Do Sardines Have Heads?

Because sardines are fish, they do have heads. Although sardine heads are perfectly safe and healthy to eat, most modern consumers of tinned sardines would prefer not to eat the heads or innards, and so they are removed at the factory before being cooked, flavored, and packaged. Although it is relatively common (and safe) to find a tail or two in your can of sardines, you need not worry about running into a head or an eyeball. 

If you fancy yourself a more adventurous eater, fresh whole sardines with the heads may be available at your local farmer’s market or Asian grocery store. Small whole dried sardines are also a popular snack throughout Japan and Korea. Eating fish heads is considered normal in many cultures, and fish heads contain lots of beneficial nutrients!