Birds Eye fish is a popular frozen fish product sold in grocery stores around the world. The brand offers a variety of fish fillets and other seafood products that are quick and easy to prepare. But an important question consumers may have is whether Birds Eye fish is real, natural fish or some kind of processed imitation. This article will explore the answer.
What is Birds Eye fish?
Birds Eye fish refers to the frozen fish products sold under the Birds Eye brand, which is owned by Nomad Foods. The product line includes fish fillets, fish sticks, shrimp, and other breaded and battered seafood. Some of the key products include:
- Fish fillets: Individually quick frozen fillets of fish like tilapia, haddock, cod, salmon, etc.
- Fish sticks: Breaded strips of fish that can be prepared by baking or frying.
- Fish burgers: Breaded fish patties that containing a minced fish mixture.
- Breaded shrimp: Peeled, deveined shrimp with a light breading.
The Birds Eye fish products are marketed as being high quality and natural foods. The brand highlights that the fish is caught from sustainably managed fisheries. But is it really just real fish?
Is Birds Eye fish made from real fish?
Yes, Birds Eye fish products are made from real fish fillets and seafood. The company states that all of its fish ingredients are 100% natural fish fillets with no artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives added. According to the Birds Eye website:
All of our fish sticks and fillets start with 100% natural fish or seafood. The fish is caught from sustainable sources then filleted, skinned, and boned before being expertly breaded or battered.
Some key points about the real fish used in Birds Eye products:
- The fish is sourced from fisheries that have been certified as sustainable by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council.
- Fish like cod, haddock, pollock, and tilapia are wild-caught species.
- Salmon is primarily farm-raised.
- Shellfish like shrimp and scallops are wild-caught.
- The seafood is processed at facilities that remove bones, skin, and pin bones, then cut into portions.
- No textured vegetable protein or other meat substitutes are used.
So while the fish goes through processing for freezing, portioning, and breading, the core ingredient itself is real, natural fish fillets or seafood. There are no imitation seafood products used in Birds Eye fish items.
What is surimi and is it used in Birds Eye fish?
Surimi is a fish protein product that is sometimes used as an ingredient in imitation crab and seafood products. It involves taking fish, like pollock or hake, and finely mincing the meat into a paste. The surimi paste can then be flavored and shaped to resemble crab, lobster, or shrimp.
However, Birds Eye has clearly stated that their products do not contain surimi or use it as an ingredient. Their fish sticks, fillets, and other items are made entirely from natural fish fillets and seafood.
Some grocery stores do sell imitation seafood products made with surimi under their own store brands. But name brand Birds Eye relies solely on real fish, not surimi mixtures.
What types of fish are used in Birds Eye products?
Birds Eye uses a select variety of whitefish, salmon, and shellfish species in their frozen fish items. According to their website, some of the specific types of fish used include:
- Cod – A popular whitefish prized for its flaky texture and mild flavor. Pacific, Atlantic, and Alaskan cod are used.
- Pollock – A light, mildly flavored whitefish harvested mostly in Alaska.
- Haddock – A lean, white fish caught in the North Atlantic Ocean.
- Tilapia – A widely farmed freshwater fish known for its mild taste.
- Atlantic Salmon – Farm-raised salmon prized for its omega-3 content.
- Pacific Whiting – Also called hake, it’s a sustainable whitefish from the Pacific.
- Sole – Farmed raised flatfish praised for its fine, delicate flavor.
- Shrimp – Wild-caught warm water shrimp species like whiteleg shrimp.
- Scallops – Wild sea scallops harvested mostly off the Northeast U.S. coast.
The exact fish types used may vary somewhat based on availability and sustainability factors. But Birds Eye disclose all fish species used on their website and packaging.
Is the fish sustainably caught?
Birds Eye says their strict sourcing standards require that all seafood be harvested from fisheries that are certified sustainable by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). The MSC has the world’s leading seafood certification program:
The blue MSC label ensures seafood comes from a fishery that’s sustainably managed. MSC fisheries maintain healthy fish population levels, minimize environmental impacts, and support the fishermen who depend on the resources.
For a fishery to qualify for MSC certification, it must meet rigorous standards for protecting stock health, limiting bycatch, and upholding robust management practices. Birds Eye also partners with suppliers associated with other sustainability groups like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.
By adhering to sourcing policies that require third-party sustainability certification, Birds Eye can offer quality fish while protecting long-term health and biodiversity of fisheries.
Is Birds Eye fish healthy?
Nutritionally, Birds Eye fish can be a healthy source of lean protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Some benefits of the fish in Birds Eye products include:
- High-quality protein – Fish provide all essential amino acids needed for muscle synthesis and tissue growth.
- Heart-healthy omega-3s – Fatty fish like salmon are rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular health.
- Low saturated fat – Fish are naturally low in saturated fat compared to red meat and poultry.
- Vitamins and minerals – Fish supply vitamins like B12 and D along with minerals like iron, iodine, zinc, and potassium.
- Low mercury – The whitefish varieties used by Birds Eye are low in mercury and safe to consume regularly.
Of course, breading, batter, and preparation method can affect the nutrition profile. But overall, the core ingredients in Birds Eye fish provide high-quality protein and nutrition.
The advantages of Birds Eye fish
There are several advantages to choosing Birds Eye when buying frozen fish:
- The fish is 100% real and natural with no textured vegetable protein or surimi.
- It comes from fisheries certified sustainable by MSC or similar organizations.
- The variety of fish offered provides options for different tastes, from cod to salmon.
- Birds Eye has a strong reputation as a quality brand for frozen foods.
- The frozen fish makes meal preparation easy and convenient.
- It’s an affordable way to buy seafood compared to some fresh offerings.
With transparent sourcing and proven results for quality and sustainability, Birds Eye is a reliable choice when seeking real, wholesome fish for meals and recipes.
Common Birds Eye fish products
Here is an overview of some of the most popular fish items sold under the Birds Eye brand:
Fish Fillets
- Cod
- Haddock
- Tilapia
- Atlantic Salmon
- Flounder
The fillets are skinless with no bones. They come in a variety of cuts like fish medallions, fillet portions, strips, and sticks. Just thaw and cook by baking, frying, or broiling.
Fish Sticks
Made from minced whitefish mixed with binders, coated in breadcrumbs, and cut into sticks. Can be prepared from frozen by baking in the oven or frying in oil.
Breaded Shrimp
Tail-on, peeled, and deveined shrimp with a light layer of Japanese-style panko breading. Best prepared by baking or frying from frozen state.
Fish Burgers and Cakes
Breaded fish patties, cakes, and nuggets containing a blend of minced fish, spices, and other flavorings. A quick protein option that can be fried, baked, or grilled.
This covers some of Birds Eye’s most popular items, but they also offer bakeable breaded tilapia, coconut shrimp, popcorn shrimp, crunchy fish fillets, and more.
Conclusion
So in the end, yes Birds Eye fish really is made from actual, natural fish fillets and seafood. The brand never uses textured vegetable protein, surimi, or other imitation seafood products. Their strict sourcing policies also mean the fish comes from well-managed, sustainable fisheries.
While the fish does undergo processing for portioning and freezing, the core ingredient is whole muscle cuts of real fish. The result provides consumers with an easy, convenient source of high-quality protein from the sea.