USDA-derived comparison

Anchovies vs Sardines (canned)

Anchovies leads for Vitamin B3, Selenium and Vitamin E; Sardines (canned) answers with Vitamin B12, Phosphorus and Calcium.

Who each is for: Choose anchovies for vitamin B3 and selenium. Choose sardines (canned) for vitamin B12 and phosphorus.

Reviewed 20 July 2026. Generic food data per 100g; brands and preparation vary.

Anchovies

Typical serving: 5 fillets (20g)

34/100

More vitamin B3More seleniumMore vitamin EMore iron
Full Anchovies page

Sardines (canned)

Typical serving: 1 can (92g)

30/100

More vitamin B12More phosphorusMore calciumMore vitamin D
Full Sardines (canned) page

Side by side, per 100g

The stronger number is highlighted, honestly: higher wins for aim-for nutrients, lower wins for stay-under ones like saturated fat and sodium.

NutrientAnchoviesSardines (canned)
Calories210 kcal208 kcal
Protein29 g25 g
Carbs0 g0 g
Fat10 g12 g
Fiber0 g0 g
Sat fat2 g2 g
Sodium3,670 mg307 mg
Potassium544 mg397 mg
Calcium232 mg382 mg
Iron4.6 mg2.9 mg
Magnesium69 mg39 mg
Zinc2.4 mg1.3 mg
Vitamin C0 mg0 mg
Vitamin D1.7 µg4.8 µg
Vitamin B120.9 µg8.9 µg
Folate13 µg10 µg

Servings differ: 5 fillets of anchovies is about 20g, 1 can of sardines (canned) about 92g. Scale accordingly before deciding anything on the 100g basis alone.

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