Why McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish Tastes Different Today—and What Fans Are Saying

For many, McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish brings back fond memories. Yet, longtime fans might notice a change in flavor. Since 2013, McDonald’s has switched from cod to sustainably sourced Alaska pollock, a move that supports marine conservation but slightly shifts the sandwich's familiar taste.

Sustainably Sourced Pollock Brings New Flavor to McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish, Supporting Marine Conservation

A bite into a McDonald's burger can feel like stepping into a time machine, bringing back memories of simpler days before the demands of adulthood—back to when McDonald's Play Places was a destination, and birthday parties inside the restaurant were a highlight. This nostalgia for the golden days of McDonald's is a place that holds a particular spot in our hearts. Yet, biting into a Filet-O-Fish today might not deliver quite the same nostalgia in terms of taste.

This change in flavor has a reason. In 2013, McDonald's updated the Filet-O-Fish in the U.S., replacing cod with 99% sustainably sourced Alaska pollock to support global fish stocks. This shift earned McDonald's Marine Stewardship Council certification for Chain of Custody traceability across regions including the U.S., Canada, and South America. Now, every Filet-O-Fish is made with responsibly sourced fish, aligning with the chain’s unwavering commitment to marine conservation. This commitment ensures the future of the Filet-O-Fish. It supports the fishing industry's sustainability and our oceans' health, even if the flavor profile feels slightly different from years past.

Fans Claim Filet-O-Fish Is Shrinking, but McDonald's Insists Size Hasn’t Changed

Some Filet-O-Fish fans believe they’re facing another issue: shrinkflation. Many have voiced frustrations over what they perceive as a reduction in sandwich size. Although the Filet-O-Fish was never a menu giant like the Big Mac or Quarter Pounder, complaints about its “comically small” size and rising price have led to its nickname, the "McMinnow," A playful yet pointed jab at the perceived decrease in portion size.

McDonald's addressed the claims, asserting that the Filet-O-Fish hasn’t shrunk in years. This is supported by a TikTok user @chefmikeharacz, who noted that the size appears consistent, though prices have increased. This perspective from McDonald's and a customer helps to balance the discussion, providing a more comprehensive view of the situation and reassuring us that our concerns are being heard.