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A popular type of tinned fish has changed in Tesco and Sainsbury’s, with some products now containing a different species. Princes, whose products are stocked by major UK supermarkets including Tesco and Sainsbury’s, has switched its branded mackerel range from North-East Atlantic mackerel to Chilean jack mackerel.

Despite its name, jack mackerel is not the same fish as traditional mackerel. It belongs to the Carangidae family, while true mackerel belongs to the Scombridae family.

There are also differences in its nutritional content. Princes’ jack mackerel contains around half the amount of omega-3 found in its traditional mackerel, according to nutritional information on the packaging.

The switch comes amid growing concerns over the sustainability of North-East Atlantic mackerel.

Stocks have fallen sharply over the past decade following years of countries setting fishing quotas above levels recommended by scientists.

Princes said it made the decision after concerns over unsustainable catch levels and a lack of progress towards an agreement on managing stocks.

The company has instead opted for Chilean jack mackerel certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

Shoppers may also notice a difference in the taste and texture of the fish, with some consumers reporting that jack mackerel is less oily than the traditional version.

The products are labelled as jack mackerel, although UK rules around how the species can be named changed last year.

Until December 2025, the species could be sold under names including “jack”, “horse mackerel” or “scad”, but could not be called “jack mackerel”. The rules have since been amended to allow the name.

The change does not mean all tins of mackerel sold at Tesco and Sainsbury’s have been replaced. Shoppers who specifically want traditional mackerel should check the name and species listed on the product before buying.