Sardines have long been a staple in many diets around the world—particularly valued for their portability, shelf stability, and nutritional density. Among the most iconic sardine brands is Underwood, known equally for its food products and the whimsical image of a devil on its tins. But with changes in consumer preferences, market dynamics, and food manufacturing evolution, one might wonder: Do they still make Underwood sardines?
In this article, we’ll explore the history of Underwood sardines, their ownership over the years, current product availability, and whether they remain a product you can find in stores today. We’ll also dive into why the brand managed to endure for so long and what consumers can expect when purchasing Underwood sardines in the modern market.
Origins of Underwood Sardines
Founding and Early Success
Underwood sardines have one of the most storied histories in the world of canned foods. The brand was founded in the 19th century—in 1828, to be precise—by Dawson Underwood, a New England native. The original Underwood brothers, Dawson and Charles, were among the pioneers of commercial sardine canning in the United States.
The company was based in Eastport, Maine, a coastal town with access to rich sardine beds off the coast of North America. Sardines quickly became a popular food due to their shelf-stable nature, making them an ideal ration for explorers, soldiers, and travelers alike.
The company’s iconic red devil logo, known in the trade as the “Underwood Devil,” debuted in the late 1800s and became one of the most recognized canned food symbols in history. The devil was depicted holding a fork with a sardine on it, exuding an aura of temptation. It was later reimagined with a more friendly and less sinister design, but the image has remained central to the brand’s identity for over a century.
Expansion in the 20th Century
Through the 20th century, Underwood sardines grew internationally, becoming a trusted brand both at home and abroad. During both World Wars, sardines—especially Underwood’s were included in military rations, which contributed to their global presence. The canned format allowed soldiers to sustain themselves without refrigeration, something the Underwood brand was particularly well-known for delivering.
By the 1930s, Underwood diversified its line beyond sardines to include other seafoods like tuna and salmon, as well as meat and poultry canned goods. However, sardines remained the crown jewel and the most famous product associated with the brand.
Ownership Transitions: Who Owns Underwood Today?
One of the primary reasons people ask, “Are Underwood sardines still made?” is because of brand ownership changes. While the products remain, the entity behind them has changed hands multiple times over the centuries.
From Underwood Brothers to Bumble Bee Foods
In 1947, C. Schmidt & Sons, a prominent seafood processor from San Diego, acquired the Underwood brand. That changed hands again in the 1980s following several acquisitions and mergers. The brand eventually came under the umbrella of Bumble Bee Foods, a company that also owns well-known seafood labels and once stood as the largest branded shelf-stable seafood company in the United States.
Bumble Bee’s acquisition of Underwood sardines came under its ownership by Burlington Capital, a private equity firm that retained the brand for some time before selling it to Lion Capital, a UK-based private equity group, in 2015.
Current Brand Stewardship
Today, Underwood sardines are part of a broader seafood portfolio. They are still produced and distributed, especially in the U.S. market. However, in recent years, there has been a repositioning of the brand that has led to confusion in retail shelves and online marketplaces.
Although the product itself hasn’t disappeared, the presence of the sardine line has been reduced or shifted in some ways, leading many consumers to ask if production ever stopped.
Underwood remains a well-recognized brand within the canned seafood category and continues to offer sardines, but it’s mostly associated with nostalgic value today than it had been in its mid-20th-century heyday.
Purchasing Underwood Sardines Today
Availability in the United States
As of 2024–2025, Underwood sardines are still available in U.S. markets, though their distribution is more limited than in decades past. Most major retailers do not prominently feature them on their shelves, but they can be found through select grocery stores and specialty food shops.
Mainstream retailers like Walmart, Amazon, and Kroger still carry Underwood sardines, often seen in the international or nostalgia-themed food sections. Online, where variety is more abundant, Underwood tins can be sourced from multiple sellers, sometimes with vintage or collector appeal.
International Distribution
While the brand’s presence in North America has waned in mainstream retail, Underwood sardines are still exported to various global markets, particularly in Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Mediterranean—areas where sardines are more commonly consumed. Countries like Australia, the Philippines, and parts of the Middle East still feature Underwood brand sardines in grocery stores and convenience shops.
Shifting Product Types
You may also have noticed that some variations of Underwood sardines have changed over time, including:
- Different oil types (safflower, soybean, olive oil)
- Variety of seasonings and sizes (including single serve)
- Meat pâté and cheese devils under the Underwood brand (non-sardine lines)
This diversification has led some consumers to conflate the sardines with other Underwood-branded spreads, potentially confusing newer shoppers.
What Do Underwood Sardines Taste Like?
Sardines can vary dramatically in flavor based on their origin, species (true sardines vs. pilchards), the oil or sauce used, and the canning method. The classic Underwood sardines are known for their clean, slightly salty profile, preserved in vegetable oil (usually soybean oil in modern times).
Textures and Cooking Suggestions
Underwood sardines have a firm texture, and the fillets are traditionally packed in a crisscross pattern within the rectangular tin. This packing style not only made for neat presentation but also helped preserve the integrity of the fish.
While some people eat them straight from the can, others prefer them topped on crackers, mixed into salads, or even prepared in traditional dishes like:
- Mediterranean sardine toast
- Spiced sardine rice bowls
- Canned fish tacos with cilantro-lime crema
Taste Comparison: Underwood vs. Other Brands
Underwood sardines, especially those produced in the U.S., have a slightly milder taste compared to the more boldly salty or oily varieties found in Portugal or Norway. This makes them a great first-time choice for sardine novices or those accustomed to blander diets.
Underwood Sardines and Nostalgia Culture
Pop Culture Appearances
No conversation about Underwood sardines would be complete without acknowledging the pop culture presence of the red devil. The brand’s quirky logo and old-school packaging have appeared in major art exhibits, vintage advertising compilations, and even some cinematic Easter eggs.
Collector Item Appeal
Because of their classic labeling and rectangular tins, many vintage Underwood sardine cans are sought after by collectors—especially from early 20th-century generations. Some rare versions from the 1920s or 1940s, particularly limited editions or those from wartime production, can fetch hundreds of dollars in antique food collectible auctions.
Nutritional Benefits of Sardines
Even if the prominence of Underwood sardines in everyday diets has faded, the underlying fish product remains one of the most nutritionally rich foods available.
Why Sardines Are Considered a Superfood
Sardines are packed with essential nutrients, including:
- Omega-3 fatty acids (beneficiary for brain health and heart function)
- Calcium (a rare dietary source from bones, which are edible when canned)
- Vitamin D (often fortified in canned versions)
- Protein (high in complete amino acids)
- Low mercury content (due to their small size and short lifespan)
In contrast with larger fish like tuna or swordfish, sardines are far down the food chain and thus far less likely to accumulate harmful heavy metals.
Underwood Sardines: A Healthy Inheritance
Consumers still purchasing Underwood sardines today can feel confident they are getting a nutritionally dense product—provided they check the ingredient labels. The oils used and preservatives have changed slightly over time, but they still retain their value as a convenient and healthy food option, especially for meal prepping or emergency food kits.
Understanding the Underwood Product Line Today
Let’s take a clearer look at the Underwood products currently offered, to give you a snapshot of what you might find when you go looking for sardines.
Underwood Meat Products
Today’s Underwood brand is no longer limited to sardines. It includes a lineup of spreadable meat pastes, similar to deviled ham or chicken salad in a can. These are often referred to as “Underwood Devil” products and are available in flavors like:
- Deviled Ham
- Deviled Chicken
- Cheesy Devil Spread
These tend to have a larger shelf presence than the sardine variants, which contributes to confusion—many shoppers search for the Underwood logo expecting the fish tin but walk away with a meat spread instead.
The Remaining Sardine Lineup
Here’s a summary of the current Underwood sardine types available:
| Product | Main Features |
|---|---|
| Underwood Sardines in Oil | Classic rectangular tin; white meat, high in omega-3s |
| Underwood Sardines in Tomato Sauce | Flavored version; popular for added taste |
| Underwood Sardines in Water | A lighter, less oily canned sardine alternative |
| Single-Serve Packs | For outdoor and portable nutrition convenience |
| International Variants | Manufactured under license in some countries |
Why Underwood Sardines Never Fully Disappeared
Several factors have allowed Underwood sardines to remain relevant—or at the very least, on shelves—throughout the years:
- Educated sardine enthusiasts keeping demand alive
- Niche markets and export regions where canned seafood consumption is still strong
- Prepper and emergency food communities relying on shelf-stability
- Brand equity via nostalgic association, ensuring continued recognition
These reasons form a protective layer around the Underwood sardine line and help explain why the company continues to allocate production resources for it, even if the line isn’t dominant in mainstream groceries.
Conclusion: Yes, Underwood Sardines Are Still Made
To conclusively answer the original question: Yes, they do still make Underwood sardines. While they may not be as widely available as they once were, or as prominently featured in supermarkets, the Underwood sardine brand continues to exist. The legacy continues under current ownership, and products can still be sourced from grocery chains, specialty suppliers, and online retailers.
Whether you’re a longtime fan of the Underwood Devil, an emergency preparedness planner, a nutrition-focused foodie, or simply curious about heritage brands, you can still track down this iconic tin of fish—though it may take a few more clicks or steps than in your childhood days.
The Legacy of Underwood Lives On
If anything, Underwood sardines are a testament to brand longevity, historical significance, and food resilience. Their small, square cans remain a delicious example of food history that continues to be made—and eaten—almost two centuries after the brand’s founding.
Final Thoughts
Underwood sardines may not be the dominant force they once were in the American packaged food space, but their presence hasn’t vanished. The brand continues to offer sardines, even while transitioning toward new markets and catering to changing consumer expectations. For many loyal fans, that’s good news.
Ready to Try Underwood Sardines?
If you’re curious to taste the fish once featured on military ration kits or loved by your grandparents, it’s definitely worth checking out if Underwood sardines are at your local store or on your preferred online grocery platform. Try the classic oil-packed version with crackers and a bold mustard for a truly authentic experience—or make your own modern twist using these nutrient-dense little fish.
Whether for history, nostalgia, nutrition, or flavor, you can still find Underwood sardines today—and they are worth seeking out.
Are Underwood Sardines still being produced today?
Yes, Underwood Sardines are still being produced today, continuing a legacy that dates back to the 19th century. The brand, which was once a dominant name in the sardine industry in the United States, has changed hands several times over the years. Although no longer produced in the original Underwood cannery in Massachusetts, the product line is maintained by other companies that have preserved the brand’s identity and commitment to quality.
Currently, Underwood Sardines are marketed and sold by a division of Bumble Bee Foods, one of the largest seafood companies in North America. This version of the brand caters to nostalgic consumers and those seeking traditional canned seafood products. While the formulation and sourcing may have evolved over time, the sardines retain their classic flavor and texture, appealing to both longtime fans and new customers alike.
What is the history behind Underwood Sardines?
Underwood Sardines were first introduced in the mid-1800s by Thomas Underwood, an Englishman who set up the first commercial sardine cannery in North America in 1841 in Maine. His son, Underwood M. Underwood, expanded the business significantly in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The brand grew to become synonymous with sardines in the U.S., and the iconic red devil logo became a recognizable symbol of quality and tradition.
The Underwood brand was acquired by the larger Stakor Corporation in the latter half of the 20th century, which eventually became part of Bumble Bee Foods. This transition marked the end of independent Underwood operations, but the sardine brand was preserved under new management. The company maintained the original packaging and promotional elements, which helped preserve the nostalgic appeal that remains popular among consumers today.
Why are Underwood Sardines known for their red devil logo?
The red devil logo on Underwood Sardines originated as a trademark created by the Underwood family to distinguish their product in an increasingly competitive market. It was said that Thomas Underwood held a friendly rivalry with a competitor at the time, and the red devil symbol was chosen to represent the brand’s spirit of innovation and confidence. Over the years, the image built a strong visual identity and became a memorable part of American grocery culture.
This logo was also a practical solution to branding challenges in the early days of commercial canning, when many products lacked illustrations or distinct packaging. The bright red devil was eye-catching and easily recognizable, both for English-speaking and immigrant consumers who may not have been fluent in the language. To this day, the red devil logo remains on the packaging, giving modern consumers a piece of nostalgia tied to American culinary history.
Where are Underwood Sardines produced now?
Underwood Sardines are no longer produced in the original North American factories where the brand was born. Instead, they are now produced under the umbrella of Bumble Bee Foods, which sources and packages the product in modern facilities often located outside the United States. While this global sourcing approach allows for broader availability, the production process still adheres to the quality standards that defined the brand in its early days.
The fish used in Underwood Sardines typically come from sustainable fisheries, particularly in regions like Asia and South America, where sardine fishing is more viable today due to environmental and economic factors. The final canning and labeling process is often completed in company-controlled facilities, ensuring consistency across batches. This production change reflects broader trends in the canned seafood industry, where global supply chains play a central role in maintaining product availability and affordability.
What are the key features of Underwood Sardines today?
Underwood Sardines today retain many of the features that made them popular in the early 20th century, including the classic red devil label, airtight tins, and a firm, flavorful texture. They are typically packed in oil, tomato sauce, or water, offering versatile options for consumers. The product continues to appeal to those who enjoy nutrient-dense, high-protein, and omega-3-rich foods, making them a favorite for pantry stocking and outdoor survival kits.
While the brand has evolved to meet modern food safety and sustainability standards, it still maintains the old-fashioned charm that differentiates it from newer canned seafood brands. Underwood Sardines are marketed with a retro aesthetic, attracting both longtime fans and younger generations looking for authentic, retro-style groceries. Additionally, they are often used in traditional recipes or as gourmet ingredients in dishes that call for a strong umami flavor and rich texture.
Are Underwood Sardines considered sustainable?
While the environmental impact of sardine fishing can vary depending on the region and practices used, many companies, including Bumble Bee Foods, have made strides toward promoting sustainable sourcing in recent years. Underwood Sardines are typically sourced from fisheries that are considered more sustainable than those used for larger pelagic fish like tuna. Sardines reproduce quickly and have short life cycles, making them less vulnerable to overfishing compared to larger species.
Bumble Bee Foods, which oversees the Underwood brand, participates in sustainability initiatives such as the Seafood Watch program and has committed to traceable and responsible sourcing networks. However, consumers interested in sustainability should look for specific certifications on packaging, such as the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) logo. Choosing certified products ensures that the sardines they buy support healthy ocean ecosystems and responsible fishing practices.
Why do people still choose Underwood Sardines over other brands?
Many consumers choose Underwood Sardines for their nostalgic appeal and long-standing reputation as a classic American food product. The brand evokes memories of wartime rations, camping trips, and family pantries, making it a favorite among those who appreciate vintage or heritage foods. Additionally, the unique red devil packaging and retro design make the product stand out on shelves, contributing to its enduring popularity.
Beyond nostalgia, Underwood Sardines are valued for their consistent quality, rich flavor, and nutritional benefits. They are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential minerals, making them a healthy and convenient option for people on the go. Compared to other sardine brands, Underwood’s flavor profile and texture have stood the test of time, ensuring that both long-time loyalists and new customers keep reaching for the red devil tin as a staple of their pantry.