It doesn’t take a fish connoisseur to realize that McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is undeniably delicious. Crispy on the outside and flaky on the inside, with a slice of cheese and a soft steamed bun, this sandwich has been a fan favorite for decades. But have you ever wondered exactly what type of fish you’re biting into? It turns out that it’s neither cod nor halibut, as many McDonald’s fans thought, but instead, it is one of the world’s most plentiful and sustainable fish—Alaska Pollock.
Believe it or not, Alaska Pollock is the fourth most widely consumed fish species worldwide after salmon, tilapia, and tuna. In addition to its abundance, the species provides an abundance of nutritional benefits, such as omega-3 acids, which are beneficial for your health.
From the Bering Sea to Your Sandwich
What’s even more unexpected is how fresh your Filet-O-Fish might actually be. McDonald’s ensures that the fish is wild-caught in the cold, tranquil waters of the Bering Sea, not farmed, and thanks to modern instant-freezing technology, the fish can be frozen at sea just moments after being caught. This process ensures you get the freshest fish sandwich you’ve ever had.
Alaska Pollock fishery is also governed by strict US regulations that ensure it remains plentiful and isn’t overfished. Alaska Pollock fisheries are also known for their incredibly low bycatch rates, meaning that almost no other fish is caught. This practice keeps the ecosystem balanced and ensures that Alaska Pollock remains available for future generations.
Almost Made with Halibut or Cod
Here’s something you might not know: The Filet-O-Fish wasn’t always made with Alaska Pollock. When the sandwich was first created in 1962 by franchise owner Lou Groen, it was made with halibut. Groen came up with the idea to make a fish burger to appeal to the city’s large Catholic population during Lent, a time when many people abstain from eating meat. At first, McDonald’s considered adding a pineapple sandwich (yes, really) to its menu as a meat-free alternative, but Groen’s halibut sandwich won out.
Eventually, they switched to cod, which remained the staple of McDonald’s menu for 50 years. However, as cod stocks became more depleted and sustainability became a bigger issue, the chain switched to Alaska Pollock. And it wasn’t just about the sustainability—Alaska Pollock also offered a more consistent supply and a much milder flavor that worked perfectly for a mass-market sandwich.
McDonald’s Commitment to Sustainability
McDonald’s sells a lot of Filet-O-Fish sandwiches. Like, a lot a lot. As of 2023, the company had sold approximately 300 million of those succulent bad boys. With results like this, the company’s decision to use a sustainable fish source is a huge deal. McDonald’s made history in 2013 by becoming the first US restaurant to feature the Marine Stewardship Council’s (MSC) blue fish label on its packaging, a sign of its responsibly sourced fish. Sourcing sustainable fish on such a massive scale is an impressive accomplishment for a company as large as McDonald’s, which operates in more than 100 countries.
The Popularity of Alaska Pollock Beyond McDonald’s
The use of Alaska Pollock isn’t just limited to fast food sandwiches. It’s one of the most popular fish in the US, and it appears in a variety of products beyond McDonald’s. In fact, if you’ve ever eaten a fish stick, there’s a high chance that it was made with—you guessed it—Alaska Pollock. The fish is also widely used in frozen dinners, seafood patties, and even high-end restaurant dishes.
One of the reasons for its popularity is its mild flavor, which makes it an accessible choice for consumers who might turn off the stronger taste of other fish like salmon or mackerel. Additionally, the fish’s firm, flaky texture holds up well in a variety of cooking methods, whether it’s fried, baked, or grilled.