10. Gorton's Classic Fish Stick
As the name suggests, Gorton's is a quintessential fish stick, likely the one you remember from your childhood. In fact, Gorton's is the pioneer of ready-to-eat fish sticks, having been introduced in 1953 as the first of its kind. The eye-catching yellow bag contains several dozen slender, breaded fish sticks, offering great value at just under $8. The fish is wild-caught pollock, processed in New England, where Gorton's has been based since 1849.
That said, it was somewhat surprising (and disappointing) to see the original fish stick ranked so low. The reality is that this fish stick feels like a relic of the past. This isn’t necessarily a negative — if you’re seeking the nostalgic taste of childhood fish sticks at an affordable price, Gorton's is a solid choice. However, these fish sticks lack flavor, featuring finely minced fish and uninspiring breading. When compared to other options on the list, Gorton's ended up at the bottom; if I were to purchase from Gorton's, I would opt for their battered fish fillets instead.
9. 365 Whole Foods Breaded Fish Sticks
A less unexpected entry at the bottom of the list is Whole Foods' breaded fish sticks. Private label brands typically aren't regarded as the top choice in stores, often providing a more affordable option that sacrifices some quality. This is particularly true for items like fish sticks or snacks, which can greatly differ in quality. As a result, I approached this taste test with no preconceived notions, knowing it could just as easily turn out to be the best on the list.
The bag is filled with several dozen fish sticks, priced at just under $10. This makes it one of the best values on the list (second only to Gorton's), but it comes with a drawback: the flavor. The breading has a slight advantage over Gorton's, being crispy with a subtle taste, but the fish itself is similarly bland and dense. Additionally, the fish is minced, lacking the flakiness found in the higher-ranked options. I rated this slightly above Gorton's solely because the flavor is marginally better and the breading is crunchier, making it my preferred choice.
8. Ian's Fish Sticks
Like many others, my initial response to frozen foods labeled "gluten-free" is one of indifference at best. For a long time, gluten-free options were simply unappetizing, relying on substitutes that were often bland, dry, and crumbly. Nowadays, there are far more choices available that provide innovative and tasty alternatives to wheat, with some being just as good—if not better—than their traditional counterparts, including several on this list.
Ian's fish sticks are not only gluten-free but also nearly devoid of the most common allergens (aside from fish, of course). They exceed expectations and are a solid option for those seeking allergen-free choices, though they may not be the top fish sticks available. The interior is flaky and tender, while the exterior boasts a satisfying crunch; however, the overall flavor is somewhat unappealing, likely due to the corn used in the breading. While this isn't a dealbreaker—especially for those in need of allergen-friendly fish sticks—it did cause Ian's to rank lower on my list.
7. Trader Joe's Battered Fish Nuggets
Trader Joe's is well-regarded for its affordable frozen food options, particularly in the realm of frozen fish. They offer two varieties of breaded fish sticks: one in a classic stick shape and the other as nuggets. I had high hopes for the nuggets, anticipating that their larger size would result in a flakier texture. While the fish was indeed flaky, the flavor left something to be desired. The fish itself lacked seasoning, and the breading didn’t achieve the same crispiness as some of the other crunchy alternatives available.
The reason Trader Joe's nuggets rank higher on the list is due to their flaky texture and their broader, shorter shape. They resemble what you might find in a fish taco, making them one of the few nugget options available. However, the downside is that you may need to add your own seasoning to enhance the flavor. Priced at $5.99, these battered fish nuggets are also one of the best values on the list. So, if taste isn’t your top priority, they could be a worthwhile addition to your next grocery haul.
6. Van de Kamp's Crunchy Breaded Fish Sticks
Originally a potato chip stand, Van de Kamp's has transformed into a brand known for frozen fish, much like Gorton's, and boasts a rich history. It is widely available across the country at an affordable price, making it one of the most recognizable brands on store shelves. Van de Kamp's offers a traditional fish stick, similar to Gorton's, featuring a slender shape and a minced pollock filling. While both brands share similarities, Van de Kamp's stands out due to the flavor of its breading and the fresh taste of the fish.
As I evaluated each fish stick, I found that the minced varieties tended to rank lower on my list. Achieving a fresh flavor and flaky texture with minced fish can be challenging, but Van de Kamp's excels in this area, earning it a higher position than its competitors. The fish is light yet densely packed, resulting in a more pronounced fish flavor. Additionally, the fish stick avoids the dryness often associated with minced varieties. Although it may not be my top choice (reflected in its ranking), it remains a classic option that would serve well for snacking or quick meals if it's your only selection. However, if you're in search of a flakier, more flavorful fish stick that can do it all, you might want to explore options higher on the list.
5. Steve's Family Foods Salmon Nuggets
Steve's nuggets stand out on the list as the only ones made with salmon instead of pollock. Since salmon is one of my favorite foods, I was eager to try these and, I admit, I set my expectations a bit high (but I still rated them fairly). From the very first bite, I was struck by the flavor. It’s rich and distinctly fishy, as salmon typically is, but the strong lemon undertone elevates the taste to a level you'd expect in a restaurant.
Like many others on the list, the minced fish contributed to a lower ranking despite the robust flavor. Given that they are wider than a standard fish stick, I anticipated the nuggets to be tender and flaky, even though they were minced. Unfortunately, I found them to be dry and dense. If the fish had been flakier, these could have easily ranked near the top. Another drawback? They are by far the most expensive on the list, priced just under $13. This might be a good deal for salmon lovers seeking a convenient and tasty snack, but it’s still a steep price for a frozen treat. In the end, I placed Steve's Family Foods nuggets right in the middle of the rankings—would I eat them again? Absolutely, but not before trying a few other options.
4. Pacific Seafood Starfish Panko Breaded Fish Sticks
Do you recall my mention of how gluten-free options can sometimes surpass their wheat-based alternatives? Starfish's panko-breaded fish sticks exemplify this perfectly. They are not only the largest and most substantial fish sticks on the market—almost twice the size of their competitors—but they also boast an impressive crunch, thanks to their rich dark brown gluten-free panko coating. You would never guess that these are entirely allergen-free, which adds to their appeal.
However, the value aspect makes them a bit less appealing: while the package costs just $7 and contains sizable fish sticks, you only receive about 10 in total, which is just over two servings. This may be worthwhile for those seeking allergen-free options, but it’s difficult to overlook other brands that offer two to six servings per package. Nevertheless, these fish sticks are tender, crispy, and fresh, securing their place among the top four choices.
3. Trader Joe's Breaded Fish Sticks
While Trader Joe's fish nuggets may have fallen short, their fish sticks truly shine. Initially, I assumed the fish sticks would be similar to the battered nuggets, if not worse, since the recipes seemed comparable. To my surprise, the fish sticks offered a much richer and distinctly different flavor. The fish was decadently buttery, reminiscent of a freshly fried filet from a fish fry.
During my taste test, I noticed that the breading was a bit soggy, as if it struggled to hold in the buttery fish. As I began to evaluate the fish stick, I wondered if extending the cooking time by just a minute would help crisp up the breading. After trying again with the extra minute, the fish sticks emerged from the air fryer perfectly crispy, providing a satisfying crunch that paired beautifully with the buttery interior. This improvement led me to reassess my rating, placing it much higher now that the breading complemented the fish so well. However, the breading itself lacked significant flavor, which is why it ranks third on my list. Still, the mildness of the breading is hardly a drawback, given the deliciously buttery fish inside.
2. KidFresh Fish Sticks
Perhaps it was the vibrant green packaging or the claim that these fish sticks contain hidden vegetables, but I initially had low expectations for the KidFresh fish sticks. I enjoy vegetables, but they often compromise flavor. Coupled with the chickpea flour in the breading, I feared I would end up with a dry, bland, health-conscious version of my beloved fried treat. To my surprise, I was completely mistaken.
The KidFresh fish sticks may be small, but they are packed with flavor in every bite-sized piece. The breading stands out as the most flavorful among the options, incorporating seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and celery seed. The chickpea flour enhances the breading by giving it a darker, crispier texture while adding a subtle, earthy taste. The only downside is the fish inside, which, while flaky, lacks volume, likely due to the small size of the sticks. I would gladly serve these to kids as a snack, but more importantly, I would enjoy them myself, especially knowing they come with some health benefits—though I can't seem to spot those hidden veggies (they must be really good at hiding).
1. Trident Seafoods The Ultimate Fish Stick
By a stroke of luck, I decided to try the Trident fish stick first, and it turned out to be so delicious that it set the standard for all the fish sticks that followed. I had done a bit of research on The Ultimate Fish Stick prior to the taste test, so I was aware that it was Costco's offering and likely a strong contender (Costco has never let me down with frozen snacks). It certainly lived up to expectations, maintaining its top position even after sampling the delightfully crunchy KidFresh and the buttery Trader Joe's option. The reality is, these fish sticks embody what they should be: classic, straightforward, fresh, flaky, and crunchy, all conveniently shaped into an easy-to-eat stick. There’s nothing excessive about them, yet they deliver impressive flavor and an even better texture.
The fish has a subtly lemony taste, reminiscent of the salmon nuggets, providing a bright and zesty flavor that enhances the freshness of the flaky filets. The breading is remarkably crispy and flavorful, thanks to distinctive ingredients like malted barley flour, cornmeal, and ranch seasoning, which consists of a blend of onion and garlic powders, salt, and buttermilk powder. The shape is that of a traditional fish stick, perfectly sized—not too big or too small—and flaky enough to be used in creative dishes like fish tacos, chicken Caesar wraps, and po'boys, while still being sturdy enough to dip into tartar sauce on their own. The Ultimate Fish Stick is aptly named, as it truly stands out as the best among ten excellent options.
Methodology
While not all fish stick brands provided air fryer instructions, I decided to use my air fryer to cook each one for a fair side-by-side comparison. I chose the air fryer because it delivers optimal results—after all, fish sticks are essentially fried food, and that's where the air fryer excels. For those brands lacking specific air fryer guidelines, I aligned their cooking times with those of brands that had comparable oven-baking instructions. This approach allowed me to achieve the desired crispiness and make a fair comparison among the different brands.
In terms of ranking, I sampled each fish stick and assigned a score from 1 to 10 based on my initial impressions. To ensure the accuracy of my rankings, I tasted a second stick from each brand, taking the time to evaluate the breading, the fish quality, and the overall value. I made sure the breading was crispy, the fish was flaky and fresh, and that the fish sticks justified their price. For any ties, I conducted a final side-by-side taste test, ultimately rating the one I would be more inclined to purchase again.
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