Trend Alert The Mock Sardine Can Follies portrait 2 Icon - Arrow LeftAn icon we use to indicate a rightwards action. Icon - Arrow RightAn icon we use to indicate a leftwards action. Icon - External LinkAn icon we use to indicate a button link is external. Icon - MessageThe icon we use to represent an email action. Icon - Down ChevronUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - CloseUsed to indicate a close action. Icon - Dropdown ArrowUsed to indicate a dropdown. Icon - Location PinUsed to showcase a location on a map. Icon - Zoom OutUsed to indicate a zoom out action on a map. Icon - Zoom InUsed to indicate a zoom in action on a map. Icon - SearchUsed to indicate a search action. Icon - EmailUsed to indicate an emai action. Icon - FacebookFacebooks brand mark for use in social sharing icons. flipboard Icon - InstagramInstagrams brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - PinterestPinterests brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - TwitterTwitters brand mark for use in social sharing icons. Icon - Check MarkA check mark for checkbox buttons.
You are reading

Trend Alert: The Mock Sardine Can Follies

Search

Trend Alert: The Mock Sardine Can Follies

August 13, 2026

You’ve no doubt noted the culinary renaissance in tinned fish. Concurrent with that, we’ve seen some of the best packaging designs of the last two centurines on sardine cans and loved charting a related decorating trend: see 17 Times Fish Made an Appearance Beyond the Plate and The Fish Trend Continues: 15 (More) Favorite Finds.

Unexpectedly, sardine cans themselves are currently having a moment—as novelty containers for all sorts of things, none of them edible. Here, 8 playful and even useful favorites.

six fishbone shaped stainless steel appetizer picks are packed in the balvi sar 17
Above: Six fishbone-shaped stainless steel appetizer picks are packed in the Balvi Sardines Snack Forks Set; $22 from Charles and Marie.
british studio block design of cornwall offers a line of novelty tinned goods,  18
Above: British studio Block Design of Cornwall offers a line of novelty Tinned Goods, from candles to playing cards, that just made debuted in the US at Shoppe Object trade show in NYC. All come in bright, geometrically patterned reusable cans, including this five-piece mini Tool Kit, $22, from Joy gift shop in Austin, Texas.
st. louis designer/woodworker collin garrity and his creative team whitttle woo 19
Above: St. Louis designer/woodworker Collin Garrity and his creative team whitttle Wooden Sardine Tin Sets, $32, out of cherry and walnut. Some possible uses: coffee table art, holiday ornaments, place cards for dinner parties, and gift tags.
from spanish brand to: from:, a handmade in barcelona, tin plated steel refilla 20
Above: From Spanish brand To: From:, a handmade-in-Barcelona, tin-plated steel Refillable Sardine Matchbox, €5.90.
the tinned goods sewing kit, another block design, is \$\2\1 at the moma design 21
Above: The Tinned Goods Sewing Kit, another Block Design, is $21 at the MoMA Design Store. The idea of tinning unexpected but useful items in well-designed packages was conceived by a member of the studio during a trip to Portugal.
a brass pocket fish knife on a key chain ring is \$\27.75  from styled abode. 22
Above: A brass Pocket Fish Knife on a key chain ring is $27.75  from Styled Abode.
the magnet holds sewing needles in place in this needle case from etsy seller  23
Above: The magnet holds sewing needles in place in this Needle Case from Etsy seller Smut and Bravo; $23.99.
designer mackenzie becker&#8\2\17;s mackbecks is another line of playful ac 24
Above: Designer Mackenzie Becker’s MackBecks is another line of playful accessories that come in tins. Sardine Hair Clips —”two snackable sardines for your hair, not your pantry”—are a new item currently available for pre-order; $28.

Here are some other surprise design trends:

(Visited 3,933 times, 33 visits today)
You need to login or register to view and manage your bookmarks.

Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

Join the conversation

v5.0