People keeping a close eye on salt
You’re looking for a clear salt-reduction claim and the amount of salt per 100 g, rather than relying on the word ‘plain’ alone.
Who are these options for?
People in a hurry in the morning
You want to serve fillets without cooking and choose a pack size you can finish within the stated time after opening. Auchan’s listing describes Connétable lemon fillets as ready to eat.
People who prefer to season their food themselves
You’re looking for a plain or no added salt recipe so you can choose what to add to your plate. Kerbriant lists fillets with no added salt; compare the nutritional information for the product you choose.
What should you look for first?
Reduced salt
Choose this if: you want an explicit salt-reduction claim and a figure you can compare on the label.
Bear in mind: the Connétable lemon recipe listed by Auchan contains, among other ingredients, vinegars, brown cane sugar and potassium chloride.
No added salt
Choose this if: you prefer a recipe with no added salt that you can season yourself.
Bear in mind: this claim alone doesn’t tell you how much salt the product contains or whether it has less salt than another recipe.
Plain or grilled
Choose this if: the recipe and flavour matter more to you than a salt-reduction claim.
Bear in mind: Petit Navire lists 1.0 g of salt per 100 g for its plain steamed fillets, while Saupiquet lists 1.2 g per 100 g for its plain grilled fillets.
| What to consider | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Salt content | The claim on the tin and the ‘salt’ figure per 100 g. | I want to compare recipes without assuming ‘plain’ means reduced salt. Around 36% of consumers are said to make this their top priority. |
| Quick preparation | How to prepare it and the storage instructions after opening. | In the morning, I want to serve the fish without cooking and know what to do with the leftovers. Around 29% of consumers are said to put ease of preparation first. |
| Ingredients | The full ingredients list, seasonings and allergens for the exact recipe. | I prefer to choose my own seasoning or avoid a particular ingredient. Around 21% of consumers are said to prioritise checking the ingredients. |
| Pack size and recipe | The pack weight and storage instructions once opened. | I’m looking for an amount I can finish and a recipe I’ll enjoy at breakfast. Around 14% of consumers are said to put this choice first. |
Common mistakes to avoid
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Assuming ‘plain’ means ‘reduced salt’
Petit Navire lists 1.0 g of salt per 100 g for its plain steamed fillets, while Saupiquet lists 1.2 g per 100 g for its plain grilled fillets. So the recipe name is no substitute for comparing the nutritional information.
Check the ‘salt’ figure per 100 g for the product you’re thinking of buying.
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Confusing ‘no added salt’ with ‘reduced salt’
The first claim means no salt has been added to the recipe; the second indicates a reduction compared with another product. They don’t mean the same thing.
If you’re looking for a specific salt content, check the nutrition table as well.
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Choosing a large pack without planning for leftovers
Auchan’s listings for Connétable lemon fillets and Saupiquet plain grilled fillets say to refrigerate them and eat them within two days of opening.
Choose a pack size you can finish while following the instructions for the product you buy.
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Overlooking the ingredients list
A marinade can contain ingredients other than fish. Mackerel is also classed as an allergenic fish.
Check the ingredients and allergen information on the packaging of the variety you choose.
Brands to know
Connétable
Worth considering if you’re looking for mackerel fillets with an explicit salt-reduction claim.
- Auchan’s listing for the organic lemon fillets labelled ‘-30% salt’ gives a salt content of 0.21 g per 100 g and a pack size of 130 g.
- The marinade includes vinegars, brown cane sugar, potassium chloride and a thickener, among other ingredients. Check that it suits your preferences.
Kerbriant
Recipes to consider if you prefer fillets labelled ‘no added salt’.
- Kerbriant lists plain fillets and organic olive oil fillets with no added salt, including a 200 g pack.
- The ‘no added salt’ claim is no substitute for checking the salt content per 100 g on the product you buy.
Petit Navire
Plain steamed mackerel fillets offer a point of comparison if you’re after a simple recipe.
- Petit Navire lists 99% mackerel fillets and salt in the ingredients for this product.
- The brand gives a salt content of 1.0 g per 100 g: ‘plain’ doesn’t mean reduced salt.
Saupiquet
Grilled recipes to compare if this is the type of preparation you’re looking for.
- Saupiquet lists 1.2 g of salt per 100 g for its plain grilled fillets and 0.78 g per 100 g, drained, for its grilled extra virgin olive oil recipe.
- These figures relate to two different recipes and presentation bases, so check the label of the one you choose.
Related Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Frequently asked questions
What does ‘reduced salt’ mean on a tin of mackerel?
It’s a comparative claim regulated in the European Union under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. When choosing a tin, check the comparison stated on the packaging as well as the salt content per 100 g.
Does ‘no added salt’ mean ‘reduced salt’?
No. ‘No added salt’ refers to the recipe, while ‘reduced salt’ indicates a comparative reduction. To find out how much salt is in the tin you’ve chosen, check its nutrition information.
Can you keep an opened tin for breakfast the next day?
Yes, as long as you follow the instructions for the product you’ve bought. Auchan’s listings for Connétable lemon fillets and Saupiquet plain grilled fillets say to refrigerate them after opening and eat them within two days.
Which allergens should you check on a tin of mackerel?
Check the fish first, then read the full ingredients list for the recipe you’ve chosen. Under the labelling rules for pre-packed foods in the European Union, as outlined by Your Europe, any allergens present must be highlighted in the ingredients list.