The Best Fish Sticks

We set out to find a crunchy, golden fish stick that we’d eat just as readily plain as we would stuffed into a taco.
Read our full review: cooks.io/3TQJgNS
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ABOUT US: The mission of America’s Test Kitchen (ATK) is to empower and inspire confidence, community, and creativity in the kitchen. Founded in 1992, the company is the leading multimedia cooking resource serving millions of fans with TV shows (America’s Test Kitchen, Cook's Country, and America’s Test Kitchen: The Next Generation), magazines (Cook’s Illustrated and Cook’s Country), cookbooks, a podcast (Proof), FAST channels, short-form video series, and the ATK All-Access subscription for digital content. Based in a state-of-the-art 15,000-square-foot test kitchen in Boston’s Seaport District, ATK has earned the trust of home cooks and culinary experts alike thanks to its one-of-a-kind processes and best-in-class techniques. Fifty full-time (admittedly very meticulous) test cooks, editors, and product testers spend their days tweaking every variable to find the very best recipes, equipment, ingredients, and techniques. Learn more at www.americastestkitchen.com/.
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[@KarelVenter]

I know this is a video about fish sticks, but I just wanted to say thank you ladies and Jack. Please keep on keeping on. Your content is wholesome and good and what the world needs!

[@user-sc9lr6kz8t]

And I love the way they complement each other

[@josephgaviota]

💯agree with @karel

[@Tortilla.Reform]

It seems like great work environment

[@csnide6702]

I ADORE Bridget !

[@danquaylesitsspeltpotatoe8307]

@@user-sc9lr6kz8t Todays advertisement bought and paid for by Gortons!

[@carlosspeicywiener7018]

My inner child was hurting today so I bought some fish sticks and fries, made some tartar sauce and settled in with some cartoons and childhood favorites. Feeling a little better now.

[@kareninalabama]

So nice to see that they're not food snobs. You know many chefs and food professionals would turn their noses up at fish sticks. But sometimes, you just want the fish sticks of your youth. (And Spaghettios too. There; I said it.)

[@kareninalabama]

Great. Now I want fish tacos.

[@eoharrison7499]

Chef Boyardee spaghetti and meatballs and Wonderbread! I've said it too!😉😄 Have a great day!

[@justwhistlinpixie]

Dipped in ketchup with a side of instant mashed potatoes. Sometimes you just want a kid dinner.

[@user-ne8lj5zt3n]

spaghettios only food that told the truth ohoh spaghettios

[@kareninalabama]

@@user-ne8lj5zt3n, and the truth is that they taste very tinny from the tin can...but I still love them. Best eaten with potato chips used as a spoon.

[@lint2023]

I haven't thought about fish sticks in decades and now I want some!

[@kevinhullinger8743]

Same here!

[@user-ct3oq5ez8e]

No surprise there. Gorton makes a quality product.

[@CreachterZ]

I trust their fishermen.

[@Joe_Montfort]

I see what you did there 🙂

[@Midori_Hoshi]

Nope. Check the ingredients. It has vegetable oil.

[@CreachterZ]

@@Midori_Hoshi Oh no! Run away!

[@tazman572]

​@@Midori_HoshiAnd another has salt. Another has pepper. Another has bread crumbs. Stop complaining.

[@tmg1262]

Air fryer makes them the best

[@user-oz4wt3mr9y]

I loved the last words of the ladies. Bridget saying "I think he called me old"... Lolololol. And then Julia saying, "I heard it".... I am laughing so hard right now 😆😅😂🤣🤣😂😅😆😁😁😆😂🤣😂😅😆

[@tonysoprano3931]

Costco's fish sticks (Trident brand) are really 100% fish. Surprisingly they taste great! Rated high by Consumer Reports. They make for great fish taco's.

[@InSurrealtime]

They are just a little thinner now, but they are still my favorite.

[@Rudy32225]

Right, saddened to find they did not include Trident that is great.

[@WootTootZoot]

Lately, it seems they've been using belly meat, that doesn't taste like it's fresh. I'd say fishy, but almost gamey in a way. I just buy the cod fillets and make my own batter. Par fry them, then vacuum seal and freeze. easy-peasy.

[@rockys7726]

It's nice to have both ladies taste and comment. It's always good to have more evaluations instead of just one person's opinion.

[@pwcorgi2000]

I 💯 % Agree. This is a better format.

[@RavagHer]

u know Kanye is watching this at 2 in the morning salivating

[@jjsmith3302]

😂😂 he likes to put 'em in his mouth 🤣

[@jakass]

You like fish sticks?

[@rodgerneeb301]

I'll have you know, you sent me on a 10 minute Google search down a rabbit hole, for a rather lame 15 year old joke. Very disappointing.

[@Tortilla.Reform]

@@rodgerneeb301Yea I respect you doing that hahah, sorry the payoff was negligible

[@stephenmwarren]

@@jakasslove em!

[@fimelis]

What no Mrs. Paul's

[@Schudome13]

Blatantly missed the Trident brand. They are at Costco and many grocery stores. They have a light and crunchy coating and nice filets of fish. Looks like the Gorton's Whole Filet sticks but even bigger.

[@shwmehvn]

Totally agree, Trident is about as good as you get.

[@JeffreyTheTaylor]

No Mrs. Paul's either, a very common brand.

[@sunsprite4545]

I didn't see this comment until after I made mine but I so agree with you.

[@Sarahbetho]

I really like the Trident brand fish sticks too!!

[@macklyn]

Came here to say that. I love the Trident fish sticks.

[@lorchid23]

Never did I think I’d see a fish sticks comparison, here! 😂

[@thaisstone5192]

(177) When I was living in NZ, they had terrific fish sticks (they are called "fish fingers there) always made with whole sliced fish. They were really popular as a "special treat" breakfast with chips and fried eggs on the weekend.

[@tam8197]

fish fingers sound so much more delish than fish sticks 🤗

[@scottlathrop66]

@@tam8197 What about fish fists?

[@tam8197]

@@scottlathrop66 sounds painful, scott 🤪

[@tam8197]

@@BigHairyCrank youre crazy, of course they have fingers. we've been buying them since the 1950's 😆 and oh, they don't have sticks either 🤭

[@ladygoldenone1]

​@@BigHairyCrank But chickens do😊

[@kathyaschenbach8081]

Love Gortons! We get the Cod and it is like going out for a Fish Fry! Yum!

[@BlueHen123]

Gorton's based out of Mass since 1954 when they first introduced fish sticks! (Ownership has changed from General Mills to Unilever to now a Japanese company that focuses on fish, Nissui)

[@coolnewpants]

Well if it’s gonna go to someone it might as well be to the Japanese. They know a thing or two about fish.

[@cisium1184]

Actually based out of Mass since 1849.

[@edwardpate6128]

A must have with fish sticks are Tater Tots! Gorton's always my go to choice for fish sticks. I'll agree that fish sticks and tater tots take me back to my elementary school days where they had them every Friday.

[@joannaedwards6325]

Yup. Great combo. So comforting & easy. Maybe a bit of store bought coleslaw on the side. No prep & no cooking. Good idea for young bachelors.

[@SamStephens31]

Don't forget the canned corn!

[@akhillz]

i wish jack bishop was my life coach. he’s the type of person i’d like to bounce ideas off of

[@steveyork8069]

I’ve actually heard he’s a real prick to work with.

[@48956l]

​@@steveyork8069 LOL no way, where? he seems like the nicest guy on the planet

[@LondonCalling12]

@@steveyork8069you must be thinking of Chris “Grumble”

[@Tortilla.Reform]

@@steveyork8069Can you cite your sources or prove your claim? Anyone can say that about anybody hahah, and the comment above me is right, you could be thinking about the last guy running things, who went through court proceedings saying the same thing about him

[@steveyork8069]

@@Tortilla.Reform it was in a food magazine several years ago I was reading in a Dr’s office.They were talking about Jack.

[@ixchelkali]

I've done my own taste testing and got the same results: Gorton's for the win. I thought that somehow I SHOULD like the whole fish ones better, but the truth is I prefer the cheap, chopped fish ones, and for the same reason: they taste just like the ones from my childhood (and that was a long, long time ago). And yes, I sometimes use them for an easy fish taco. I also recommend Gorton's crunchy breaded filet for making your own copycat McYouKnowWhose filet of fish sandwich.

[@jamesherder5757]

Good to know I don't really care for frozen fish sticks but do like doing filet of fish sandwiches any suggestions for tartar sauce

[@ixchelkali]

@@jamesherder5757, I'm afraid I'm not much help there. I've never found a store-bought tartar sauce I like, so I make my own, and I do it by taste, so it's different every time. It also depends on whether I'm planning to store what I don't use in the fridge, because if I am, I don't use fresh green onion. My usual ingredients are mayonnaise, minced capers, dill relish, dill weed, lemon juice, horseradish, onion salt, and olive brine. Sometimes minced green onion or dry green onion dip mix. But I just keep adding and adjusting until it tastes good, and it's different every time. 🤷‍♀️

[@lazyldy]

@@jamesherder5757 I usually make my own tartar sauce if I have several people to eat it...I always make too much. However, I have found that I like the cheap Walmart brand tartar sauce a lot more than the pricier one.

[@teamturner3933]

@@jamesherder5757I buy the Louisiana brand tartar sauce. It’s good. Someone also mentioned the Bob’s Big Boy tartar sauce in another comment.

[@Koji-888]

Gorton’s fish filet. Steamed bun. Tartare sauce. Shredded iceberg. 🥰

[@robertmccoy9901]

Steamed bun....now that brings back memories.

[@mfrenchcazenovia]

My kiddo LOVES fish of any kind. Sometimes for fun we have “sticks and tots” for dinner. I enjoy it all too, as long as I have my malt vinegar. She wants ketchup on everything. 😊

[@ahoye1]

Where is Mrs.Paul's fish sticks? (oldie but goodie)

[@bearpawz_]

Mrs. Paul ran off with Gorton, the Fisherman.. 😄

[@MrsPatmore289]

Shotgun ...smh

[@sharonvizcarrondo5847]

Mrs. Paul's one of the best fish sticks.

[@user-qc8yp4hy5i]

That's my favorite

[@Sara-eg9uk]

Where was Mrs. Paul’s? Would be clear winner.

[@angiemehrtens1320]

I totally agree! Love Gortons

[@carlosquintero8279]

Thank you for this great video brings me back great memories from elementary school I loved them fish sticks was my favorite Y’all made me happy

[@missperfect2657]

Yep regular Gorton's for me !

[@iamginaj]

Yes!! Definitely, Gorton's

[@bobdavidson8019]

Fish sticks were a go to comfort food growing up on 70's and 80's. Mrs Paul was the best - I liked their tarter sauce mix the most. Unfortunately I don't think fish sticks have been the same since they got rid of trans-fats - same with frozen pizza. Now I make my own. But the memories are worth a million. And every now and then I do indulge.

[@travislee9662]

Same born in 75 my mom usually bought Mrs. Paul’s growing up. It was always handy to have that tarter sauce mix packet. Every once in a while it would be some other brand or a cheap brand on sale and we would all be like, "where’s the Mrs. Paul’s?” Lol

[@slkriderchick]

I’ve always preferred Gortons to any other brand simply because their fish sticks and fillets tasted the best and the coating on the outside wasn’t too thick cooked up crunchy. Nice to know my choice in a fish stick, when I rarely want one, is validated

[@user-kw2yq9nm9u]

I love the other hosts, Lisa and Hana on tests of products, or especially Lam and tech skill, but these three are what this channel is about and I don't care what they review.

[@anthonybalistreri5226]

Thanks for this. Glad I found it. Surprisingly, it never occurred to me to use frozen fish sticks for easy fish tacos. I will definitely try it soon. Also thanks for the honest, unpretentious reviews.

[@FrenchToastedSouls]

I love using the Gorton's breaded fillets for fish tacos. Little sliced red cabbage, splash of lime juice and ranch or tartar sauce. Simple and yummy

[@tamedthethreebears]

My inner Cartman is chuckling 😂

[@chestyvulva]

Do you like fishdicks?

[@tommysuswick9751]

I like putting fish sticks in my mouth.

[@BennyTheButcher2]

I'm not above eating a fish stick

[@X360Anti]

Kanye definitely watching this

[@g54b95]

@@X360Anti And he still doesn't get the joke.

[@m.theresa1385]

Thanks guys! Where was this when we needed it at the beginning of Lent. I used a few of these, mostly choosing whole fish and toasting them to a crispy surface. I like to make Nigella’s Fish Finger Bhorta so I smash them into the sauce. (I make likewise smashed in a curry sauce)

[@nunyabeeswax3936]

Gorton's does taste good.Even like it for snacking when the breading is crisp.

[@lynneyb2469]

Love when you do these!

[@seanwine1085]

Bridget is a fellow Mountaineer (from WV), I liked her well before I learned this tidbit. Keep on cookin' Mountain Mama.💙💛

[@sheilaathay2034]

Yup. Gordon's. I always get them. And Skipper's tarter sauce. I grew up on Skipper's Fish 'n Chips

[@rockstertx]

Costco's fish sticks are good also... I did just buy some recently to eat during Lent... but have purchased them several times... they definitely taste better and yes... they do make excellent fish tacos and add some crunchy texture to the taco.

[@m.theresa1385]

I like the Aldi brand of whole cod fillets. They have a few choices. I do them in the toaster oven while I make taco fixings, or Nigella’s Bhorta sauce. It’s a quick and easy supper.

[@SpeakTruthBeKind]

Love this thanks for the testing girls!❤ Subscribed

[@hollyhock4160]

Gordon’s is all we buy, thanks for conformation!

[@eloisegwathney5959]

Confirmation

[@robertbowyer7239]

I’m 67, and seem to remember when I was a kid fish sticks tasted better and I haven’t been able to get that same taste today.

[@googleuser868]

None seem to have the same texture and flavor. We went to Gortons beer battered fillets to get a similar taste. Then though not same Long John Silver's always hits the spot. Or Captain D's. LoL

[@joycemoss6205]

good to know!! Thanks!

[@essiebessie661]

Great to have on hand, always there, reasonably healthy, predictably nice.

[@richardnedbalek1968]

Nothing “fishy” about a clever ATC review of a classic childhood fave!

[@drewjenn9819]

I love these two. Great job, ladies!

[@jullesadams1398]

I'm super happy to watch the three of you... Always a pleasure!!!!

[@gubieone]

This was very helpful. I might actually try fish sticks now since I can make an educated choice after watching the video. Thanks!

[@maryg65]

What a fun group ❤. 4:30 in the morning and I’m craving fish 😂. Thank you test kitchen

[@susandooley9630]

I’ve tried a few over them over the years & I’ve always preferred Gorton’s if I’m want fish sticks.

[@thegatesofdawn...1386]

I never had a school lunch. My mom made me a bag lunch daily. We occasionally had fish sticks for dinner.

[@maxwellcrazycat9204]

I only had a school lunch on Friday's. Rest of the week I bagged it. Or boxed it.

[@cindyjohnson3366]

Love watching them always the best❗️👍👍👍💯

[@jawkneekat]

The top two just happen to be my top two. I like how that works.

[@LindaKing-lf8nk]

I have been buying the potato, breaded Pollock fillets from Gorton and doing them in the air fryer and they are phenomenal. They make a great basic meal or a fish sandwich. They’re crusty, toasty, and flavorful.

[@marclegarreta3359]

I knew Gorton’s would win. Fish sticks are a lenten staple for Catholics. I grey up on them. And if you were singing, “trust the Gorton’s fisherman,” raise your hand =======>

[@gizzyguzzi]

they skipped the Van De Kamps

[@matttypes2695]

Trident from Costco

[@SnoBear626]

I'm with ya' all the way! I actually use them for fish tacos all the time.

[@robc.5745]

A good straight forward report, Now I know what to buy.

[@lindamoore6163]

Gortons from Gloucester, always the best. Cool town in Massachusetts….you can smell the fish cooking in restaurants from the shipping docks….. traveled through there with my trucker hubby. Nice memories

[@Leguminator]

Fish sticks and mac-n-cheese = classic Friday meal growing up.

[@susanlew1730]

I just love Jack! Now I want fish sticks

[@chrissyyoo6588]

Jack Bishop saying he eats fish sticks makes me respect him even more! 😊

[@gwynwellliver4489]

❤ Love the school references. 😂 Hubby perked up when he heard WV!

[@corey6393]

Even 25-30 years ago in my broke bachelor days, it was always Gorton's for me. I still enjoy that treat on occasion.

[@williampalchak7574]

Had Gorton's fish stick tacos, with tomato and homemade slaw, for dinner yesterday. Quick, easy and very tasty.

[@kustomkool]

Agreed on the Gorton's. I have become inexplicably interested in fish sticks lately. They are very satisfying. And I went through a bunch of brands before I settled on Groton's. They have a good crunch (after 15 minutes or so at 425f) and the fish is flaky and moist. There is a "Parmesan encrusted" variant that really shines although the Parmesan aspect is lost on me.

[@prettyboy54321]

Trident from Costco is the best. I make either a Chipotle Slaw or a Lime Cilantro Slaw and serve it with Trident fish sticks in corn tortillas for a quick easy meal.

[@chairman-jenkem-yogurt]

1970's fish sticks were firmer real planks of fish, and were more tasty because they weren't watery in the interior texture. Perhaps they were a different species of firmer fish altogether, or just not cheaply pumped up by weight with added water.

[@jeffchandler2521]

Weren’t they square at the ends of the fish sticks and the stick itself was also more flat instead of round?We used to eat them with Miracle Whip they were so good I think they put today’s fish sticks to shame.IMO🤷🏼

[@chairman-jenkem-yogurt]

@@jeffchandler2521 Yes, that was the shape of them.

[@lightbox617]

Fish sticks (frozen) were a joy of my youth. Pollack is a great, sustainable, fish.

[@davidb2206]

Not anymore. ALL ocean game fish are loaded with mercury, according to the FDA tests.

[@Professional-fh1ow]

Fish sticks brings me back to school lunch in the 70s, even fishwich days. I don't remember if the fish was minced or flakey. I also grew up in a large family so an old school fish sticks sandwich on toasted white bread with mayo was classic.

[@jmason61]

Excellent video! Many choices at my supermarket so now I will try the winners.... soft potato bun with tartar sauce (maybe a slice of cheese?).. filet o fish sandwich at home YUM

[@HotCurryMouth]

The Gorton’s potato crunch whole fillets are my fave. There used to be an English brand that was superb and my go-to frozen fish fillets but I haven’t seen it in a very long time.

[@FrenchToastedSouls]

I know what you're talking about and they were amazing but I can't remember the name. Was it Young's 🤔 the most amazing crunch

[@HotCurryMouth]

@@FrenchToastedSouls Yes! It was Young's. The quality, taste, crunch - perfection.

[@FrenchToastedSouls]

@@HotCurryMouth I had Young's once and it was God damn delicious and I haven't been able to find it anywhere since😭

[@amlach6148]

Fish sticks the favorite of my childhood 😀😋👍

[@slickwillie9526]

Nothing says I love you like a fish stick dinner.

[@hellohangfire]

Ha! I heard it, too.

[@shortblockflexinit5219]

Glad to see this. I've been wanting something convenient in fish but didn't want to take a chance. I'll try thess.

[@theastewart6721]

Love fish sticks. Was actually looking for them in the market the other day and couldn’t find any! I’ll definitely be on the lookout for these!😊

[@m.theresa1385]

Gordon’s had a big 50% off during Lent so might have sold out.

[@theastewart6721]

I’ll be patient, lol. I’m sure they’ll restock at some point.😊

[@regenwurm5584]

In the ocean blue, the fish did frolic and kick, Until they were caught and turned into sticks. Breaded and fried, a golden hue so slick, On plates they land, the choice is quick. The best fish sticks, oh what a treat, With a crunch so loud, it can't be beat. Dipped in sauce, they're oh so neat, A savory snack, none can defeat. From sea to table, they make a trip, In every bite, you'll taste the dip. The best fish sticks, they have a grip, On hungry hearts, they never slip. So here's to fish sticks, the best indeed, In every box, a delicious feed. A simple joy, they're all you need, The best fish sticks, take the lead!

[@keciacotton4895]

Gorton's has always been my go-to frozen prepared fish. It's great as a fish taco, with homemade tartar sauce.

[@waynewilliamson4212]

loved this. been meaning to make some fish tacos and now I know what to use.

[@luruperchausse10]

My favorite as a kid growing up was Mrs Paul's fish and chips! Was a real treat back then. Wish I could still find them somewhere .😮 good quality and taste!

[@Violet-fj8yd]

They still make them.

[@charlestatakis9363]

Wow, my favorites also and I have tried many others, many times as Gortons isn't always available. I have both bags in my freezer now. Also, I enjoy Kirkland/Costco fish sticks, they are similar.

[@friendo760]

Thanks for sticking to your roots!…which = success 😃 no matter what!

[@g54b95]

"Do you like fish sticks?" "Yes." "So you like putting fish..."

[@toscatattertail9813]

I have some very specific food Intolerances, one of which is paprika in all the variations of extracts and such. I have bought Gorton's for years because they have several styles of breaded fish/shrimp that has no paprika in the breading.

[@bodeansmith8173]

Thank you yummmm💚💛

[@ricodog3652]

Been so long since I’ve had these. Need to buy a box.

[@LiterallyFactss]

Good old Gordons... STILL LOVE EM

[@TOM-C.]

Back in the day I used to buy Van de Kamp's battered halibut fillets. Even then they were somewhat expensive, but actually delicious. They no longer offer this fish as it's become way too expensive. There is one brand that seems equal to it, but at a cost of $12.99 for just 10oz which is above what most of us can afford, but for a special treat, probably worth a go, and I will try it one of these days.😁👍😎✌🗽

[@merriemisfit8406]

When I just want to have some fish sandwich makings for dinners when I'm working late at the office, I buy a box of Van de Kamp's current version of battered fillets and a bag of hot dog buns. The fillets are pretty durn small these days, but they fit well two-to-a-bun. Then I also make sure I have a bottle of "Louisiana"-brand tartar sauce, which is generous on the pickle, and a jar of "Mrs. Dash - Extra Spicy" blend, because mixed together they make a grand remoulade. Jack or Mozzarella or Muenster cheese to melt on top of the assembled sandwich, and some greens (with or without tomato) to garnish. It's not everybody's idea of a proper fish sandwich, but I know what I like.

[@Ducelick]

I've been eating Gorton's for decades. I agree, it is the best.

[@rand49er]

Thank you for a very informative video on fish sticks. Gorton's it is!

[@msr1116]

For years now, I've bought only filets----Gorton's or Van de Kamps on sale---and the breaded type fries up crispier than the battered ones

[@jag1436]

I have two kinds in my freezer, the trident from Costco and also Aldi brand which is really good also

[@shortandcut]

That was fun to watch!

[@xayapenn]

They had a bag of Van de Kamp’s there but they didn’t have the ladies taste test it. I think it’s better than Gordon’s.

[@chordsofgratitude2073]

I buy both depending on price

[@PamIam04]

I was thinking the same thing. Why did they not talk about it?

[@allenparker13]

I've always wonder which fish stick/fillet was better. With economy what it is I enjoyed your video and taste test, think I'll go with the Gorton's brand in the future. Thanks

[@babajinde]

This was a fun one 🎯

[@dolphinbear661]

Sticks o' fish, oh, how I love 'em. ❤

[@pigmeatmarkham898]

Now THAT’S how you do an April Fool’s prank. Play it straight all the way through, no winking. 😉😂

[@moonlitpearl700]

I love Gorton’s fish fillets so I know I would love their fish sticks.

[@kdkulhanek]

Jack is the man, and you can tell how great yalls work relationship is

[@chuckbuontempo799]

I love Fish sticks!

[@couch_nap]

Me too!

[@BigBobDookie]

So does Kanye.

[@chestyvulva]

​@@BigBobDookie😂😂

[@carlosquintero8279]

Mee too I love fish sticks great memory from elementary school yum yum

[@jjsmith3302]

You like to put 'em in your mouth?

[@thfpnw7103]

I loved fish sticks so much when I was a kid. Birdseye all the way.