PAN DO MAR Small Sardines in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil 120 g

Product overview

Pan do Mar Small Sardines in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil are small European sardines caught in the north-east Atlantic and preserved in organic extra virgin olive oil. The focus here is on the ingredients: the sardines are cleaned by hand and accompanied by olive oil and sea salt, without a long ingredient list. The result is a classic tinned fish with a distinct Mediterranean character, ready to use in meals and snacks.

Pan do Mar highlights traditional coastal fishing and care for the origin of its fish. According to the product information, the sardines come from monitored fisheries in the north-east Atlantic, where they are caught by coastal fishers using small nets. The brand's approach is also reflected in the choice to clean the fish by hand and use organic extra virgin olive oil. This makes the product appealing if you want to choose tinned fish with clear information about its catch area and handling.

The minimum stated size of the catch is 14–15 cm. According to the information provided, this size requirement means the sardines are over one year old and have had the opportunity to reproduce at least once. The catches are also said to have been monitored by EU fisheries authorities and organisations working on sustainable development. This is factual information about the product's origin and fishing practices, not a promise that all environmental issues related to fishing have been resolved.

The small sardines suit both those who enjoy cooking from scratch and those who want a convenient pantry option for days when time is short. Serve them as they are, place them on toast or use them as a flavourful addition to a salad. The mild, fruity olive oil comes with the fish and can also be used as a dressing or flavouring.

Active ingredients & science

This is a food, not a food supplement. The main ingredients are sardines, organic extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. The sardines provide protein; the nutritional information states 19 grams of protein per 100 grams. The product also contains fat from both the fish and the olive oil. Per 100 grams, it contains 25 grams of fat, of which 15 grams are monounsaturated and 3.7 grams polyunsaturated. These figures describe the nutritional content and should not be interpreted as a promise of specific health effects.

The olive oil is described as being of the highest quality and from the first pressing. Extra virgin olive oil is produced mechanically, and its properties are assessed, among other things, based on its quality and production method. Here it also serves a practical and culinary purpose: it coats the fish and adds a rich flavour. The sardine species is listed as Sardina pilchardus. There is no need to specify a particular chemical form or bioavailability for these common food ingredients. For complete nutritional information, see the values per 100 grams on the product information.

Benefits & uses

A tin of sardines can make it easier to put together a meal with minimal preparation. The product is particularly suitable when you want an ingredient with a clear origin and a classic flavour profile, without having to cook fish from scratch. Here are some ways to use it:

• Quick lunch at home: Place the sardines on wholemeal or toasted bread and add, for example, tomato, lemon or fresh herbs.
• Mediterranean-style packed lunch: Mix the fish into a salad with potatoes, beans or leafy greens. Add the oil from the tin to taste.
• Easy pantry dinner: Serve the sardines with pasta, cooked vegetables or a piece of bread when you want to make something without lengthy preparation.
• Flavourful starter or sharing plate: Arrange them on a platter with olives, vegetables and bread for a simple dish to share.
• For those who enjoy tinned fish: The hand-cleaned sardines are a ready-to-eat option to keep at home for meals and snacks.
• For those who want to know more about the fish's origin: The product information lists the species, catch area, traditional fishing method and minimum fish size.

The product can be a practical choice for single-person households, families and anyone looking to keep a well-stocked pantry. It also suits those who enjoy using fish in everyday meals but want to keep preparation simple. The flavour works best with accompaniments of your choice; try acidic or herby ingredients, for example, to balance the richness of the olive oil.

Use & dosage

This is a tinned food, and no dosage is specified. Open the tin and serve the sardines as part of a meal or snack. Choose the amount according to the dish and the number of people eating. They can be eaten straight from the tin or added to a hot dish towards the end of cooking. If you want to preserve the fish's firm texture and distinct flavour, it is often practical to fold it in gently just before serving.

The oil can be used with the fish or drizzled over bread and salad. Taste before adding more salt, as the product contains sea salt. After opening, store the contents in a sealed, non-metallic container in the refrigerator and consume within three days. No specific time of day or combination with food supplements is indicated; choose how to use it according to the meal and your eating habits.

Quality & production

The product's quality profile is based on information about its ingredients, fishing and handling. According to the information provided, the sardines come from monitored fisheries in the north-east Atlantic and are traditionally caught by coastal fishers using small nets. They are cleaned by hand before being preserved in organic extra virgin olive oil. Sea salt is the third ingredient. The short ingredient list makes it easy to see what the product contains.

The minimum fish size is stated as 14–15 cm, and the catches are said to be monitored by EU fisheries authorities and non-governmental organisations focused on sustainable development. The information also states that 24 per cent of the ingredients come from certified organic farms, referring to the olive oil according to the ingredient list. No information is provided here about specific purity tests, packaging materials or additional certifications, so these properties should not be assumed.

To preserve the contents after opening, it is important to transfer the sardines to a sealed, non-metallic container and refrigerate it. Consume within three days. Always follow any storage and best-before information on the packaging itself.

Who is this product suitable for?

Pan do Mar sardines are suitable for adults and families who eat fish and want an accessible ingredient for lunch, dinner or sharing plates. They can be particularly useful in households where meals often need to be prepared quickly, or for anyone who enjoys Mediterranean-inspired ingredients and wants to keep fish in the pantry. The product also suits those who value information about species, catch area and handling when choosing tinned food.

This is not a vegetarian or vegan product. It contains fish and is therefore unsuitable for people with a fish allergy. Always check the packaging if you have allergies or need to avoid certain substances. The product also contains sea salt; anyone who needs to limit their salt intake can take into account that the salt content is stated as 0.98 grams per 100 grams.

No specific advice for pregnant or breastfeeding women is provided in the product information. Anyone who is pregnant, breastfeeding or following individual dietary advice should follow current guidance from their healthcare provider and check the product labelling. The same applies to children: adapt the serving to the child's age and needs, and watch out for fish bones during the meal. No specific age recommendations are provided.

Summary

Pan do Mar Small Sardines in Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil combines sardines from the north-east Atlantic with organic extra virgin olive oil and sea salt. Hand-cleaning, the stated fishing method and information about the fish's size provide a clear picture of the ingredients, while the finished product is easy to use in everyday meals. It suits anyone looking for flavourful tinned fish for salads, bread, pasta or a quick meal at home. Choose it if you want sardines with a simple ingredient list and appreciate being able to read about the origin of the fishery; refrigerate leftovers in a sealed, non-metallic container and eat within three days of opening.