-up, preserved in extra virgin oil, fresh from the can, with your favourite crisps and a glass of something cold. However you eat them, our British sardines will always leave you feeling full of feel-good protein and deep, authentic flavour.
We’re excited to be at the forefront of the British sardine revolution, and we’ll share more with you as we move through the year. For now, keep an eye out for our International Women’s Day limited edition drop, coming very soon to a table near you.