Budget Top Tips: How to Use Tinned Fish

When it comes to tinned fish, there’s so much to experiment with, whether it’s a speedy lunch or a midweek treat. Just search 'tinned fish' in your favourite social media app, and you'll find near-endless recipe ideas. In the Foodhall, you’ll find canned sardines, tuna, mackerel, anchovies and salmon in a variety of sauces and preserves to bring some excitement to your store cupboard. If you’re new to tinned fish, this may be a little overwhelming, so our guide will help you navigate the waters.

Serving up tinned fish is also a budget-friendly way of packing more nutritional benefits into each plate. Take tinned mackerel: it's a delectable, oily fish that's naturally high in omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins D and B12. Tinned tuna is also a great source of selenium, also found in Brazil nuts, which is essential for immune system function. Delicious and nutritious – yes, please.

From jacket potato toppings to dinner party canapés, there are so many recipes to pull from. Speedy suppers like tuna pasta bake make use of tinned foods such as tuna and sweetcorn, ideal for busy midweek dining. Stack your chosen tinned fish with fibre-rich produce like fresh veggies and canned pulses, to absorb even more of their nutritional benefits. It's a health win-win.

In need of more inspiration? Read our best fish and seafood recipes.

How to use tinned tuna

This is the most approachable of the tinned fish options, so perfect for kids and fussier eaters. It makes a protein-packed lunch option spread on bagels or toast, too.

How to use tinned mackerel

The naturally oily, rich flavour of mackerel lends it to use in highly-flavoured dishes. Think punchy stir-fries, summer tomato pastas and powerful curries. Alternatively, try swapping traditional tinned tuna for tinned mackerel to hit your weekly oily fish recommendation.

How to use tinned anchovies

Anchovies are a budget-friendly instant flavour hit, whether you melt them into an umami-rich sauce or serve them soaked in extra virgin olive oil.

How to use tinned salmon

Tinned salmon, like its fresh counterpart, is a versatile store cupboard staple. Swap fresh salmon for tinned in everything from bagels to tray bakes for a budget-friendly approach to meals. Looking for more inspiration? Check out our salmon recipes.

How to use tinned sardines

Choose from sardines in olive oil or in tomato sauce for an even easier meal in a moment. Our luxurious Collection sardine fillets in olive oil and chilli are best served on crusty bread to let their flavour sing through, or on top of earthy beetroot as in this chilli-spiked recipe.