Ready & Packaged Foods
All →Vegetables & Legumes
All →Desserts & Confectionery
All →Meat & Protein
All →Grains & Bakery
All →Beverages
All →Milk & Dairy
All →
High in protein, omega-3 and B12; high sodium.
CALORIES · 100 G
GI
POTASSIUM · 100 G
FIBER · 100 G
1 can (small) of Salted canned sardines (90 g) has 187 calories. That works out to 208 calories per 100 g. It contains 0 g of carbs, 22.1 g of protein, 10.4 g of fat and 0 g of fiber. Its 8 µg of B12 covers 334% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 0 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Selected: 1 can (small) · 90 g
187
KCAL / 90G
Carbs
0g
· 0% DV
Protein
22.1g
· 44% DV
Fat
10.4g
· 13% DV
Fiber
0g
· 0% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 0% · Protein 49% · Fat 51%
| Nutrient | Amount | % DV |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 187 kcal | |
| Total fat | 10.4 g | 13% |
| Saturated fat | 2.43 g | 12% |
| Trans fat | 0 g | |
| Sodium | 468 mg | 20% |
| Total carbohydrate | 0 g | 0% |
| Fiber | 0 g | 0% |
| Protein | 22.1 g | 44% |
Calories: Calories measure energy. Average daily need is 2,000 kcal. Excess calories are stored as fat, too few cause weight loss.
Carbs: Your body's primary energy source. The brain runs exclusively on carbs. Daily need: 275g.
Protein: Essential for muscle repair and cell growth. Daily need: 50g. Keeps you full and boosts metabolism.
Fat: Needed for hormone production and vitamin absorption. Daily need: 78g. Limit saturated fats, choose unsaturated.
Fiber: Critical for digestive health and satiety. Daily need: 28g. Stabilizes blood sugar, lowers cholesterol.
Log this food in EatBetter
100,000+ people use it
📸 Scan the code to get the app free.

| Serving | Amount | Calories |
|---|---|---|
| 1 can (small) | 90 g | 187 kcal |
| 1 piece (small) | 12 g | 25 kcal |
| 1 ounce (small) | 28 g | 58 kcal |
| 3 piece (medium) | 36 g | 75 kcal |
| 1 serving (half) | 60 g | 125 kcal |
| 1 serving (medium) | 90 g | 187 kcal |
| 100 g | 100 g | 208 kcal |
| 1 can (medium) | 120 g | 250 kcal |
| 1 can (large) | 155 g | 322 kcal |
Calculated from 208 calories per 100 g.
Yes, salted canned sardines provide protein, omega-3 fats and vitamin B12. Their main drawback is the high sodium content, so they may not be a good everyday choice for someone who has been advised to limit salt.
No, sardines are small, short-lived fish and are generally low in mercury compared with large predatory fish. That makes them a lower-mercury seafood choice, though salted canned sardines still contain plenty of sodium.
You can, but eating salted canned sardines daily may add too much sodium to your diet. Rotate them with other protein and fish options, or choose a lower-sodium product if sardines are a frequent meal.
No, salted canned sardines are already cooked during the canning process and are ready to eat. You can serve them cold, add them to a sandwich or salad, or warm them briefly in a cooked dish.
Yes, the small bones in salted canned sardines are usually softened by canning and are safe to eat. They can be mashed into the fish, but you can remove any pieces that feel firm or unpleasant.
Drain the liquid and briefly rinse salted canned sardines under cool water to remove some surface salt. This will not remove all the sodium, and soaking them for a long time can make the fish watery and less flavorful.
Transfer leftover salted canned sardines from the opened tin to a covered container and refrigerate them. Eat them within 3–4 days, and discard them sooner if they develop an unusual smell, color or texture.
Generally, yes: sardines are a low-mercury fish, and pregnancy guidance commonly includes low-mercury seafood. Salted canned sardines are high in sodium, so ask your clinician about portions if you have been told to restrict salt.
Drain it if you want a less oily result or are adding the sardines to a dish where extra oil would be unwelcome. Keeping some oil can add flavor and moisture; taste before adding salt because the fish is already salted.
Salted canned sardines pair well with lemon, crusty bread, tomatoes, leafy salads and potatoes. Choose unsalted or lightly seasoned sides so the meal does not become excessively salty.
Vitamins
B12
8.01µg · 334% DV
B3
4.68mg · 29% DV
Vitamin D
4.32µg · 22% DV
B2
0.21mg · 16% DV
Minerals
Selenium
47µg · 85% DV
Phosphorus
441mg · 63% DV
Calcium
344mg · 34% DV
Iodine
32µg · 21% DV
Sodium
468mg · 20% DV
Potassium ⭐
357mg · 11% DV
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 187 calories in 1 can (small) (90 g):
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
Salted canned sardines are small sardines preserved with salt in a sealed can, sometimes packed in oil or their own juices. They have soft, tender flesh that flakes easily and a savoury, distinctly briny flavour. Common around Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts, canned sardines are now a handy pantry staple worldwide: serve them on toast or crackers, toss them into a salad or pasta, or pair them with lemon and fresh herbs. They provide plenty of protein and omega-3 fats, with no carbohydrates, but can also be high in sodium. For a lighter, less salty meal, drain them and serve with fresh vegetables or unsalted bread.
Very high
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
✓ Suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
✓ Suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
2.43g
MONOUNSATURATED
3.51g
POLYUNSATURATED
1.89g
Omega 6:3 ratio 0.2:1
Below the ideal 4:1 — a good omega balance.
Ask the AI nutrition coach — calories, portions, alternatives and more, answered in seconds in the app.
Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.