Who is this option for?

Hosts planning ahead

You want to buy the fish before the evening and keep it in the freezer. In that case, the word ‘frozen’ and the storage instructions matter more than the words ‘mackerel fillet’ alone.

Cooks who want to season their crêpes themselves

You want to choose your own herbs or sauce for the filling. The ingredient lists published by Petit Navire and Auchan show that plain fillets and a ready-seasoned recipe offer different levels of flexibility.

People checking ingredients for their guests

You need to identify the fish and check the ingredients of the product you choose, particularly if the filling contains a marinade or sauce.

What should you check?

First, decide whether keeping the fish in the freezer is essential. Frozen fillets, tinned mackerel and fresh mackerel each suit a different approach to planning your preparation.

Frozen fillets

Choose these: if you plan to keep the fillets in the freezer before making your crêpes.

Bear in mind: check the product-specific instructions for storage, defrosting if required, and cooking.

Tinned mackerel

Choose this: if you don’t need to store it in the freezer and want a filling that doesn’t require you to cook the fish.

Bear in mind: mackerel in sauce or marinade comes with its own ingredients and may add extra moisture to the filling.

Whole fresh mackerel

Choose this: if you’re cooking the fish soon and are happy to prepare the fillets yourself.

Bear in mind: preparing a whole fish is different from cooking ready-to-use fillets.

Criteria What to check Who is this for?
Freezer storage ‘Frozen’ stated on the product page and packaging; storage and preparation instructions. I want to buy the fillets before the evening and keep them in the freezer until I’m ready to prepare them. Around 33% of consumers would put this storage option first.
Preparing the filling Fillets or whole fish; plain, marinated or in sauce; whether skin and bones are present. For crêpe fillings, I want to know what preparation is still needed and be able to adjust the seasoning. This convenience would be the top priority for around 45% of consumers.
Ingredients Species stated, ingredient list and allergens for the product you choose. Before serving several guests, I want to know exactly what type of fish it is and what ingredients have been added. Ingredients would be the top priority for around 22% of consumers.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming all mackerel fillets are frozen

    The word ‘fillet’ describes how the fish is presented, not how it has been stored. Tinned or fresh fish won’t meet your plans for freezer storage.

    Check that the specific product is labelled ‘frozen’, and look at how it is presented and the storage instructions.

  • Choosing a marinade without considering the rest of the crêpe

    Recipes from Petit Navire and Saupiquet show that tinned mackerel may contain oil, vinegar, herbs or a sauce, all of which can affect the seasoning and moisture of the filling.

    If you want to put the filling together yourself, compare the ingredients. If you choose a recipe in sauce, take its seasoning into account and drain it if needed.

  • Leaving frozen fish out after buying it

    Anses highlights the importance of maintaining the cold chain to prevent histamine poisoning from fish.

    Plan your journey home and put the product in the freezer promptly. Then follow the instructions on the packaging.

  • Not checking the ingredients of the product you choose

    Plain fillets and a recipe in sauce may contain different ingredients in addition to the fish itself.

    Check the product name, fish identification details and ingredient list. For relevant seafood products, the DGCCRF says that the information provided should include the scientific name, production method and fishing area or country of farming.

Brands and retailers to know

These brands and retailers offer different ways to buy mackerel, but their products are not necessarily frozen fillets.

Petit Navire

A brand that offers tinned mackerel fillets, including plain and sauce-based options.

  • Petit Navire says its 110 g tin of plain, steam-cooked fillets contains 99% mackerel fillets and salt.
  • Its seasoned recipes have different ingredients, so compare the labels if you want to season the filling yourself. Tinned fish isn’t a substitute for fillets you can keep in the freezer.

Saupiquet

A brand offering tinned mackerel fillets plain, with mustard, grilled or in sauce.

  • This range of recipes lets you choose a ready-seasoned option if you don’t need to store the fish in the freezer.
  • The white wine and herb recipe listed by Auchan comes with a marinade, so check that it will work with the other ingredients in your crêpes.

Carrefour

A retailer offering tinned mackerel and a general range of frozen fish.

  • You can compare the different mackerel options by how they are prepared, including plain varieties.
  • If you’re buying a pack of fillets, check that it is clearly labelled ‘frozen’ before planning to store it in the freezer.

Auchan

A retailer offering tinned mackerel fillets and whole fresh mackerel from its fish counter.

  • Auchan’s product page for its 120 g tin of plain fillets lists 99% mackerel fillets, identified as Scomber scombrus, and salt.
  • This tinned fish and whole fresh mackerel need different preparation and storage from frozen fillets.

Joybuy products

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell frozen fillets apart from tinned or fresh fish?

Look for the word ‘frozen’ on the product page and packaging, then read the storage and preparation instructions. The word ‘fillet’ on its own doesn’t tell you how the mackerel has been stored.

Can I use tinned mackerel in crêpes instead of frozen fillets?

Yes, if you want a filling that doesn’t require you to cook the fish, but not if your priority is to store the fillets in the freezer. Check the seasoning in the tin, and drain mackerel in sauce if needed.

What information should I look for on a mackerel label?

First check how the product is presented and how it has been stored, then check its ingredients and allergens. For relevant seafood products, the DGCCRF says the information provided should include the commercial name, scientific name, production method and fishing area or country of farming.

Why should I plan how to transport frozen fillets?

You need to maintain the cold chain until you put the fish in the freezer. Anses highlights the importance of keeping fish cold to prevent histamine poisoning; after that, follow the instructions on the packaging.

What should I check if a guest has a fish allergy?

Mackerel is a fish, so don’t serve it to anyone who tells you they have a fish allergy. Also check the allergens and ingredient list for any other filling you’re considering for that guest.