'Skimpflation' warning as tinned mackerel alternative hits more supermarket shelves
Summary
Supermarkets are increasingly selling jack mackerel, a cheaper fish from Chile, instead of traditional Atlantic mackerel due to overfishing and low stocks of the latter. This change has raised concerns because jack mackerel has less nutritional value and tastes different, but it costs less and is considered more sustainable.Key Facts
- Atlantic mackerel stocks have declined sharply because of overfishing.
- Princes and Lidl supermarkets now sell jack mackerel as an alternative.
- Jack mackerel contains about half the omega-3 and a third of vitamin B12 of Atlantic mackerel.
- Jack mackerel costs about one-third as much as Atlantic mackerel wholesale.
- Jack mackerel is from a different fish family than Atlantic mackerel and was not previously allowed to be labeled as "mackerel" in the UK until recent rule changes.
- The change aims to provide a more sustainable fish option, as Chilean jack mackerel has Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.
- Consumers have complained about the taste, texture, and unclear labeling of jack mackerel products.
- The Atlantic mackerel fishery lost its MSC certification due to overfishing, leading some retailers to stop selling fresh mackerel.
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