Fish vs. Meat: why fish is a smart choice

More and more people are consciously choosing fish as an alternative to meat or combining both in a flexitarian diet. In this article, we compare fish with meat in terms of nutritional value, sustainability, and culinary applications. We also share tips for flexitarian menu options and how MOOIJER is responding to this trend.

1. Nutritional value: fish as a source of health

Fish is packed with essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids (found mainly in oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, and herring), high-quality protein, and vitamins D, B12, selenium, and iodine (found mainly in sea fish).

Meat also contains protein, iron, and B12, but often contains more saturated fat and no omega-3.

In short: fish provides essential nutrients that meat offers—especially if you choose fatty fish species.

2. Sustainability: fishing and farming versus livestock farming

Although not all fish is caught sustainably, certified fish (such as MSC or ASC) is generally less harmful to the environment than beef or lamb, more efficient in feed conversion, and often lower in CO2 emissions (depending on the fishing method).

Red meat, on the other hand, is known to be environmentally intensive due to deforestation, methane emissions, and high water consumption.

In short: by consciously choosing sustainable fish, you can significantly reduce your ecological footprint.

3. Kitchen: versatility & applications

Fish can be used in various ways in the kitchen, namely by steaming, grilling, baking, poaching, or smoking it. In addition, it is perfect for hot and cold dishes, starters and main courses, tapas, or street food.

Meat remains popular, but fish offers more easily digestible and fresh applications, especially in modern cuisine.

4. Flexitarian eating: balance is key

A flexitarian eats meat occasionally, but alternates with fish, plant-based, or vegetarian dishes. Fish fits perfectly into this diet:

• Offers variety in taste and texture
• Lightly digestible alternative to heavy meat dishes
• Offers scope for luxury, seasonal, or international creations (e.g., sushi, ceviche, prawns, dim sum)

For the hospitality industry and retail, it is attractive to offer fish as an alternative in meat dishes (e.g., tuna burger, salmon ceviche, shrimp curry).

5. MOOIJER and fish as a conscious choice

At MOOIJER, we believe fish is a powerful and responsible part of the menu. That’s why we offer:

• A wide range of sustainable fish products (MSC/ASC/Friend of the Sea)
• User-friendly frozen options (IQF) for portion control

Conclusion

Fish is a healthy, versatile, and more sustainable alternative to meat. In 2025, when conscious nutrition is becoming increasingly important, fish is a logical choice for those who want to combine taste, convenience, and responsibility. Looking for inspiration for the wide variety of fish? Discover our range and be inspired.

Want to know more? Contact us or check out our recipes and tips in the knowledge base.