If you’re a fan of oysters but can’t always get your hands on fresh ones, canned oysters are the next best thing. They’re a great source of protein, iron, and vitamins, and they’re available in most grocery stores at affordable prices.
In this buying guide, we’ll be reviewing the 10 best canned oysters on the market, looking at their pros and cons, and offering tips on what to look for when buying canned oysters.
| Brand | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Crown Prince Natural Smoked Oysters | High in nutrients, sustainable, gluten-free, Kosher certified, Non-GMO certified | Pricey |
| Ekone Original Smoked Oysters | Low in fat, cholesterol, and calories, high in nutrients, sustainably farmed, long shelf life | Expensive |
| Otter Kingdom Premium Smoked Oysters | High in protein and iron, ISO-certified, BPA-free packaging | Above average price |
| Bumble Bee Whole Oysters | High in protein, iron, and selenium, responsibly-managed fisheries | Smaller in size, tough texture |
| Reese Large Smoked Oysters | High in protein and iron, versatile | Preserved in cottonseed oil |
| Geisha Fancy Smoked Oysters In Sunflower Oil | Affordable, high in nutrients | Calorie-dense, occasional shell fragments |
| Pampa Smoked Oysters | Affordable, high in iron | May contain shell fragments |
| Chicken Of The Sea Smoked Oysters | Affordable, sustainably farmed, gluten-free, Non-GMO certified | Contains some saturated fat |
| Roland Premium Smoked Oysters | Low in calories, sustainably wild-caught | Lower iron content |
| Pacific Pearl Whole Oysters | Affordable, high in nutrients | May contain fragments of shell |
01 Crown Prince Natural Smoked Oysters In Pure Olive Oil
Crown Prince Natural Smoked Oysters are a top pick for many, thanks to their high nutrient content and sustainable farming practices. These oysters are packed in olive oil, smoked over oak, and are free from unnecessary preservatives or additives. They’re also gluten-free, Kosher certified, and Non-GMO certified, making them a healthy choice.
Pros:
- High in Omega-3 fatty acids and other nutrients
- Low in sodium
- Zero-trans fat, zero sugars
- Hand-packed in pure olive oil
- Smoked over oak for a natural flavor
- Gluten-free
- Kosher Certified
- Non-GMO certified
- No unnecessary preservatives
Cons:
- Pricey
02 Ekone Original Smoked Oysters
Ekone Original Smoked Oysters are sustainably farmed in the USA and are known for their large size and unique flavor. They’re low in fat, cholesterol, and calories, and high in nutrients. These oysters are smoked with maple for a unique flavor and have a shelf life of 4 years.
Pros:
- Low in fat, cholesterol, and calories
- High in vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids
- Large size with a slightly chewy texture
- Sustainably farmed in the USA
- Maple smoke
- No preservatives
- 4 years of shelf life
Cons:
- Expensive
03 Otter Kingdom Premium Smoked Oysters
Otter Kingdom Premium Smoked Oysters are sourced from Korea and are hand-packed in pure olive oil. They’re high in protein, iron, and other nutrients, and don’t contain any sugar or trans fats. These oysters are also ISO-certified and come in BPA-free packaging, ensuring their safety and quality.
Pros:
- Hand-packed in pure olive oil
- Easy-open lids of 3-ounce cans
- Clean oysters with no additives
- Natural wood smoke for the best flavor
- High in protein, iron, and other nutrients
- No sugar or trans fats
- ISO-certified
- BPA-free packaging
Cons:
- Above average price
04 Bumble Bee Whole Oysters
Bumble Bee Whole Oysters are sourced from responsibly-managed fisheries and are stored in brine, making them a healthier choice compared to those stored in oil. They’re high in protein, iron, and selenium, and don’t contain any added sugars or trans fats. However, they’re smaller in size and have a tougher texture compared to other brands.
Pros:
- Stored in water
- Whole oysters that can be served as an appetizer or main course
- Sourced from responsibly-managed fisheries
- Hand-shucked and properly graded
- High in protein, iron, and selenium
- No added sugars or trans fats
- Very reasonable price
Cons:
- Smaller in size
- Tough texture
- Less juicy
05 Reese Large Smoked Oysters
Reese Large Smoked Oysters are high in protein and iron and are smoked in cherry wood for a rich flavor. They’re versatile and can be used in various dishes. However, they’re preserved in cottonseed oil, which contains saturated fat.
Pros:
- High in protein and iron
- Easy to open cans for convenience
- Cherry wood smoked for a deep flavor
- Versatile for various dishes
- Responsibly farmed for sustainability
Cons:
- Cottonseed oil contains saturated fat
06 Geisha Fancy Smoked Oysters In Sunflower Oil
Geisha Fancy Smoked Oysters are affordable and come in easy-open cans. They’re firm and plump, and are high in calcium, iron, potassium, and protein. However, they’re also calorie-dense and may contain occasional shell fragments.
Pros:
- Easy-open 3.75-ounce cans
- Affordable
- Firm and plump
- Healthy
Cons:
- Occasional shell fragments
- Calorie-packed
07 Pampa Smoked Oysters
Pampa Smoked Oysters are an affordable option packed in sunflower oil. They’re high in iron and don’t contain any sugars or trans fats. However, they may contain shell fragments.
Pros:
- High in iron content
- Very cheap
- No sugars or trans fats
Cons:
- Shell fragments may be present
08 Chicken Of The Sea Smoked Oysters
Chicken Of The Sea Smoked Oysters are sustainably farmed and are 97% fat-free. They’re gluten-free and non-GMO certified, making them a healthy choice. However, they do contain some saturated fat.
Pros:
- Low-priced for greater affordability
- Sustainably farmed
- Fresh taste
- 97% fat-free
- Gluten-free
- Non-GMO certified
Cons:
- Contains some saturated fat
09 Roland Premium Smoked Oysters
Roland Premium Smoked Oysters are sustainably wild-caught and are low in calories. They’re smoked with cherrywood for a mild flavor and are versatile. However, they have a lower iron content compared to other brands.
Pros:
- Only 70 calories
- Wild caught sustainably
- Cherrywood smoke for a mild flavor
- Versatile
- Medium-priced
Cons:
- Lower iron content compared to other brands
10 Pacific Pearl Whole Oysters
Pacific Pearl Whole Oysters are healthy and affordable. They’re high in nutrients and are stored in brine instead of oil. However, they may contain fragments of shell.
Pros:
- Healthy at 150 calories per can
- A high content of nutrients
- Brine instead of oil
- Good value for money
Cons:
- Fragments of shell may be present
How To Choose The Best Canned Oysters?
When choosing canned oysters, consider their flavor, size, and texture, as well as their health quotient and quality. Look for oysters that have been hand-packed and hand-shucked, and those that are high in nutrients. Also, consider whether they’re suitable for any particular diet you may be following.
Are Canned Oysters Good For You?
Canned oysters are a great source of nutrition and are an excellent option for those looking for a quick bite. They provide healthy omega-3 fats and minerals, such as selenium and zinc, and vitamins B12 and D.
Do Canned Oysters Go Bad?
Canned oysters should last for one year if kept in a dry and cool place away from direct light. However, do check the can for the expiry date. Some canned oysters even last 3 to 5 years if stored properly. To store leftover canned oysters, put them in a glass or food-grade plastic container and cover them with a lid. Stored like this, the canned oysters should remain edible for two days. It’s better not to refrigerate them in the can as the metal can react and affect the taste of the canned oysters.
If you have leftover canned smoked oysters, you can freeze them. Empty the can and put the smoked oysters in a freezer bag or airtight container. These canned oysters will last for three months in the freezer.
FAQs
What Do Canned Oysters Taste Like?
Oysters that have been seasoned with smoke are delectable, and the type of smoke you used makes a huge difference. Fruit woods, like apple or cherry wood, give a warmer taste, while nut woods have stronger, sharper characteristics.
Are Canned Oysters Cooked?
Yes, canned oysters are either boiled or smoked.
Conclusion
In conclusion, canned oysters are a convenient and nutritious option for those who love this seafood. The best canned oysters are those that are sustainably sourced, high in nutrients, and free from unnecessary additives. Whether you prefer them smoked, boiled, or raw, there’s a canned oyster option out there for you.