Students planning several meals
A bag of plain fillets can be split across several dinners if you have enough freezer space. Check the net weight and how many portions you’ll use.
Which option is right for you?
Busy students with limited cooking equipment
Individually portioned fillets make it easier to use just the amount you need. Check the cooking methods listed for the product you choose: Findus, for example, says some of its fillets can be cooked from frozen.
Students cooking a fresh fillet the same day
Fresh fish is a good fit for a dinner you’ve already planned, without needing to store a bag in the freezer. Anses recommends keeping fresh fish for no longer than 48 hours.
What should you look for first?
For a student dinner, start by thinking about how many meals you’re planning and whether you can store frozen food. Then choose between the flexibility of plain fillets, individual portions and fresh fillets that need to be cooked soon.
| What to consider | What to check | Who this suits |
|---|---|---|
| Portions for several meals | Net weight, number of fillets and available freezer space. | If I’m cooking several dinners, I want to use the contents of the bag without wasting any portions; around 36% of consumers put this need first. |
| Preparation and portioning | Separate portions and product-specific cooking instructions. | If I’m short on time or equipment, I want a fillet that’s easy to portion and prepare; speed is the top priority for around 29% of consumers. |
| Plain or breaded | Ingredients list, fish content in a breaded product and any bone warning. | If I want to season the fish myself, I want to know whether I’m buying a plain fillet or a breaded recipe; around 21% of consumers prioritise this distinction. |
| Cooking fresh fish | When you’re planning to eat it and the stated storage time. | If I’ve already planned my dinner, I want to buy a fresh fillet to cook soon; this is the first choice for around 14% of consumers. |
Mistakes to avoid
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Confusing breaded fish with plain fillets
According to Auchan, the POUCE breaded fillet products described contain 63% fish and wheat. Their ingredients are different from the plain fillets in the same range.
If you want to season the fish yourself, look for the words “plain fillet” and read the ingredients list. For a breaded product, check the allergens too.
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Assuming “boneless” means there can’t be any bones
Some plain fillet product details say that a few bones may occasionally remain, despite care being taken to remove them.
Read the warning on the packaging and take care to check for bones as you eat.
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Buying fresh fish without planning when to eat it
Fresh fish needs to be eaten promptly: Anses recommends keeping it for no longer than 48 hours.
Choose fresh fish for a meal you’ve already planned. If you opt for frozen fish, follow the storage and defrosting instructions on the packaging.
A fresh fillet that isn’t cooked in time could go to waste.
Brands and ranges to know
Findus
The range includes plain Alaska pollock fillets and breaded recipes.
- Findus says some plain fillets are individually wrapped and can be cooked from frozen, following the instructions for the specific product.
- Findus notes that a few bones may occasionally remain and that a defrosted product must not be refrozen.
Carrefour / SIMPL
The range includes a 950 g bag of frozen Alaska pollock fillets.
- This pack size could work for several portions if you can store it as directed.
- The words “boneless” don’t mean you can ignore the product warnings.
E.Leclerc / Pêche Océan
The range includes frozen plain Cape hake fillets in an 800 g bag.
- The product details list hake as the only ingredient.
- They also warn that bones may occasionally remain.
Auchan / Pouce
The range lets you choose between plain Alaska pollock fillets and a breaded product made from the same species.
- You can season the plain fillets to suit the meal you have planned.
- The 800 g breaded product described by Auchan contains 63% fish and wheat. Check its ingredients rather than treating it as the same as a plain fillet.
Lidl / Ocean Sea
A 500 g hake fillet is among the Ocean Sea products featured by Lidl.
- The 500 g pack is worth considering if you’re looking for something other than a large bag.
- Check the product details and availability when choosing what to cook.
ALDI / Golden Seafood
The range featured by ALDI includes 1 kg packs of Alaska pollock fillets, as well as separate breaded products.
- The bag of fillets could work for several meals if you have a suitable freezer.
- Check the product name so you don’t confuse plain fillets with a breaded recipe.
Frozen fillets and a breaded option on Joybuy
This selection includes hake and salmon fillets to portion out across planned meals, as well as a breaded Alaska pollock product. To choose between them, check the species, number of fillets, preparation instructions and whether the product is plain or breaded.
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PESCANOVA Hake Fillet Hearts MSC, 400 g
Worth considering if you’d like to spread hake across several meals. The pack is listed as 400 g; check the number of portions and cooking instructions on the packaging.
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PESCANOVA skinless salmon fillets, 4 fillets, 400 g
Four fillets to use for separate meals. Before planning a quick cook, check the packaging to see whether this product needs to be defrosted first.
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ESCAL ASC-Certified skinless salmon fillets, 4 fillets, 500 g
Four fillets for meals you’ve planned ahead. The pack is listed as 500 g; plan your preparation around the defrosting instructions on the packaging.
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Findus MSC Fish & Chips Style breaded Alaska pollock fillets, 4 × 100 g
A breaded option with four 100 g fillets. Its ingredients and preparation differ from those of a plain fillet. Check the ingredients list, allergens and cooking instructions.
Frequently asked questions
Is it better to buy a fresh or frozen fillet for dinner?
A fresh fillet is ideal for a meal you’re planning to eat soon. Frozen fillets can be spread across several dinners if you store them as directed on the packaging. Anses recommends keeping fresh fish for no longer than 48 hours.
Does “boneless” mean there can’t be any bones?
No. Some plain fillet product details warn that a few bones may occasionally remain. Read the warning for the product you choose and take care as you eat.
Can you cook a fillet from frozen?
Some products, including certain Findus Alaska pollock fillets, can be cooked from frozen, but this doesn’t apply to every product. Follow the cooking instructions on the pack, especially if you plan to use a microwave.
Can you refreeze a defrosted fillet?
The instructions for the Findus and ESCAL fillets featured here say not to refreeze them once defrosted. Check the storage instructions for the product you buy.