This $3.99 Trader Joe’s Find Feels Luxe But Costs Way Less

I can't think of any other category of food that's enjoyed the same glow-up and breathless enthusiasm that tinned fish has experienced over the past few years. Tinned fish was once an inexpensive pantry staple that filled blue-collar lunch pails and provided a low-cost protein option for folks who couldn't afford fresh seafood.

But over the past five years, brands like Fishwife , Scout , and Island Creek have channeled the eye-catching packaging of European tins, making a huge splash in the American market. These cans come at a higher price (Fishwife, for example, sells for $9.99 at Target ), and while there's always a place for fancy tinned fish on my sea-cuterie boards, sometimes I just want a more modestly-priced option. That's where Trader Joe's comes in.

Trader Joe's Tinned Fish

• Price:$1.99 to $3.99 for a tin

• Why I Love It:They're affordable, delicious, and easy to turn into a crowd-pleasing appetizer, tasty snack, or satisfying protein-filled dinner.

Why I Love Trader Joe's Tinned Fish

I've tried just about every tin of fish I can find at Trader Joe's, and there are a few that stand out from the pack. TJ's Lightly Smoked Mussels are a particularly excellent choice. The plump mussels have a nice texture and whisper of smoke. I like to pop open a tin, give it a squeeze of lemon and a dash of hot sauce, and serve the mussels with a sleeve of saltines.

I take a similar approach to Trader Joe's Lightly Smoked Sardines in Olive Oil, but for that one, I like to spread a little butter on the cracker for extra richness. Adding a garnish of paprika and chopped parsley is the exact 'chef's kiss' touch that they need to make the affordable tinned fish feel like a fancy treat.

One of my favorite Fishwife tins is their smoked salmon. It's exceptional and, for me, worth the price. I wouldn't dare tell you that Trader Joe's applewood smoked salmon is the same, but it hits a similar spot for about a third of the cost. I like to drizzle it with chili crisp to mimic Fishwife's Smoked Salmon with Fly by Jing Chili Crisp .

I think it's only a matter of time before the execs at TJ's add their own extremely popular chili crisp to their tinned salmon. Although nowhere near as fetching as the Fishwife version, the packaging of TJ's smoked salmon is pretty cute. I like how the salmon-colored tin looks on a spread of snacks. It's a solid addition to my stockpile, so I always pick up a few when I'm on a Trader Joe's run.

When it comes to tins that can be worked into a proper meal, I turn to two options: the Skipjack Tuna Fillets , which are great for a Nicoise salad or pan bagnat , and the Smoked Trout Fillets in Canola Oil, which I combine with cream cheese and sour cream into a smoky trout spread. Showered with fresh herbs and served with potato chips, it's the perfect anchor to a delightful Girl Dinner, or just a nice protein-filled snack for mid-afternoon slumps.

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