The UK's love affair with the humble fish and chip supper is being put to the test as soaring prices threaten the very foundations of this beloved national dish. The average cost has skyrocketed from £6.48 in 2019 to a staggering £11.17, according to the Office for National Statistics, forcing chippies to rethink their traditional menus.
The dramatic price hike is attributed to a perfect storm of factors, including Brexit, dwindling fish populations, fishing quotas, pandemic-related inflation, and geopolitical conflicts. The wholesale price of cod, the nation's favourite, has reportedly doubled in just two years, leaving businesses reeling and consumers searching for alternatives.
In response, many fish and chip shop owners are innovating with new species to replace cod and haddock on their menus. Harbour Lights in Falmouth, Cornwall, recently ran a "cod-free week," offering coley, pollack, and hake instead, which reportedly received a surprisingly positive reception from customers.
Other establishments, such as The Cod's Scallops in Nottingham, are now offering monkfish, plaice, and sea bass, while Donington Fish and Chips in Lincolnshire is featuring hake and plaice. Some chippies, like the Mayfair Chippy in London, have removed cod from their menu due to concerns over overfishing, with customers largely welcoming this change.
Industry insiders believe these alternative fish varieties, often from the same family as cod, can offer similar taste and texture profiles at a lower price point. For example, coley and pollack can sell for around £2 less than cod. Owners like Will Watson of Will's Plaice in Cromer are experimenting with New Zealand hoki, describing it as a cross between cod and haddock, priced at £12 with chips compared to £14.10 for cod.
As consumers become increasingly price-sensitive, chippies must balance affordability with sustainability. Under UK consumer law, businesses have a duty to accurately describe the food they are selling, ensuring customers can make informed choices about their purchases.