Our Sardines

The sardine, our flagship product

Sardines are the flagship product of la belle-iloise. For 90 years they have been our inspiration and driving force. We have created 30 recipes with our very favourite product: classic sardines, boneless sardines, flaked, for frying, vintage, sardine cream for canapés, Luzienne and other speciality sardines in exotic flavours… we are constantly seeking out new recipes to suit all tastes and establish the can of sardines as an everyday staple. 

Our canned sardine assortments bring together a special medley of flavours so you can explore the different recipes for yourself. Why not make someone’s day with one of our superb gift boxes? Or buy one for yourself so you always have a box full of delicious treats to hand.

Sardines (Sardina pilchardus) are small open water fish with a silver belly and a bluish back. They are special in that they stick together, travelling in shoals, never alone. They join forces with hundreds of millions of others to perform an immense rhythmical ballet. A food chain staple, they are a favourite of many creatures - underwater, in the air and on land - including sharks, dolphins, marine birds, sea-lions and human beings.  

In our quest to Act Consciously, we source only sardines which are fished at maturity and in season (May to November), avoiding the spawning season. Our supplies come from as close to the production site as possible and we favour the catches of the small pelagic boats in Quiberon and the Brittany sardine boats. We buy from them in sustainable quantities and always adapt our day’s production to the catch we receive.  

The sardines arrive fresh at our Quiberon workshop and are still processed by hand to preserve their delicate flesh and beautiful silvery hue. 

Because of this small-scale processing, and our culinary creativity, our luxury sardines come in a range of different forms and unique recipes, using quality ingredients, some with AOF/IGP certification, and are free from additives and artificial flavourings. 

With complete proteins, good fats (Omega 3s), essential vitamins and minerals, sardines are an exceptionally rich source of nutrients. Canning was invented by the French and halts the progress of time. Tinned sardines keep their fresh fish qualities for several years to be enjoyed when the can is opened. 

Unlike their fresh counterpart, canned sardines also have Omega-9 because they are preserved in olive, peanut or sunflower oil. Sardines in oil also have added calcium which is released from the bones as they dissolve over time.  

Metal is a sustainable product which can be recycled over and over again, thereby reducing the product’s environmental impact. What’s more, canned sardines can be kept at room temperature so no energy is required for their storage. That’s useful!