NURI Artisanal Hand-Crafted Sardines
100+ Years of Portuguese Tinned Fish Tradition
If you've spent any time exploring the world of premium tinned fish, you've heard the name NURI. For over a century, this iconic Portuguese brand has set the standard for what a sardine in a tin can be — and at International Loft, we carry the largest selection of NURI sardines and seafood in the United States, imported directly from the Pinhais cannery in Matosinhos, Portugal.
This isn't grocery store sardines. This is a culinary experience.
The Story Behind the Name
The word "NURI" is said to mean bright, illuminated, or pure in Arabic — and there are two charming stories about how the brand got its name.
The first tells of an Arab merchant who, upon opening a tin of these handcrafted sardines, was so struck by the shine of the fish that he exclaimed, "NURI!" The second, for the romantics, says that one of the company's founders fell in love in Spain with a woman named Nuria, who later inspired the brand.
Choose whichever story you prefer. Either way, the name has come to symbolize the care, purity, and perfection that go into every single tin.
What Makes NURI Sardines Different
37 Steps. Every Single Tin.
From selecting the freshest fish at the morning market in Matosinhos, to hand-wrapping each can in its distinctive vintage paper, to tapping every tin to confirm the correct quantity of ingredients is inside — every NURI tin passes through 37 individual steps before it ever reaches your pantry.
A few details that set NURI apart:
- Hand-packed, every single tin. Each sardine is selected, cleaned, and placed into the can by hand. Nothing about this process is automated.
- Traditional steam pre-cooking. Many canneries skip pre-cooking to save time, which sacrifices flavor. NURI uses a traditional steam-bath method that ensures uniform cooking and a richer, fuller taste.
- Only natural ingredients. Wild-caught Portuguese sardines, high-quality olive oil, real tomato pulp, traditional spices, and chili peppers — no preservatives, no additives, no shortcuts.
- Limited annual production. Because everything is done by hand and only at peak season, every tin truly is an artisanal product, not a factory-floor commodity.
The Full NURI Lineup at International Loft
One of the things our customers love most is that we carry the complete NURI range — including varieties you won't find anywhere else in the U.S. Here's what's currently in stock:
Classic Sardines
- NURI Portuguese Sardines in Pure Olive Oil — The timeless original. Clean, oceanic flavor in rich Portuguese olive oil. The perfect introduction to NURI.
- NURI Portuguese Sardines in Spiced Olive Oil — Enhanced with traditional Portuguese spices and a gentle kick of chili. A customer favorite.
- NURI Portuguese Extra Spiced Sardines in Olive Oil — For heat lovers. Three chili peppers on the label, and they mean it.
- NURI Portuguese Sardines in Tomato Sauce — Sardines in a light, fresh tomato base with olive oil. Perfect over toast or pasta.
- NURI Portuguese Sardines in Spiced Tomato Sauce — A flavorful combination of tomato, olive oil, and aromatic spices.
- NURI Sardines in Lemon and Olive Oil — Bright and citrus-infused, this is the variety to reach for in summer salads and fresh tartines.
NURI Mackerel
Mackerel is the underrated star of the NURI lineup — meatier, richer, and ideal for bowls, rice dishes, and pasta.
- NURI Mackerel Fillets in Olive Oil — Tender, boneless fillets in pure olive oil.
- NURI Mackerel Fillets Spiced in Olive Oil — The same beautiful fillets, with a layer of traditional Portuguese spice.
- NURI Mackerel Spiced in Olive Oil — Whole mackerel with that signature Pinhais-cannery character.
NURI Sardine Pâté
A sophisticated spread that captures the rich flavors of Portuguese tradition in an effortless, ready-to-enjoy format.
- NURI Handmade Sardine Pâté in Olive Oil — 50% sardines, blended with olive oil, tomato pulp, carrots, chickpeas, cloves, and bay leaves.
- NURI Handmade Sardine Pâté in Spicy Olive Oil — The same artisanal recipe with a kick of chili pepper.
Multi-Packs for Stocking Up
If you've already found your favorite — or you're shopping for a fellow tinned-fish enthusiast — our multi-packs offer the best value.
- NURI Portuguese Sardines in Spiced Tomato Sauce — 8 Pack
- NURI Portuguese Sardines in Tomato Sauce — 8 Pack
- NURI Portuguese Sardines in Tomato Sauce — 10 Pack
Why Premium Tinned Fish Is Worth It
If you've only ever had grocery-store sardines, opening your first tin of NURI is a revelation. Here's what to expect:
Texture & Appearance: Whole, intact sardines with a firm, meaty bite. Beautifully arranged when you open the tin — these are products you can plate as-is.
Flavor: Clean and oceanic, never "fishy." The olive oil is rich and high-quality, and the spices (when included) are balanced rather than overwhelming.
Sustainability: Wild-caught from well-managed Portuguese fisheries using traditional, low-impact methods.
Aging Potential: Like fine wine, NURI sardines actually improve with age. The flavors meld and mellow over time, which is why serious enthusiasts build small "cellars" of tinned fish in their pantries.
The Health Benefits
Beyond the flavor, NURI sardines and mackerel are nutritional powerhouses. They're rich in omega-3 fatty acids (which support heart and brain health), high in protein, and an excellent source of calcium when eaten with the soft, edible bones. They fit beautifully into the Mediterranean diet — the eating pattern most consistently associated with longevity and wellbeing.
How to Enjoy NURI
The simplest way is also one of the best: a tin of NURI, a slice of crusty bread, a squeeze of lemon, and a glass of crisp white wine. But these sardines are remarkably versatile in the kitchen:
- Toss into pasta with garlic, chili, and parsley
- Layer onto avocado toast with a sprinkle of flaky salt
- Build a Portuguese-style sandwich with grilled bread and roasted peppers
- Spread the pâté on crackers with cornichons and mustard for a fast appetizer
- Top a Mediterranean grain bowl with chickpeas, herbs, and the mackerel fillets
Why Buy NURI From International Loft
When you order NURI from us, you're getting:
- ✓ The largest NURI selection in the USA — including hard-to-find varieties
- ✓ Direct imports from Portugal — no middlemen, no warehouses sitting on inventory for months
- ✓ Maximum freshness — we restock every few months from the Pinhais cannery
- ✓ Secure, careful shipping — packaged to arrive in perfect condition
- ✓ Free shipping on orders over $25 and an additional 10% off orders over $99
Stock Your Pantry With the World's Finest Tinned Fish
Whether you're a longtime NURI devotee or trying artisanal Portuguese sardines for the first time, there's never been a better moment to discover what real, hand-crafted tinned fish tastes like.