87% of children aren't eating enough fish, new research finds

New research suggests fussy eating and a lack of confidence preparing fish are stopping families from serving it more often.

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Published: September 15, 2026 at 11:00 AM

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New research suggests many children across the UK are eating far less fish than the recommended amounts.

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A survey of 2,000 UK parents, commissioned by seafood specialist Regal Fish, found that 87% of children do not eat the NHS-recommended two portions of fish a week, including one portion of oily fish. More than one in five children, 21%, are not eating fish at all.

For parents trying to navigate fussy eating alongside busy family mealtimes, introducing fish can feel like another challenge. Almost a third of parents, 30%, said fussy eating and refusing to try new foods was the biggest barrier to serving healthier family meals.

Why are children eating so little fish?

The research points to a combination of practical and mealtime challenges. Nearly two in five parents, 39%, said quick, family-friendly recipes would help them serve seafood more often.

There are also differences in parents' confidence in the kitchen. The survey found that 20% of dads lack confidence when preparing fresh fish, compared with 10% of mums.

Mums, meanwhile, reported more mealtime resistance when serving fish. Almost three in 10 mums, 29%, said serving fish involved active bargaining, compared with 21% of dads. Mums were also almost twice as likely to report complete meal refusal, at 15% compared with 8% of dads.

Many parents are unaware of potential developmental links

The research also found a knowledge gap around seafood and childhood development. More than half of parents, 51%, said they were unaware of research linking low seafood consumption in early childhood with lower prosocial behaviours, including sharing, empathy and cooperation.

The survey found that 88% of children of Millennial parents aged 30 to 45 were falling short of the twice-weekly fish target.

Hani Girgis, E-Commerce Manager at Regal Fish, said the findings showed a gap between parents' intentions and what makes it onto the family dinner table.

Our research highlights a clear gap between what children need for healthy cognitive and social development and what is actually reaching the dinner table.

Hani Girgis, E-Commerce Manager at Regal Fish

Girgis said that worries about food waste, preparation confidence and fussy eating could all contribute to parents' hesitation. He added that almost two in five parents said quick, accessible family recipes would encourage them to introduce more seafood.

Young Boy Eating Fish fingers and Vegetables

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Five ways to make fish easier for fussy eaters

1. Add fish to a family favourite

Rather than introducing an entirely new meal, Girgis suggests making a small change to something your child already enjoys.

“One of the easiest tricks is starting with dishes children already love and simply swapping the main protein.

“Try flaking mild white fish or stirring tinned tuna into familiar staples like macaroni cheese, pasta bakes or homemade tacos. It’s a stress-free way to introduce fish without presenting children with an entirely unfamiliar meal.”

2. Keep portions small

A full fillet can feel like a big ask for a child who is unsure about a new food. Starting with a small amount may make it easier for them to explore it without pressure.

Girgis says: “Parents don’t need to serve a full fillet when introducing a new type of fish.

“Keep servings small and pressure-free, and celebrate little wins such as touching the food or trying a single bite. Parents can always offer more if their child enjoys it.”

3. Don't overlook frozen or tinned fish

Frozen and tinned options can make it easier to keep fish on the family menu without needing to use a fresh portion straight away.

“Keeping frozen or tinned fish available gives families greater flexibility,” Girgis says.

“Tinned tuna can be used in pasta, sandwiches and jacket potatoes, while individually frozen portions make it easier to cook the right amount and save the rest for another day.”

4. Give leftovers another life

Planning a second meal for leftovers can help families make better use of the food they buy, particularly if children only eat a small amount at first.

“Before cooking, think about how any leftovers could be used the following day.

“Cooked fish could be turned into homemade fishcakes or added to pasta, wraps or lunch dishes. Giving leftovers a purpose makes them less likely to be forgotten and thrown away.”

5. Try changing the texture

If your child rejects fish prepared one way, it may be worth trying a different texture before writing it off completely.

Girgis says: “When children push fish away, it is rarely just about the taste. More often than not, it comes down to how it feels in their mouth.

“Many children prefer a satisfying crunch, so experimenting with panko breadcrumbs, homemade herb crusts or a light oven-baked batter can work wonders.”

Fish consumption varies across the UK

The survey also found regional differences in the number of children meeting the twice-weekly target. London had the highest proportion, at 19%, while the South West had the lowest, at 9%.

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The survey was commissioned by Regal Fish and conducted by market research agency Walr in 2026 among 2,000 UK parents of children aged 0 to 18.

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