Which option is right for you?

If you’re cooking on the day

You’re looking for fresh, uncooked fillets to season and cook for your meal. As they don’t keep for long, collection timing is important.

If provenance matters to you

You’d like to compare the species, fishing area and method, the fishing gear used and whether the fillets have been defrosted before choosing.

If you’re preparing a no-cook starter

Smoked or tinned fillets could work for your recipe. However, they’re not a substitute for fresh, uncooked fillets if you’re planning to cook the dish on the day.

What should you check before buying?

Fresh, uncooked fillets

Choose these: if you’re planning to season and cook the fillets on the day of your meal.

Bear in mind: according to Anses, fresh fish keeps for a maximum of 48 hours. For pre-packed products, follow the date shown on the label.

Smoked fillets

Choose these: if your recipe calls for smoked mackerel, for example in a cold starter.

Keep in mind: smoked mackerel isn’t the uncooked option you’ll need for a dish you’re cooking on the day. Check the storage instructions for the product you choose.

Tinned fillets

Choose these: for a recipe that calls for tinned fillets, such as a starter or rillettes.

Keep in mind: tinned fish won’t give you fresh, uncooked fillets to cook. Compare the ingredients with your chosen recipe in mind.

Once you’ve chosen the right option, focus on what could affect your preparation: how long it’ll be before you cook, the fishing information and how much you’ll need for everyone at the table.

What to check Things to look for Who this matters to
Fresh fillets to cook Make sure they’re fresh, uncooked fillets. Plan to collect them close to the meal and follow the date on pre-packed products. Anses recommends keeping fresh fish for no more than 48 hours, at between 0 and 4 °C. I want to season and cook the fillets on Christmas Day, without accidentally buying smoked fish or a tin. Around 50% of consumers would make this their priority.
Species and fishing details For the relevant unprocessed products, DGCCRF says the information provided should include the product name, scientific name, production method, fishing area, fishing gear and whether the fish has been defrosted. Before choosing fillets, I want to know which species and origin are shown on the label. This would be a priority for around 30% of consumers.
Pack size and collection Compare the weight with what you need and check the collection slot with the store. Carrefour lists a 250 g tray, while Auchan lists a 2 kg crate whose availability depends on deliveries. I’m looking for a quantity that suits the number of people at my table and a collection time that works with meal preparation. Around 20% of consumers would put these questions first.

Mistakes to avoid for your Christmas meal

  • Mixing up fresh, smoked and tinned fillets

    The Petit Navire and Saupiquet tins mentioned here, like the smoked fillet listed by Auchan, aren’t fresh, uncooked fillets intended for the dish you’re planning to cook.

    Check exactly how the product is described and read the ingredients before using it in your recipe.

  • Buying too early or leaving the fish out of the fridge

    Anses recommends keeping fresh fish at between 0 and 4 °C for no more than 48 hours. It also notes that mackerel is one of the species at risk of histamine forming if it isn’t stored properly.

    Use an insulated bag for the journey, put the fillets in the fridge promptly and follow the date on the packaging.

  • Planning your menu around an unconfirmed delivery

    Auchan says that the availability of its fish counter products varies according to daily deliveries and the fishing returns.

    Check with the store which option is available and when you can collect it before settling on your dish. Have an alternative in mind in case the delivery changes.

Retailers and brands to know when comparing options

Carrefour

Carrefour lists fresh mackerel fillets in a 250 g tray, separate from its tinned fillets.

  • The product listing states that they’re from the North-East Atlantic and will stay fresh for at least one day after delivery.
  • Check what’s available at your local store and confirm the conditions before planning your meal.

Auchan / Mon Poissonnier

The range includes mackerel fillets without belly flaps in a 2 kg crate, an option to consider if you’re cooking for a crowd.

  • The product listing identifies the species as Scomber scombrus and gives a storage temperature of between 0 and 2 °C.
  • Auchan says availability depends on deliveries and the fishing returns.

Petit Navire

The product considered here is a 110 g tin of plain mackerel fillets.

  • The ingredients listed are mackerel fillets, water and salt.
  • This is a tinned product, not fresh, uncooked fillets for a dish you’re cooking on the day.

Saupiquet

The product considered here is a 3 × 169 g pack of mackerel fillets in brine.

  • The product listing gives the ingredients as mackerel fillets, water and salt.
  • This is a tinned product, not fresh, uncooked fillets to cook for Christmas.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if mackerel fillets are fresh and ready to cook?

Look for a product clearly described as fresh fillets, rather than smoked or tinned mackerel. For the relevant unprocessed products, DGCCRF says the information provided includes details such as the scientific name, fishing area and whether the fish has been defrosted.

When should I buy fresh fillets for Christmas?

Arrange collection so you can store them for as little time as possible. Anses recommends keeping fresh fish for no more than 48 hours in the coldest part of the fridge, at between 0 and 4 °C. For pre-packed products, follow the date on the label.

Can I leave the fillets on the worktop while I get ready to cook?

Avoid leaving mackerel at room temperature while you wait. Anses says histamine levels can rise at this temperature and lists mackerel among the species concerned. Take the fillets out of the fridge only when you’re ready to prepare them.

Will a product I’ve spotted online be available in my local store?

Check with the store before finalising your menu. Auchan says its fish counter products vary according to deliveries and the fishing returns, so confirm which option is available locally and when you can collect it.