Sardine Prices in the United States from 2020 to 2025

Key Points

  • Research suggests sardine prices in the US varied from 2020 to 2025, with limited data available for some years.

  • It seems likely that prices were around $1 to $4 per can for canned sardines, based on available reports.

  • The evidence leans toward prices increasing over time, with controversy over exact figures due to data gaps.

Price Overview

Sardine prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 likely ranged between $1 and $4 per can for canned sardines, reflecting trends in retail prices for popular brands like Bumble Bee or Great Value. These prices may have increased over the years due to inflation and market dynamics, but exact annual data is sparse. For fresh or frozen sardines, prices per kilogram were estimated between $1.93 and $4.82, though this is less common for consumer purchases.

Background and Context

Sardines, primarily consumed in canned form in the US, are a staple seafood product known for their nutritional value, including high omega-3 fatty acids and protein. The US market relies on both domestic production and imports, with production data indicating limited domestic supply, particularly for Pacific sardines, which have faced fishing restrictions due to population levels below precautionary thresholds. Given the reliance on imports, prices are influenced by global trade dynamics, inflation, and consumer demand for convenience foods.

The period from 2020 to 2025 saw significant market fluctuations, influenced by factors such as supply chain disruptions, inflation rates, and changes in consumer preferences for healthy, ready-to-eat options. The US canned seafood market, including sardines, was valued at $2.03 billion in 2016 and forecasted to reach $2.3 billion by 2025, reflecting growth that likely impacted pricing.

Price Analysis by Year

Below is a table summarizing the available price data and estimated ranges for canned sardines each year, acknowledging gaps and uncertainties:


The table highlights significant data gaps for earlier years, with estimates derived from trends observed in 2022–2025 and general market reports. For example, in 2022, Great Value Sardines in Water (3.75 oz) were priced at $0.98 at Walmart, translating to approximately $9.25 per kg when calculated, though this varies by packaging and brand.

Data for the Line Chart

Here’s a simplified dataset based on the estimated retail price range for canned sardines (per can) from 2020 to 2025. Since exact annual data isn’t fully available, I’ve used a midpoint of the $1–$4 range ($2.50) and adjusted slightly based on the observed trend of a general increase due to inflation:


Trends and Influencing Factors

Research suggests a general increasing trend in sardine prices from 2020 to 2025, driven by inflation and rising import costs. The BLS CPI data indicates that "meats, poultry, fish, and eggs" prices increased, with egg prices notably rising 36.8% from 2023 to 2024, suggesting similar pressures on fish prices. Import prices, reported at $1.70 per kg in 2022 with predictions dropping to $1.60 in 2024, indicate volatility that likely affected retail prices.

Other factors include:
  • Increased demand for convenience foods, with canned seafood market growth at a CAGR of 3.5% from 2025 to 2030 (Canned Seafood Market Size, Share & Growth Report, 2030).
  • Supply chain disruptions, particularly post-2020, impacting import costs.
  • Consumer preference for budget brands, with prices like $0.98 for Great Value reflecting affordability.
However, the evidence leans toward complexity, with potential fluctuations due to weather extremes, fishing quotas, and geopolitical tensions affecting global trade, as noted in market reports.

Fresh and Frozen Sardine Prices

For fresh or frozen sardines, less common in consumer purchases, the retail price range was reported between $1.93 and $4.82 per kg in 2024. Export prices from 2020 were $1.50 per kg, dropping to $1.06 in 2021, and rising to $1.70 in 2022, with predictions of $1.76 in 2023 and $1.83 in 2024, suggesting a general upward trend for bulk sales.

Comparative Analysis with Global Markets

Globally, sardine prices vary, with the US market showing higher retail prices due to import reliance. For instance, in 2024, the US was both a top exporter and importer, with export value data suggesting significant trade activity. This contrasts with lower farmgate prices in producing countries, affecting final US market prices.

Conclusion

The survey suggests sardine prices in the US from 2020 to 2025 likely ranged from $1 to $4 per can for canned sardines, with a general increasing trend due to inflation and market dynamics. While exact annual data is unavailable, estimates based on trends provide a reasonable approximation. 


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