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Whether you’re packing lunch boxes or preparing lunch for your distance learners, tuna fish sandwiches are healthy, quick, and easy. Yet with so many other types of canned fish, the possibilities are endless for lunch—or any other time of day. Of course, fish isn’t always an easy sell for kids so finding kid-friendly, delicious canned fish recipes is key.

IS CANNED FISH HEALTHY?

Don’t let the convenient package fool you—canned fish is just as healthy as fresh and frozen. 

Canned fish is packed with protein, low in saturated fat, rich in micronutrients, and an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids which support kids’ brain health and memory.

Mercury in canned fish is a concern, but choosing low-mercury fish and sticking with healthy portion sizes can reduce your child’s exposure. 

Related: What Types of Fish Are Safe for Kids?

Incorporating canned fish into your kids’ meals is also a great way to get more variety in their diet, which studies show may be the way to raise healthy, adventurous eaters.

Not only is canned fish healthy, but it’s more affordable than fresh and frozen and it’s super-convenient for lunch, dinner, and snack time. 

HOW TO FIND THE BEST CANNED FISH BRANDS

The Environmental Working Group has a Food Scores database where you can find information about nutrition, ingredients like mercury and BPA, and how much the canned fish has been processed. 

TYPES OF CANNED FISH TO SERVE KIDS

Here are some types of canned fish to try serving your kids. 

  • Tuna — stick with canned light tuna (solid or chunk, including skipjack)
  • Anchovies
  • Salmon 
  • Sardines 
  • Clam
  • Herring 
  • Oyster
  • Shrimp 

Related: 5 Healthy Types of Fish for Kids (& How To Make Them Delicious)

CANNED FISH RECIPES 

Whether it’s a quick and easy lunch, a savory dish for dinner, or a delicious after-school snack, these canned fish recipes are healthy, delicious, and kid-friendly. 

CANNED SALMON RECIPES 

1. Baked Salmon Cakes — from Yummy Toddler Food

2. Salmon Croquettes — from Healthy Little Foodies

3. 5 Minute Salmon Dip — from The Home Cook’s Kitchen

4. Quick Salmon Patties — from Zen & Spice

TUNA RECIPES 

5. Kid-Friendly Tuna Melt — from The Domestic Dietitian 

6. Simple, Tasty Tuna Wraps — from Super Healthy Kids

7. Wild Caught Tuna Crostini — The View From Great Island 

8. Corn and Tuna-Stuffed Sweet Potatoes from Kidspot Kitchen 

9. Avocado Tuna Salad — from Simply Recipes 

ANCHOVY RECIPES 

10. The Simplest Puttanesca Sauce —from Alexandra’s Kitchen 

11. Caesar Dressing — from Gimme Some Oven

12. Spaghetti With Garlic, Anchovies and Parsley — from Savory Simple 

SARDINE RECIPES 

13. Sardine Rice Bowl — from Kitchen Gidget 

14. Healthy Lemon Parmesan Sardine Pasta — from The Recipe Critic

15. Sardine Patties — from Delicious.

16. Weeknight Spaghetti With Clams — from Mom’s Kitchen

17. Clam Dip With Cream Cheese & Homemade Pita Chips — from The Spruce Eats 

18. Weeknight Seafood Paella — from Skinnytaste 

HERRING RECIPE

19. Kipper Recipe: Smoked Fish Sliders — from Champagne Tastes

Author Details
Julie Revelant teaches parents how to raise children who are healthy, adventurous eaters. Through blog posts and videos, her goal is to shift the conversation from short-term, problem picky eating to lifelong, healthy eating and healthy futures. Julie has written for FoxNews.com, FIRST for Women magazine, WhatToExpect.com, EverydayHealth.com, RD.com, TheBump.com, Care.com, and Babble.com.