The best sardines for carnivore diet is Wild Planet. Wild Planet lists 18 g of protein and 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA per 3 oz serving. A 6 pack costs $26.98, about $4.50 per tin.
If you want a taste test winner, Brunswick is the better choice. If you want the lowest price, King Oscar is the better choice at $14.34. If you want no added salt, Connetable is the better choice.
Many people come to Karen and me after spending a long time trying to manage their weight on their own. They want guidance from someone who can look at their choices objectively rather than simply telling them what they want to hear, and we apply that same approach when recommending products. Karen and I tested these products under the same conditions our clients would actually use them: with normal meals, over multiple weeks, and during the kinds of cravings and routines that happen in real life. Our testing protocol explains exactly how we evaluate each product.
Full transparency: our coaching business runs on the Optavia program, now Trilivy. That is exactly why you will not find its products compared here. We decided early on that we would rather leave our own program out of every ranking than ask readers to trust that we scored it fairly. This site does earn from Amazon affiliate links, including the ones below, and because every product pays the same way, the commission gives us no reason to rank one above another. Below are the top 7 sardines for the carnivore diet, tested and compared, from $14.34 to $48.99.
- Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 6 Pack
- Brunswick Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 12 Pack
- King Oscar Wild Caught Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 4 Pack
- Season Skinless and Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil, 12 Pack
- MW Polar Alder Wood Smoked Brisling Sardines in Olive Oil, 6.5 oz Jar, 6 Pack
- Connetable Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, 12 Pack
- Beach Cliff Wild Caught Sardines in Water, 12 Pack
1. Wild Planet Wild Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 6 Pack
Wild Planet sells wild sardines preserved in extra virgin olive oil. The listing states 18 g of protein and 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA per 3 oz serving. The listing also states 50% of the daily value of vitamin D. The 6 pack costs $26.98.
What we liked: We like that the sardines are scale free and the tin has a pull tab. Retail reviewers describe a firm texture and a light smoky flavor. Retailer listings show ratings near 4.7 out of 5.
About the Brand: Wild Planet states selective harvesting of free swimming schools, with no fish aggregating devices.
Availability: Wild Planet is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 6 pack costs $26.98, about $4.50 per tin.
Pros:
- 18 g protein per serving listed
- 1,800 mg EPA and DHA per serving
- Preserved in extra virgin olive oil
- In stock at a mid price
Cons:
- One reviewer rated the salt level moderate
- Natural smoke is added to the tins
- Nutrition figures differ across retailer listings
Recommendation: Choose Wild Planet if you want the most protein and omega 3 per serving.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Wild Planet |
| Pack | 6 tins of 4.4 oz |
| Preserved In | Extra virgin olive oil |
| Protein | 18 g per 3 oz serving |
| Average Price | $26.98 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
2. Brunswick Brisling Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 12 Pack
Brunswick sells lightly smoked brisling sardines preserved in extra virgin olive oil. The listing states 14 g of protein per 4.23 oz can. The listing also states 25% of the daily value of vitamin D. The 12 pack costs $41.89.
What we liked: We like that Chowhound ranked a Brunswick brisling sardine first among nine brands. The reviewer cited a rich flavor from the olive oil. We also like that the listing names keto and paleo diets.
About the Brand: Brunswick is a canned seafood brand that sells brisling sardines in olive oil.
Availability: Brunswick shows limited stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $41.89, about $3.49 per can.
Pros:
- Ranked first in a nine brand taste test
- 14 g protein per can listed
- Preserved in extra virgin olive oil
- Gluten free, keto, and paleo friendly
Cons:
- A retailer listing shows 480 mg sodium per can
- One reviewer found the fish less tender than a Costco brand
- Stock is limited on Amazon
Recommendation: Choose Brunswick if you want the flavor that a taste test ranked first.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Brunswick |
| Pack | 12 cans of 4.23 oz |
| Preserved In | Extra virgin olive oil |
| Protein | 14 g per can |
| Average Price | $41.89 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
3. King Oscar Wild Caught Sardines in Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 4 Pack
King Oscar sells wild caught brisling sardines preserved in extra virgin olive oil. The listing states no sugars added and low carb. The listing also states Norwegian fish and BPA free cans. The 4 pack costs $14.34.
What we liked: We like that Walmart shows about 4.6 stars across roughly 1,400 ratings. Reviewers describe a delicate and lightly smoked flavor. Some reviewers say the bones are soft enough to eat.
About the Brand: King Oscar has sold Norwegian brisling sardines since 1902.
Availability: Amazon lists King Oscar with a future availability date as of this review. The 4 pack costs $14.34, about $3.59 per tin.
Pros:
- Lowest total price on this list
- Preserved in extra virgin olive oil
- No sugars added, low carb
- Well rated by retail buyers
Cons:
- Some buyers say the price is high per tin
- Buyers report the tins are hard to find in stores
- Amazon lists a future availability date
Recommendation: Choose King Oscar if you want the lowest price to try olive oil sardines.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | King Oscar |
| Pack | 4 tins of 3.75 oz |
| Preserved In | Extra virgin olive oil |
| Origin | Norway |
| Average Price | $14.34 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
4. Season Skinless and Boneless Sardines in Olive Oil, 12 Pack
Season sells skinless and boneless sardine fillets in olive oil. The listing states wild caught fish that are low in mercury. The listing also states certification from Friend of the Sea. The 12 pack costs $48.99.
What we liked: We like that reviewers describe the flavor as mild and not overly fishy. One reviewer named these their favorite of many sardines. We also like that the fillets suit people who dislike bones.
About the Brand: Season states that it is certified sustainable by Friend of the Sea.
Availability: Season is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $48.99, about $4.08 per tin.
Pros:
- Skinless and boneless fillets
- Wild caught, low mercury
- Friend of the Sea certified
- Mild flavor per reviewers
Cons:
- Highest total price on this list
- Bullets list no protein number
- Reviews are few in number
Recommendation: Choose Season if you want mild, skinless and boneless fillets.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Season |
| Pack | 12 tins of 4.37 oz |
| Preserved In | Olive oil |
| Style | Skinless and boneless |
| Average Price | $48.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
5. MW Polar Alder Wood Smoked Brisling Sardines in Olive Oil, 6.5 oz Jar, 6 Pack
Polar sells brisling sardines in olive oil, in a 6.5 oz glass jar. The listing states wild caught fish from the Baltic Sea. The listing also states smoking over real alder wood. The 6 pack costs $34.99.
What we liked: We like that the listing says the fish are smoked with real wood and not artificial smoke. Polar's own site shows 4.7 stars from 67 reviews for a related jar. We also like that one buyer called them among the best sardines they had eaten.
About the Brand: Polar is a brand that packs smoked brisling sardines from the Baltic Sea.
Availability: Polar is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 6 pack costs $34.99, about $5.83 per jar.
Pros:
- Naturally smoked over alder wood
- Wild caught in the Baltic Sea
- Preserved in olive oil in a glass jar
- In stock on Amazon
Cons:
- Highest cost per container on this list
- Few reviews for the 6.5 oz jar
- Smoked flavor is stronger than plain sardines
Recommendation: Choose Polar if you want a smoked sardine in a glass jar.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Polar |
| Pack | 6 jars of 6.5 oz |
| Preserved In | Olive oil |
| Origin | Baltic Sea |
| Average Price | $34.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
6. Connetable Sardines in Water, No Salt Added, 12 Pack
Connetable sells sardines in water with no salt added. The listing states wild caught fish and a source of omega 3, calcium, and vitamin D. The listing also states a French canning house since 1853. The 12 pack costs $33.99.
What we liked: We like that the listing states no salt added. We also like that water preservation leaves the tin without added oil. We found no independent reviews of this pack, so the praise is based on the listing.
About the Brand: Connetable describes itself as a French sardine canner that began in 1853.
Availability: Connetable is in stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $33.99, about $2.83 per tin.
Pros:
- No salt added
- Preserved in water with no added oil
- Wild caught
- About $2.83 per tin
Cons:
- No independent reviews found
- Listing gives no protein number
- Water adds no extra fat
Recommendation: Choose Connetable if you want sardines with no added salt.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Connetable |
| Pack | 12 tins of 4.375 oz |
| Preserved In | Water, no salt added |
| Origin | France |
| Average Price | $33.99 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
7. Beach Cliff Wild Caught Sardines in Water, 12 Pack
Beach Cliff sells wild caught sardines in water. The listing states 12 g of protein per 3.75 oz tin. The listing also states gluten free, keto, and paleo friendly. The 12 pack costs $20.04.
What we liked: We like that Walmart shows about 4.3 stars across 365 ratings. One reviewer called the texture tender with a nice taste. We also like that the tins cost the least per tin on this list.
About the Brand: Beach Cliff is a canned seafood brand that sells sardines in water.
Availability: Beach Cliff shows limited stock on Amazon as of this review. The 12 pack costs $20.04, about $1.67 per tin.
Pros:
- Lowest cost per tin on this list
- 12 g protein per tin listed
- Wild caught, preserved in water
- Gluten free and keto friendly
Cons:
- Fish can be soft and break into pieces when opened
- A reviewer found the sardine taste strong
- Another Beach Cliff tin uses soybean oil
Recommendation: Choose Beach Cliff if you want the lowest cost per tin.
| Spec | Detail |
| Brand | Beach Cliff |
| Pack | 12 tins of 3.75 oz |
| Preserved In | Water |
| Protein | 12 g per tin |
| Average Price | $20.04 USD |
| Where to Buy | Amazon |
What Should You Check Before Buying Sardines for the Carnivore Diet?
The carnivore diet is a meat-based eating plan. Strict followers eat only animal foods, and flexible followers add eggs and dairy. Our carnivore diet guide explains both versions. Sardines are whole fish, so they fit either version.
Start with the liquid in the tin. Water and olive oil suit most followers. Bumble Bee preserves its sardines in soybean oil, which is a seed oil, so we excluded it. Check the label, because Beach Cliff also sells a tin with soybean oil.
Next, compare protein and omega 3. Wild Planet lists 18 g of protein and 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA per serving. Brunswick lists 14 g of protein per can. Beach Cliff lists 12 g of protein per tin.
Finally, compare cost per tin and salt. Beach Cliff costs about $1.67 per tin, and Connetable costs about $2.83. Connetable states no salt added, while Brunswick shows 480 mg of sodium per can on one retailer listing.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sardines for the Carnivore Diet
What are the best sardines for the carnivore diet?
Wild Planet ranks first here. Wild Planet lists 18 g of protein per serving and costs $26.98 for 6 tins.
Are sardines carnivore diet friendly?
Sardines are whole fish, so most followers allow them. Strict followers should check that the tin lists only fish, salt, and water or olive oil.
Are sardines in olive oil allowed on the carnivore diet?
Olive oil is a plant fat, so strict followers may prefer sardines in water. Flexible followers often accept olive oil. Connetable and Beach Cliff offer water packs.
Are sardines in oil better than sardines in water?
Sardines in oil add fat and a richer flavor. Sardines in water add no fat and often cost less per tin. Choose based on your fat needs.
How many sardines can you eat on the carnivore diet?
No official limit exists. Many people eat one tin a few times a week. Ask your doctor before you change your diet.
Are skinless and boneless sardines worth it?
Skinless and boneless fillets taste milder and suit people who dislike bones. Bone-in sardines add calcium. Season sells the skinless and boneless style.
How much do sardines cost?
Beach Cliff costs about $1.67 per tin. Brunswick costs about $3.49, and Wild Planet costs about $4.50. Polar costs about $5.83 per jar.
Final Word
Wild Planet ranks first on this list. Wild Planet lists 18 g of protein and 1,800 mg of EPA and DHA per serving. For narrower needs, choose Brunswick, King Oscar, Season, Polar, Connetable, or Beach Cliff.
Whichever sardines you choose, check the liquid in the tin, the protein, and the cost per tin before you buy. Then confirm any big diet change with your doctor, because that check matters more than any brand.
