We Ranked 10 Popular Frozen Fish Sticks and You Can Get Our Top Pick at Sam's Club

Best frozen fish sticks ranked

Certain foods instantly transport us back to our childhood. A bowl of beanie weenies, corn dogs, macaroni and cheese from a box, and for me, a plate of crunchy fish sticks.

I loved them as a child, and I won't even lie, I still crave them as an adult, even now that I'm a professional recipe developer and food writer and blogger. In our busy household, fish sticks appear on the menu at least twice a month, because thankfully I have passed my love for them down to my children.

With the arrival of Lent, many people will be looking for ways to keep the meat-free Friday meals easy and delicious. To help you out, I did a deep dive into the freezer case to rank the best frozen fish sticks. This list might get some extra use for the next month or so but it's a good one to keep handy year-round!

Related: 50 Lent-Worthy Baked Fish Recipes

When were fish sticks invented?

The origin of fish sticks can be traced back to the United Kingdom, where they are known as fish fingers. First referenced in a magazine recipe in 1900, consumption increased during the food restrictions during WWII.

The commercialization of fish sticks can be traced back to 1953 when the American company, Gorton's, introduced the first frozen, ready-to-cook, fish finger. These Gorton's Fish Sticks won the Parents magazine seal of approval in 1956, much to the delight of moms everywhere!

Related: 55 Best Air Fryer Fish Recipes

What kind of fish is in fish sticks?

Every time you have ever bitten into a fish stick, you immediately know they're made of a flaky white fish, but have you ever wondered just what kind?

Well, many times fish sticks are made using a mixture of different varieties, but it's all real seafood. Yes, fish sticks are made with real fish, usually a minced blend of various white fish, like cod, pollock, haddock, etc.

These days companies have tried to offer whole fish varieties as well, some of which you'll see in the lineup below!

Related: 26 Flavorful Cod Recipes For Leten Meals

10 Best Frozen Fish Sticks Ranked

10. Fisher Boy Fish Sticks

This brand can be found at stores like Walmart and Dollar General, so you know they're going to be economical! While they are thinner than other brands of fish sticks, they get super crunchy when baked and are my go-to brand when I have a big crowd to feed because of the 120-count bag!

Related: Copycat McDonald's Filet-o-Fish Recipe

9. Kroger Brand Fish Sticks

For a store-brand fish stick, Kroger's are perfectly respectable, there are just a couple of others I enjoy more. The few times I have made these, they haven't come out of the oven as crunchy as what we prefer. But I think they would work great in fish tacos!

8. Gorton's Haddock Fish Sticks

Gorton's knows their fish sticks, and they have stepped up their game over the last few years. Offering more whole fish varieties, such as these (plus another on the list later), for those who are over the minced sticks of our youth. The only downside is they can sometimes be tricky to track down, so when you see them, stock up!

7. Van de Kamps Fish Sticks

Probably the second best-known name in the fish stick game, the blue box is always one to reach for when you're looking for a crunchy fish stick. These are a minced variety, but I love the "certified sustainable source" label on the front. Good food from the right sources!

6. Trader Joe's Fish Nuggets

So they aren't sticks exactly, but if you have kids, they probably can't resist anything with "nugget" in the name, so you know they will be a hit! They're made from Alaskan pollock and come out of the oven or air fryer crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

5. Van de Kamps Jumbo Fish Sticks

When you have some hungry mouths to feed, these jumbo fish sticks, which are 67% larger than the brand's regular fish sticks are the way to go! Their panko breadcrumb breading makes them extra crunchy.

Related: 60 Healthy Salmon Recipes That Are Anything But Basic

4. Great Value Fish Sticks

The Walmart in-house brand is my go-to fish stick. These are the ones I feed my family most often. They're the perfect size for little hands, are crispy and taste great too. While they are made from minced fish, the texture is one of the best I've found. Pro Tip: For extra crunch, cook them for about five minutes longer than the package instructions.

3. Gorton's Cod Fish Sticks

Another one from Gorton's whole fish line, these would be my pick every time fish sticks are on the menu, if I had an easier time finding them. But when I do, man are they worth it! Coated in panko, they're super crispy and are perfect for dipping too. Try a nice creamy dill dip, yum-yum sauce or this copycat McD's sweet and sour!

2. Gorton's Fish Sticks

The original will always be at the top of any fish stick list. Gorton's has always put out a product that stands a little above the rest. These are perfect for a quick supper, and if you haven't tried making them in an air fryer, that needs to happen ASAP. Ready in just minutes, this classic never goes out of style. They're also more widely available than some of their other products, which means they're probably at your local grocery store.

1. Gorton's Super Crunchy Fish Sticks

The extra crunch factor pushed these to the number-one spot. Available in a family-size, resealable pack at Sam's Club, you can make what you need and keep the rest in the freezer for next time. Crispy, crunchy panko breadcrumbs will have your taste buds ready for more after the first bite.

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