Budget-conscious shoppers comparing pack sizes
You check the net weight and how many meals you could get from a pack, without confusing a large bag of plain fish with a breaded product.
Who is this guide for?
Households looking for convenient portions
You want to prepare the right amount for each meal, so you check the cooking instructions before choosing between plain fillets and breaded portions.
Shoppers who care about ingredients and sourcing
You check the species, ingredients and allergens, as well as any fishing or aquaculture information provided for the specific product.
What should you look for?
First decide whether you want to cook plain fish or opt for a breaded product. Then check what’s in the pack and how your order will be delivered or collected.
| Criteria | What to check | Who it matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Quantity and product type | Net weight and number of portions; compare plain fillets, breaded products and prepared meals separately. | If I’m planning several meals, I want to know how much fish I’m actually getting for my needs. Around 33% of consumers may put this comparison first. |
| Meal preparation | Individual portions and cooking instructions for the specific product. | When I’m short on time, I prefer portions that are easy to prepare around my routine. This convenience may be the main priority for around 27% of consumers. |
| Ingredients and sourcing | Species, ingredients and allergens; check for any MSC or ASC label on the product you choose. | When choosing between plain fish and a breaded product, I want to know the ingredients and sourcing information for that specific item. Around 20% of consumers may prioritise this. |
| Receiving your order | Whether your address is eligible, delivery slot and availability at your selected store; condition of the frozen product on arrival. | If I’m relying on delivery, I need to receive the product frozen and put it in the freezer promptly. Getting this part right may be the top priority for around 20% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Comparing pack sizes alone
A bag of plain fillets and breaded portions of the same weight don’t contain the same thing or serve the same purpose.
Compare net weights and ingredients for products intended for the same type of meal.
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Assuming “boneless” means there can never be a bone
E.Leclerc and Auchan warn that, in exceptional cases, a bone may remain in some products labelled this way.
Check each piece carefully, especially when serving young children.
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Choosing before entering your address
E.Leclerc says access to its delivery service depends, among other things, on whether your postcode is eligible. Check the available delivery slots and products for the service you choose.
Enter your address, choose your store and how you’d like to receive your order, then check your basket before placing it.
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Assuming a store listing means you can place an order
A product listed as “In store” at Lidl isn’t, by itself, an option for delivery or collection at your address.
Make sure the product can actually be added to the basket for the service you plan to use.
Brands to know when comparing products
Findus
The range includes plain fillets and breaded products.
- Findus says the fillets in its plain range are individually wrapped, and lists Alaskan pollock products carrying the MSC label.
- Check the packaging and any labels on the specific product before ordering.
Carrefour
The retailer offers plain and breaded frozen fish through its grocery services.
- A Carrefour Classic’ listing gives the proportion of Alaskan pollock in its breaded portions and lists wheat among the ingredients.
- Check the ingredients for the product you choose and make sure it’s available in your local basket.
E.Leclerc / Pêche Océan
E.Leclerc offers Pêche Océan frozen cod fillets, among other products.
- The listing for the 400 g cod fillets identifies the species and carries the MSC label.
- It warns that a bone may exceptionally remain; also check the collection or delivery options available from your store.
Auchan / Pouce
Auchan offers plain fish under its own brands, including 1 kg pack sizes.
- A listing for 1 kg cod fillets gives the ingredients and cooking and storage instructions.
- The same listing warns that a bone may exceptionally remain, despite the “boneless” label.
ALDI / Golden Seafood
ALDI’s range includes a variety of Golden Seafood frozen fish products.
- The products shown include Alaskan pollock and breaded fish.
- For an online order, check separately which services and products are available in your area.
Lidl
Lidl lists a breaded cod product carrying the MSC label, among other products.
- The listing helps you identify the type of product before checking its packaging.
- This product is listed as “In store”, so don’t assume you can order it online without checking availability in your area.
Frozen fish available on Joybuy
These products let you compare a breaded option with several pack sizes of plain fish. To choose between them, consider the portion size you need, the information on each pack and the ordering options available at your address.
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Findus MSC Extra Crispy Alaskan Pollock, 250 g, 2 pieces
Worth considering if you’re looking for two pieces of breaded Alaskan pollock for a meal.
The pack is listed as 250 g; check the ingredients and MSC label on the product you order.
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Perfit Pangasius Steaks, 1 kg
Consider this 1 kg pack if you’d like to divide the pangasius steaks between several meals.
Check the packaging for information about the skin, bones and preparation.
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ESCAL, 4 skinless salmon fillets, ASC, 500 g
This pack of four skinless salmon fillets is useful for comparing portion-sized options.
It’s listed as 500 g and carries the ASC label in its product name; check the packaging for preparation and sourcing information.
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PESCANOVA, 4 skinless salmon fillets, 400 g
The four fillets could make separate meals if this pack size suits your portions.
The stated weight is 400 g; check the cooking instructions and origin on the packaging you receive.
Frequently asked questions
Is a large pack of frozen fish always better value?
No. Choose an amount you can store and use according to the instructions on the pack. To compare what you’re getting, distinguish plain fillets from breaded or prepared products, and check the net weight and the proportion of fish, where stated.
Could a fillet labelled “boneless” still contain a bone?
Yes, in exceptional cases: E.Leclerc and Auchan note this on some frozen fillet listings. Check pieces intended for young children.
What should I check when my frozen fish arrives?
Check the condition of the product and put it in the freezer promptly, following the instructions on the pack. Carrefour says it stores its frozen products at −18 °C and delivers them in an insulated bag; still, check your order when it arrives.
Can frozen fish be delivered to any address?
Not necessarily. E.Leclerc says access to its delivery service depends on whether your postcode is eligible. Enter your address and check the service, delivery slot and product available before placing your order.
Is the MSC or ASC label enough to choose a product?
No. It tells you about the sourcing of the product in question, but doesn’t describe its ingredients or preparation on its own. Also check the species, ingredients, allergens and pack size of the product you want to order.