Supermarkets are increasingly offering jack mackerel as a substitute for traditional tinned mackerel, a change attributed to declining stocks of Atlantic mackerel due to overfishing. This shift, termed 'skimpflation,' raises concerns about nutritional quality, as jack mackerel contains significantly less omega-3 and vitamin B12 compared to its Atlantic counterpart.
Consumer complaints have emerged regarding taste and labeling clarity. The Marine Stewardship Council has noted that mackerel catches in the north-east Atlantic have exceeded recommended levels, prompting calls for reduced fishing quotas to allow stock recovery.
As supermarkets pivot to jack mackerel, consumers should monitor product labels for clarity and nutritional content. Watch for potential regulatory changes in fishing quotas that could impact availability and pricing of both jack and Atlantic mackerel in the coming months.