Cod and haddock might be the nation’s favourite fish, but research suggests they could be falling out of favour.
According to a new survey, millions of Britons are now keen to trade imported fish for home-caught favourites.
More than 40 per cent of Brits say they are willing to experiment with species of fish they have never tried before.
That could mean traditional staples such as sprats, anchovies, and mackerel making a return to our supermarket shelves and tables.
Researchers from the University of East Anglia say that these smaller species are packed with nutrients such as retinol, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
However, besides being good for our health, scientists say that eating more British fish is critical to protecting British food security in the future.
Lead researcher Dr Silvia Ferrini says: ‘A simple swap – replacing even one imported fish dish with a local, nutrient‑rich species – could bring wide‑ranging benefits.
‘The UK could strengthen food security, cut carbon emissions, support coastal communities and help restore balance in marine ecosystems, all while giving families access to healthy, affordable and delicious home-caught fish.’
Millions of Britons are keen to swap important fish species like haddock and cod for British-caught varieties like mackerel and sardines (pictured)
Despite being an island nation surrounded by rich fishing grounds, British consumers are extremely picky when it comes to seafood.
Around 84 per cent of UK adults eat fish, with most consuming seafood at home once per week.
However, imports currently make up almost 90 per cent of all the seafood eaten in Britain.
This is because Britons overwhelmingly favour the ‘Big Five’ species, cod, haddock, salmon, tuna, and prawns, which account for about 80 per cent of all fish consumed.
Meanwhile, British species of smaller, oily fish like sardines and anchovies are almost exclusively exported to mainland Europe.
The survey found that 58 per cent of Britons had never tried sprats, 28 per cent had never had an anchovy, 23 per cent had never had herring, and 12 per cent had never even tried sardines.
‘Sardines and anchovies were once staples of traditional coastal diets, but nowadays, many British consumers have never tried them,’ says Dr Ferrini.
‘This imbalance drives up carbon emissions, leaves the UK vulnerable to global supply chains, and pushes shoppers towards the same narrow selection of cod, haddock, salmon, tuna and prawns.’
While over 80 per cent of Brits eat fish, with most eating it once per week, this consumption is concentrated on just a few species that are almost exclusively imported
However, Dr Ferrini and her co-authors’ latest study suggests that the tide may now be turning.
Many Britons are now willing or actively interested in trying fish species that may have once been deemed off-putting.
They found that 44 per cent of Brits would be willing to try whiting, 41 per cent said they would be willing to try sprats, while 30 per cent would be willing to try sardines.
While there is still considerable resistance to some species, with 41 per cent saying they would be unwilling to try an anchovy, this is a sign that food tastes might be shifting.
Increasing demand for these local species could help Britons eat more food grown within the UK, reduce our reliance on imports, and limit the impact that our diets have on the environment.
Dr Bryce Stewart, Senior Research Fellow at the Marine Biological Association and scientific reviewer of the report, says: ‘The UK’s current reliance on a small range of seafood types, mostly imported, risks food security and disconnects the public from its rich maritime heritage.
‘But this new research provides hope and guidance for how that might be changed, resulting in a combination of environmental, nutritional, economic and cultural gains.’
Additionally, the report highlights what changes might help transform consumers’ curiosity into new shopping habits.
A survey shows that British tastes are shifting towards more local-caught species, with 40 per cent saying they would be willing to try sprats (pictured)
Researchers found that prices off British fish like Herring would need to decrease quite significantly for people to switch from their usual choices like cod or tuna (illustrated)
Out of those who responded to the survey, 74 per cent of people said they mainly sourced their fish from supermarkets.
If supermarkets were able to promote more small fish or offer discounts for less popular varieties, consumers might be more convinced to try them.
However, the survey also found that consumers would be willing to pay a premium of up to £4 per portion of local and fresh fish.
Simply making the public more aware of these features in unpopular options like sardines could help shift diet choices back towards British options.
Dr Ferrini says: ‘Awareness campaigns, more adventurous canteen menus and stronger promotion from retailers will be vital in shifting public perception and helping small fish become everyday foods again.
‘This is a real chance to reconnect coastal economies with healthier, affordable food choices.’
