Looking for the best frozen fish to buy but overwhelmed by options? Whether you need good frozen fish to buy for quick weeknight meals or premium seafood for special dishes, we’ve done the taste-testing for you. Here’s your ultimate guide to the best frozen fish to buy at Walmart, Costco, and online plus which types and brands actually deliver on flavor and quality.
Top Frozen Fish Brands
1. Best Premium Pick: Wild Alaskan Company
- Why it wins: The best frozen salmon to buy if you care about sustainability and wild-caught quality.
- Perfect for: Meal prep, fancy dinners, and anyone who wants the best place to buy frozen salmon online.
2. Best Budget-Friendly: Kirkland Signature (Costco)
- Why we love it: The best frozen fish to buy at Costco huge bags of wild-caught cod and salmon at unbeatable prices.
- Try: Their cod fillets (the best frozen cod to buy for fish tacos).
3. Best at Walmart: Trident Seafoods
- Why it’s great: The best frozen fish to buy at Walmart reliable, affordable, and widely available.
- Look for: Their Alaskan pollock (a top pick for best frozen white fish to buy).
4. Best for Convenience: Sea Cuisine
- Why busy cooks love it: Pre-marinated fillets = zero effort. Their lemon butter salmon is one of the best frozen salmon brands to buy.
5. Best Frozen Fish Sticks: Gorton’s
- The best frozen fish sticks to buy for a crispy, kid-friendly option (yes, we taste-tested these too).
🐟 Best Types of Fish to Buy Frozen
| Fish Type | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Alaskan Salmon | High in omega-3s, rich flavor | Expensive |
| Cod | Mild, versatile, affordable | Can be bland if overcooked |
| Tilapia | Cheap, easy to cook | Farmed options vary in quality |
| Mahi-Mahi | Firm texture, great for grilling | Pricier than white fish |
🛍 Where to Buy Frozen Fish?
| Store | ✅ Pros | ❌ Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Costco | Bulk savings, high-quality | Requires membership |
| Walmart | Affordable, widely available | Fewer premium options |
| Online (Wild Alaskan Co.) | Premium quality, sustainable | Higher cost, shipping fees |
What Are the Best Fish to Buy Frozen?
Not all fish freeze well, but these are foolproof:
✅ Wild Alaskan Salmon – The best salmon to buy frozen (rich flavor, high in omega-3s).
✅ Cod & Haddock – The best frozen fish fillets to buy for baking or frying (mild, flaky, versatile).
✅ Mahi-Mahi – Holds up great to grilling (if you remember to thaw it).
✅ Tilapia – Cheap and hard to mess up, but stick to safest frozen fish to buy (look for ASC-certified).
❌ Skip: Delicate fish like sole – texture turns weird after freezing.
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Where to Buy Frozen Fish?
- Best place to buy frozen fish online: Wild Alaskan Company (for premium) or Vital Choice.
- Best store-bought frozen salmon: Costco’s Kirkland wild sockeye or Trident at Walmart.
- Best place to buy frozen seafood in bulk: Costco or restaurant supply stores.
How to Pick the Best Frozen Fish
✔ Check for ice crystals – A sign it’s been thawed and refrozen (bad news).
✔ Ingredients = fish only – No weird additives or “sodium tripolyphosphate.”
✔ Certifications – MSC (wild) or ASC (farmed) = the best frozen fish to buy sustainably.
Final Verdict
- Splurge-worthy: Wild Alaskan Company
- Everyday affordable: Kirkland (Costco) or Trident
- “I forgot to defrost anything” hack: Sea Cuisine’s pre-seasoned fillets
Frozen Fish FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
What is the best type of fish to buy frozen?
✅ Top picks:
Salmon (wild-caught, high in omega-3s)
Cod (mild, versatile for recipes)
Haddock (great for fish & chips)
Mahi-Mahi (firm, good for grilling)
Tilapia (budget-friendly, but check for certifications)
Is it best to buy frozen fish?
✅ Yes, often!
Frozen fish is flash-frozen at peak freshness, locking in nutrients.
More affordable than fresh, especially for premium types like wild salmon.
Longer shelf life—no rush to cook it immediately.
⚠️ Only if:
It’s high-quality (no freezer burn, no additives).
You thaw it properly (in the fridge, never at room temp).
Are frozen fish healthy?
✅ Just as healthy as fresh—sometimes healthier!
Nutrients are preserved by flash-freezing.
Wild-caught frozen fish (like salmon or cod) retains omega-3s.
Safer than questionable “fresh” fish that’s been sitting too long.
❌ Watch out for:
Breaded/fried options (high in sodium and unhealthy fats).
Farm-raised tilapia with questionable sourcing (look for ASC certification).
What frozen food is best for fish?
🏆 Best frozen fish brands:
Wild Alaskan Company (best premium)
Kirkland (Costco) (best budget bulk)
Trident Seafoods (best at Walmart)
Sea Cuisine (best pre-seasoned for easy meals)
🍤 Best frozen seafood beyond fish:
Shrimp (wild-caught or ASC-certified)
Scallops (dry-packed, no chemicals)
Mussels (pre-cooked, great for quick meals)