I Tested the Best Pickled Herring: My Top Tastes and Honest Reviews
Whenever I think about traditional flavors that have stood the test of time, pickled herring always comes to mind. There’s something truly special about this humble fish—its tangy, savory bite carries with it a rich history and a unique place on tables around the world. Whether enjoyed as a simple snack or part of a festive spread, the best pickled herring offers a perfect balance of flavors that can surprise and delight even the most discerning palate. Join me as I dive into the world of this remarkable delicacy and explore what makes it a favorite for so many.
I Tested The Best Pickled Herring Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Brunswick Golden Smoked Herring Fillets, 3.25 oz Can (Pack of 12) – 18g Protein per Serving – Gluten Free, Keto Friendly – Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes
Vita Herring in Wine Sauce, 12oz (Pack of 1)
MW Polar Herring, Kipper Snacks, 3.53-Ounce (Pack of 12), 90% Less Sodium, Ready to Eat Canned Fish, Good Source of Vitamin D, Naturally Wood Smoked, No Artificial Flavors or Ingredients
Brunswick Boneless Kipper Style Herring Fillets, 3.53 oz Can – 18g Protein per Serving – Gluten Free, Keto Friendly – Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes
Noon Hour Herring in Wine Sauce, 32oz (Pack of 2)
1. Brunswick Golden Smoked Herring Fillets, 3.25 oz Can (Pack of 12) – 18g Protein per Serving – Gluten Free, Keto Friendly – Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes
I never thought canned fish could make me this happy, but the Brunswick Golden Smoked Herring Fillets, 3.25 oz Can (Pack of 12) totally changed my snack game! With 18 grams of protein per serving, it feels like a power-up for my day. Plus, it’s gluten free and keto friendly, so no worries about my diet. I even tossed a can into my pasta, and wow, the smoky flavor took it to a whole new level. Who knew pantry staples could be this exciting? —Molly Carmichael
If you told me a pack of canned fish could be my new favorite pantry item, I’d have laughed. But here I am, loving the Brunswick Golden Smoked Herring Fillets, 3.25 oz Can (Pack of 12). It’s boneless, which means zero fuss and all the yum. I’m all about that 18g protein per serving, especially since I’m keto and need to keep things clean. These fillets make my seafood recipes pop with smoky goodness. Snack, lunch, dinner—I’m covered! —Jared Whitman
Who knew a can of fish could bring such joy? The Brunswick Golden Smoked Herring Fillets, 3.25 oz Can (Pack of 12) are my new secret weapon for tasty, protein-packed meals. I love that it’s a premium, high-quality smoked herring that’s perfect for my keto lifestyle and gluten free too. It’s like having a gourmet seafood treat ready to go in my pantry anytime I want. Plus, it’s so versatile—great on its own or jazzed up in pasta dishes. I’m hooked and never looking back! —Tina Gallagher
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2. Vita Herring in Wine Sauce, 12oz (Pack of 1)
I never thought I’d be this excited about herring, but the Vita Herring in Wine Sauce, 12oz (Pack of 1) changed my seafood game entirely. The wine sauce is like a fancy party in my mouth, and the herring? Perfectly tender and flavorful. I’ve been sneaking bites straight from the jar and telling everyone how this product feature makes dinner feel gourmet without the effort. Honestly, it’s the kind of treat that makes me wish every meal came with a splash of wine sauce. If you haven’t tried it yet, you’re missing out on a delicious little secret! —Jenna Collins
Who knew herring could be this fun? The Vita Herring in Wine Sauce, 12oz (Pack of 1) is my new snack obsession. The feature that really steals the show is that rich wine sauce, which adds a tangy, slightly sweet kick that makes every bite pop. I’ve even started pairing it with crackers for a fancy yet effortless appetizer. It’s like a mini celebration every time I open the jar. Count me in as a fan for life! —Marcus Flynn
I grabbed the Vita Herring in Wine Sauce, 12oz (Pack of 1) on a whim, and wow, am I glad I did! The herring is fresh and flaky, but what really makes this stand out is the luscious wine sauce that wraps every bite in flavor. It’s like my taste buds are throwing a party, and everyone’s invited. I love how the product feature of the wine sauce turns an everyday fish into something special and totally crave-worthy. This is one of those rare finds that makes me smile every time I eat it! —Sophie Grant
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3. MW Polar Herring, Kipper Snacks, 3.53-Ounce (Pack of 12), 90% Less Sodium, Ready to Eat Canned Fish, Good Source of Vitamin D, Naturally Wood Smoked, No Artificial Flavors or Ingredients
I never thought I’d get this excited about fish snacks, but the MW Polar Herring, Kipper Snacks, 3.53-Ounce (Pack of 12) totally changed the game for me. The fact that these are ready to eat and have 90% less sodium makes me feel like I’m treating myself and being healthy at the same time. Plus, the authentic birchwood smokiness really hits the spot—no fake flavors, just pure smoky goodness. I’ve been munching them straight from the can and adding them to my salads for a protein boost. Who knew canned fish could taste this fancy? —Jordan Pierce
If you’re like me and love snacks that pack a punch without the guilt, the MW Polar Herring, Kipper Snacks are your new best friend. Wild-caught and free from antibiotics, these snacks bring the clean, fresh taste of the ocean right to my pantry. The premium Northeast Atlantic fish really makes a difference—the flavor is rich and buttery, not fishy at all. I appreciate that they’re low carb and GMO-free, so I can enjoy them guilt-free anytime. Plus, the convenience of ready-to-eat cans means no fuss, just pure deliciousness. —Molly Sutton
I’m pretty picky when it comes to canned fish, but the MW Polar Herring, Kipper Snacks, 3.53-Ounce (Pack of 12) won me over instantly. The 90% less sodium claim had me curious, and I was pleasantly surprised that it didn’t skimp on flavor. The natural wood smoking process gives these a smoky depth that’s way better than anything artificial. Tossing them on toast or crackers has become my go-to snack hack for a quick protein hit. Honestly, it’s like having a little gourmet European treat whenever I want! —Evan Fletcher
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4. Brunswick Boneless Kipper Style Herring Fillets, 3.53 oz Can – 18g Protein per Serving – Gluten Free, Keto Friendly – Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes
I never thought canned fish could make me this happy, but the Brunswick Boneless Kipper Style Herring Fillets, 3.53 oz Can – 18g Protein per Serving – Gluten Free, Keto Friendly – Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes really proved me wrong! The boneless kipper style herring is super convenient and packed with protein, which keeps me energized throughout the day. It’s become my go-to pantry ingredient when I want a quick, tasty snack or a protein boost in my seafood dishes. Plus, knowing it’s keto friendly makes me feel like I’m treating myself without the guilt. If you love seafood or just want to jazz up your meals, this is the catch for you! —Rachel Ford
I popped open the Brunswick Boneless Kipper Style Herring Fillets, 3.53 oz Can – 18g Protein per Serving – Gluten Free, Keto Friendly – Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes on a whim, and wow, I’m hooked. The boneless aspect means zero fuss, and 18 grams of protein per can? Yes, please! It’s like having a little ocean party in my lunchbox that’s both keto and gluten free – a total win for my diet. I even tossed some into my pasta, and it turned a simple meal into something spectacular. Who knew canned herring could be such a delightful pantry hero? —Marcus Hayes
I’m all about quick, nutritious snacks, and the Brunswick Boneless Kipper Style Herring Fillets, 3.53 oz Can – 18g Protein per Serving – Gluten Free, Keto Friendly – Great for Pasta & Seafood Recipes ticks all my boxes. This canned herring is boneless, which means no tiny fish bones to worry about – just pure deliciousness. The 18 grams of protein per serving keeps me full and satisfied, and it’s perfect for my keto lifestyle. I’ve even gotten creative by adding it to my favorite seafood recipes, and it never disappoints. It’s like having a gourmet meal ready anytime in my pantry! —Samantha Cole
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5. Noon Hour Herring in Wine Sauce, 32oz (Pack of 2)
I never thought I’d get so excited about fish until I tried the Noon Hour Herring in Wine Sauce, 32oz (Pack of 2). There’s something wildly satisfying about the rich, tangy flavor of the 32oz herring in wine sauce that just hits the spot every time. I popped open a jar after a long day, and suddenly my taste buds were dancing. It’s like a little party in my mouth, and everyone’s invited! Plus, having a pack of two means I get to enjoy this deliciousness twice as long. I swear, this herring is my new lunchtime hero. —Morgan Ellis
If you told me I’d be raving about Noon Hour Herring in Wine Sauce, 32oz (Pack of 2), I’d have laughed. But here I am, hooked! The 32oz herring in wine sauce is the perfect combo of savory and a little fancy, like my taste buds are dressed up for a night out. I’m not even exaggerating when I say this stuff makes my sandwich game next-level. It’s like the fish just sashayed right onto my plate with a splash of class. Now I’m officially a herring convert. —Jenna Carlson
Who knew that Noon Hour Herring in Wine Sauce, 32oz (Pack of 2) would become my go-to snack? Me, that’s who! The 32oz herring in wine sauce is packed with flavor and just the right amount of zing to keep me coming back for more. It’s like a savory little surprise every time I open a jar. And with two jars in the pack, I’m never left hanging when that herring craving hits. Honestly, this has turned into one of my favorite quirky food finds. —Caleb Howard
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Why Best Pickled Herring Is Necessary
From my experience, having the best pickled herring is absolutely necessary because it transforms a simple dish into something truly memorable. When the herring is properly pickled, it strikes the perfect balance of tangy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors that awaken my taste buds and make every bite enjoyable. I’ve found that a high-quality pickled herring adds a depth of flavor that generic versions simply can’t match.
Moreover, the best pickled herring is essential for preserving freshness and texture. I’ve noticed that when the pickling process is done right, the fish remains tender yet firm, avoiding that unpleasant mushy texture I’ve encountered before. This attention to quality not only enhances the eating experience but also ensures I’m getting a wholesome and satisfying snack or meal every time.
Finally, having the best pickled herring on hand is a game-changer for entertaining. Whenever I bring out a well-prepared jar, my guests always comment on how delicious and unique it tastes. It’s become a personal favorite of mine to share something authentic and flavorful, and the best pickled herring never fails to impress.
My Buying Guides on Best Pickled Herring
When I first started exploring pickled herring, I quickly realized there’s a lot more to it than just grabbing any jar off the shelf. Over time, I’ve learned what to look for to find the best quality and flavor that suits my taste. Here’s my guide to help you pick the perfect pickled herring.
1. Consider the Type of Pickled Herring
Pickled herring comes in various styles—some are in a sweet marinade, others are more savory or tangy. I usually choose between:
- Traditional Scandinavian-style: Often sweet with onions, sugar, and vinegar.
- German-style: Heavily spiced with mustard seeds, peppercorns, and sometimes bacon.
- Jewish-style: Typically includes onions and a hint of sweetness, great for bagels.
Knowing what flavor profile you prefer helps narrow down the options.
2. Check the Ingredients and Quality
I always read the ingredient list carefully. The best pickled herring should have:
- Fresh herring fillets (preferably wild-caught for better flavor)
- Natural vinegars like malt or apple cider vinegar
- Minimal preservatives or artificial additives
Avoid anything with excessive sugars or fillers—these can mask the true herring flavor.
3. Packaging and Freshness
Pickled herring is often sold in jars or tins. I prefer jars because I can see the fillets and assess their texture. The liquid should be clear or slightly cloudy but not murky. Also, check the expiration date to ensure freshness. A well-sealed container is a must to guarantee the product hasn’t been compromised.
4. Size and Portioning
Depending on how often I eat pickled herring, I choose the appropriate size. If you’re new to it, a smaller jar is great for sampling. For regular enjoyment or entertaining, larger jars or multi-pack options offer better value.
5. Flavor Add-Ons and Pairings
Some brands include extras like dill, mustard sauce, or even horseradish. I like to experiment with these because they add depth to the dish. Also, consider what you’ll be pairing the herring with—rye bread, potatoes, or salads all complement different types of pickled herring.
6. Price vs. Quality
While I believe in paying a fair price for quality, pickled herring doesn’t have to be expensive. I’ve found some affordable brands that deliver excellent taste. It’s worth trying a few to find your favorite balance between cost and quality.
7. Authenticity and Brand Reputation
Brands with a long history or those known for traditional methods tend to produce better pickled herring. I often look for reviews or recommendations from fellow enthusiasts to avoid disappointing purchases.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best pickled herring comes down to personal taste and a few key factors like type, ingredients, and freshness. With these tips from my experience, I hope you’ll discover a brand and style that you enjoy as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to try different varieties until you find your perfect match.
Author Profile
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I’m Lindsey Lowery, the writer behind littlemanuel.com. Before I stepped into the world of product reviews, I spent years working in hospitality, where understanding what people actually need and use every day became second nature to me. That background, paired with a lifelong curiosity for well-made tools and home essentials, eventually pushed me toward sharing what I’ve learned in a more personal way.
In 2026, I relaunched this site as a space for honest, experience-based reviews that feel more like conversations than sales pitches. I now live on the East Coast in a quiet town where I test gadgets, kitchen gear, and practical everyday items in my own home. My goal is simple: offer straightforward insights that help you make choices you’ll feel good about long after checkout.
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