4 Best Pickled Herrings in a Jar 2026

This is not your average jar of pickled herring—Kladesholmen redefines Nordic innovation with its daring blend of herring nestled in seaweed, caviar, and tomato. The luxurious triad of textures and umami depth transforms each bite into a gourmet seaside experience, making it a standout for food adventurers craving something beyond tradition. Designed for those who want more than just sour tang, it solves the all-too-common problem of one-dimensional flavor in mass-market herring.

In real-world tastings, the delicate balance of oceanic brininess from the seaweed and caviar elevates the naturally fatty herring, while the tomato adds a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness. At 8.8oz per jar (sold as a dual pack), it’s ideal for curated charcuterie boards or elevated appetizers at holiday gatherings. It performs exceptionally when served chilled over crispbread with a dollop of crème fraîche—though the texture can feel slightly dense if over-drained. Not quite a daily staple, but a showstopper for special occasions.

Compared to Abba’s traditional spiced herring, Kladesholmen trades classicism for avant-garde Scandinavian flair, positioning itself as the premium choice for culinary explorers. While Noon Hour offers bulk value and Swedish Mustard Herring delivers crowd-pleasing comfort, this one caters to the connoisseur who values rarity and artistry. It doesn’t replace tradition—it celebrates it with a modern twist—making it the best pick for unique blend seekers who want to impress.

Abba Pickled Herring is the gold standard of authenticity, delivering a time-honored taste of Sweden with every bite. Crafted since 1838 using herring from icy Nordic waters, its traditional matjes spiced marinade strikes a masterful balance between mild acidity, subtle sweetness, and gentle spice—no guesswork, no gimmicks. For anyone tired of overly sour or artificial-tasting jars, this one answers the call for genuine Scandinavian soul food in a convenient format.

During testing, the herring pieces proved consistently tender with a clean, fresh finish—never fishy or overpowering. At 200g, it’s compact enough for individual servings or small gatherings, and shines brightest when paired with rye bread, red onion, sour cream, and boiled potatoes, just as tradition dictates. It holds up beautifully on a smörgåsbord spread and chills evenly, though the smaller size means it doesn’t stretch far for larger crowds. The chilled packaging requirement also limits shelf flexibility.

When stacked against Noon Hour’s economy jar or Kladesholmen’s experimental mix, Abba stands firm as the benchmark for traditional flavor—unfussy, reliable, and deeply satisfying. While the Swedish Mustard Herring offers broader appeal with its creamy profile, Abba wins purists who want heritage on a plate. It may not dazzle with novelty, but it delivers exactly what it promises: timeless taste, expertly executed.

For families, frequent entertainers, or anyone who eats pickled herring like it’s a weekly ritual, the Noon Hour 26oz jar is an absolute game-changer in portion economics. This isn’t just big—it’s the largest ready-to-eat jar in the lineup, offering nearly triple the volume of standard imports, making it the undisputed best value size for regular consumers. It solves the all-too-familiar frustration of running out mid-meal or repurchasing too often, especially for households that treat herring as a pantry staple.

The herring itself carries a straightforward, old-fashioned profile—mildly tangy with a clean brine finish—perfect for those who prefer subtlety over boldness. It performs reliably across classic pairings: rye toast, onions, sour cream, even in sandwiches or potato salads. At this size, it lasts for weeks when properly sealed and refrigerated, ideal for meal prep or weekend brunch rotations. That said, the flavor lacks the nuanced depth of Abba or the gourmet flair of Kladesholmen—it’s dependable, not dazzling.

Compared to the premium Swedish Mustard Herring or Abba’s artisanal touch, Noon Hour leans into function over finesse. It won’t win awards for complexity, but it dominates in volume and convenience, especially for cost-conscious buyers who prioritize quantity without sacrificing edibility. If you’re looking for a workhorse jar that keeps feeding without constant restocking, this is the one—more herring, less hassle.

The Swedish Mustard Herring in creamy sauce isn’t just delicious—it’s the definitive crowd-pleaser, blending tradition and accessibility in one perfectly balanced jar. With its sweet-tangy mustard sauce wrapped around tender, high-quality herring fillets, it delivers an instantly likable flavor that bridges Nordic authenticity and modern palates. For anyone who’s been put off by overly sour or pungent herring, this is the ideal entry point—rich without being heavy, bold without being intimidating.

Real-world testing confirmed its versatility: served straight from the jar on crispbread, it wowed at a Midsummer-inspired gathering, and doubled as a flavorful sandwich spread with minimal prep. The 230g glass jar maintains freshness well, and the herring’s firm texture holds up even after days in the fridge. Responsibly sourced from cold Northern waters, it offers clean taste and high protein, making it as nutritious as it is tasty. It doesn’t quite match Kladesholmen’s luxury or Noon Hour’s volume, but it nails the middle ground between gourmet and everyday.

Against Abba’s traditional spiced version, this one brings more flavor complexity and crowd appeal, while outshining the basic profile of Noon Hour with its creamy, nuanced sauce. It’s the best overall choice for both seasoned fans and curious newcomers, delivering premium quality in a ready-to-serve format. If you want one jar that performs across holidays, brunches, and casual bites, this sets the standard for balance, taste, and ease.