7 Frozen Fish Sticks You Should Avoid
Frozen fish sticks are a convenient dinner option that many families rely on for quick meals. However, not all fish sticks are created equal when it comes to quality, nutrition, and taste.
Some brands use low-quality fish, unhealthy additives, or excessive breading that diminishes their nutritional value.
Before your next grocery trip, take note of these seven frozen fish stick brands that might be better left in the freezer aisle.
1. Gorton’s Cod Fish Sticks
Despite being a household name, Gorton’s Cod Fish Sticks contain concerning levels of sodium. A single serving packs nearly 290 mg of sodium – that’s about 12% of your daily recommended intake in just a few small sticks.
The breading-to-fish ratio also leaves much to be desired. My son once called them “bread sticks with fish rumors” after discovering how little actual seafood was inside.
Plus, they contain questionable preservatives that many health-conscious consumers try to avoid.
2. Great Value Breaded Fish Sticks
Walmart’s store brand might save you money, but at what cost? Great Value Breaded Fish Sticks use long ingredient lists packed with starches, fillers, and natural colorants rather than letting simple seafood shine.
The fish itself comes from questionable sources with minimal sustainability practices. When cooked, these sticks often become either soggy or overly dry – never achieving that perfect texture you want.
The fishy aftertaste lingers unpleasantly long after eating.
3. Fisher Boy Fish Sticks
Fisher Boy Fish Sticks might tempt you with their budget-friendly price tag, but they fall short where it matters most – taste and nutrition. Made from minced pollock rather than whole fillets, the coating still crisps unevenly instead of delivering a reliably crunchy bite.
I once served these at a family gathering as a quick appetizer. My nephew asked if they were chicken nuggets gone wrong. The high oil content leaves a greasy film on your plate and palate.
Their nutritional profile also includes unnecessary sugars and starches.
4. Mrs. Paul’s Fish Sticks
Mrs. Paul might sound like a trustworthy kitchen companion, but her fish sticks tell a different story. The pollock used in these products is MSC-certified, yet the breading absorbs oil like a sponge, making them surprisingly high in fat.
The flavor profile leans heavily on salt rather than letting any natural fish taste shine through. Many consumers report a strange aftertaste that lingers uncomfortably.
These sticks also contain more fillers and binders than premium brands.
5. Van de Kamp’s Fish Sticks
Van de Kamp’s Fish Sticks might sport vintage-looking packaging, but what’s inside is nothing to feel nostalgic about. These contain alarming levels of modified food starch and corn syrup – ingredients that add empty calories while offering zero nutritional benefits.
Last summer, I bought these for a lakeside picnic thinking they’d be a hit. Instead, guests kept asking why the fish tasted oddly sweet.
The texture problem can’t be ignored either – they remain stubbornly mushy inside regardless of cooking method.
Their sodium content rivals fast food offerings.
6. 365 Whole Foods Breaded Fish Sticks
Surprising for a health-focused store brand, 365 Whole Foods Breaded Fish Sticks disappoint on multiple fronts. While they avoid certain artificial ingredients, they compensate with excessive salt and refined flours that spike blood sugar levels unnecessarily.
The fish portion appears measly compared to the thick coating. When baked according to package directions, they often dry out completely. The premium price point makes these shortcomings even harder to swallow.
For health-conscious shoppers, these represent a particularly misleading option.
7. Seize the Bay Crunchy & Breaded Fish Sticks
The catchy name can’t mask the problems with Seize the Bay Crunchy & Breaded Fish Sticks. These lesser-known market entrants cut corners with fish quality, using fragmented pieces rather than whole fillets. The result tastes more like fried breadcrumbs than seafood.
Their packaging boasts about being extra crunchy, but this comes from excessive breading and concerning levels of hydrogenated oils.
The fish itself lacks flavor and nutritional integrity. For a product marketed toward families, they contain surprisingly high levels of preservatives and flavor enhancers.