Birds Eye Fish Fingers Ingredients
Complete breakdown of Birds Eye Fish Fingers - the UK's best-selling frozen fish product since 1955.
Quick Facts
58% Fish Fillet Content
Birds Eye Fish Fingers contain 58% Alaska Pollock fillet - 100% fish fillet, not minced fish. This is higher than many budget fish fingers which may use minced fish or fish paste.
MSC Certified Sustainable
Birds Eye fish is Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certified, meaning it comes from sustainable fisheries with verified responsible fishing practices.
Allergens: Fish, Wheat, Milk
Contains fish (Alaska Pollock), wheat (gluten), and milk. Not suitable for those with fish allergies, coeliacs, or dairy allergies.
Full Ingredients List
Ingredients for Birds Eye 10 Omega 3 Fish Fingers:
Alaska Pollock Fillet (58%), Breadcrumb Coating (Wheat Flour, Water, Salt, Paprika Extract, Turmeric, Yeast), Rapeseed Oil, Wheat Flour, Wheat Starch, Salt, Skimmed Milk Powder
Relatively Simple Ingredient List
Compared to many processed foods, Birds Eye Fish Fingers have a short ingredient list with no artificial preservatives or flavour enhancers.
Additives Explained
| Ingredient | E-Number | Purpose | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paprika Extract | E160c | Colour (orange-red) | Natural colour from paprika peppers. Contributes to the golden breadcrumb appearance. Considered safe. |
| Turmeric | E100 | Colour (yellow) | Natural spice colour. Gives breadcrumbs their golden hue. May have anti-inflammatory properties. Considered safe. |
Main Ingredients
- Alaska Pollock Fillet (58%) - White fish fillet, not minced. Alaska Pollock is a mild-tasting white fish from the cod family, sustainably sourced.
- Breadcrumb Coating - Made from wheat flour, water, salt, and natural colours. Provides the crispy coating when cooked.
- Rapeseed Oil - Used in the breadcrumb coating. A heart-healthier oil compared to palm oil, high in monounsaturated fats.
- Wheat Flour/Starch - Used to bind the coating and help it adhere to the fish.
- Skimmed Milk Powder - Small amount for texture and browning of the coating.
Nutrition Information
Per 100g and per 3 fish fingers (84g - typical serving):
| Nutrient | Per 100g | Per 3 Fingers (84g) |
|---|---|---|
| Energy | 832kJ / 198kcal | 699kJ / 166kcal |
| Fat | 8.2g | 6.9g |
| - of which saturates | 0.8g | 0.7g |
| Carbohydrate | 16g | 13g |
| - of which sugars | 0.8g | 0.7g |
| Fibre | 0.8g | 0.7g |
| Protein | 14g | 12g |
| Salt | 0.70g | 0.59g |
Omega-3 Content
Birds Eye Fish Fingers contain omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) from the fish. A serving provides a contribution towards recommended omega-3 intake, though oily fish like salmon or mackerel provide more.
Fish Fingers Compared
| Product | Fish Content | Fish Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Birds Eye (standard) | 58% fillet | Alaska Pollock | 100% fillet, MSC certified |
| Birds Eye Cod | 58% fillet | Cod | Premium range, MSC certified |
| Supermarket own-brand (budget) | 40-50% | Various | May use minced fish |
| Premium own-brand | 55-65% | Various | Usually fillet |
Fish content varies significantly between brands and price points. "Fillet" means whole fish pieces, while "minced fish" may include reformed fish from various parts.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fish content in Birds Eye Fish Fingers?
Birds Eye Fish Fingers contain 58% Alaska Pollock fillet. This is 100% fish fillet - not minced or reformed fish. The remaining 42% is the breadcrumb coating.
Are Birds Eye Fish Fingers healthy?
They provide a good source of protein (14g per 100g), are low in saturated fat (0.8g per 100g), and contain omega-3 fatty acids. However, they are a processed food with added salt. As part of a balanced diet, they're a convenient way to include fish, especially for children who may be reluctant to eat other fish.
What type of fish is in Birds Eye Fish Fingers?
The standard Birds Eye Fish Fingers use Alaska Pollock, a white fish from the cod family. Birds Eye also makes a cod variety using 100% cod fillet. Both are MSC certified sustainable fish.
Do Birds Eye Fish Fingers contain additives?
They contain natural colours (paprika extract and turmeric) for the golden breadcrumb appearance. There are no artificial preservatives, artificial colours, or flavour enhancers. The ingredient list is relatively simple compared to many processed foods.
Are Birds Eye Fish Fingers gluten-free?
No, they contain wheat flour in the breadcrumb coating. They are not suitable for people with coeliac disease or gluten sensitivity. Some brands offer gluten-free fish fingers as an alternative.
How should I cook Birds Eye Fish Fingers?
They can be oven baked (the healthiest option), grilled, or shallow fried. Oven baking at 220°C for 12-15 minutes uses less added fat than frying. Always cook from frozen - do not thaw first.
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