A Comparison of Popular White Fish – U.S. Farmed-Raised Catfish Remains A Family Favorite (2024)

Seafood is diverse and the many varieties of seafood provide a wide range of flavors, textures and nutritional values. White fish have white-colored flesh and are typically found closer to the bottom of lakes and seas. White fish is low in fat, high in protein and has subtle flavoring, which makes it a popular choice for consumers. When choosing what type of fish to eat and feed your family, it is important to know the differences in various white fish species. Tilapia and cod are two well-known white fish that can be compared to catfish due to their similar textures and nutritional values. Although popular, the sources of tilapia and cod may be unreliable. Heartland Catfish processing facilities and the farms we work with are stringently regulated for quality control by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and other federal, state and local agencies making our products a healthy and viable food source.

Tilapia

Tilapia is a popular white fish that can be found fresh or frozen at your local grocery store and is also sold live at markets. Native to Africa, tilapia was first introduced to America around the 1980s for lake regulation. There are many species of tilapia, but the three most common are Nile Tilapia, Blue Tilapia and Mozambique Tilapia. Packed with protein, tilapia is nutrient dense with a mildly sweet taste and is rich in vitamin B12, phosphorus, niacin, potassium and selenium. Not all tilapia served and sold in the United States is grown in the United States. According to the University of Mississippi, the U.S. depends on imports for 96% of its supply of tilapia products. Consuming imported fish is not the safest option due to uncontrollable origins and unknown nutrient intake of fish. One hundred percent of Heartland Catfish products are grown in the United States, where we ensure high-quality U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish by managing the supply from egg to harvest.

Cod

Cod is a saltwater fish that is primarily farmed off the east coast of the United States. Atlantic cod range from Greenland to the capes of North Carolina. Famous for being the white meat in fish and chips, cod is a popular consumer option because of its flaky texture and mild flavor. Cod is low in mercury, high in lean protein and is a good source of B vitamins. Comparatively, U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish has a uniquely sweet yet mild flavor profile and firm flesh that has less flake. The price of cod has increased due to the global decrease in the supply of cod over the past few years, creating strict regulations on harvest limits to prevent over-fishing. At Heartland Catfish, more than 60 million pounds of live catfish are processed annually, allowing for consistent, high-quality U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish at an affordable price.

Heartland Catfish

Tilapia and cod can be nice choices when choosing a white fish, but Heartland Catfish remains an affordable and delicious option among white fish. Catfish is iconic to the culture of America, where people are brought together through all sorts of celebrations. The versatility of catfish allows for a plethora of recipes and is inclusive to many different diets while making sure all tastebuds are accounted for. While the source of other white fish may not be the most trustworthy, consumers never have to question Heartland Catfish products.

Heartland Catfish Company catfish are specifically fed formulated high-protein, grain-based feed that gives them their signature mild and sweet flavor. Our catfish are controlled from egg to plate, to guarantee consumers receive the highest quality products that meet the highest standards. When you buy Heartland Catfish, you can feel confident in your sustainable seafood choice. We recommend all consumers investigate the source of the food you purchase to make sure it is the best option for you and your family.

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A Comparison of Popular White Fish – U.S. Farmed-Raised Catfish Remains A Family Favorite (2024)

FAQs

Is US farm-raised catfish healthy? ›

Is U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish healthy? U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish is a lean fish and an excellent source of protein. It is low in saturated (bad) fat and is a moderate source of polyunsaturated (good) fat and omega-3 fatty acids.

What white fish is similar to catfish? ›

Tilapia and cod are two well-known white fish that can be compared to catfish due to their similar textures and nutritional values.

What type of catfish is farm-raised? ›

Channel catfish (Ictalurus punctatus) — make up 90% of U.S. farm-raised catfish. They are the most important species of aquatic animal commercially cultured in the United States. Blue catfish (Ictalurus furcatus) — are larger than channel catfish, have smaller heads and have a higher percentage of edible meat.

Why do farm-raised catfish taste bad? ›

Tiny amounts make for muddy-flavored fish

Geosmin is a compound formed by various bacteria and algae in water where fish are raised. As farmed fish absorb geosmin through their gills, the compound begins to accumulate. And once there is enough of it, it imparts a muddy taste to the fish flesh.

Is farm-raised fish ok to eat? ›

The answer is that it depends. In some instances, they are a better option than wild-caught fish. PubMed data published in Dec 2020 has revealed that one portion of farmed Atlantic salmon contains the same amounts of EPA and DHA as wild salmon. Also, it has a higher amount of omega-6 acids but fewer contaminants.

What is the healthiest farm-raised fish? ›

Rainbow trout (also referred to as steelhead trout), is one of the best fish to eat when it's farmed in the U.S. or in indoor recirculating tanks, according to Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch.

What is the healthiest white fish to eat? ›

Cod. It's a British classic in meals such as fish & chips, but cod is also one of the healthiest white fish around. Cod is high in protein, low in fat and a good source of vitamin B12, which is needed for energy and nervous system support and may be important in helping prevent depression.

Is white catfish good? ›

White catfish are very good to eat.

Are whitefish good to eat? ›

Lake whitefish has a delicate, mild flavor. It's a solid choice for people who aren't keen on eating food that tastes “fishy.” The flesh is medium-firm with a large flake. Lake whitefish has higher levels of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA) than Atlantic cod.

Is catfish ok to eat? ›

Catfish is low in calories and packed with lean protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. It's particularly rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fats and vitamin B12. It can be a healthy addition to any meal, though deep frying adds far more calories and fat than dry heat cooking methods like baking or broiling.

Why is farm-raised catfish so expensive? ›

Since feed costs account for more than half of the total cost of producing catfish, high fish prices are simply covering the higher operational costs of catfish farms. While farmers are getting higher prices than before for their product, consumers are paying record-high prices of $7 to $9 per pound at retail.

Is farm-raised catfish high in mercury? ›

What's the difference? Imported catfish is raised without as many regulations, and it's more likely to contain toxins and higher levels of heavy metal, such as mercury. U.S. farm-raised catfish production, however, is strictly regulated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for safety and has low toxin levels.

Is farmed raised catfish healthy? ›

Catfish is a good source of protein, healthy fat, vitamins and minerals. Especially when prepared using healthy ingredients, these are the foundation of a nutritious meal. U.S. farm-raised catfish is raised sustainably, meaning you are eating a fresh, clean product.

What is the most toxic farm-raised fish? ›

The consumption of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) has been increasing globally, raising concerns about the presence of toxins in these fish.

Why does my catfish smell so bad? ›

Freshwater fish can give off a "muddy" smell due to geosmin and methylisoborneol from their environment. The smell intensifies the longer the fish is dead.

Is Mississippi farm-raised catfish safe to eat? ›

Many popular kinds of fish including bass, bream, crappie, freshwater drum, and small catfish (less that22 inches in length) are SAFE to eat. Farm-raised catfish are SAFE to eat.

What is the nutritional value of farmed catfish? ›

NameAmountUnit
Energy119kcal
Energy496kJ
Protein15.2g
Total lipid (fat)5.94g
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