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What to eat in Western Europe? Top 36 Western European Preserved Anchovies

Last update: Wed Apr 23 2025
Top 36 Western European Preserved Anchovies
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Western European Preserved Anchovies Types

01
Anchoas de Cantabria
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Anchoas de Cantabria are Spanish anchovies originating from the Cantabrian Sea. These wild anchovies are in season from March through June and they come from San Sebastian's Bay of Biscay. They are filleted and packed in brine and olive oil by hand, then left in the mixture for 5 months.


These anchovies are prized for their umami flavor and meatiness due to the tinning methods and processes. People also like the nice balance of sea salt, fish, and oil. It's recommended to use them in vinaigrettes, sauces, or simply spread over a slice of sourdough bread. 
02
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Fishing and fish preservation in Liguria are traditions known since the early 16th century when the historical Republic of Genoa was already regulating and controlling fish supply, prices and sales. Acciughe Sotto Sale del Mar Ligure are Ligurian anchovies, caught in the Tyrrhenian Sea between April and October.


The freshly caught fish are cleaned, pre-salted and cured in chestnut wood barrels or terracotta vases for about 40 to 60 days. After the curing process is over, the salted anchovies are marketed in glass containers called arbanelle, layered and covered with fine sea salt. 
03
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Anchois de Collioure are anchovies of the Engraulis encrassicholus species from the Collioure area in France. The anchovies can be sold salted, as fillets in oil and as fillets in brine. The method of production of these unique anchovies is so complex that it has nine stages of preparation.


The fish are received fresh at the salting facility, then pre-salted and brined, sorted, topped, gutted and left to mature until they develop their specific color, taste, and texture. The skin then gets removed, they are gutted, filleted, dried and packaged in airtight packages, juiced with brine or oil, and dispatched to be sold. 
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Western European Preserved Anchovies Producers

01
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Conservas El Capricho, based in Cantabria, Spain, is renowned for producing some of the world's finest canned anchovies, noted for their premium quality and artisanal processing. This family-owned company is highly selective about its raw ingredients, using only fresh anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea, which are processed by hand to ensure optimal taste and texture.


They emphasize traditional methods, aging the anchovies in sea salt for over a year, which enhances flavor depth. El Capricho’s products are praised for their delicate, melt-in-your-mouth texture and balanced saltiness, making them a gourmet favorite.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Special Products

2024

BEST Conservas El Capricho Seafood
02
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Established in Galicia, Ramón Peña specializes in gourmet offerings such as mussels, sardines, and tuna, sourced sustainably from the Atlantic Ocean. The brand’s products are hand-prepared and packed, following artisanal methods that enhance natural flavors and texture.


Their dedication to quality has made them a top choice for chefs and seafood enthusiasts worldwide. With a focus on flavor and heritage, Ramón Peña has earned a reputation as a luxury seafood brand representing Spanish gastronomic excellence​.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Mackerels

2024

BEST Conservas Ramón Peña Seafood
03
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Conservas Catalina is a seafood producer based in Cantabria, Spain. The company specializes in canned fish and seafood products, including anchovies and bonito del norte. Founded in 1999, Conservas Catalina emphasizes traditional methods and high-quality raw materials in its production process.


The company is known for its hand-filleted anchovies, which are preserved in olive oil.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2024, 2023, 2021

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024, 2023, 2022, 2021

04

Seafood

ONDARROA, Spain
4.8
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Conservas Ortiz is a prestigious Spanish company specializing in the production of high-quality canned seafood, with over 130 years of tradition. Founded in 1891, the company has become synonymous with top-notch quality and a passion for preserving the best fishing traditions.


All products are carefully processed using the oldest and most precise canning techniques, ensuring an unmistakable flavor and a high level of freshness. Ortiz is best known for its Bonito del Norte, one of the most highly regarded products in the industry. 
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

BEST Conservas Ortiz Seafood
05
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Conservas Nardín is a renowned family-owned company based in the Basque Country, Spain. They specialize in producing high-quality canned seafood, particularly Bonito del Norte tuna and Cantabrian anchovies. The company prides itself on using only the best seasonal catches from the Cantabrian Sea, which are processed the same day they are caught to ensure maximum freshness and flavor.


Nardín emphasizes artisanal production methods, ensuring that each product is carefully handcrafted. Their Bonito del Norte tuna is line-caught and hand-cut, then packed in olive oil to preserve its tender, flaky texture. The anchovies are also meticulously prepared, often using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. 
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2023

BEST Conservas Nardín Seafood
06
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Conservas La Brújula is a premium Spanish brand known for its high-quality, artisanal canned seafood, sourced primarily from the Galician coast. Each can includes meticulously selected fish and shellfish, such as sardines, mackerel, tuna, and razor clams, which are hand-packed to preserve texture and flavor.


The brand’s commitment to sustainable, local sourcing ensures fresh, peak-season products that meet international gourmet standards. Using minimal processing, La Brújula maintains the natural taste and quality of its ingredients, making it a favorite among chefs and food enthusiasts.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Sardines

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna

2024

BEST Conservas La Brújula Seafood
07

Seafood

COLINDRES, Spain
4.7
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Conservas Codesa is a Spanish company known for producing premium canned seafood, particularly anchovies from the Cantabrian Sea. Founded in 1976, Codesa combines traditional techniques with modern quality controls, ensuring exceptional taste and texture in its products.


They specialize in hand-cleaned and cured anchovies, which are then preserved in olive oil to enhance flavor. The company has received international acclaim for quality and sustainability, with a commitment to responsible fishing practices.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

BEST Conservas Codesa Seafood
08

Seafood

LAREDO, Spain
4.7
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Rezumar, S. A. is a Spanish manufacturer based in Laredo, Spain, specializing in tinned fish products, particularly anchovies. The company operates in the fish, salt-water industry, producing anchovy fillets and salted anchovies. They are known for their high-quality anchovy products, which are marinated in olive oil.


Rezumar’s products are available internationally, catering to both national and global markets
AWARDS

Crystal Taste Award - 3 stars

2025

BEST Rezumar Seafood
09

Seafood

CANTABRIA, Spain
4.7
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Conservas Angelachu, based in Santoña, Spain, is renowned for its artisanal approach to preserving high-quality anchovies and tuna. Founded in the late 1990s, this family-owned company draws on four generations of expertise, emphasizing traditional handcrafting methods to create gourmet products.


They specialize in Cantabrian anchovies, known for their smooth texture, rich flavor, and meticulous preparation, from hand-filleting to careful canning to maintain freshness and quality. Their anchovies, caught in spring, are preserved in premium olive oil, enhancing their natural flavor while meeting high standards for sustainability.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Tuna

2024

BEST Conservas Angelachu Seafood
10
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Conservas de Cambados is a Spanish company specializing in the production and sale of canned seafood. Located in the Galicia region, known for its rich fishing heritage, Conservas de Cambados uses high-quality raw materials from the Atlantic, following traditional methods of processing and packaging seafood.


Their products include a wide range of canned fish, such as sardines, anchovies, mackerel, and other delicacies from the sea. The company prides itself on its dedicated approach to sustainability, using ecological and responsible fishing practices to preserve the marine ecosystem and ensure a long-term supply of high-quality products. 
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Seafood
NAPLES, Italy
4.6
14
Seafood
MARKINA-XEMEIN, Spain
4.6
15
Seafood
SANTOÑA, Spain
4.6
16
Seafood
BERMEO, Spain
4.6
17
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19
20
Olives
LASTRES, Spain
4.3
21
Seafood
CASTRO URDIALES, Spain
4.3
22
23
Seafood
CABO DE CRUZ, Spain
4.2
24
25
26
Seafood
CANTABRIA, Spain
4.0
27
Seafood
CANTABRIA, Spain
4.0
28
Seafood
ALAQUÀS, Spain
4.0
29
Seafood
SPAIN, Western Europe
4.0
30
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Best Western European Preserved Anchovies

01
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ANCHOA DEL CANTÁBRICO AHUMADA is a gourmet product made from Cantabrian anchovies. These anchovies are smoked to enhance their rich, natural flavor, providing a unique and exquisite taste. Known for their high quality, they are carefully selected and processed using traditional methods.


This delicacy is often enjoyed as a tapas, paired with bread, olives, or cheese, and is a favorite among seafood enthusiasts for its tender texture and robust flavor.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2021

02
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Anchoa en Aceite de Oliva by Conservas Ramón Peña is a premium Spanish anchovy product known for its high-quality, sustainably caught fish from the Cantabrian Sea. The anchovies are carefully cleaned, deboned, and hand-packed in pure olive oil, preserving their rich, savory flavor and tender texture.


Ramón Peña, a heritage brand, follows traditional methods to ensure the freshness and natural taste of each fillet. The anchovies are ideal for enhancing tapas, salads, and gourmet dishes, valued for their umami depth.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

03
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Anchoas en Aceite de Girasol Alto Oleico are meticulously crafted anchovy fillets from the Cantabrian Sea, known for their premium quality and rich flavor. These anchovies undergo a traditional curing process that spans 12 to 18 months, enhancing their natural taste and creating a firm yet tender texture.


High-oleic sunflower oil is used as a mild covering oil, preserving the anchovies' natural flavor without overpowering it. Each anchovy is hand-cleaned and packed to ensure minimal saltiness and maximum freshness.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

04
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Anchoas en Aceite de Oliva from Conservas Ortiz are premium-quality anchovies preserved in olive oil. Known for their smooth, delicate texture and rich flavor, these anchovies are hand-filleted and carefully salted before being packed in high-quality olive oil, which enhances their natural taste.


Ortiz uses traditional methods for salting and maturing the fish, a process that can take up to six months, ensuring a balanced and mellow flavor profile. Sourced from the Cantabrian Sea, these anchovies are prized for their tenderness and are often enjoyed in Mediterranean dishes or as a gourmet topping.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

05
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The product shown is "Anchoas del Cantábrico en aceite de oliva", which translates to "Nardín Anchovy Fillets in Olive Oil." These anchovy fillets are packed in high-quality olive oil, ensuring a rich and savory flavor. Nardín is known for its artisanal production methods and high standards in selecting the best anchovies, making this product a popular choice for gourmet consumers.


The packaging is sleek and convenient, making it easy to store and serve.
06
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ANCHOA RESERVA CATALINA is a premium product made from the finest anchovies sourced from the Cantabrian Sea. These anchovies are hand-filleted and preserved using traditional methods to ensure exceptional quality and flavor. The anchovies are known for their delicate texture and rich, savory taste.


Often served as a gourmet appetizer, they are perfect for pairing with crusty bread, olive oil, and fresh herbs. ANCHOA RESERVA CATALINA is celebrated for its superior craftsmanship and is a favorite among connoisseurs of fine seafood.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024, 2022

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2023

07
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ANCHOA DEL CANTABRICO PREMIUM made by Conservas Catalina is a high-quality anchovy product known for its rich flavor and exquisite texture. These anchovies are sourced from the Cantabrian Sea, which is renowned for producing some of the finest anchovies due to its unique marine environment.


The fish are meticulously hand-filleted and preserved in olive oil to maintain their delicate taste and texture.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2024

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2021

08
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The Anchoas Serie Limitada by Conservas Codesa is a premium anchovy product from Spain, celebrated for its artisanal preparation and high quality. Made with Cantabrian Sea anchovies, it undergoes a meticulous curing process of up to 18 months, which enhances its rich flavor and smooth texture.


This limited-edition line uses only the finest selection of anchovies, hand-cleaned and filleted to preserve taste and quality. The anchovies are then packed in olive oil, which complements the fish’s natural flavors and gives a luxurious mouthfeel.
AWARDS

World's 101 Best Canned Products from the Sea - Top 10 Anchovies

2024

09
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ANCHOA CATALINA EN MANTEQUILLA is a luxurious product made from premium Cantabrian anchovies preserved in butter. These anchovies are meticulously hand-filleted and combined with high-quality butter, resulting in a rich, creamy texture and a savory, melt-in-your-mouth flavor.


This gourmet delicacy is perfect for spreading on toasted bread or crackers, adding a touch of sophistication to any appetizer. ANCHOA CATALINA EN MANTEQUILLA is prized for its exceptional taste and artisanal preparation, making it a favorite among seafood aficionados.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2024

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2023

10
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Cantabrian Anchovy Fillets in Beppino Occelli butter are a gourmet product made by MAGNO FOOD. The product features high-quality anchovy fillets sourced from the Cantabrian Sea, which are then preserved in premium "Beppino Occelli" butter. With a net weight of 120g and a drained weight of 60g, the package typically contains 12 to 14 fillets.


The combination of the rich, savory anchovies with the luxurious butter creates an exquisite and flavorful delicacy suitable for a variety of culinary applications.
AWARDS

Great Taste Awards - 2 stars

2024

Great Taste Awards - 3 stars

2023

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TasteAtlas food rankings are based on the ratings of the TasteAtlas audience, with a series of mechanisms that recognize real users and that ignore bot, nationalist or local patriotic ratings, and give additional value to the ratings of users that the system recognizes as knowledgeable. TasteAtlas Rankings should not be seen as the final global conclusion about food. Their purpose is to promote excellent local foods, instill pride in traditional dishes, and arouse curiosity about dishes you haven’t tried.

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Western European Preserved Anchovies