A consumer survey commissioned by Hailia suggests growing acceptance of food products made from seafood sidestreams, pointing to potential new value streams for processors.
The study, conducted by Consumer Compass, surveyed 1,512 respondents across the UK, Sweden and Germany. It found that 74% of participants had a positive or neutral attitude towards consuming products made from filleting sidestreams, while 19% expressed negative views.
Support was strongest in Sweden and the UK, where 58% and 55% of respondents respectively viewed such products positively, compared with 49% in Germany.
The findings indicate that consumer acceptance, previously seen as a barrier to wider utilisation of sidestreams, may no longer constrain product development. Processors are under increasing pressure to improve yields and reduce waste, and the study suggests sidestream-based products could support both objectives.
Respondents identified ready meals, quick-service restaurants and workplace catering as the most suitable applications. Around 59% reported a positive attitude towards sidestream-based products in lunch catering, compared with 16% who responded negatively.
Younger, urban and highly educated consumers showed the strongest acceptance, although the study found broadly positive attitudes across demographic groups.
The main concern cited was the perception that sidestream products are highly processed. According to the company, production methods involve standard food preparation steps such as refining, mixing and cooking.
“We see clear signals that consumers are open to incorporating these products into their daily lives, but transparency is essential to building lasting trust,” said Michaela Lindström, CEO of Hailia.
The survey was conducted over a 14-day period in March 2026 and covered attitudes to nutrition, sustainability and food safety, as well as broader perceptions of processed food.