Sardine Shortages Hit Copenhagen Supermarkets Amid Skincare Craze

Local shoppers in Copenhagen may notice empty sardine shelves at nearby grocery stores.

A viral social media trend has triggered massive sardine buying across Denmark.

Four major Danish grocery retailers confirmed the surge to news outlet TV 2 Kosmopol.

Supermarket chain Coop reported a 170 percent sales rise in the Capital Region.

This covers sales between June and September 2026 compared to last year.

Coop press manager Jacob Herbst Lassen said teams are working to replenish stocks.

Salling Group also faced high demand, but spokesperson Alma Lyhne Kristensen reported adequate stock.

Online grocer Nemlig.com said Copenhagen and North Zealand accounted for 75 percent of sales.

Dagrofa, owner of Meny and Spar, reported capital area sales more than doubled.

The sudden trend promotes sardines for omega-3 fatty acids, collagen, and protein.

However, dermatologist Cæcilie Johansen warned that evidence for better skin remains limited.

She noted that sunscreen, limiting alcohol, and avoiding smoking matter much more.