Wild Planet anchovies are processed using the same methods used to process our sardines. We do not fillet or brine them, so they are quite different from what most are used to. Each fish is examined both before processing and again before canning to ensure that the fish in the can matches the fish on the label. An easy way to determine if you have a sardine or an anchovy is to look at the back of the fish. Sardines will have spots along the spinal area, and anchovies will not.