Best Supermarket Anchovies Tasted and Rated: Top Picks 2026

Best supermarket anchovies are hard to find, but our expert taste test reveals which brands deliver intense, salty, and foul flavors versus those that are juicy, plump, and velvety. We sampled 10 brands straight from the tin or jar, scoring appearance, texture, flavor, and value. The results may surprise you, from minnow-sized tough fillets to rose-colored delicacies reminiscent of serrano ham.

How We Tasted and Rated Supermarket Anchovies

To ensure a fair comparison, we invited food journalist and author Sudi Pigott, who brought her book Consider the Anchovy and a packet of Pujadó Solano anchovies. We tasted each brand with sparkling water and cucumber to cleanse the palate between samples. According to Pigott, the best anchovies are “juicy, plump and velvety, with a sweet, nutty taste of jamón!”

We scored each product on four criteria: appearance, texture (including pin bones), flavour, and value. The anchovy supply chain has been affected by El Niño, causing price increases and empty shelves. Premium anchovies from the Bay of Biscay also face external pressures, making quality variation more pronounced.

Top Supermarket Anchovy Brands Compared

Our tasting revealed a shocking range in quality. Some fillets were brown, tough, and unbelievably salty, while others were tender and sweet. Here’s a quick comparison of the standout brands:

Best Overall: Waitrose No.1 Cantabrian Anchovy Fillets

The Waitrose No.1 anchovies won our top spot. These small, dusky-pink fillets are seductively sweet, smooth, and salty but well balanced. They have a creamy, soft texture with a few hairy bones. Caught in the north-east Atlantic and MSC certified, they offer premium quality at £1.75 for 50g.

Best Bargain: Tesco Finest Cantabrian Anchovy Fillets

For value, Tesco Finest delivers medium-large, broad fillets with an even rosy-pink color. They are smooth and rich with complex umami flavor, though still a little salty and some bones remain. Cured for at least 12 months and MSC certified, they cost just £2.95 for 100g.

Key Takeaways from Our Anchovy Taste Test

• Premium anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea offer superior flavor and texture.
• Price doesn't always guarantee quality—some budget options outperform.
• Look for MSC certification to support sustainable fishing.
• Check for pin bones if you prefer a smoother texture.
• El Niño has affected supply, so buy when you see your favorite brand.

Frequently Asked Questions About Supermarket Anchovies