Are Brisling Sardines High in Mercury? A Comprehensive Guide

January 8, 2026 •

4 min read

According to data from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), sardines have one of the lowest average mercury concentrations among commercial fish, at just 0.013 parts per million (ppm). This makes them a safe and nutritious choice for regular consumption.

Quick Summary

Brisling sardines, like all sardines, are very low in mercury due to their small size and position at the bottom of the food chain, making them a safe and healthy seafood option, rich in omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients.

Key Points

Low Mercury Content: Brisling sardines are very low in mercury, with an average concentration of just 0.013 ppm, placing them among the safest seafood choices.
Low Trophic Level: As plankton feeders, these small fish are at the bottom of the food chain, which prevents the biomagnification of mercury found in larger predatory fish.
FDA 'Best Choice' Designation: The FDA and EPA list sardines as a 'Best Choice' seafood option, suitable for frequent consumption by the general population, including pregnant women and children.
Rich in Omega-3s: They are an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, providing significant nutritional benefits.
Packed with Nutrients: The edible bones in canned brisling sardines are a great source of calcium and vitamin D, making them a dense source of essential vitamins and minerals.
Sustainable Sourcing: Many brisling varieties come from well-regulated fisheries in clean waters, like the Norwegian fjords, ensuring a purer product.

Understanding Mercury in Seafood

Mercury is a naturally occurring element that enters the marine ecosystem primarily through industrial and natural processes. In the water, microorganisms convert mercury into a more toxic form called methylmercury, which is then absorbed by marine life. The concentration of mercury in fish is a result of biomagnification, a process where the substance accumulates in an organism at a higher concentration than in the organisms it consumes. This means that larger, longer-lived predatory fish tend to have the highest mercury levels, while smaller fish have much lower concentrations.

Why Brisling Sardines Are Low in Mercury

Brisling sardines, a specific type of small sardine often sourced from the clean waters of the Norwegian fjords, are an excellent example of this principle. Their low mercury content is attributed to several key factors:

Size: Brisling sardines are notably small, typically measuring between 3 and 4.5 inches in length. Their smaller size means they have a shorter lifespan and less time to accumulate mercury from the environment.
Diet: These fish feed on plankton, placing them at the bottom of the marine food chain. They do not consume other fish that may have already accumulated mercury, which prevents the biomagnification process from significantly affecting their mercury levels.
Habitat: While mercury exists in all marine environments, brisling sardines are often caught in regulated, clean waters, further minimizing their exposure to potential contaminants.

Brisling Sardines vs. Other Fish: A Mercury Comparison

To put the mercury levels of brisling sardines into perspective, a comparison with other common seafood is useful. As the FDA data shows, sardines have one of the lowest average mercury levels, far below many other fish.


Fish Species	Average Mercury Concentration (ppm)	Mercury Category (FDA)	Recommended Consumption (General Population)
Sardines (Brisling)	0.013	Best Choice	2–3 servings per week
Salmon (Canned)	0.014	Best Choice	2–3 servings per week
Tilapia	0.013	Best Choice	2–3 servings per week
Tuna (Canned Light)	0.126	Good Choice	1 serving per week
Tuna (Canned Albacore)	0.350	Good Choice (Limit)	1 serving per week (max 6 oz)
King Mackerel	0.730	Avoid	Avoid
Swordfish	1.00	Avoid	Avoid

Nutritional Benefits of Brisling Sardines

Beyond their low mercury content, brisling sardines offer a wealth of nutritional benefits that make them a healthy addition to any diet. Their small bones are edible and provide an excellent source of calcium and vitamin D. They are also a potent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health.

Key nutritional advantages:

Rich in Omega-3s: Sardines contain high levels of EPA and DHA, types of omega-3s linked to reduced inflammation and cardiovascular disease risk.
High in Calcium: Because you eat the whole fish, including the soft bones, you get a significant dose of calcium, which supports bone health.
Excellent source of Vitamin D: Sardines are one of the few natural food sources of vitamin D, which is essential for calcium absorption.
Loaded with Vitamin B12: They provide a very high percentage of the daily recommended value for vitamin B12, important for nerve function and energy production.
Good Protein Source: Sardines are a lean and complete source of protein, helping to build and repair body tissues.

Sustainable Sourcing and Purity

Many brands of brisling sardines are sourced from sustainable fisheries that adhere to strict environmental regulations, such as those in Norway. This commitment to sustainability not only helps protect marine ecosystems but also contributes to the purity of the fish by ensuring they are caught in cleaner, less polluted waters. When choosing canned sardines, looking for certifications like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) can help confirm that the product was sourced responsibly.

How to Incorporate Brisling Sardines into Your Diet

Integrating these nutrient-dense fish into your meals is simple and versatile. They can be added to salads, mashed onto toast, mixed into pasta sauces, or used as a protein boost in various recipes. For those watching their sodium intake, choosing sardines packed in water rather than oil is a good option. The mild flavor of brisling makes them a pleasant introduction for those new to eating sardines.

Conclusion: A Clear Verdict on Brisling Sardines and Mercury

Brisling sardines are not high in mercury; in fact, they are among the safest seafood choices available when it comes to mercury contamination. Their low position on the food chain and short lifespan prevent them from accumulating significant levels of the heavy metal. Combining their low mercury profile with a rich nutritional content of omega-3s, calcium, and vitamin D, brisling sardines are an exceptionally healthy option for individuals seeking a safe and affordable source of lean protein. Consumers can enjoy brisling sardines regularly without concern for high mercury exposure.

Learn more about seafood and mercury on the FDA's website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Brisling sardines are low in mercury because they are small, have a short lifespan, and are at the bottom of the food chain, feeding on plankton. This prevents the biomagnification of mercury that affects larger, predatory fish.

Yes, brisling sardines are considered a "best choice" by the FDA and are safe for pregnant women and children to consume, due to their very low mercury levels.

Brisling sardines have significantly lower mercury levels than all types of tuna, including canned light and albacore varieties. This makes them a healthier alternative to tuna for regular consumption.

Yes, all species of sardines are generally known for being low in mercury, as they are small, plankton-eating fish. Brisling sardines are a specific, often very small, variety of sardine.

According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the mean mercury concentration for sardines is 0.013 parts per million (ppm), which is very low.

Brisling sardines are rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, protein, and vitamin D, offering a wide range of nutritional benefits beyond their low mercury content.

Given their low mercury levels, you can safely consume brisling sardines multiple times per week. The FDA recommends 2–3 servings per week for 'Best Choice' fish.