13/04/2026
I’ve been trying to eat more fish lately, but Fresh fish can be really expensive, so I’m leaning into tinned fish more often.
Today I used tinned mackerel in olive oil. I’m not under any illusion that the oil in the tin is the same quality as the extra virgin olive oil I usually cook with, but it’s still a better choice than sunflower oil in my view. It’s about progress, not perfection.
I’m also not a huge fan of tinned fish so I’ve been experimenting with ways to actually make it enjoyable so I’ll stick with it.
This is what I made:
I mixed tinned mackerel with chopped tomatoes, spring onion, diced cucumber, a pinch of salt and pepper, a spoon of cottage cheese, a spoon of Greek yoghurt, and a splash of apple cider vinegar, then served it on toasted wholemeal sourdough.
And honestly, it was surprisingly delicious. I genuinely shocked myself.
If you’re looking for a quick, affordable, no fuss lunch that actually tastes good and supports your health, this might be one to try.
🐟 A bit of truth about oily fish and skin health
Oily fish like mackerel are one of the most nutrient dense foods you can eat for skin health.
They are rich in omega 3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which help reduce inflammation in the body. From a skin perspective, this matters because chronic low grade inflammation is one of the main drivers behind dryness, redness, breakouts, and accelerated skin ageing.
Omega 3s also support the skin barrier. Your skin barrier is your protective shield and is made up partly of fats. When you regularly eat oily fish, you are giving your body the raw materials it needs to strengthen that barrier, helping your skin hold onto moisture more effectively and better defend itself against environmental stress like pollution and UV exposure.
Tinned mackerel in olive oil is a really practical way to access these benefits. While it is not the same quality as fresh fish or premium extra virgin olive oil, it still provides those essential omega 3s in an affordable and convenient form, which makes consistency far more realistic.
Oily fish is not a miracle food, but it is one of the most evidence backed foods for skin and overall health.
Jx