Anchovies have a reputation for being polarizing, but true fans know their salty, savory magic can transform almost anything. The world of anchovies goes way beyond those tiny tins you pass by at the store.
Between silky marinated fillets, rich pastes, and perfectly briny canned varieties, these little fish deserve a permanent spot in your kitchen. These are the best options to boost pasta, pizza, sauces, and more with serious flavor.
1. Crown Prince Anchovy Paste
Forget everything you thought you knew about anchovy paste! This tube of concentrated magic isn’t just convenient—it’s the secret weapon pro chefs don’t want you to know about.
Squeeze a pea-sized amount into pasta sauces or vinaigrettes and watch boring dishes transform into restaurant-worthy creations. The paste dissolves completely, leaving behind only rich, savory goodness without any fishy chunks.
2. Agostino Recca Fillets With Hot Peppers
Holy heat lovers, prepare your taste buds for a flavor explosion! These Sicilian beauties marry the briny punch of premium anchovies with the kick of red hot peppers, creating an addictive combo that’ll have you reaching for more.
The olive oil they swim in becomes infused with both flavors, creating liquid gold you’ll want to drizzle on everything. Each jar contains perfectly layered fillets that maintain their integrity—no mushy fish here!
3. Patagonia Lemon Olive Spanish White Anchovies
Sunshine in a jar! Unlike their salty Mediterranean cousins, these white anchovies (boquerones) dance with bright citrus notes that’ll transport you straight to a Spanish seaside café.
The lemon-infused olive oil creates a mouthwatering marinade that transforms these delicate fillets into something ethereal. Their texture? Tender yet firm, with none of that overwhelming fishiness novices fear.
4. Cento Flat Fillet Anchovies
Budget-friendly doesn’t mean flavor-poor! Cento’s flat fillets have rescued countless home cooks from bland dinner disasters. These kitchen workhorses deliver consistent quality that won’t break the bank.
What sets them apart is their perfect salt balance—punchy enough to wake up a sauce but not so aggressive they’ll hijack your dish. The flat filleting technique means more usable anchovy per tin and easier layering on pizzas.
5. Wild Planet Wild White Anchovies
Eco-warriors, rejoice! These sustainably caught white anchovies prove you don’t have to choose between planet-friendly and palate-pleasing. Wild Planet’s commitment to responsible fishing practices shines through in every bite.
The extra virgin olive oil bath preserves their delicate flavor while adding richness that mass-produced brands can’t match. Unlike traditional brown anchovies, these white fillets offer a milder, fresher taste profile that converts even the most stubborn anchovy skeptics.
6. Matis Boquerones In White Wine Vinegar
Acid freaks and vinegar lovers, I’ve found your new obsession! These aren’t your grandma’s anchovies—Matis Boquerones deliver a tangy, bright flavor kick that’ll wake up your jaded taste buds.
The genius combination of white wine vinegar and sunflower oil creates a marinade that transforms these white anchovies into something altogether different from their salt-cured relatives. Each fillet has a firm yet tender bite with a clean finish that doesn’t linger.
7. Siesta Co Cantabrian Anchovies
Luxury in a tin! Harvested from the pristine Cantabrian Sea and hand-filleted by artisans who’ve perfected their craft over generations, these aren’t just anchovies—they’re an experience.
The mahogany-colored fillets glisten with olive oil that’s worth sopping up with good bread after you’ve devoured the fish. Their meaty texture and complex flavor profile—simultaneously sweet, salty, and umami-rich—explains why Spanish anchovy aficionados pay premium prices without complaint.
8. Ortiz Jarred Anchovies
The Rolls-Royce of everyday anchovies! Ortiz has mastered the perfect balance between accessibility and luxury with their iconic blue glass jars that serious home cooks covet.
Each fillet undergoes a meticulous maturation process that develops deep, nuanced flavors without overwhelming saltiness. The family-owned company’s century-old techniques yield consistently superior anchovies with a silky texture that melts into sauces.
9. Delicius Cantabrico Anchovy Fillets
Umami bombs with Italian flair! These ruby-red fillets from the Delicius family bring Cantabrian Sea excellence with an Italian twist that’s utterly irresistible.
The longer aging process gives these anchovies a deeper flavor and meatier texture than their competitors. Each fillet is carefully hand-packed in olive oil that becomes infused with anchovy essence—liquid gold for salad dressings!
10. Fishwife Anchovies In Spanish Olive Oil
Hipster-approved yet genuinely excellent! Fishwife has stormed the tinned fish scene with eye-catching packaging that houses seriously good anchovies sourced from sustainable Spanish fisheries.
These plump fillets swim in top-quality Spanish extra virgin olive oil that enhances rather than masks their natural flavor. The female-founded company’s attention to detail shows in the perfect salt balance and clean ingredient list.