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Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →No. Pollock and cod are related fish in the cod family (Gadidae), but they are different species. “Pollock” can mean Alaska pollock (Gadus chalcogrammus) or Atlantic pollock (Pollachius virens); Atlantic cod is Gadus morhua.
Why pollock and cod are easy to confuse
“Cod family” describes a biological relationship, not one species. NOAA Fisheries places Alaska pollock, Atlantic pollock, and Atlantic cod in Gadidae, but their genus and species names differ. A common name can also obscure the distinction: Atlantic pollock is sold under names including saithe, coalfish, coley, green cod, and Boston bluefish. “Green cod” is a name for Atlantic pollock, not evidence that the fish is cod.
Which fish does “pollock” mean?
Alaska pollock
Alaska pollock, also called walleye pollock, is Gadus chalcogrammus. NOAA describes it as mild tasting with a relatively fine texture. It is commonly sold headed and gutted or as fillets and is also widely used in surimi and fried fish sandwiches.
Atlantic pollock
Atlantic pollock is Pollachius virens. NOAA describes its flavor as sweet and delicate, its texture as firm, and its flesh as darker than cod. Labels using “saithe,” “coalfish,” or “coley” may refer to this species, depending on the market.
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Atlantic cod
Atlantic cod is Gadus morhua. NOAA describes it as mild and clean-flavored, with large flakes. It is not the same species as either Alaska or Atlantic pollock.
Pollock and cod compared
| Fish sold as | Scientific name | NOAA flavor and texture description |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska pollock | Gadus chalcogrammus | Mild tasting; relatively fine texture |
| Atlantic pollock | Pollachius virens | Sweet and delicate; firm; darker flesh than cod |
| Atlantic cod | Gadus morhua | Mild, clean flavor; large flakes |
These descriptions indicate why two products labeled “pollock” may not cook or taste alike: Alaska pollock and Atlantic pollock are different species. Check the full label when the distinction matters.
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Can you use pollock instead of cod?
For Alaska pollock, yes in many mild-white-fish recipes. NOAA FishWatch says Alaska pollock can be a substitute for cod or haddock. Its mild flavor makes it suitable for preparations such as baked, battered, or pan-cooked fillets, but a substitution is not a promise that every recipe will have identical flakes, moisture, or browning.
Do not automatically apply that specific substitution statement to every fish called pollock. Atlantic pollock is firmer and has darker flesh, so it may produce a noticeably different result from cod or Alaska pollock. If a recipe depends on very large flakes or a particular thickness, adjust cooking time to the fillet rather than relying on the name alone.
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Does pollock taste like cod?
Alaska pollock and cod are both mild fish, so they can work in similar dishes. Cod is described by NOAA as mild and clean with large flakes, while Alaska pollock is mild with a relatively fine texture. Atlantic pollock is described as sweet, delicate, and firmer, with darker flesh. “Pollock” therefore does not describe one universal flavor.
Raw nutrition per 100 grams
The following are NOAA Fisheries entries for raw fish. They are not values for breaded portions, cooked fillets, surimi, or products prepared with oil, sauces, or other ingredients.
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| Raw fish (100 g) | Calories | Protein | Total fat | Carbohydrate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska pollock | 81 | 17.18 g | 0.8 g | 0 g |
| Atlantic pollock | 92 | 19.44 g | 0.98 g | 0 g |
| Atlantic cod | 82 | 17.81 g | 0.67 g | 0 g |
NOAA’s Alaska pollock and Atlantic cod pages were accessed in 2026; the Atlantic pollock page was last updated in 2026. The small differences above should not be treated as a universal “healthier fish” ranking. Species, serving state, preparation, portion size, and an individual diet all affect the food actually eaten.
How to identify the fish you are buying
- Look for the species name, not just the word “pollock.” “Alaska pollock” and “Atlantic pollock” identify different fish.
- Use the scientific name when a label or seller provides it: Gadus chalcogrammus, Pollachius virens, or Gadus morhua.
- Treat “green cod” as an Atlantic pollock common name, not as Atlantic cod.
- For a cod recipe, Alaska pollock is the pollock specifically identified by NOAA as a possible substitute; confirm the product is that species.
What this comparison does not establish
The cited NOAA material does not establish a comparative mercury or safety ranking for pollock and cod, including advice for pregnancy. It also does not support a single sustainability verdict: fishery status can vary by species, stock, fishery, region, and date. Those questions require current, species-specific information.
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- Trusted Seafood Experts: With over 175 years of experience, Gorton’s is dedicated to quality and ocean preservation. Proudly founded in Gloucester, MA, we continue to lead the industry in sourcing fresh-tasting, responsible seafood
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
