For a child’s dinner, don’t assume that a label saying ‘plain’ means the mackerel carries a ‘reduced sugar’ claim. Compare the sugars listed and the ingredients for the product you’re considering. Sauced or marinated recipes may contain other ingredients, such as vinegar, oil or wine, depending on the recipe. You should also adjust the portion to your child’s age and check the fillet before serving.
If you want to check the ingredients and listed sugars at a glance, Petit Navire, Auchan and Pêche Océan plain fillets are examples of recipes with only a few ingredients. Always check the label on the tin you choose.
A whole tin isn’t necessarily a child’s portion. Manger Bouger advises that, for children aged 4 to 6, a portion of fish is around half an adult portion.
Check the packaging for fish and any sauce ingredients, then inspect the fillet before serving. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the ingredients list on prepacked foods.
When comparing mackerel for a child’s dinner, start with the recipe and the ‘of which sugars’ figure. Then check the portion size and any precautions specific to the tin you choose.
Worth considering: if you prefer a short ingredients list; the Petit Navire and Auchan plain options each state 99% mackerel and salt.
Bear in mind: even with a plain recipe, you should check the label and inspect the fillet before serving.
Worth considering: if a recipe containing olive oil suits the meal; the Saupiquet grilled fillets mentioned contain 85% mackerel and 10% extra virgin olive oil.
Bear in mind: their sugar figure is given per 100 g drained, so take this into account when comparing products.
Worth considering: if the recipe and its ingredients suit your family’s preferences.
Bear in mind: Petit Navire’s escabeche and white wine recipes differ from the plain version; the white wine recipe lists 1% white wine.
| Criteria | What to check | Who is it for? |
|---|---|---|
| Ingredients and sugars | Compare the ingredients and the ‘of which sugars’ figure per 100 g, distinguishing between the whole product and the drained product. | I want to be able to read the recipe without confusing a low sugar figure with a reduction claim; around 43% of consumers make this their top priority. |
| Portion and recipe | Check the amount actually served for your child’s age and the ingredients in any sauce. | If the tin contains more than the amount planned for my child, I’d prefer to be able to share it; for around 29% of consumers, adjusting the portion and choosing a suitable recipe come first. |
| Allergens and serving | Read the allergen information and storage instructions after opening; inspect the fillet before serving. | I need to check the ingredients and look for any bones before the meal; these precautions are the main concern for around 28% of consumers. |
A listed figure of 0 g or less than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g applies to a specific product; it isn’t enough to substantiate a comparative claim.
Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures on the same basis and, if the claim matters to you, look for it on the packaging of the exact product.
The size of the tin doesn’t determine how much to serve a child. Manger Bouger gives a guide of around half an adult portion of fish for children aged 4 to 6.
Decide how much to serve based on your child’s age, and follow the packaging instructions for storing the rest.
Mackerel contains the fish allergen, and buying fillets doesn’t mean you can skip checking them before serving.
Read the allergen information on the tin and inspect the fillet, particularly if you’re serving it to a young child.
Petit Navire’s escabeche and white wine recipes contain ingredients that aren’t in the plain fillets; the white wine recipe specifically lists white wine.
If you want to avoid an ingredient, check the full ingredients list for the product you’re choosing rather than relying on the front of the pack.
The brand offers plain steamed fillets as well as recipes in sauce or marinades.
The range mentioned includes plain fillets and fillets grilled in extra virgin olive oil.
The retailer offers plain mackerel fillets in a 120 g tin.
The product mentioned is a 95 g tin of plain mackerel fillets.
The range includes mackerel fillets in tomato sauce, in a 169 g tin.
No. A low listed figure isn’t enough to substantiate a comparative claim. Auchan states less than 0.5 g of sugars per 100 g for its plain fillets, while Pêche Océan states 0 g per 100 g for its plain fillets. If you’re specifically looking for a reduction claim, check that it appears on the product you choose and see what it’s compared with.
Not necessarily: the size of the tin isn’t the same as a child’s portion. Manger Bouger advises that, for children aged 4 to 6, a portion of fish is around half an adult portion. Adjust the amount you serve and follow the storage instructions for the rest.
First check for fish, then check the other ingredients and allergen information for the recipe you choose. The DGCCRF reminds consumers that allergenic ingredients must be highlighted in the ingredients list on prepacked foods.
Follow the instructions on the product you’ve bought. For the Auchan plain mackerel fillets mentioned here, the instructions are to refrigerate after opening and consume within two days.
No, their ingredients lists differ. Petit Navire plain steamed fillets list 99% mackerel and salt, while the Petit Navire white wine and herbs recipe lists white wine vinegar and 1% white wine, among other ingredients. If you want to avoid this ingredient, check the ingredients list on the tin you choose.