Sardines

seafood

Sardines

9/ 10Excellent
Controversy: 5.4

Rated by 11 diets

10 approve0 caution1 avoid

How the diets react

Approves10
Disapproves1
Is Sardines Healthy?

Yes — Sardines is broadly considered healthy. 10 out of 11 diets approve it.

Nutrition Facts
Per 100g
Calories
208kcal
Protein
25g
Carbs
0g
Fat
11g
Fiber
0g
Sugar
0g
Sodium
307mg

Diet Ratings

KetoApproved

Sardines are carb-free, high in protein, and rich in omega-3 fatty acids and healthy fats. Ideal keto food meeting both protein and fat requirements.

VeganAvoid

Sardines are fish and animal flesh. Completely non-vegan.

PaleoApproved

Sardines are a paleo superfood: unprocessed, nutrient-dense, rich in omega-3s, and edible whole (bones included for calcium). Widely endorsed by paleo authorities.

MediterraneanApproved

Oily fish packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and calcium. Sardines are a traditional Mediterranean staple, often eaten whole with bones. Exemplary choice for weekly fish consumption.

CarnivoreApproved

Sardines are nutrient-dense fatty fish with excellent omega-3 content, vitamin D, and can be consumed whole with bones for calcium. One of the most micronutrient-complete seafood options. Highly favored in carnivore protocols.

Whole30Approved

Sardines are whole, unprocessed seafood. When canned in water or oil without added ingredients, they are Whole30 compliant.

Low-FODMAPApproved

Sardines are oily fish with no fermentable carbohydrates. Monash University confirms fish as low-FODMAP at all serving sizes.

DASHApproved

Core DASH food. Excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, calcium (especially if bones consumed), potassium, and protein. Low saturated fat. Canned versions may have added sodium; choose low-sodium varieties.

ZoneApproved

Exceptional Zone food combining lean protein with anti-inflammatory omega-3s and monounsaturated fats. Provides both protein and fat blocks efficiently. Dr. Sears frequently recommends fatty fish for polyphenol and omega-3 content.

Excellent source of EPA and DHA omega-3 fatty acids, high in selenium, vitamin D, and calcium. One of the most anti-inflammatory fish options. Emphasized in Mediterranean and anti-inflammatory diets.

GLP-1 FriendlyApproved

High protein (25g per 3oz), omega-3 rich (EPA/DHA), moderate fat (11g but mostly unsaturated), excellent nutrient density (calcium, vitamin D, selenium). Anti-inflammatory benefits support GLP-1 metabolic goals.

Controversy Index

Score range: 110/10. Higher controversy = more disagreement between diets.

Consensus5.4Divisive

Diet-Specific Tips for Sardines

Keto 10/10
  • 0g net carbs
  • High protein (25g per 100g)
  • High healthy fat (11g per 100g)
  • Excellent omega-3 content
Paleo 10/10
  • Exceptional omega-3 content
  • Edible bones provide calcium
  • Low mercury
  • Unprocessed whole food
Mediterranean 10/10
  • Exceptional omega-3 content
  • Calcium from edible bones
  • Minimal processing when fresh
  • Traditional Mediterranean staple
Carnivore 9/10
  • High omega-3 fatty acids
  • Edible bones provide calcium
  • Excellent vitamin D source
  • Minimal processing when canned in oil or water
Whole30 9/10
  • Whole seafood
  • Check canned varieties for added ingredients
  • Omega-3 rich
Low-FODMAP 9/10
  • No oligosaccharides
  • No disaccharides
  • No polyols
  • Pure protein
DASH 9/10
  • Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
  • Excellent calcium source
  • High potassium
  • Watch sodium in canned versions
Zone 9/10
  • Protein: ~25g per 100g
  • Healthy fat: ~11g per 100g (omega-3 rich)
  • Zero carbs
  • High in polyphenols
  • Excellent anti-inflammatory profile
  • High EPA/DHA omega-3s
  • Vitamin D and calcium
  • Selenium
  • Edible bones provide minerals
  • high protein density
  • omega-3 rich
  • nutrient-dense
  • anti-inflammatory
  • calcium and vitamin D