Best Supermarket Anchovies Tasted and Rated: Top Picks 2026

Discover the best supermarket anchovies in this expert taste test, where we rate top brands for flavor, texture, and value. Our guide helps you choose quality anchovies for your recipes, whether you need a budget-friendly option or a premium treat.

Why Anchovy Quality Varies So Much

Anchovies are a pantry staple, but their quality can vary dramatically between brands. The differences come down to the species, fishing grounds, curing process, and the oil used for packing. Premium anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea are often larger, plumper, and more flavorful than cheaper alternatives from Peru or other regions.

According to food journalist Sudi Pigott, the best anchovies are “juicy, plump and velvety, with a sweet, nutty taste of jamón!” This ideal texture and flavor profile is what we looked for in our tasting.

Key Factors in Anchovy Quality

• Appearance: Look for rosy-pink or dusky-pink fillets that are evenly colored, not brown or grey.
• Texture: Premium anchovies are creamy and soft, with minimal pin bones. Cheaper ones can be tough, stubbly, or gritty.
• Flavor: The best anchovies have a balanced saltiness with sweet, nutty, and umami notes, reminiscent of cured ham.
• Value: Price per 100g is useful, but a slightly more expensive tin can offer much better eating quality.

Our Top Picks: Best Supermarket Anchovies

We tasted 10 brands of anchovies straight from the tin or jar, with sparkling water and cucumber to cleanse the palate. Here are the standout results:

Our best overall was the Waitrose No.1, which impressed with its seductive sweetness and balanced saltiness. For a bargain, Tesco Finest offered good value without sacrificing too much quality.

How to Choose the Right Anchovies for Your Cooking

When you're at the supermarket, consider what you'll use the anchovies for. If you're making a puttanesca or Caesar dressing, a budget option might suffice. But for a tapas plate or a salad where anchovies are the star, invest in a premium brand.

Also, check the label for MSC certification, which ensures sustainable fishing. The Cantabrian Sea anchovies are often considered superior due to their diet and colder waters, which result in a more delicate flesh.

Our Tasting Methodology

We scored each brand on appearance, texture (including pin bones), flavor, and value. The tasting was done blind to avoid brand bias, and we cleansed our palates between samples. The results were shocking: quality ranged from minnow-sized, tough brown fillets that were unbelievably salty to tender, rose-colored fillets reminiscent of serrano ham.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Takeaways for Anchovy Lovers

• Always check the color: pink is good, brown is not.
• Look for MSC certification for sustainability.
• Consider the curing time: longer curing (12+ months) often means better flavor.
• Buy the best you can afford for raw preparations.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or new to anchovies, this guide will help you pick the perfect tin. For more food reviews and buying guides, explore our other articles.

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