Christmas gifts for foodies: Portuguese tinned fish you won’t find in the supermarket

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Every year it’s the same question: what do you give someone who already has everything? Perfume – done. A scarf – done. And let’s not even mention socks. So this year, how about putting something under the tree that can be opened, tasted and remembered long after Christmas?

In Portugal, a good tin of sardines isn’t just a quick snack – it’s a gift. Lisbon has entire shops where tins are lined up on the shelves like books, and visitors leave with suitcases full of them. At Sardinele, we want more people to discover that flavour.

Our own first taste of sardines was in Portugal. And that very first tin was special: it came from the “Timeless Sardines” collection by the Portuguese producer Comur. Each tin carries a symbolic year, so everyone can find one with their own year of birth.

Most of us have picked up a tin of sardines from the supermarket shelf at some point 😊 But genuine Portuguese tinned fish is in a completely different league – and it surprises even those who think they already know sardines.

Why tinned fish makes a unique foodie gift

If the word “tinned” still makes you think of student-flat dinners, Portuguese sardines will be a pleasant surprise. The Portuguese have been preserving fish for more than 150 years, and coastal towns such as Peniche, Matosinhos and Olhão are still built around that tradition today. The fish is caught in season, often prepared by hand and packed into tins with olive oil or sauce.

The result: tender, succulent fish with a clean taste of the sea. The Portuguese even say that a good sardine gets better with time in the tin – the oil slowly works its way into the fish, much as a fine wine matures.

Then there’s the packaging. Tins from Cantara VINTAGE or Minerva are colourful and retro-styled, and each one tells its own story. Many people don’t throw them away after eating, but keep them as a memento. It’s a gift that brings joy before it’s even tasted – the moment it’s unwrapped.

Fish on Christmas Eve – a tradition shared across Europe

In many countries, fish takes pride of place on Christmas Eve: herring at the Lithuanian Kūčios and the Polish Wigilia, the Italian Feast of the Seven Fishes, the Scandinavian julbord – and in Portugal itself, salt cod at the traditional consoada. So why not add a plate of sardines in olive oil with a squeeze of lemon to your festive table this year? Or perhaps mackerel in tomato sauce, octopus or mussels in escabeche? Your guests will certainly ask where you found them.

And on Christmas morning, when nobody fancies standing at the hob, toast topped with sardines, a little butter and a few drops of lemon makes a breakfast that’s ready in two minutes.

Gift ideas for foodies – even for someone who has everything

For Dad, Grandad or the father-in-law who still remembers “those” tins from his childhood, go for the classics: sardines in olive oil from Minerva, or fish with a grilled and smoked flavour. A taste he’ll recognise – only much better.

For a friend or colleague who loves to cook, choose something unexpected: the ABC+ Chef’s Collection, fish in escabeche or stuffed squid. Perfect for tapas boards and quick pasta sauces.

For the health-conscious and the sporty, pick tins rich in omega-3, organic options, or skinless and boneless sardines – easy to add to a salad or a packed lunch.

For the curious foodie who seems to have tried everything, explore our most unusual finds: eel, skate or garfish. A guaranteed conversation starter at the table.

For those who like a bit of heat: fish with chilli. Perfect with a cold beer or fresh bread.

As a stocking filler or Secret Santa gift, one or two beautifully designed tins – Cantara VINTAGE, for example – make a small but original present that’s sure to stand out.

If you’re not sure what they like, give a Sardinele gift card. They can choose for themselves, and you can’t go wrong.

Christmas hamper ideas for every budget

A small gift. Three or four tins in different flavours and designs, tied with a ribbon – for example sardines in olive oil from Manná, Minerva Classic and Cantara VINTAGE. Small price, big impression.

A generous hamper. Five or six tins, a fish pâté and a few seasonings to go with them.

A luxury hamper. Tins from our Premium collection, the Chef’s Collection and a bottle of Portuguese white wine. A gift that looks as if it came straight from a Lisbon delicatessen.

Tip: mix tins of different colours and brands. The hamper will look more vibrant, and the recipient can compare the flavours.

How to serve them at their best

Good sardines don’t need cooking – it’s enough to serve them nicely:

• crusty or toasted bread with a little butter;
• lemon, red onion and parsley – plus a few capers;
• boiled new potatoes, for a simple and satisfying plate;
• a glass of light white wine, such as a Portuguese vinho verde.

Our own favourite is sardines in pure olive oil – that’s where their natural flavour comes through best. And sardines in good olive oil aren’t just delicious, they’re a really nourishing choice too.

The practical side people rarely think about

• No fridge needed. Tins keep happily in the cupboard, and their shelf life is usually several years (the exact date is on the packaging). The gift won’t go off, even if it isn’t opened until Easter.
• Easy to post. Tins travel well and are easy to send to family and friends in another town – or another country.
• Order in good time. To make sure your gift arrives before Christmas Eve, it’s best to order in November – couriers are extremely busy in December.

Frequently asked questions

Is tinned fish really a good Christmas gift?

Yes – as long as it’s good quality. In Portugal, gourmet tinned fish is a popular gift and souvenir. The beautiful packaging, long shelf life and a flavour you won’t find in the supermarket make it a special Christmas gift for foodies.

Do tinned sardines have bones?

In classic sardines, the bones are very soft and perfectly edible. If the recipient doesn’t like them, choose skinless and boneless sardines.

How long does tinned fish keep?

Usually several years from production. The exact date is printed on every tin.

What should I give if I don’t know their taste?

A gift card is the easiest choice – the recipient can pick exactly what they like.

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This year, put something under the tree that nobody will expect. Explore our full range of Portuguese tinned fish and put together your own Christmas gift!