Mussels – The UK’s Next Superfood?

What if one of the world’s most sustainable foods was sitting right on UK coastlines and on supermarket shelves for just a few pounds?

Mussels are probably a food most of us don’t think to add to our weekly shop, however recent research suggest that not only are they an amazing source of nutrients and budget friendly, but also are great for the environment. Who would have known? 

In this blog post were going to dive in to how they play a role in helping the environment, what nutrients they contain and their recent surge in popularity on the UK market 

Why mussels are a sustainability game changer 

Unlike lots of animal products like beef, pork, chicken and many types of fish, muscle farming doesn’t require any feed, fertilisers or fresh water inputs (meaning that they don’t compete with humans or agriculture for freshwater supplies), this is because they exist by filtering (eating) plankton and other nutrients that are already in the sea.

This is significant as many other animals and fish used in food production require food that is externally sourced, that in turn can contribute to water pollution, greenhouse gas emissions and deforestation. For example, chickens can’t forage enough on their own in modern farming, so they’re given feed made mostly from soy, maize, and grains. That feed often comes from regions like South America, where soy cultivation has been linked to deforestation and high greenhouse gas emissions. On top of that, transporting and processing these crops adds more to their carbon footprint.

On the other hand, mussels don’t require any external feeding whatsoever and in fact actually have a positive impact on the environment as they act like natural cleaners of our coastal waters, filtering up to a massive 25 litres of seawater per mussel per day! In doing so, they improve water clarity and contribute to healthier marine ecosystems.

On top of external feeding, many animal and fish farming processes generate a huge amount of greenhouse gas emissions, with beef generating around 60 kg CO₂e per kg, Pork around 7 CO₂e kg and even apples, which are often considered as a low-impact food, can have 0.3–0.6 kg CO₂e / kg depending on storage and transport. All while mussels sit at only 0.25 kg of CO₂ equivalent per kilogram of product!

Furthermore, muscles farms actually help support local ecosystems, this is because the ropes and structures used in farming create habitats for fish, crustaceans, and other marine life, effectively boosting biodiversity beneath the water’s surface. Recent studies have found that UK mussel farms have a  rise in biomass and species variety around farm sites. This makes the farming process not just have a neutral impact on local ecosystems, but actually a positive one.

Nutritional power houses 

Not only are muscles great for eating sustainably and taste great, they’re also nutritional powerhouses too, in fact they actually one of the most nutritionally dense whole foods on the market. 

A 100 g serving of cooked mussels provides between 16–24 g of protein, comparable to lean meats such as chicken or steak. They are also what is referred to as a complete protein, meaning that they provide all nine essential amino acids our bodies can’t make on their own, meaning that we have to get them from our diets. 

In addition to this, mussels are a great protein option due to their macronutrient make up, they provide nearly as much protein per kilojoule as lean steak, but with a fraction of the calories from fat, providing a higher protein density and broader macronutrient coverage.

They also contain a wide range of micronutrients too:

• Vitamin B12 – A single portion can contain over 500% of the daily requirement. B12 is critical for brain health, nerve function, and red blood cell production.
• Iron – Contributes to energy levels and oxygen transport, making mussels a natural pick for preventing fatigue.
• Selenium and Zinc – Support immune health, metabolism, and thyroid function.
• Iodine – Vital for thyroid hormone production, which regulates growth and metabolism.
• Folic Acid and Manganese – Important for DNA synthesis, fertility, and healthy cell division.

The iron, selenium, iodine are especially significant as many people in the UK are actually deficient in these nutrients. Folic acid is also essential for women of a child bearing age as it plays a key role in the early development of foetuses. 

Good for You, Good for the Planet

Not only are muscles a sustainable and nutritious option, compared to other proteins they also can be a much more ethical and affordable option for many people.

For example, compared to many other fish and animals, mussels don’t have a central nervous system or brain as such. This can be an appealing aspect for many people who are concerned with the ethical side of eating animal and fish produce. Scientist believe that they don’t experience pain in the same way that other animals, fish and other crustaceans do. 

In addition to this, due to the nature of mussels sitting lower on the food chain, they don’t accumulate high levels of mercury of other heavy metals, unlike larger predatory fish such as tuna or swordfish. This means that any concerns around toxins are eliminated with mussels, meaning that they can be eaten much more regularly than other fish. 

The current cost of living crisis in the UK has almost everyone taking a closer look at their food shopping habits and wondering how they can cut down on costs. Proteins are often one of the most expensive foods that we purchase and muscles are one of the cheapest, unprocessed foods on the market. Although they’re available in fresh from, there are also frozen and even tinned options too in most supermarkets, making them even more affordable for those under financial strain. 

This is important as many sustainable, whole food and nutritious proteins such as wild caught salmon and grass fed beef tend to be much more expensive and are a luxury many people can’t afford. They’re also super versatile and quick to cook, which is an added bonus for anyone with a busy lifestyle.

Shellfish in the Spotlight

The word seems to be spreading fast about just how great mussels are, with Waitrose reporting a 120% surge in online searches, driven by eco-conscious eating habits, adventurous cooking, and even TikTok-inspired food trends.

The switch from mussels only being seen as a restaurant food, only eaten in fancy restaurants, steamed and in a white wine sauce, to being stocked in supermarkets in tins, vacuum packed options and ready to eat marinades, makes them a available for a wider audience. 

There has even been some amazingly creative and delicious new product developments incorporating mussels, ranging from burgers that are blended with herbs and spices for a high-protein, nutritious patty, skewers, chargrilled and paired with seasonal vegetables for BBQ season and street food style options, served in bao buns or tacos for a modern twist.

This culinary creativity helps broaden mussels’ appeal, showing they can be versatile, modern, and fun, not just a traditional seaside dish.

Final thoughts

Mussels really do tick all the boxes in a food system under pressure to deliver healthier diets while protecting the planet. These humble shellfish stand out as a simple solution hiding in plain sight.

So next time you’re at the supermarket or a seaside restaurant, give mussels a second look, they might just be the UK’s next biggest superfood.