Lent 2026 Fast-Food Fish Sandwich Review: 10 Popular Chains Ranked from Worst to Best

Many US Christians are again skipping meat and eating fish during Lent 2026. The Wednesday-starting observance encourages meat abstinence but seafood consumption. Many fast-food establishments revive fish sandwiches this season.

It was rare for a New Jersey food journalist to taste and rank 10 fast-food fried fish sandwiches. Although simple, eating that much deep-fried seafood in a short time was a taste and endurance test. Sandwiches surprised positively. Others didn’t.

The single New Jersey site of Long John Silver’s, in Mantua, was too far from the reviewer’s base to visit.

The Roy Rogers beer-battered cod sandwich was last. Like cafeteria fish sticks, the sandwich lacked freshness and flavor. The purchase at a closed travel plaza made it more frustrating.

Next was Wendy’s crispy panko fish sandwich. Though famed for its burgers and Frosties, the chain’s fish sandwich reportedly failed. The fish was rough and hard to eat, and the pickles added brightness but not enough flavor.

Arthur Treacher’s fried fish sandwich, one of the last in the US, placed eighth. The reviewer was disappointed that the sandwich had more batter than fish, despite the company’s fish specialty.

Famous McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish placed eighth. An iconic fast food fish sandwich, it has decades of brand heritage. This taste test found it flat and flavorless, disappointing given its reputation.

The White Castle panko fish slider placed sixth. The little sandwich resembled a bunned fish stick. Simple, but in line with brand expectations.

The Burger King Big Fish sandwich placed fifth. The sandwich tasted like a chicken sandwich, which helped. The familiar texture and flavor made it better than other fish.

An impressive fourth and third position for Arby’s. King’s Hawaiian Fish Deluxe from Arby’s rated fourth. Hot and fresh wild-caught Alaskan pollock on a King’s Hawaiian-style bun was commended. The bun was not sweet enough, but quality was excellent.

Third-place Arby’s crispy fish sandwich was even better, according to the assessment. It highlighted tartar sauce and crispy fish with a simpler design. Taste and crispness gave it an edge over its more ornate version.

Second place went to Checkers’ crispy fish sandwich. The best sandwich element was the tartar sauce. One of the best options in the lineup, the fish was hot and fresh.

Burger King’s Fiery Big Fish won. This Big Fish has a spicy glaze that heats up without overwhelming. The reviewer finished the sandwich, unlike numerous others on the list. In this ranking, its spicy twist, solid texture, and flavor made it the apparent winner.

This tasting shows how seriously fast-food restaurants approach Lent. Many consumers order fish sandwiches weekly during this time. Some chains definitely focus more on seasonal seafood, despite quality differences.

To help New Jerseyans observe Lent 2026, this ranking is useful. Fast-food fish sandwiches–from classics to spicy new additions–are popular and affordable during the season. Several stand out as surprising strong challengers, as this review indicates.

Sources
NJ Advance Media taste test and ranking report on fast-food fish sandwiches for Lent 2026