Canned sardines are a staple food for most Filipino families, being served frequently at the dinner table. And why not? Ready-to-eat and affordable, canned sardines are nutritious and a good source of calcium, Omega-3, protein, iron, dietary fiber, potassium, lycopene, and Vitamins A, C, and D. They are also delicious, available from big grocery stores to small sari-sari store, and versatile enough to be prepared in several ways for a complete meal.

But not all canned sardines are the same. From a small can that packs freshness, quality, and nutrition, Mega Sardines recently snagged the first global endorsement as a ‘superfood’, affirming its status as a super brand in the country.

Medical Wellness Association (MWA), a US-based organization of the world’s largest collection of physicians and wellness experts, conferred the official endorsement after Mega Sardines passed all of the scientifically based nutritional criteria that highlight food safety and nutrition wellness.

James Michael Lafferty, founding board member of the MWA, shared, “Mega Sardines stood out in all areas in our System-6 criteria for a ‘superfood’. Filipinos value nutritional wellness, especially when preparing meals for their families. With the product being rich in omega-3, high in vitamins, and processed with world-class safety, we can say it’s more than a pantry essential—it’s a food that supports overall health.”

For over 20 years, MWA has been at the forefront of the Medical Wellness industry with members across the world and trusted by Fortune 100 companies. Currently, MWA has more than 400 professionals involved in the wellness industry as members, and more than a thousand wellness organizations as partners.

“This is a significant milestone for Mega Prime Foods, as we officially received the Medical Wellness Association's endorsement of Mega Sardines as the only seafood brand in the world recognized as a ‘superfood’. So Mega Sardines, of course, is one of our flagship brands that has achieved remarkable success for the past decades, rising to become the leading sardine brand in the Philippines,” said Marvin Tiu Lim, chief of Growth and Development, Mega Prime Foods, Inc.

According to Nielsen Retail Audit in 2024, Mega Prime Sardines is the market leader with 26 percent of the value market.

Through continuous innovation in Mega Prime’s canning process, the food manufacturer has ensured optimal freshness and efficiency, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class quality canned food. Mega Sardines continues to enhance everyday meals by providing a trusted, nutritious staple in Filipino households all over the world.

Owning the freshest canned sardines with maximum safety standards, Mega Prime’s fleet of fishing vessels, the biggest in the country, uses advanced fishing and handling technology to achieve a 12-hour catching-to-canning process, the fastest in the industry, that ensures nutrient preservation.

“Just because it is sardines, we don’t want it to be looked down; instead, we want to elevate the product. It is a small type of fish that we take for granted, but really, it packs a lot of nutrition. There are no extenders, no preservatives in there, it is a healthy product and we want to share that not only here in the Philippines but throughout the world,” underscored Lim.

“Beyond product quality, we have also expanded our reach across global and domestic markets, ensuring Filipino communities worldwide have access to affordable, nutrient-rich, and good quality food options. More than a household staple, Mega Sardines has become a symbol of our mission to elevate daily nutrition and promote wellness at this scale,” added Lim.

The endorsement also marks a significant milestone in Mega Prime Foods’ 50-year journey, the company behind brands such as Mega Mackerel, Mega Prime Quality fruits and vegetables and the newly-acquired Jimm’s Coffee Mix.