Who is this choice for?

Shoppers with strict gluten-free requirements

You’re looking for an explicit statement about the exact tin you’re buying, rather than trying to work out its status from the ingredients alone.

Shoppers keeping an eye on sugar

You compare the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g and distinguish this amount from the comparative claim ‘reduced in sugars’.

Shoppers who like to vary their recipes

You’re choosing between plain mackerel and seasoned recipes, while checking the ingredients, allergens and storage instructions once opened.

What should you check?

When choosing mackerel as part of a gluten-free shop, first check the status of the exact product, then compare its sugar content and recipe.

Criterion What to check Who it matters to
Gluten-free confirmation Look for a ‘gluten-free’ statement or confirmation from the manufacturer for the exact product; check the allergens too. If I need to avoid gluten strictly, I want confirmation that applies to the tin I’ve chosen. Around 50% of shoppers concerned would prioritise this confirmation.
Sugar content Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g, distinguishing between the product as sold and the drained product when both values appear on the label. To limit sugar in my choice, I need to compare figures based on the same measure. Around 33% of shoppers concerned would prioritise this amount.
Recipe and use Check the ingredients, pack size and storage instructions once opened. If I switch between plain mackerel and mackerel in sauce, I want a recipe that suits my meal and can be stored as directed once opened. Around 17% of shoppers concerned would put this first.

Petit Navire product information lists 0 g of sugars per 100 g for its plain fillets, 0.9 g for its escabeche recipe and 2.2 g for its Catalan recipe. Auchan’s product information for Saupiquet natural fillets displays a ‘gluten-free’ statement and less than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g. These figures help you compare recipes, but they don’t confirm the gluten-free status of other products.

Mistakes to avoid

  • Assuming a product is ‘gluten-free’ because it has a short ingredients list

    A recipe that doesn’t list any cereals doesn’t, on its own, confirm that the finished product is gluten-free.

    If you need to avoid gluten strictly, check the statement on the packaging for the exact product or ask the manufacturer to confirm.

  • Confusing low sugar with ‘reduced in sugars’

    The ‘of which sugars’ figure shows an absolute amount. ‘Reduced in sugars’ is a regulated comparative claim against a similar product, not simply a low figure taken on its own.

    When choosing between two tins, compare their figures per 100 g on the same basis. Only rely on a comparative claim if it’s substantiated for the product.

  • Comparing the drained product with the product as sold

    A figure calculated after draining doesn’t represent the same amount of sauce or liquid as a figure for the whole product.

    Check the heading for each nutrition column before comparing two recipes per 100 g.

Brands and retailers to know

Petit Navire

Plain mackerel fillets and recipes in sauce make it easy to compare sugar content across the brand’s products.

  • According to Petit Navire product information, its plain fillets contain 0 g of sugars per 100 g, compared with 0.9 g for the escabeche recipe and 2.2 g for the Catalan recipe.
  • For a strict gluten-free shop, check the status of your chosen product separately; sugar content alone doesn’t confirm it.

Saupiquet

The natural fillets listed by Auchan have both a gluten-free statement and sugar information available on their product page.

  • Auchan’s product information for Saupiquet natural fillets displays ‘gluten-free’, ‘no added sugars’ and less than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • These details apply to this specific product. Check the label if you choose another Saupiquet recipe.

Carrefour Extra

Carrefour offers Carrefour Extra mackerel in plain, tomato, mustard and escabeche recipes.

  • The range gives you different recipes to consider, depending on your preferences.
  • For each one, check the product page or packaging before drawing conclusions about gluten, allergens or sugar content.

Auchan

The retailer’s product pages can help you check the ingredients and nutritional information for a specific product.

  • Auchan’s product page for Saupiquet natural fillets includes useful food information for this choice.
  • Don’t assume that the details on this product page apply to other mackerel products or recipes.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Products related to this topic will be available soon.

Frequently asked questions

Is a tin containing mackerel, water and salt automatically gluten-free?

No. This ingredients list doesn’t, on its own, confirm that the finished product is gluten-free. If you need to avoid gluten strictly, look for a ‘gluten-free’ statement on the exact product or confirmation from the manufacturer.

Does ‘no added sugars’ mean ‘reduced in sugars’?

No. ‘No added sugars’, the ‘of which sugars’ figure and the comparative claim ‘reduced in sugars’ don’t mean the same thing. According to DGCCRF guidance, the latter requires, among other things, a documented comparison with a similar product; a low figure per 100 g isn’t enough.

What should you check when buying mackerel in sauce?

Check the ingredients and allergens for the exact recipe, then look for a gluten-free statement if it’s essential to your purchase. A sauce may contain ingredients that aren’t in the plain version, and its name alone doesn’t tell you anything conclusive about allergens or sugars.

How should you store mackerel fillets once opened?

Follow the instructions on the tin you’ve bought. The Saupiquet product pages consulted recommend keeping the fillets in the fridge and eating them within two days of opening. Check the instructions for any other product.