Food-conscious Hungarians eat this instead of salmon, it costs about a quarter as much

Salmon is healthy and popular, but its price makes many people think twice. More and more Hungarian foodies are choosing a much cheaper alternative, which is similar in terms of nutrition, yet is a budget-friendly solution. We show you what is currently being added to the shopping cart instead of salmon – and why it is worth switching.

Many people are turning it over in the refrigerator because the price of Norwegian salmon is too high for many people these days. More and more people are choosing cheaper fish or fish substitutes that taste and look similar, but have a measurably smaller footprint on the grocery bill. It is not uncommon for the alternative to bring the family together around dinner without the luxury expense of a portion of fish every month.

In practice, this manifests itself in many ways. Some people buy rainbow trout instead of salmon, others prefer mackerel or smoked sea fish, and some have turned to completely plant-based solutions. The point is that the market strives to find a compromise that the family can get used to and that the wallet can also handle.

What are most people eating instead of salmon now?

The most common choice is rainbow trout. It is easy to get at home, is prepared similarly to salmon, and is often cheaper. At the fish counter in a shopping center, I have often seen mothers and retirees lifting a trout fillet into their basket for frying or pan-frying. The texture is not quite the same, but the colors and flavors are an acceptable compromise for many families.

Another favorite among the cheaper sea fish species is mackerel. It has a fattier, more distinctive flavor, so it is especially good smoked or grilled. The reason for this is often practical, as mackerel is seasonally cheaper and, if prepared well, provides a distinctive fishy experience. In the name of honesty, it is worth mentioning that those who specifically crave the creamy texture of salmon may be disappointed.