There’s something a little fishy about the latest maxxing trend. Well, actually, a lot fishy – we’re talking small fry having a big moment.

“Sardinemaxxing” has fuelled such strong demand in Australia that supermarkets are struggling to keep the tinned fish on their shelves, while #sardines has racked up more than 111,000 posts on TikTok.

The viral wellness trend is showing no signs of abating, according to one fitness tracking app.

Its latest data shows Aussie members’ food logs included more than double the volume of sardines in July this year compared with the same month last year.

MyFitnessPal also reported that sardines recorded nearly triple the growth rate of any other seafood category on the app, while tinned fish like tuna and salmon have decreased in popularity over time.

“While most social media trends are often short-lived, the long-term nutritional benefits of sardines are well established,” said nutritionist and app ambassador Michaela Sparrow.

“Their rise in popularity could be a positive development if it encourages Australians to include more nutrient-rich seafood in their diets, where appropriate.”

Like most modern wellness trends, this one has been fuelled by influencers who share recipes, brandish retro-looking sardine tins like they’re some kind of epicurean miracle, and spruik the health benefits of “skincare in a can” and “Botox on a fork”.

“If you say you want a glow-up this year but you’re not eating sardines, what are you doing?” asked one TikTokker with 1.4 million followers.

According to Pinterest’s summer 2026 trend report, searches for “sardines breakfast” were up 1815 per cent, while “sardine toast recipes” soared 454 per cent and “tinned fish charcuterie board” searches were up 305 per cent.

“Canned fish is the new low-lift flex,” it declared.

Some Tiktokkers pimp their sardines by cooking them with ingredients like hot honey oil or crispy chilli oil, while others share elaborate-looking “snack plates” and salads.

For those still not convinced, this baked version with melted cheese might get you over the line (everything tastes better with melted cheese).

@spicytomatokitchen Baked sardines with chili crisp, lemon, and cheese is the ultimate flavor bomb 🐟👌. The sardines melt into spicy, tangy, cheesy gooeyness that’s perfect for scooping up with warm bread. It’s quick, bold, and unbelievably good for how simple it is. If you love tinned fish recipes or easy seafood snacks, this baked sardine dish is one you’ll want to make again and again. #sardines #bakedsardines #sardinerecipe #tinnedfish #tinfish ♬ original sound – mjfangirl07

But are sardines really the superfood this viral trend claims?

The good news is that they are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which can have anti-inflammatory properties, support brain function and can help prevent heart disease.

They contain other beneficial vitamins (especially B-12), calcium and minerals. But like most foods, health experts recommend eating them as part of a varied diet rather than going overboard.

“They’re also high in salt and calories, and have uric acid that isn’t good for people with kidney problems or gout,” says an article on healthline.com.

Australian dietician Nicole Bando told Nine News this week that sardines were “a really great source of many nutrients”, but emphasised that similar health benefits could be found in other tinned fish such as salmon, mackerel and tuna.

“Sardines might be having their moment, but any of those tinned fish options are an excellent food to include in a balanced diet,” Bando said.

As for whether sardines will help you achieve a lovely complexion, the evidence is not clear-cut.

Nutritionist and author Jessica Shand recently told Elle magazine that the fish’s omega-3 fats and protein content may help with skin health, but warned no single food can transform our skin.

“Skin health is influenced by a much bigger picture including overall diet, blood sugar balance, gut health, sleep, stress, hydration and hormonal health,” Shand said.

Meanwhile, with sardinemaxxing continuing to trend, even sceptics have been tempted to give the tiny fish a try – not always with positive results.

(WARNING: Reel contains offensive language)

@djmfitWe try sardines for the first time! Since it’s the new “viral health” food and people are “sardinemaxing” we thought we’d give it a go… 🐟 If you don’t like sardines, it’s not going to be the thing that stops you from achieving your health goals so don’t let the internet pressure you into eating something you don’t love!♬ original sound – DJM | Women’s Wellness