Fishwife of Los Angeles stands out by using sustainable sourcing practices, female-focused storytelling, and stylish branding to deliver affordable yet healthy and convenient canned fish products to its consumers.
Fishwife co-founders Caroline Goldfarb, an Emmy award-winning TV comedy writer, and Becca Millstein recognized century-old European legacy brands dominated grocery store shelves while domestic alternatives were lacking.
Variety
Tinned fish brands have taken their products to new levels of flavor, but it’s worth remembering that not all varieties are created equally. Some types of tinned fish are caught using methods harmful to marine ecosystems; for more sustainable choices, look for certification from either the Marine Stewardship Council or Aquaculture Stewardship Council and ensure it contains no added salt, sugar, or chemical preservatives.
Fishwife–which reclaims the archaic term for fisherwomen on its packaging–is an ideal starting point when searching for sustainable-sourced tinned fish. Working with heritage canneries in Washington state and British Columbia, Fishwife sources its smoked salmon from Norway deliciously, while its smoked tuna boasts delicate wood flavors for more delicate flavor profiles; plus, this variety contains less fat per serving while still providing ample protein (28 grams in one).
Wild albacore tuna from this company comes in single-origin EVOO from Galicia’s coast and contains higher sodium than many tinned varieties; however, its higher omega-3 content makes it particularly suitable for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers.
Canned fish is a convenient source of protein that can be stored for long periods, making it perfect for camping, hiking, and disaster preparation. Tinned fish is also rich in essential vitamins and minerals, such as D, B12, and calcium, making great survival food options.
Tiny Fish Co’s tinned octopus is another delicious, sustainably sourced option. Working closely with fishermen in Dutch Harbor, Alaska, who use pot or trap-catching methods, one mollusk at a time climbs into each pot, slowing down fishing processes and helping prevent overfishing over time. Packed in single-origin tins with preserved lemon and olive oil for ultimate freshness and served alongside mustard, cornichons, or crusty bread for maximum enjoyment!
Quality
Conservas (tinned fish), also referred to in some circles, has long been an indispensable staple. Trends come and go regarding conserves; however, its timeless popularity remains unchanged. A recent survey with over 2,000 Consumer Reports members showed that canned seafood ranked among their top five grocery staples; its excellent taste can add protein, omega-3s, and umami flavor into weeknight dinners or lunches on the run!
Fishwife, a Los Angeles-based brand that debuted in 2017, is at the forefront of elevating tinned seafood to new levels of sophistication. Co-founders Caroline Goldfarb (TV writer) and Becca Millstein (art community manager) are advancing Mediterranean tradition, dating back centuries when women sold tinned fish from street carts, into an age of sustainable sourcing, female storytelling, and attractive branding.
Fishwife offers olive oil-soaked sardines from Spain’s golden coast and hook-and-line caught albacore tuna from Northern California, both responsibly sourced. All their products can be fully tracked from egg to tin through blockchain tracking, and their team uses multiple cooking techniques, such as smoking with different wood types, to add distinctive flavors to each bite of seafood they offer.
Fishwife founders take pride in maintaining traditional practices and heritage ingredients as part of their commitment to sustainability. By tapping into the region’s centuries-old conserves culture – which involves gathering artisanal fishermen and women together in conserves canning workshops – Fishwife creates delicious cans of premium seafood that look beautiful too.
Fishwife tins are designed to be both beautiful and functional, unlike many brands we’ve reviewed. Their sleek shape features rounded edges and hefty lids for more effortless opening; they store easily in your pantry while being BPA-free aluminum construction, making this even more desirable.
Versatility
Tinned fish is an easy addition to any recipe and requires no refrigeration until opened – making it convenient and accessible! An excellent source of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, it can be enjoyed in various ways – it also meets the USDA’s recommended two 4-ounce servings per week!
A new generation of seafood enthusiasts is leading a revival in tinned fish consumption. Millennials and Gen Z consumers, in particular, are drawn to its visually appealing cans, unique recipes, and social media engagement surrounding it. Its widespread appeal can be attributed to its affordable yet sustainable option that makes an excellent snack or can even be added to meals for delicious results!
Fishwife has quickly made waves since its debut in the U.S. market last fall, earning critical acclaim as it makes premium, ethically-sourced tinned fish an everyday household essential. Led by women entrepreneurs and fishery specialists, Fishwife sources its tip, ethical tinned fish from responsible fishermen while reimagining classic European conserves culture for American tables; its tried-and-true favorites like olive oil with natural lemon or herby garlicky mussels have quickly become customer favorites, while small runs of seasonal, domestically-sourced seasonal tinned fish will also launch this summer as part of its expanding offering.
Fishwife stands out as an innovative newcomer in tinned fish products by producing sustainably, domestically sourced sardines and salmon canned in Oregon from sustainable fisheries certified with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), without fillers or additives – something many other brands don’t do! Their BPA-free cans contain 62 times less mercury than the FDA allows. In addition, no fillers or additives are used.
Becca Millstein and Caroline Goldfarb, founders of Fishwife, are working to redefine what “fishwife” meant initially when applied to wives or daughters of fishermen. Not only are they supporting fishwomen themselves, but they are also making an effort to give back to local communities by purchasing fish from all across the West Coast – offering alternative revenue streams for those whose restaurant sales decreased due to COVID-19 regulations.
Sustainability
Tinned fish might not seem like the most sustainable option, but it’s possible to minimize your environmental impact when purchasing smaller volumes. Tinned fish requires no refrigeration until opened, providing protein and omega-3 fatty acids and being shelf stable – making it perfect for quick meals or snacks on the go!
Fishwife, founded and run entirely by women, reclaimed its title from the historical reference of daughters of fishermen selling their wares at the market. Over time it became an insulting term used against women who sold at markets– but regardless of its name Fishwife is an all-female-founded and run company committed to sustainability. All their products – Arctic farm-raised smoked salmon, Magic Valley-raised rainbow trout, Pacific-Northwest hook-and-line caught albacore tuna are fully traceable from egg to tin, with founders making sure seafood sources are ethically and sustainably sourced;
Fishwife strives to partner with heritage canneries that prioritize sustainable practices, such as one majority owned by Nuu-chah-nulth (five Indigenous nations with a long and distinguished history of being critical stakeholders in BC seafood economy), which use natural wood smoke for all their products and are packed by hand.
Brandish has long been at the forefront of seafood transparency, listing the name of each fisherman who caught it on each product label. Although seafood typically has lower carbon emissions than meat or dairy products, overfishing, plastic pollution, unsustainable fishing practices, and bycatch (the capture of unwanted species) pose threats to marine ecosystems that are becoming ever more vulnerable due to climate change.
Fishwife’s mission is to bring the allure of conserves culture abroad back home while creating sustainable seafood supply chains in America. Through her innovative work, Fishwife is breathing new life into those forgotten tin cans we’ve stored away for later use; more and more of us seek healthier ways of cooking, so tinned fish could soon become pantry essentials.