When people think about Costa Rica, images of lush rain forests, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, and steaming cups of rich coffee usually come to mind. Food lovers might think of gallo pinto, fresh tropical fruits, or casados served in small neighborhood sodas. But there is another Costa Rican staple—quietly sitting on grocery store shelves across the country—that deserves its own spotlight. It is simple, affordable, widely loved by locals, and surprisingly high quality: Sardimar tuna.
For visitors, Sardimar tuna may seem like just another pantry item. For Costa Ricans, however, it is a trusted brand, a household essential, and for many, the best canned tuna available in the country. In fact, once you try it, you may find yourself agreeing with the often-heard local phrase: Costa Rica’s tuna really is some of the best in the world.
A Costa Rican Best-Kept Secret
Sardimar tuna is found in virtually every grocery store in Costa Rica, from large modern supermarkets like Auto Mercado and Más x Menos, to small neighborhood shops known as pulperías. It is affordable, consistently fresh-tasting, and available in a wide variety of preparations.
Yet despite its popularity in Costa Rica, Sardimar tuna remains relatively unknown outside the country. Visitors often discover it by accident—perhaps while shopping for picnic supplies or preparing a quick meal at a vacation rental—and are pleasantly surprised by the flavor and texture.
Unlike many canned tunas found elsewhere, Sardimar tuna does not taste overly fishy or dry. The texture is firm but tender, and the flavor reflects the quality of the fish and the care taken in processing it.
Where Does Sardimar Tuna Come From?
Sardimar tuna is produced by Sardimar S.A., a Costa Rican company based in Puntarenas, a historic port city on the central Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Puntarenas has long been associated with fishing and maritime trade, making it a natural home for one of the country’s most important seafood companies.
The tuna used by Sardimar—primarily yellowfin tuna and blackfin tuna—is caught in the Pacific Ocean, ranging from the northern Pacific waters down to the southern Pacific. These are clean, nutrient-rich waters that produce strong, healthy fish with excellent flavor.
Because Costa Rica is located directly on the Pacific coast, the distance between the fishing grounds and the processing facilities is relatively short. This is an important factor in quality. The tuna does not spend excessive time frozen or in transit before processing, which helps preserve its natural taste and texture.
Why Is Sardimar Tuna So Good?
Several factors contribute to the high quality of Sardimar canned tuna:
1. Fresh Pacific-Caught Tuna
The tuna is sourced from Pacific waters known for their abundance and quality. Yellowfin tuna, in particular, is prized worldwide for its firm texture and clean flavor.
2. Careful Processing
Sardimar has built its reputation on consistent quality. The fish is carefully cleaned, cooked, and packed to preserve its natural characteristics rather than masking them with heavy brines or overpowering flavors.
3. Texture That Stands Out
One of the most noticeable differences between Sardimar and many other canned tunas is the texture. Instead of mushy flakes, you get firm, well-defined pieces of tuna that hold together beautifully in salads and sandwiches.
4. Balanced Flavor
The flavor is mild, fresh, and satisfying—perfect for simple recipes that let the tuna shine without needing heavy seasoning.
The Best Choice: “Lomo en Trocitos en Aceite”
Among the many varieties Sardimar offers, my personal recommendation—and a favorite among many locals—is:
“Lomo en trocitos en aceite”
Translated into English, this means chunks of tuna cut into small bite-sized pieces and packed in oil, usually soybean oil.
This variety stands out because:
- The tuna comes in solid, meaty pieces, not shredded.
- The oil helps preserve moisture and enhances flavor.
- It is extremely versatile for both simple and more elaborate dishes.
When you open a can, you immediately see and smell the difference. The tuna looks fresh, the pieces are intact, and there is none of the overly strong odor sometimes associated with canned fish.
A Simple and Delicious Costa Rican Tuna Salad
One of the best ways to enjoy Sardimar tuna is in a simple tuna salad, Costa Rican style. This is not a complicated recipe—and that is exactly the point. The quality of the tuna speaks for itself.
Ingredients
- 1 can Sardimar lomo en trocitos en aceite
- Finely chopped fresh onion
- Lizano mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise if unavailable)
- Chopped jalapeño peppers (from a jar or can)
- Optional: salt and pepper to taste
Preparation
Drain most of the oil from the tuna, leaving just a little for moisture. Add the chopped onion, a spoonful of mayonnaise, and a small amount of jalapeño for a gentle kick. Mix lightly so the tuna pieces stay intact.
The result is a fresh, flavorful tuna salad that works beautifully:
- Served on a bed of lettuce
- Stuffed into a sandwich
- Scooped onto crackers
- Or eaten straight from the bowl
Simple, satisfying, and very Costa Rican.
The Perfect Bread: Bimbo Multigrano
If you decide to make a tuna sandwich, there is one bread that pairs especially well with Sardimar tuna: Bimbo Multigrano.
This popular bread is widely available in larger Costa Rican grocery stores such as Auto Mercado and Más x Menos. It contains five different grains, giving it a hearty texture and slightly nutty flavor that complements the tuna perfectly.
The five grains are:
- Centeno – rye
- Ajonjolí – sesame seed
- Avena – oats
- Trigo – wheat
- Cebada – barley (a white grain larger than rice)
In smaller neighborhood grocery stores, or pulperías, you are more likely to find Bimbo Integral, which is whole wheat and also works very well.
Add some lettuce, tomato, and your tuna salad, and you have a nutritious, filling meal that locals eat every day.
A Staple of Costa Rican Daily Life
Sardimar tuna is not considered a luxury item in Costa Rica—it is an everyday food. You will find it in:
- Family kitchens
- Student apartments
- Beach houses
- Picnic coolers
- Office lunches
It is affordable, protein-rich, easy to prepare, and versatile. For many Costa Rican families, canned tuna is part of weekly meal planning, especially when time is limited.
Tourists staying in vacation rentals often discover Sardimar tuna as a convenient way to prepare quick meals without eating out every day—and many end up taking a few cans home in their luggage.
Can You Find Sardimar Tuna Outside Costa Rica?
Sardimar tuna is primarily produced for the Costa Rican market, and while limited exports exist, it is not widely available internationally. This is one reason it remains a bit of a hidden gem.
If you are visiting Costa Rica, consider bringing a few cans home. Just be sure to pack them securely to avoid leaks in your suitcase.
More Than Just Tuna
Sardimar is more than a brand—it represents Costa Rica’s close relationship with the sea. The country is known for its commitment to sustainability, and while consumers should always stay informed, Sardimar has long been associated with responsible fishing practices and quality standards.
For travelers who want to experience Costa Rica beyond the obvious attractions, tasting everyday foods like Sardimar tuna offers a small but meaningful insight into local life.
Final Thoughts
Costa Rica has many culinary highlights, from fresh fruits to world-class coffee. But sometimes, it is the simplest foods that leave the strongest impression.
Sardimar canned tuna is one of those surprises: humble, reliable, and genuinely delicious. Whether enjoyed in a quick salad, a hearty sandwich, or as part of a picnic by the beach, it delivers consistent quality and flavor.
So next time you are in Costa Rica, take a moment in the grocery store aisle. Pick up a can of Sardimar lomo en trocitos en aceite. Try it the local way. You may just discover that one of Costa Rica’s best flavors comes not from a restaurant—but from a can.