What fish does McDonald’s use in its Filet-O-Fish?

Initially created for Catholics observing meatless Fridays, McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish has evolved into a beloved choice for many. Ever wondered what type of fish is used in this popular sandwich? According to McDonald’s official site, the fish in every Filet-O-Fish is wild-caught Alaskan pollock, sourced from sustainable fisheries.

Interestingly, the Filet-O-Fish didn’t always feature pollock. When it debuted in 1962, halibut was the star ingredient. The recipe later shifted to New Zealand hoki fish, which was also used by rivals like Long John Silver’s, but due to overfishing and diminishing stocks, McDonald’s revised their recipe.

Many changes have taken place at McDonald’s in 2024, including a stronger emphasis on sustainable practices. This includes a 47.8% reduction in virgin fossil fuel-based plastics in Happy Meal toys, setting sustainability goals for beef, and a commitment to only use fish certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. While sourcing sustainable fish can be challenging, larger chains like McDonald’s make it somewhat easier by collaborating with eco-certified suppliers.

The choice of Alaskan pollock at McDonald’s is driven by two primary factors: supply and sustainability. With more than 14,000 locations across the U.S., sourcing large quantities of fish is essential, and Alaskan pollock is a fast-growing species, with its population carefully managed. Its mild taste also allows it to be paired with a variety of ingredients, enhancing its widespread appeal.

Previously, Filet-O-Fish included New Zealand hoki until the government limited the catch quota in the 2000s due to decreasing stocks. Most of the fish purchased by McDonald’s comes from fisheries that have been independently certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. These sustainability measures have limited McDonald’s sourcing options for seafood.

Similar considerations are why many fast-food chains in the U.S. opt for Alaskan pollock. If you’re hoping for a non-pollock alternative, your best bet may be to prepare a fish sandwich at home.

However, this does not guarantee that the Filet-O-Fish will exclusively always incorporate Alaskan pollock. In 2022, McDonald’s Director of Sourcing Jason Cervone indicated at the Genuine Alaska Pollock Producers annual meeting that the chain was facing more challenges with pollock (according to IntraFish). Historically, McDonald’s has shown willingness to adapt the Filet-O-Fish recipe in response to supply chain concerns.

It’s no surprise that McDonald’s worldwide sources their fish from various locations based on local prices, tastes, availability, and sustainability concerns. Both Canada and Singapore utilize the same wild-caught Alaskan pollock for their Filet-O-Fish, similarly to the U.S. In Australia, the sandwich features both pollock and hoki, while in New Zealand, hoki is the primary ingredient.

The sourcing isn’t the only variation across countries. In Canada, Singapore, and Austria, customers can enjoy the Double Filet-O-Fish with an additional serving. In several European nations, the Filet-O-Fish has been replaced with the McFish, swapping out tartare sauce and cheese for ketchup. Additionally, China offers a double-decker deep-sea cod burger, while the Indonesian version includes sustainably farmed Tilapia. Singapore even boasts the Black Pepper Cheese Filet-O-Fish, incorporating black pepper cheese sauce and lettuce.