Sardines, Sprats, Brisling & Pilchards: What's the Difference?

One of the most common questions we hear is, "What's the difference between a sardine and a sprat?"  Or a pilchard, or bristling...

Are these all the same fish?

Not exactly.

Some of these names refer to different species. Others describe the size of the fish. A few are traditional regional names that have been used for ages.

Once you understand the lingo, shopping for tinned fish becomes easier.

First, "Sardine" Isn't Just One Fish

This surprises many people.

Unlike salmon or trout, the word sardine doesn't refer to a single species. Instead, it's a common market name used for several small fish in the herring family.

That means two tins labeled "sardines" may contain different species depending on where they were packed.

Fortunately, the differences are usually less dramatic than they sound. Most sardines share a similar flavor profile and are prepared in much the same way.

European Pilchard (Sardina pilchardus)

If you've enjoyed Portuguese or Spanish sardines, you've probably eaten the European pilchard.

This is the fish many people picture when they think of traditional sardines.

European pilchards are found throughout the Atlantic waters of Portugal, Spain, France, and Morocco. They're relatively large, rich in healthy oils, and have a firm, meaty texture.

Most tins contain three to five fish, depending on their size.

Many of the classic Portuguese brands carried at Hinckley's Tinned Fish are packed with European pilchards.

Sprats (Sprattus sprattus)

Sprats are not sardines, although they're closely related.

They're a different species, and they're much smaller than European pilchards.

Because of their size, a tin of sprats may contain ten, fifteen, or even twenty fish packed neatly side by side.

Sprats are especially common in Northern and Eastern Europe, including Latvia, Estonia, and Scandinavia.

They often have a richer, slightly stronger flavor than larger sardines and are frequently smoked before canning.

Brisling

Brisling is one of the most misunderstood terms in tinned fish.

Brisling are simply European sprats.

The word brisling is the traditional Scandinavian name for Sprattus sprattus. You'll often see Nordic producers use "Brisling Sardines" on the label because the term is familiar to local consumers and helps describe how the fish is typically enjoyed.

If a tin says Brisling Sardines, you're almost certainly buying sprats.

Sardinillas

Sardinillas are usually not a different species.

Instead, the name generally refers to smaller sardines, most commonly young European pilchards.

Spanish producers often distinguish between sardinillas and sardinas based primarily on size.

Sardinillas are prized for their delicate texture and elegant presentation. Because they're smaller, more fish fit into each tin, making them a favorite for tapas and entertaining.

Sardinas

Sardinas are simply larger sardines.

Compared to sardinillas, they have a meatier bite and usually appear in smaller quantities per tin.

If you've ever opened a Portuguese tin containing four large fish, you've likely been eating sardinas.

Baby Sardines

"Baby sardines" isn't a scientific term.

Some producers use it to describe small European pilchards. Others use it as a marketing phrase for younger fish or simply for smaller-sized sardines.

When in doubt, it's worth looking beyond the front label and checking the species listed elsewhere on the packaging.

So Which Should You Choose?

There isn't a right answer. It depends on what you enjoy.

If you're looking for the classic Portuguese sardine experience, start with European pilchards packed in olive oil.

If you enjoy smoked fish or want something with a slightly bolder flavor, try sprats or brisling.

If you prefer smaller, more delicate fish that are ideal for sharing, look for sardinillas.

Each style has its own character, and exploring those differences is part of what makes conservas so enjoyable.

A Quick Comparison

The next time you're shopping for tinned fish, don't get too caught up in the names on the label. Understanding whether you're looking at a European pilchard, a sprat, or a smaller sardine will tell you far more about what's inside the tin than the marketing language on the front.