Best Places to Buy Seafood in the UK: Fresh Picks, Prices and Practical Tips

Why UK seafood deserves a place on your plate

If you love bold flavours and healthy meals, UK seafood is a brilliant choice. From briny oysters to flaky cod, the British coastline supplies a wide range of options that suit quick midweek dinners and special-occasion feasts alike. Plus, seafood can be lean, protein-rich, and fast to cook — perfect when you want something tasty without a long fuss in the kitchen.

Seafood price list: what to expect on a budget

Seafood prices swing with seasonality, catch size, and whether the product is fresh or frozen. Generally, common white fish like cod and haddock cost less per pound than premium items such as king scallops or lobster. Frozen fillets and shellfish are often better value per serving, while fresh day-caught fish commands a premium. Comparing a seafood price list before you shop will help you find the best deals.

Major supermarkets: where to buy reliable seafood across the UK

Supermarkets are a convenient go-to for most shoppers; they offer consistency, stock variety, and frequent promotions. Chains such as Tesco, Sainsbury's, Asda, Morrisons, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer, Aldi, Lidl, Iceland and Ocado each have distinct strengths when it comes to seafood sourcing, price and product range.

Tesco — wide selection and frequent offers

Tesco carries everything from frozen prawns and canned tuna to fresh fillets and smoked salmon. Look for multibuy deals to save on larger families or batch cooking: buying in bulk can cut your cost per pound significantly. Tesco's own-brand ranges tend to be cheaper than premium labels, yet still consistent in quality.

Sainsbury’s — quality and convenience

Sainsbury’s often balances quality and value, with a good selection of responsibly sourced items. Their Taste the Difference range and core lines give you choices at different price points, making it easy to switch between budget buys and indulgent treats without changing store.

Asda and Morrisons — low-cost options

Asda and Morrisons are often where you’ll find the lowest sticker prices on everyday fish like salmon portions or white fish fillets. They run regular promotions and rollback prices, making these stores great for stocking up when you want more affordable meals that still taste fresh.

Waitrose & Marks & Spencer — premium and ethically sourced

If sustainability and premium cut are your priorities, Waitrose and Marks & Spencer are worth the extra spend. They highlight fisheries with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) or other sustainability certifications, and their smoked and ready-to-eat ranges usually deliver excellent flavour and presentation.

Aldi & Lidl — best value for simple meals

For budget-conscious shoppers, Aldi and Lidl carry remarkably decent seafood at very attractive prices. Their frozen and chilled ranges rotate seasonally, and while choices are narrower, the value per pound is often unbeatable for family dinners or quick recipes.

Specialist seafood retailers: quality, variety and rare finds

When you want the absolute best or something unusual, specialist retailers and online fishmongers step up. The Fish Society, Wright Brothers, Loch Fyne and local independent fishmongers provide premium, carefully handled seafood and can offer filleting or advice on cooking and portion size.

The Fish Society — great for gifts and gourmet treats

The Fish Society is an online specialist known for premium products like scallops, lobster tails and smoked salmon. Their packaging and presentation make them a go-to for celebratory meals or when gifting food. Prices are higher per pound, but you pay for quality and convenience.

Local fishmongers — freshness and expert advice

Visiting a local fishmonger gives you fresh day-catch, custom cuts and personalised advice. Independent sellers can recommend what’s best for pan-frying, baking, or grilling, and will often portion fish to your preferred weight. Supporting local shops also helps coastal communities and can lead to better seasonal choices.

Frozen vs fresh: making the right choice for taste and budget

Frozen seafood often wins on value and convenience. Flash-frozen at sea, many frozen options lock in freshness and can be more sustainable and cheaper per pound than daily fresh stock. Fresh fish has a texture and aroma that many prefer, but if you’re not cooking it the same day, frozen is usually the smarter buy.

How to read seafood labels for sustainability and origin

Labels matter. Look for MSC, ASC, or other credible sustainability marks on packaging. The label should also include species name, catch method (e.g., line-caught, trawled), and country of origin. These clues help you pick choices that match your ethics and taste — and sometimes prices, too.

Seasonal buying guide: when to choose what

Seasonality affects price and quality. For example, bass and mackerel are often tastier and cheaper in warmer months, while shellfish such as mussels and scallops can peak at different times of year. Checking a seasonal seafood calendar before you shop helps you score better flavour and better prices per pound.

Simple storage and thawing tips

Store fresh fish at the coldest part of your fridge — ideally around 32°F — and use it within a day or two. Freeze in airtight bags for longer storage and label with date and weight in pounds or ounces. To thaw, move frozen fillets to the fridge the night before or use a fast cold-water thaw in a sealed bag for 20 to 30 minutes per pound, depending on thickness.

Cooking basics: quick methods that work every time

Seafood responds well to quick, high-heat methods like pan-searing, grilling, or broiling. For most fillets, a guideline is about 3 to 5 minutes per side depending on thickness; shellfish like prawns take mere minutes until they’re opaque. Keep an eye on the internal texture — fish should flake easily with a fork when done.

Budget-friendly seafood meal ideas

You don’t need fancy techniques to make seafood shine. Try a simple lemon-butter cod, garlic prawns tossed with pasta, or baked mackerel with herbs. Use frozen fillets for fishcakes or chowders where texture matters less, and reserve fresh or premium shellfish for plates where appearance and mouthfeel count.

Comparing prices: smart shopping tactics

To get the best value per pound, compare unit prices rather than package price alone. Check for promotions, multi-buy discounts and cashback deals from supermarket loyalty programmes. Buying whole fish and asking your butcher or fishmonger to portion can also save money compared to pre-cut fillets.

Safety and allergy advice

Always handle seafood with clean hands and utensils, and cook shellfish and fish to safe internal temperatures if you’re not eating them raw. If you or guests have shellfish allergies, be extra careful about cross-contamination on cutting boards and pans. When in doubt, pick recipes that avoid allergenic ingredients.

Top picks by dish: what to buy for classic recipes

Planning a recipe helps you choose the right seafood. For fish and chips, go for firm white fish like cod or haddock. For sushi or sashimi, buy sashimi-grade salmon or tuna from trusted suppliers. For a paella or seafood stew, use a mix of cheaper shellfish, frozen prawns and firm-fleshed white fish to keep costs down without sacrificing flavour.

Where to find the best deals online

Online retailers and supermarket delivery services often list unit prices and run flash sales on seafood. Specialist sites sometimes offer seasonal boxes or sampler packs that reduce per-pound costs. Comparison sites and price lists can save time by helping you spot which retailer currently has the best price on the items you want.

Smart swaps to lower your seafood bill

You can often swap pricey items for more affordable substitutes without losing taste. Instead of scallops, try king prawns; in place of tuna steaks, use salmon fillets; and swap lobster for claw crab in recipes that rely on delicate crab meat. Swaps like these can keep your meals exciting while staying within budget.

Trustworthy certifications to look for

Certifications such as MSC for wild-caught species and ASC for farmed seafood indicate responsible practices. Labels combined with clear origin information help you judge both environmental credentials and likely price per pound. When sustainability is important, those labels are worth the premium.

Final tips before you check out

Always check the unit price per pound, ask about catch dates for fresh items, and look for quick-sale stickers if you’re shopping in person and want to save money. If you have freezer space, buying on special offer and freezing portions can be a great way to smooth out seasonal price spikes.

Conclusion

Seafood in the UK is diverse, affordable when you know where to look, and easy to cook well. Whether you shop at major supermarkets for everyday value, specialist fishmongers for premium cuts, or online for rare finds and seasonal deals, understanding price lists, labels and seasonality will save you money and raise the quality of your meals. Keep an eye on unit prices per pound, prioritise sustainability labels if that matters to you, and don’t be afraid to try frozen options — they can be both convenient and delicious. With a few pantry staples and a sharp knife, you can turn excellent seafood into weeknight wonders or weekend showpieces.