Retailers replace Atlantic mackerel with jack mackerel in canned goods

Major food suppliers and retailers, including Princes and Lidl, are increasingly replacing traditional Atlantic mackerel with jack mackerel in canned products. This shift is driven by dwindling Atlantic mackerel stocks and ongoing international quota disputes, often referred to as the ‘mackerel war’.

While the products are labeled, consumer group Which? has raised concerns regarding ‘skimpflation’, noting that shoppers may pay similar prices for a product with lower nutritional value. Jack mackerel, which belongs to the Carangidae family, contains approximately half the omega-3 levels and significantly less vitamin B12 compared to traditional mackerel from the Scombridae family.

Industry representatives note that jack mackerel is a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative, with wholesale costs reported to be roughly one-third that of Atlantic mackerel. However, critics argue the switch may unfairly impact the UK fishing industry and increases the carbon footprint due to sourcing from different regions.