Harvard and Global Wellness Body Shine Spotlight on Sardines — One Brand Rises Above the Rest

It all began with a 2023 article from the esteemed Harvard University, championing the health and environmental benefits of “eating down the seafood chain” — with sardines taking center stage. The report highlighted how sardines, rich in protein and Omega-3 fatty acids while being virtually free of carbohydrates, offer significant advantages for metabolic health. Beyond that, sardines rank among the most nutrient-dense foods on the planet, delivering essential nutrients like vitamins B12 and D, calcium, selenium, iron, iodine, and the powerful antioxidant CoQ10.

Crucially, as a small fish low on the food chain, sardines have a minimal risk of mercury contamination — unlike many larger predatory fish. This combination of nutritional power and safety prompted Harvard Health to publish a full report on the benefits of sardines and similar small marine species. The article is available here.

Inspired by Harvard’s findings, the U.S.-based Medical Wellness Association (MWA) — a leading organization of over 6,000 health and medical professionals — launched a deeper investigation. Their focus: not just the fish itself, but what happens after it’s caught. Are all sardines equal? Does processing make a difference?

The answer was resounding: one brand stood above the rest — Mega Sardines, a proudly Filipino company.

What sets Mega apart is its commitment to freshness and quality through full vertical integration. Unlike many competitors who rely on third-party fishing fleets, Mega owns and operates its own vessels, enabling strict control over the entire harvesting and processing chain. The result? An industry-first guarantee of “Catch to Can in under 12 hours.” This rapid processing timeline preserves the sardines’ freshness, flavor, and nutrient profile far better than the standard multi-day process used by many brands.

Impressed by the nutritional integrity and processing innovation, the MWA took an unprecedented step. For the first time in its 30+ year history, the association designated a seafood product as a “Superfood” — bestowing the honor on Mega Sardines.

Dr. Christopher Breuleux, President and Founder of the MWA, praised the brand’s role in promoting global health:

“Mega Sardines can play a vital role in helping consumers around the world battle metabolic and cardiovascular disease. It is truly a gift from nature for human health, and the processing is done with ultimate care and with an eye towards preserving freshness all the way to the dinner table. It is, indeed, a ‘Superfood’ everyone should increase their intake of.”

The driving force behind Mega Sardines is founder William Tiu Lim, who began his mission five decades ago with a simple but powerful goal: to provide affordable, nutritious meals for underserved families across the Philippines. Today, that dream has not only come true — it has earned global recognition. Tiu Lim beamed with pride as he received the MWA’s Superfood certificate, a tribute to a lifetime of innovation and dedication to public health.

With science, tradition, and innovation all aligned, Mega Sardines is now positioned not just as a household staple — but as a global beacon of health.

“Today, Mega Sardines is no longer a fishing company, but a global wellness company. We want to help improve the wellness of the world’s consumers. This is a legacy and a mission worth fighting for”, said Tiu Lim.