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Tilapia vs. Pollock — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on March 06, 2025
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Tilapia
vs
Pollock

Summary

Tilapia and pollock are great additions to your diet if you're considering healthy protein sources. Tilapia is richer in copper, iron, and selenium. In comparison, pollock is richer in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and potassium. Tilapia is richer in vitamins D, E, B1, and B5. Pollock is richer in choline, vitamins B2, B3, B6, and B12.

Overall, when it comes to health impacts, pollock is a better option to consume

Introduction

Fish have been a staple of human diets for centuries, providing a dense source of protein and vital nutrients. Of the countless species eaten globally, tilapia and pollock are notable for their popularity. Tilapia, a freshwater fish, and pollock, a cold oceanic fish, vary not just in environment but also in flavor, culinary uses, and nutritional content. This article delves into these distinctions and the differences in nutrition and health impacts, providing a comprehensive comparison between tilapia and pollock.

Types, Taste, and Usage

Tilapia

Tilapia is a group of cichlid fish native to freshwater bodies in Africa but now farmed globally. They are known for their mild, slightly sweet flavor and firm, white flesh. This neutral taste makes tilapia a versatile ingredient in various culinary traditions. It's commonly baked, grilled, fried, or incorporated into stews and curries. The fish's adaptability to different flavor profiles and cooking methods has contributed to its popularity in home kitchens and restaurants.

Pollock

Pollock includes species from the North Pacific and North Atlantic oceans, with the Alaska pollock being especially well-known. Pollock provides a white, flaky texture and mild flavor, slightly stronger than tilapia’s. It's a mainstay in processed seafood products such as fish sticks, imitation crab meat (surimi), and fast-food fish sandwiches. Aside from processed products, pollock is also consumed baked, poached, or sautéed, frequently paired with light seasonings to add to its natural flavor.

Nutritional Differences

Knowing the nutritional makeup of tilapia and pollock is vital to making proper dietary decisions. Here is a detailed comparison according to different nutritional parameters.

Calories

Tilapia and pollock are both low-calorie protein sources, which makes them great options for those who keep an eye on their caloric consumption.

Tilapia contains around 128 calories per 100 grams.

Pollock contains slightly fewer calories, offering around 111 calories per 100 grams.

Carbohydrates

These fish contain no carbohydrates by nature. Therefore, they are excellent for low-carb diets and people managing blood sugar.

Protein

Tilapia contains 26.2 grams of protein per 100 grams. On the other hand, pollocks offer around 23.5 grams of protein per 100 grams.

While both fish are excellent protein sources, tilapia has a slight edge in protein content.

Fats

The fat content and composition in fish contribute to their health benefits, particularly concerning heart health.

Tilapia contains about 2.65 grams of fat per 100 grams, with a higher proportion of omega-6 fatty acids.

Whereas pollock is lower in overall fat content, with some 1.19 grams of it per 100 grams, and has a greater proportion of omega-3 to omega-6 fatty acids.

Minerals

Tilapia and pollock have essential minerals present, but not in the same concentrations.

Tilapia is richer in copper, iron, and selenium. In comparison, pollock is richer in magnesium, phosphorus, calcium, zinc, and potassium. However, pollocks contain higher amounts of sodium.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 24% 4.2% 34% 26% 25% 11% 87% 7.3% 4.8% 297%
Magnesium Magnesium Calcium Calcium Potassium Potassium Iron Iron Copper Copper Zinc Zinc Phosphorus Phosphorus Sodium Sodium Manganese Manganese Selenium Selenium 58% 22% 38% 21% 20% 16% 114% 55% 2.3% 241%
Contains more IronIron +23.2%
Contains more CopperCopper +25%
Contains less SodiumSodium -86.6%
Contains more ManganeseManganese +105.6%
Contains more SeleniumSelenium +23.4%
Contains more MagnesiumMagnesium +138.2%
Contains more CalciumCalcium +414.3%
Contains more PotassiumPotassium +13.2%
Contains more ZincZinc +39%
Contains more PhosphorusPhosphorus +30.9%

Vitamins

Tilapia is richer in vitamins D, E, B1, and B5. In comparison, pollocks are richer in choline, vitamins B2, B3, B6, and B12.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 0% 16% 56% 23% 17% 89% 40% 28% 233% 2.3% 4.5% 28%
Vitamin C Vit. C Vitamin A Vit. A Vitamin E Vit. E Vitamin D Vit. D Vitamin B1 Vit. B1 Vitamin B2 Vit. B2 Vitamin B3 Vit. B3 Vitamin B5 Vit. B5 Vitamin B6 Vit. B6 Vitamin B12 Vit. B12 Vitamin K Vit. K Folate Folate Choline Choline 0% 5.7% 5.6% 20% 14% 51% 74% 26% 76% 458% 0.25% 2.3% 50%
Contains more Vitamin EVitamin E +182.1%
Contains more Vitamin DVitamin D +184.6%
Contains more Vitamin B1Vitamin B1 +72.2%
Contains more Vitamin B3Vitamin B3 +20.2%
Contains more Vitamin B5Vitamin B5 +53.7%
Contains more Vitamin KVitamin K +800%
Contains more FolateFolate +100%
Contains more Vitamin AVitamin A +∞%
Contains more Vitamin B2Vitamin B2 +205.5%
Contains more Vitamin B6Vitamin B6 +167.5%
Contains more Vitamin B12Vitamin B12 +96.8%
Contains more CholineCholine +78.6%
~equal in Vitamin C ~0mg

Health Impacts

Fish consumption, including popular varieties such as tilapia and pollock, is strongly linked to improved health biomarkers, particularly concerning diabetes management and cardiovascular health. Regular intake of these nutrient-rich fish has been shown to enhance blood sugar regulation, reduce inflammation, and support heart function by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Moreover, studies have consistently associated fish consumption with decreased mortality rates, highlighting its role in promoting overall longevity and reducing the risk of chronic diseases. (1)

Inflammation 

When it comes to fish, we often consider their omega-3 content; however, we also need to focus on omega-6 content aswell. This is mainly due to the ratio of omega-6 to omega-3. It is important to consume more omega-3 than omega-6, and comparing these two types of fish, pollock is the better fish since it contains 15 times more omega-3 than tilapia. Tilapia has more omega-6 fish than omega-3, which is the topic of concern when choosing between these two types of fish. (2) (3)

Memory 

Although this study was done on mice, the consumption of pollocks has a positive impact on memory and protective functions of the nervous system. (4)

Cardiovascular and Liver Health

Similarly to the one above, this study was done on mice. It is shown that consumption of pollock oil, in turn higher amounts of pollock fish, is linked with positive impacts on the cardiovascular system by regulating dyslipidemias. In addition, there was a decrease in hepatic steatosis in mice who were fed this oil. (5)

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: March 06, 2025

Infographic

Tilapia vs Pollock infographic
Infographic link

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Tilapia Pollock DV% diff.
Vitamin B12 1.86µg 3.66µg 75%
Selenium 54.4µg 44.1µg 19%
Vitamin B6 0.123mg 0.329mg 16%
Sodium 56mg 419mg 16%
Vitamin D 150IU 51IU 12%
Vitamin B2 0.073mg 0.223mg 12%
Vitamin D 3.7µg 1.3µg 12%
Magnesium 34mg 81mg 11%
Cholesterol 57mg 86mg 10%
Phosphorus 204mg 267mg 9%
Choline 51.3mg 91.6mg 7%
Calcium 14mg 72mg 6%
Vitamin B3 4.745mg 3.949mg 5%
Vitamin B5 0.664mg 0.432mg 5%
Protein 26.15g 23.48g 5%
Saturated fat 0.94g 0.159g 4%
Vitamin E 0.79mg 0.28mg 3%
Vitamin B1 0.093mg 0.054mg 3%
Copper 0.075mg 0.06mg 2%
Iron 0.69mg 0.56mg 2%
Monounsaturated fat 0.955g 0.134g 2%
Fats 2.65g 1.18g 2%
Vitamin A 0µg 17µg 2%
Folate 6µg 3µg 1%
Calories 128kcal 111kcal 1%
Vitamin K 0.9µg 0.1µg 1%
Manganese 0.037mg 0.018mg 1%
Zinc 0.41mg 0.57mg 1%
Potassium 380mg 430mg 1%
Polyunsaturated fat 0.6g 0.583g 0%
Tryptophan 0.265mg 0.263mg 0%
Threonine 1.156mg 1.029mg 0%
Isoleucine 1.22mg 1.082mg 0%
Leucine 2.04mg 1.908mg 0%
Lysine 2.315mg 2.157mg 0%
Methionine 0.766mg 0.696mg 0%
Phenylalanine 1.05mg 0.917mg 0%
Valine 1.28mg 1.21mg 0%
Histidine 0.585mg 0.691mg 0%
Omega-3 - EPA 0.005g 0.086g N/A
Omega-3 - DHA 0.13g 0.423g N/A
Omega-3 - ALA 0.045g N/A
Omega-3 - DPA 0.06g 0.027g N/A
Omega-6 - Eicosadienoic acid 0.015g N/A

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
26% 3% 72%
Protein: 26.15 g
Fats: 2.65 g
Carbs: 0 g
Water: 71.59 g
Other: 0 g
23% 74% 2%
Protein: 23.48 g
Fats: 1.18 g
Carbs: 0 g
Water: 73.65 g
Other: 1.69 g
Contains more ProteinProtein +11.4%
Contains more FatsFats +124.6%
~equal in Carbs ~0g
~equal in Water ~73.65g
~equal in Other ~1.69g

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
38% 38% 24%
Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 0.94 g
Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 0.955 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.6 g
18% 15% 67%
Saturated fat: Sat. Fat 0.159 g
Monounsaturated fat: Mono. Fat 0.134 g
Polyunsaturated fat: Poly. Fat 0.583 g
Contains more Mono. FatMonounsaturated fat +612.7%
Contains less Sat. FatSaturated fat -83.1%
~equal in Polyunsaturated fat ~0.583g

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References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Tilapia - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/175177/nutrients
  2. Pollock - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173681/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.