Best Canned Oysters for a Shucking Good Time

The best canned oysters are plump, firm, smoky, and briny. They are good for chowder, dips, stuffing, and eating on their own, speared onto a toothpick. They aren’t too fishy and they don’t taste like a straight-up campfire. I tried nine different canned smoked oysters and five stood out above the rest. 

I’ve been working at Sporked since the beginning, and this was the toughest taste test I’ve had to do. I’ve OD’d on plain oatmeal. I’ve sipped a sorority’s worth of hard seltzer. I’ve had enough vegan cheese to last a longer-than-average lifetime. But nine cans of smoked oysters almost ruined me. And I really like smoked oysters. 

So, my first word of advice is to not try to eat nine cans of smoked oysters. 

My second word of advice is to only buy these canned smoked oysters. They’re the best smoked oysters in a can you can find at the grocery store. Trust me. I did this for you.

Best for Chowder

California Girl Smoked Oysters

Walmart

These were very big and meaty—but not grainy at all. (Yep, some of the canned oysters I tasted were grainy. Fun!) They aren’t too salty and are light on the smoke, as well, which makes them a good ingredient with which to cook. Throw these into a chowder, for sure. They’ll give it a lovely oceanic flavor and make for a filling meal.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

6.5/10

Sporks

Best for Oyster Stuffing

Reese Large Smoked Oysters

Walmart

These canned oysters are smoked with cherrywood and you definitely can taste that—it’s deeply smoky and a little sweet. For me, that flavor is perfect for an oyster stuffing. It would perfectly complement other fall flavors in a Thanksgiving feast like cranberry and nuts. They would also go well in a chowder with some applewood smoked bacon.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

7/10

Sporks

Best for Dip

Pacific Pearl Fancy Smoked Oysters

Walmart

If you want a more mild smoked flavor, try these canned smoked oysters from Pacific Pearl. I’d puree these into a smoked oyster dip with some cream cheese, lemon juice, and smoked paprika. They’ll lend their gentle smoky flavor and a ton of umami to the mix. 

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

7.5/10

Sporks

Best for Fried Oysters

Polar Fancy Whole Smoked Oysters

Amazon

These were HUGE. A single Polar canned oyster was the size of at least two, maybe even three, Pacific Pearl smoked oysters. They’re very meaty with a good smoky flavor, and they’re not too fishy at all—just a hint on the end to let you know that what you’re eating did, at one point, live in saltwater. Batter and fry these up for some popcorn oysters.

Credit: Merc / Amazon

Rating:

8/10

Sporks

Best of the Best

Geisha Fancy Smoked Oysters in Sunflower Oil

Walmart

If you prefer to eat your canned oysters straight, these are the best canned oysters you can buy at the grocery store. It’s a can of oysters you can simply open and set on a charcuterie board with some meats, cheeses, and pickles. The oysters are small to medium and they’re deliciously savory. They’re not too fishy and finish with a tasty smoky note. I would happily eat this can of smoked oysters with a toothpick and some saltines.

Credit: Merc / Walmart

Rating:

9.5/10

Sporks

Other canned oysters we tried: Crown Prince Smoked Oysters with Red Chili Pepper, Sprouts Hand Packed Smoked Oysters with Red Chili Pepper, Chicken of the Sea Fancy Smoked Oysters, Polar Gourmet Smoked Oysters with Carrots, Onions, & Peppers