[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thanks to a TikTok trend, tinned fish is flying off the shelves! Influencers are bringing to the surface and sharing how they enjoy these tasty sea dwellers. So much so, the global canned fish market is expected to reach over
$11.3 billion by 2027. Tinned fish is a large part of many cultures around the world and has been around for decades. Keep reading to learn all about the tinned fish trend, including the food’s health benefits, how to enjoy tinned fish safely and how to incorporate it into your life.
All About the Tinned Fish Trend
What is tinned fish?
Tinned, canned or shelf-stable seafood refers to fish that has been processed, sealed in an airtight container and heated for sterilization. The processing of
tinned fish is to ensure the fish is safe for consumption. During that processing either water, oil, brine or sauce is added.
Fish in pouches go through a similar processing, but no liquid is added. Both methods of food preservation allow the fish to have a shelf-life of up to 5 years. Once opened, it can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Like
canned fruits and vegetables, canned fish can be significantly more budget-friendly compared to fresh options. Tinned fish options have become more favorable, not to mention more flavorful too! Different spices and oils can be included during the processing to give tinned fish added flavor. Depending on the type of liquid added during processing, it will change the overall nutritional value. Regardless, both tinned and pouched fish are great options.
What are the health benefits of tinned fish?
Fish in general has long been a staple in several cultures due to its nutrient profile. Fish is protein-rich and has several other key nutrients. While
tuna is the most well-known tinned fish, there are other nutritious options like
salmon,
mackerel and
sardines.
Tinned fish can be packaged in water or oil, which can impact calorie content. Oil-packed fish will contain more calories but provide more
omega-3 fatty acids if packaged in olive oil.
Omega-3 fatty acids are healthy fats that may support one’s
heart health. Our body cannot produce the amount of omega-3 fatty acids it needs, so we must get them from the foods we eat.
Compared to other animal proteins, fish is lower in saturated fat content. According to the
American Heart Association, excessive saturated fat consumption may cause problems with cholesterol levels and increase one’s risk for heart disease. Another nutrient to keep an eye out for is sodium, as it may be higher in some tinned fish due to processing. Choose options with no salt added or those with less than 140 mg per serving. Additional nutrients one may be surprised to know tinned fish may contain are vitamin D, vitamin B12, choline, selenium and iodine.
How to enjoy fish safely
The
2020-2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends consumption of at least 8 ounces of fish per week. Those who might become pregnant, are pregnant or breastfeeding should eat 8-12 ounces of a variety of fish per week and choose options low in mercury. Nearly all fish contain traces of mercury as it occurs naturally in the environment. Depending on where the fish are located and what the fish eat,
mercury levels will vary. Tinned fish lowest in mercury include
light tuna,
salmon,
sardines, cod and
anchovies, according to the
Food and Drug Administration.
How to incorporate tinned fish into your diet
Thanks to TikTok influencers and chefs, tinned fish has been transformed into a variety of mouth-watering meals. However, you do not need to be a world-renowned chef to use tinned fish. You can simply include tinned fish in a
salad or
pasta dish for added protein. Instead of a beef patty, mix salmon with eggs, herbs and breadcrumbs for the perfect
salmon burger. Upgrade your toast or garlic bread with a layer of
sardines and a drizzle of
oil. If you cannot decide what tinned fish to use, make a
charcuterie board with a variety of them. Pair alongside some vegetables and
artisan crackers for a balanced date night dinner or spread for girls’ night in.
Due to its nutrient profile, shelf-life, low cost and endless options for how to incorporate, it’s no wonder tinned fish has made quite the splash! Next time you are at the grocery store take a stroll down the tinned fish aisle or check out the many options available at
Vitacost. Looking for more options on how to add tinned fish to your favorite recipes or need more guidance on how to choose the best option for you – we have you covered! A
Kroger Health Dietitian can help you choose the best option for you and your family.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_text_separator title="Featured Products" border_width="2"][vc_row_inner equal_height="yes" content_placement="middle" gap="35"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="168105" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1690836055213{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/freshe-moroccan-tagine-gourmet-salmon-meal"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="168106" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1690836075178{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/safe-catch-elite-wild-tuna-garlic-herb-2-6-oz"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="168107" img_size="full" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1690836097411{padding-right: 7% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;}" link="https://www.vitacost.com/season-brand-imported-sardines-in-pure-olive-oil-salt-added"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
