UK Shoppers Overlook Nutritious Small Fish as Supermarkets Fail to Promote Local Options
Consumers in the UK are being encouraged to shift their seafood choices away from imported options towards more sustainable, nutritious, and locally caught fish such as sardines and anchovies. A study by the University of East Anglia found that over 80% of seafood consumed in the country is imported, with younger people and older pensioners being less likely to eat local fish.
The UK government recommends that individuals consume two portions of sustainably sourced fish per week, one of which should be an oily fish like salmon or mackerel. However, a significant number of Britons are failing to meet this target due to a lack of awareness about the health benefits and environmental impact of their seafood choices.
Researchers at the UEA's centre for social and economic research on the global environment found that sales in supermarkets were heavily concentrated around five main species: cod, haddock, tuna, salmon, and prawns. The study suggests that supermarkets could play a role in promoting more sustainable options by using strategies such as promotions or recipe cards to change consumer behavior.
Interestingly, data from supermarket sales showed that the availability of fish on offer had a strong correlation with its popularity among consumers. Salmon was found to be particularly popular, making up around 25% of all seafood sold, which is consistent with the percentage of salmon available in supermarkets.
The study also discovered that many consumers are willing to try local fish such as sprats and flatfish, with over 40% expressing a desire to do so if they were fresh, locally sourced, and reasonably priced. This suggests that there may be opportunities for supermarkets to promote more sustainable seafood options without alienating customers.
Overall, the study highlights the need for greater awareness about the health benefits and environmental impact of our seafood choices, as well as the potential role that supermarkets can play in promoting more sustainable options.
Consumers in the UK are being encouraged to shift their seafood choices away from imported options towards more sustainable, nutritious, and locally caught fish such as sardines and anchovies. A study by the University of East Anglia found that over 80% of seafood consumed in the country is imported, with younger people and older pensioners being less likely to eat local fish.
The UK government recommends that individuals consume two portions of sustainably sourced fish per week, one of which should be an oily fish like salmon or mackerel. However, a significant number of Britons are failing to meet this target due to a lack of awareness about the health benefits and environmental impact of their seafood choices.
Researchers at the UEA's centre for social and economic research on the global environment found that sales in supermarkets were heavily concentrated around five main species: cod, haddock, tuna, salmon, and prawns. The study suggests that supermarkets could play a role in promoting more sustainable options by using strategies such as promotions or recipe cards to change consumer behavior.
Interestingly, data from supermarket sales showed that the availability of fish on offer had a strong correlation with its popularity among consumers. Salmon was found to be particularly popular, making up around 25% of all seafood sold, which is consistent with the percentage of salmon available in supermarkets.
The study also discovered that many consumers are willing to try local fish such as sprats and flatfish, with over 40% expressing a desire to do so if they were fresh, locally sourced, and reasonably priced. This suggests that there may be opportunities for supermarkets to promote more sustainable seafood options without alienating customers.
Overall, the study highlights the need for greater awareness about the health benefits and environmental impact of our seafood choices, as well as the potential role that supermarkets can play in promoting more sustainable options.
I think it's crazy how much of our seafood is imported from other countries when we could be eating so much healthier and more sustainably right here at home! 
I mean, have you ever even heard of sardines or anchovies? They're like the superheroes of fish 
Plus, if people knew about all the health benefits of oily fish like salmon or mackerel, they'd be eating them in no time 
. It's time for a change and I'm all for it! 
I'm like totally frustrated when I see all those imported fish on the shelves 
? They're so good for us 
Cod, haddock, tuna, salmon, and prawns... 
. I wanna try some new stuff like sprats or flatfish 
. Can't they just offer more options?! 
. It's like supermarkets are prioritizing profit over sustainability. I mean, I've tried sprats before and they're actually really delicious! We just need more options at a lower price point to make sustainable seafood choices more accessible to everyone 
.
I mean, come on, UK shoppers! You're not even aware of what you're eating? Like, sardines and anchovies are basically a superfood – they're packed with omega-3s and protein. And it's not just about your health, it's also about the environment. All those imported fish are wreaking havoc on our oceans. I mean, have you seen the size of some of the fishing vessels out there? It's like a small island! 
. Supermarkets should totally start highlighting those local options more – it's not that hard! And have you seen those prices? Not too shabby, either. Maybe we can get a change in the seafood game here...
. But here's the thing, just 'cause we don't know about somethin' doesn't mean it's not worth learnin'. It's all about education and awareness, y'know? We gotta take responsibility for what we eat and how our choices affect the planet 
. And who knows, maybe we'll discover some new faves like sardines or anchovies 
. And don't even get me started on the fact that sardines and anchovies are basically invisible in most supermarkets 
. Come on, supermarkets, step up your game and promote some sustainability for once 