Seafood Marketing Campaign Encourages Protein Swaps
As tailgate season peaks, you may find seafood options replacing traditional chicken dishes at your game day gatherings.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Healthy Food
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Do you consider seafood a viable alternative to chicken for your casual game day meals?
Rancho Cucamonga-based Aquamar has launched a campaign promoting seafood as a substitute for chicken during the peak tailgate season in October. The initiative encourages consumers to swap traditional wings and tenders for items like surimi and scallop bites.
Why it matters
Rising beef prices are prompting many to reconsider their protein choices, and this shift aims to diversify diets beyond the typical reliance on poultry. By highlighting seafood's unique nutritional profile, the push seeks to bridge the significant consumption gap between chicken and fish.
National consumption figures show Americans eat approximately 100 pounds of chicken annually compared to just 19 pounds of seafood. This five-to-one ratio highlights the current disparity in protein intake, though the success of shifting these habits through seasonal marketing remains unproven.
The players
Aquamar
A Rancho Cucamonga-based company that specializes in producing seafood and surimi products.
The details
Aquamar suggests incorporating surimi or crispy scallop bites into standard tailgate favorites like hot or cold dips and as nacho toppings. Beyond protein, seafood provides vitamins, minerals, and Omega-3 fatty acids that are not present in chicken. This shift is presented as a response to recent price spikes in the beef market that are driving shoppers to seek more affordable or varied protein alternatives.
Timeline
October is observed as National Seafood Month and aligns with peak tailgate season.
Health Landscape
The U.S. diet has long been defined by the historical five-to-one ratio of chicken to seafood consumption. This campaign marks a strategic departure from that pattern as manufacturers aim to influence eating habits during high-consumption events like football tailgates.
Incorporating more seafood into your game day menu can be a simple way to increase your intake of Omega-3s and other essential minerals. If you are adjusting your protein sources due to cost, consider speaking with your doctor or a dietitian about how to ensure your new choices meet your nutritional needs.
The takeaway
Swapping poultry for seafood during seasonal events can provide a wider variety of nutrients like Omega-3s in your diet. Focus on incorporating whole, lean seafood options and discuss any major shifts in your protein intake with your healthcare provider to ensure a balanced nutritional approach.
Further reading
For more on integrating diverse nutrients into your diet, explore our Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Seafoodsource.
Live Poll
Do you consider seafood a viable alternative to chicken for your casual game day meals?
