So back in 2024 I wrote here on this blog about Sardine Fasts.
Well fast forward to 2026 and I am still eating and loving sardines. My most favourite way to eat sardines is fresh and fried in the Malaga Fish Market but when at home in Ireland, it is out of a tin.
One thing I am finding is that sardines seem to be continually out of stock.
Now I am putting this down to two things. The first being the popularity of "Sardine Fasts" which I am seeing all over Instagram and Tic Toc. However the other reason that I am seeing empty shelves where sardines should be, is down to the fact that there is lower catch rates over the past while which seems to be from rising sea temperatures (climate change) which is having an effect on sardine supplies.
So when I find sardines on the shelves now, I stock up. And even more so when they are on special at 2 for the price of 3 which this Tesco Finest was at!
I also bought some anchovies which I eat alongside the sardines for added flavour. Flavour wise I really enjoy sardines in oil best, but because it is hard to find them in good quality olive oil (they tend to be in cheap low quality sunflower oil - bleugh) I stick to sardines in brine or water. I eat them with Olive Oil Mayonaise from the new minimal ingredient range in Marks & Spencer - over 7 euro for a jar, but so worth it.
I do love sardines over all for their taste as well as their convenience. But another reason I eat them is that they are a great source of creatine and while I take creatine as a supplement daily, it is always good to get as much naturally too. It's found in eggs and meat which I eat plenty of too so hopefully I am taking enough along with my supplement.
I'm interested to hear what your thoughts are on sardines. Love them or hate them?!
