The ocean ingredients hiding in our grocery aisles

Beyond the seafood aisles and fresh case, marine ingredients are hiding in a vast array of products across supermarket aisles. From pet food to pantry items such as soups and sauces; from health supplements to cosmetics. 

It is near impossible for shoppers to know whether these products and their ingredients could be contributing to overfishing and/or other negative impacts to our oceans, as well as potential human rights abuses. For example, many pantry style products and pet foods simply list ‘fish’ as the ingredient.  

Things are even trickier for health and beauty products with ingredients listed as: Glucosamine. Guanine. Squalene. Chondroitin. Code words for such things as shark and other fish, crabs, lobster and shrimps. 

Globally, fish oil supplements are expected to grow by 7.5% a year to an approximate value of $4 billion (USD) by 2032. Meanwhile, the global market for marine collagen (i.e., ‘anti-aging’ powders, supplements, serums, etc.) is valued at $1 billion and growing.  

The potential impact on our oceans could be significant. That’s why this summer, SeaChoice’s Seafood Progress platform will be spotlighting the issue and assessing the scope of major Candian grocers’ sustainable seafood procurement policies.  

Is your local grocer addressing or ignoring the various products on their shelves and aisles that contain marine sources?  Stay tuned for the answer!