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Sustainable and affordable whitefish swaps

Choosing ocean-friendly seafood is far easier and more affordable than you might think.

There’s no need to master new recipes – just swap in sustainable alternatives to your usual weeknight meals. Simple changes like this can make a big difference without sacrificing flavour or convenience.

Did you know that most of the seafood we eat in the UK actually comes from what we call the big five: cod, haddock, salmon, tuna, and prawns? This concentrated demand puts a lot of strain on wild populations, leading to unsustainable fishing and farming practices.

By mixing things up and trying other types of whitefish, you can help reduce pressure on over-exploited species, all while still enjoying delicious, affordable options.

Relying on just five species can also get pretty dull, so why not explore some of the other sustainably caught or farmed options available:

Basa

Basa is a mild-flavoured, affordable whitefish that’s widely available in UK supermarkets. It’s a great budget-friendly alternative to haddock and cod.

For the best option, choose basa certified by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC), GLOBALG.A.P., or Global Seafood Alliance Best Aquaculture Practices. Check the Good Fish Guide for more information.

Hake

European hake is a sustainability success story, bouncing back from an overfished stock to being green-rated on our Good Fish Guide. By choosing hake, you’re helping to support responsible fishing practices and healthier fish stocks.

This firm, flaky fish works perfectly in any whitefish recipe, whether pan-fried or in a stew.

Golden Hake Curry landscape

Why not try a golden hake curry?

Credit: Alexandra Dudley

Alaska pollock

Frozen Alaska pollock is a brilliant, versatile option for all sorts of dishes. It’s fisheries are well managed, making it an affordable and sustainable choice.

Download the guide today to your phone from www.mcsuk.org/goodfishguide to find the best option near you.

Is the fish on your plate red-rated?

Search our Good Fish Guide ratings and find out now

Whiting

Whiting is a delicate, mild-flavoured whitefish that’s often overlooked, but is actually one of the more affordable choices in our supermarkets. Perfect for fish pies, casseroles, or even fish and chips, it’s a fantastic like-for-like swap for cod.

Choose MSC-certified whiting for a green-rated option on the Good Fish Guide.

Looking for more inspiration?

With fish stock levels under pressure isn't it time we tried something new? Explore our sustainable seafood recipes and see what delicious fish you can discover.

Dive into our sustainable seafood recipes

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