How much sodium is in sardines in tomato sauce?

January 6, 2026 •

4 min read

The sodium content of canned sardines in tomato sauce varies significantly by brand, with figures ranging from 105 mg to over 600 mg per serving. The presence of salt and other additives in the sauce, not the fish itself, is the primary reason for this high sodium content.

Quick Summary

The sodium in canned sardines with tomato sauce varies by brand, ingredient list, and serving size. Options range from relatively low-sodium to quite high, making it important to check labels. The sauce is the main source of the added sodium.

Key Points

Check Labels: Sodium levels in sardines in tomato sauce vary widely by brand; always check the nutrition label for the specific product.
Sodium is Added: The fish itself is low in sodium, with the high sodium content typically coming from the added salt in the tomato sauce and other preservatives.
Manage Your Intake: Choose low-sodium or no-salt-added varieties to better control your overall sodium consumption.
Rinse to Reduce Sodium: Rinsing canned sardines can help remove some of the excess sodium from the sauce.
Make Your Own Sauce: For maximum control over sodium, use plain canned sardines and make a fresh, low-sodium tomato sauce at home.
Heart Health Concerns: High sodium intake can contribute to increased blood pressure, so those with heart health concerns should be particularly mindful.
Sardines Are Nutritious: Despite the sodium, sardines are a nutrient-rich food, providing omega-3 fatty acids, calcium, and protein.

Sodium Levels Vary Greatly by Brand

While sardines themselves are naturally low in sodium, the amount of sodium in sardines in tomato sauce is highly dependent on the manufacturer and their recipe. The tomato sauce and any added ingredients, including salt, are the primary contributors to the final sodium count. Consumers should always check the nutritional information on the specific can they purchase, as a brand's regular version can have a dramatically different sodium content than its low-sodium alternative.

Why Sodium Content Fluctuates

Several factors contribute to the wide range of sodium levels found across different brands. The exact ingredients and portion sizes can alter the nutritional information significantly.

Added Salt: The most direct and obvious source of sodium is added salt. Manufacturers use it for flavor and preservation. Some brands add more than others, which accounts for the vast difference in sodium levels.
Tomato Sauce Ingredients: The type of tomato sauce used is also a major factor. Some sauces are pre-made with added salt and other preservatives, while others may contain less.
Additives and Flavor Enhancers: Ingredients like monosodium glutamate (MSG) can be used as flavor enhancers, contributing to the overall sodium count.
Serving Size: The serving size listed on the nutrition label can also be misleading. A label might show a lower sodium figure because it lists the content for a smaller portion, such as half a can, rather than the entire can.

Comparison of Sodium in Sardines in Tomato Sauce

Here is a comparison of the sodium content found in different brands of sardines in tomato sauce, based on available nutrition data. This table highlights the importance of reading labels carefully.


Brand	Sodium per Serving	Serving Size	Reference
Iberia	105 mg	Not specified, assumes serving size is standardized
Goya	230 mg	0.5 Sardines/Sardinas (60g)
AA-1 Brand	250 mg	Not specified, assumes serving size is standardized
Crown Prince	320 mg	1 can (120 g)
Saba	340 mg	0.25 cup (56 g)
Beach Cliff	420 mg	Not specified, assumes serving size is standardized
Marshall's	670 mg	124 g

Note: The serving sizes vary, so direct comparison should be done per 100g or other standardized metric to get an accurate picture.

The Impact of Sodium on Health

Excessive sodium intake is a well-documented risk factor for high blood pressure, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease and stroke. Health organizations generally recommend limiting daily sodium intake to less than 2,300 mg per day for healthy adults, with an ideal limit of no more than 1,500 mg per day for most adults. A single serving of certain brands of sardines in tomato sauce can contribute a significant portion of this recommended daily intake.

Reducing Sodium When Consuming Sardines

Fortunately, there are simple ways to enjoy the benefits of sardines while minimizing sodium intake. These methods allow you to maintain a healthier diet without completely cutting out this nutritious food.

Choose Low-Sodium Varieties: Many brands now offer low-sodium or no-salt-added versions. These are often packed in water or unsalted oil, giving you control over the seasoning.
Rinse Canned Sardines: Rinsing canned sardines under cold water can wash away a significant amount of the surface sodium from the sauce.
Make Your Own Sauce: For the lowest sodium option, purchase plain canned sardines and create your own fresh, low-sodium tomato sauce. This gives you complete control over the ingredients and salt content.
Dilute the Sauce: If you're using a higher-sodium variety, you can drain most of the sauce and add your own low-sodium ingredients like fresh tomatoes or unsalted tomato paste.

The Health Benefits of Sardines

Despite the potential for high sodium, sardines remain a healthy and nutrient-dense food. They are an excellent source of several important nutrients.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Sardines are rich in EPA and DHA, essential fatty acids that support heart health and reduce inflammation.
Calcium: The edible soft bones of sardines are a fantastic source of calcium, which is crucial for bone health.
Protein: Sardines are a high-quality protein source, contributing to muscle repair and growth.
Vitamins and Minerals: They are also packed with vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, selenium, and iron.

Conclusion

While the sodium content in sardines in tomato sauce can be high, it is not uniform across all brands. By reading nutrition labels and opting for lower-sodium versions or preparing your own sauce, you can easily control your intake. The health benefits of consuming sardines, such as their high omega-3 and calcium content, can still be enjoyed as part of a balanced and healthy diet. With careful choices, this convenient protein source can remain a beneficial addition to your meal plan.

Sardines with tomato sauce recipe options for a healthy low sodium diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

The average sodium content varies significantly by brand, often ranging from 105 mg to over 600 mg per serving. It is crucial to check the specific product's nutrition label for an accurate figure.

No, fresh sardines are naturally low in sodium. The high sodium content in canned sardines comes from the salt and preservatives added during the canning process and is not inherent to the fish itself.

You can reduce the sodium by choosing low-sodium versions, draining the sauce and rinsing the sardines, or making your own low-sodium tomato sauce using plain, canned sardines.

Differences in sodium content are primarily due to varying recipes and ingredient proportions used by manufacturers. Some brands add more salt for flavor and preservation than others.

Regularly consuming high-sodium versions could be detrimental for individuals with high blood pressure, as excessive sodium is linked to elevated blood pressure. For those concerned, low-sodium varieties are a safer option.

Rinsing the sardines will remove a significant portion of the sodium that is on the surface or in the surrounding liquid, but it will not remove all of it, especially if the fish itself was salted during processing.

Depending on the brand and serving size, one can of sardines in tomato sauce could contribute anywhere from 5% to over 25% of your recommended daily sodium value, highlighting the importance of checking labels.