Cod or Pollock What’s the Difference? (Complete Guide)2026

December 31, 2025 6:10 am

When it comes to white fish, many people often confuse cod and pollock. After all, they look alike, taste similar, and are often used interchangeably in recipes. Whether you’re browsing the seafood aisle, reading a menu, or following a fish recipe online, it’s easy to get them mixed up. Although they look and sound similar, they serve completely different purposes. Understanding the difference can help you pick the right fish for cooking, nutrition, and even sustainability.
In this guide, we’ll break down the exact difference between cod and pollock, including their characteristics, flavors, regions, culinary uses, fun facts, and practical tips so you never get them wrong again.

What Is “Cod”?

Cod is a popular white fish known for its mild flavor, flaky texture, and versatility in cooking.

Meaning:
Cod refers to several species of fish in the Gadidae family, with the most common being the Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) and Pacific cod (Gadus macrocephalus). It is prized for its delicate flavor, low-fat content, and firm yet flaky texture.

Where It’s Used:

Commonly found in the North Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean
Widely used in European, North American, and Asian cuisines
Known for traditional dishes like fish and chips, cod fillets, and bacalao

Examples in Sentences:

“I grilled a cod fillet for dinner last night.”
“Atlantic cod is the star ingredient in traditional British fish and chips.”
“Bacalao is made with salted cod in many Spanish recipes.”

Historical or Usage Note:
Cod has been a staple in human diets for centuries, especially in Europe and North America. Its importance grew during the 15th and 16th centuries when cod fishing became a major industry, influencing trade and economies across the Atlantic.

What Is “Pollock”?

Pollock is another type of white fish that is often confused with cod due to its similar appearance and mild flavor.

Meaning:
Pollock belongs to the same Gadidae family but refers primarily to Alaskan pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) and the Atlantic pollock (Pollachius pollachius). It has a slightly softer texture and a more subtle flavor compared to cod.

Where It’s Used:

Mainly found in the North Pacific and North Atlantic Oceans
Heavily used in processed foods, such as fish sticks, imitation crab (surimi), and fast-food fish sandwiches
Popular in American and Asian cuisines

Examples in Sentences:

“Most fast-food fish sandwiches use Alaskan pollock.”
“The chef prepared a lightly fried pollock fillet.”
“I bought pollock to make homemade fish sticks.”

Regional or Usage Note:
Pollock is more common in the United States and Japan due to its affordability and availability. Unlike cod, which is often served fresh, pollock is frequently frozen or processed.

Key Differences Between Cod and Pollock

Here’s a quick summary to help you remember the main differences:

Texture: Cod is firmer and flakier, pollock is softer.
Flavor: Cod has a richer, more distinct taste; pollock is milder.
Price: Cod is generally more expensive due to demand and slower growth; pollock is more budget-friendly.
Culinary Uses: Cod is ideal for grilled or baked dishes; pollock is often used in processed foods.
Availability: Cod is common in Europe and North America; pollock is more abundant in the US and Asia.

Comparison Table:

Feature	Cod	Pollock
Family	Gadidae	Gadidae
Species	Atlantic cod, Pacific cod	Alaskan pollock, Atlantic pollock
Texture	Firm, flaky	Softer, slightly mushy
Flavor	Mild, slightly sweet	Mild, subtle
Culinary Uses	Grilled, baked, fish and chips	Processed foods, fish sticks, surimi
Price	Higher	Lower
Availability	Europe, North America	US, Asia
Historical Importance	Major trade fish for centuries	Mostly used in processed foods

Real-Life Conversation Examples

Dialogue 1
A: “I bought cod for dinner tonight.”
B: “Did you check if it’s pollock? They look very similar.”
🎯 Lesson: Always verify the label when buying white fish; appearance can be deceiving.

Dialogue 2
A: “Why does this fish sandwich taste so soft?”
B: “It’s probably pollock, not cod.”
🎯 Lesson: Pollock is commonly used in processed foods due to its softer texture.

Dialogue 3
A: “I wanted cod for my recipe, but the store only had pollock.”
B: “You can use pollock, but the flavor will be milder.”
🎯 Lesson: Cod and pollock can sometimes be substituted, but texture and taste differ.

Dialogue 4
A: “Which fish is better for fish and chips?”
B: “Traditionally, cod is preferred, but pollock works too if fresh cod isn’t available.”
🎯 Lesson: Cod is the classic choice for traditional recipes.

Dialogue 5
A: “Why is pollock cheaper than cod?”
B: “It grows faster and is more abundant, so it costs less.”
🎯 Lesson: Price differences reflect supply, demand, and culinary value.

When to Use Cod vs Pollock

Use cod when you want a firm texture, mild but distinct flavor, or are following a traditional recipe.
Use pollock for budget-friendly options, processed foods, or when making fish sticks, surimi, or fast-food recipes.
Memory Trick: Cod = Classic & Rich; Pollock = Processed & Mild.
US vs UK: Cod is preferred in UK traditional recipes; Pollock is widely used in the US processed food industry.

Fun Facts or History

Cod’s historic importance: Cod fishing shaped the economies of countries like Canada, the UK, and Norway. Some historians even call it the “Atlantic gold of the seas.”
Pollock’s secret fame: Many people eat pollock every week without realizing it, especially in imitation crab and fast-food fish sandwiches.

Conclusion

The difference between cod and pollock is simple once you know what to look for. Cod is firmer, slightly sweeter, and a staple in traditional recipes, while pollock is softer, milder, and more often used in processed foods. Understanding these differences helps you choose the right fish for cooking, nutrition, and even your budget. Whether you’re making fish and chips, fish sticks, or a seafood casserole, remembering Cod = Classic & Firm, Pollock = Mild & Affordable will save you from confusion. Next time someone uses these two words, you’ll know exactly what they mean!