Love Tuna? Here’s Why You Should Try Mackerel Next

If you love tuna, you’re in for a treat. Meet mackerel, tuna’s close cousin. They belong to the same fish family, which means that they share a similar flavour and texture. However, mackerel has a personality all its own – mildly sweet, buttery, and tender, with a rich depth of flavour in every bite. It also brings unique perks to the table that make it a true “must-try” for any seafood fan.

Why Mackerel is a Great Choice

Mackerel is tasty, healthy, and incredibly easy to serve. Here’s why tuna fans are making the switch:

1. Superior Nutrient Density

While tuna is a protein powerhouse, mackerel definitely wins on the nutrient front, besides being high in protein, mackerel also has:

Heart-Healthy Fats – great for heart and brain health.
- Mackerel contains significantly more omega-3 fatty acids than tuna, which are beneficial for the heart, brain, and overall health.
Vitamins and Minerals
- Higher in vitamin B12, which supports energy and brain function.
- Higher in vitamin D, which helps with calcium absorption, immune function, and bone health.
- Richer in minerals like magnesium (supports muscle and nerve function) and iron (helps your blood carry oxygen throughout your body, supporting energy levels).
- This makes it a nutrient‑rich alternative to tuna.
Lower Mercury Risk
- Smaller mackerel species usually contain less mercury than tuna, which are bigger and live longer, and therefore accumulate more mercury in their bodies over their lifespan. Choosing mackerel ensures you are getting more of the good stuff and less of the bad stuff.

2. Delicious Taste & Texture

Mackerel is a bolder, richer choice that has a savoury, yet mildly sweet taste and buttery texture that’s satisfying when consumed by itself, or in a recipe. Tuna, though equally as versatile, often requires additional preparation or seasoning before being consumed.

Tip for tuna fans: If you’re unsure about mackerel, pair it with bright flavours like lemon, fresh herbs, or garlic to balance its richness and ease into the taste.

3. Sustainability & Value

Mackerel can also be a more sustainable and budget-friendly option compared with many tuna choices. In many fisheries, it is considered a lower-impact alternative when responsibly sourced.

Price-wise, canned mackerel is often comparable in cost to albacore and slightly higher than standard light tuna, but given that it delivers an excellent taste experience, and is naturally more nutritious (omega 3s, vitamins and minerals) than tuna. Many shoppers find this a worthwhile value.

How to Try Mackerel

If you’re new to mackerel, start with high-quality, skinless, and boneless wild-caught mackerel. Whether fresh or canned, it delivers great taste while also being nutritious.

Give these simple recipes a whirl:

For tuna lovers, mackerel is an easy, tasty, and nutritious way to switch things up. It offers a richer flavour and moist texture while staying close enough to the familiar fish you already enjoy.

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