Best Supermarket Anchovies: Tasted, Rated & Ranked for 2025 2026

In our expert taste test, we rated the best supermarket anchovies for flavor, texture, and value, revealing surprising quality differences. Anchovies are a pantry staple for many, but not all tins are created equal. We sampled 10 popular brands to help you choose the perfect jar or tin for your next pasta, pizza, or salad.

How We Tested Supermarket Anchovies

To ensure a fair and thorough assessment, we invited food journalist and author Sudi Pigott to join us. We tasted each brand straight from the container, using sparkling water and cucumber to cleanse our palates between samples. Our scoring criteria focused on appearance, texture (including pin bones), flavor, and overall value.

According to Pigott, the best anchovies are “juicy, plump and velvety, with a sweet, nutty taste of jamón!” We were shocked at the variation in quality, from tough, overly salty fillets to tender, rose-colored pieces reminiscent of serrano ham.

The Best Supermarket Anchovies: Top Picks

After extensive tasting, we identified clear winners and disappointments. Here are our top recommendations for the best supermarket anchovies available in the UK.

Best Overall: Waitrose No.1 Cantabrian Anchovy Fillets

These small, dusky-pink fillets impressed us with their seductively sweet, smooth, and salty flavor that was perfectly balanced. The texture was creamy and soft, with only a few hairy bones. Caught in the north-east Atlantic and MSC certified, these are a premium choice at £1.75 for 50g.

Best Bargain: Tesco Finest Cantabrian Anchovy Fillets

If you're looking for quality on a budget, Tesco Finest offers medium-large, broad fillets with a rosy-pink color. They have a smooth, rich, complex umami flavor, though slightly saltier than the winner. Cured for a minimum of 12 months, they are MSC certified and caught in the Cantabrian Sea, priced at £2.95 for 100g.

Also Worth Trying: Sainsbury's Taste the Difference

This wide, flat tin contains beautifully presented fillets that earned high marks for appearance and flavor. At £2.50 for 74g, they offer a good middle-ground option for those who want quality without the premium price tag.

Comparison Table: Supermarket Anchovy Brands

Key Takeaways for Buying Anchovies

• Look for Cantabrian Sea origin – these tend to be higher quality and more flavorful.
• Check for MSC certification – ensures sustainable fishing practices.
• Premium brands are worth the extra cost – the difference in taste and texture is significant.
• Avoid budget options – they are often tough, salty, and full of bones.
• Consider the curing time – longer curing (12+ months) often yields better flavor.

Why Are Anchovy Prices Rising?

The anchovy supply chain has been heavily impacted by El Niño, which caused abnormal weather events in Peru, where the most economical anchovies are fished. Premium anchovies from the Bay of Biscay have also faced external pressures, leading to increased prices and empty shelves in some supermarkets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Verdict on Supermarket Anchovies

Our taste test proves that you don't need to break the bank for good anchovies, but you should avoid the cheapest options. Choosing a reputable brand like Waitrose or Tesco Finest ensures a delicious, versatile ingredient that will elevate your cooking. Whether you're making a classic puttanesca or a simple salad, the right anchovies make all the difference.

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