7 Shocking Facts About Burger King's Big Fish Sandwich (2025 Lent Return)

The annual fast-food fish sandwich war is officially underway for 2025, and Burger King has once again thrown its hat into the ring with the return of its iconic Big Fish Sandwich. This classic menu item, a seasonal staple for many observing Lent or simply craving a seafood fix, is back with a few twists, including a spicy new variant and a limited-time deal that savvy customers absolutely need to know about.

As of December 18, 2025, the Big Fish is available at participating locations nationwide, but the details—from its fluctuating price to its polarizing ingredients—are what truly matter this season. Whether you're a long-time fan or a curious newcomer, here is the deep-dive, no-holds-barred look at everything you need to know about the 2025 Burger King Big Fish Sandwich and its fiery counterpart.

The Essential Guide to Burger King's 2025 Fish Sandwich Offerings

Burger King is not holding back this year, offering two distinct fish options to cater to different palates. The core offering remains the beloved Big Fish, but the new Fiery Big Fish is stealing the headlines. Understanding the differences is key to ordering the right catch.

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1. The Classic Big Fish Sandwich: Ingredients and Details

The original Big Fish Sandwich is Burger King’s long-standing competitor to other fast-food fish offerings. Its recipe is built on a few core, high-quality components designed to deliver a satisfying crunch and a tangy flavor profile.

• The Fish: 100% Wild Alaskan Pollock. This is a crucial detail, as Alaskan Pollock is a sustainable and widely used white fish in the industry, known for its mild flavor and flaky texture.
• The Breading: Crispy Panko Breading. Unlike the standard breadcrumbs used by some competitors, the panko provides a noticeably lighter, airier, and crunchier exterior.
• The Toppings: Sweet Tartar Sauce and Tangy Pickles. The combination of the creamy, sweet tartar sauce with the sharp, acidic pickles is what truly defines the flavor of the Big Fish.
• The Bun: A corn-dusted bun or sometimes a brioche bun, depending on the location and current promotion, providing a soft texture to contrast the crispy fish.

This sandwich is a powerhouse of flavor, aiming for a bigger, bolder taste than its main competitor, McDonald's Filet-O-Fish. It's often praised for its generous size and the pronounced crunch from the panko breading.

2. The Fiery Big Fish Sandwich: A Spicy New Contender

For those who like their seafood with a kick, the 2025 season introduced the limited-time Fiery Big Fish Sandwich. This new item takes the classic recipe and dials up the heat significantly.

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• The Base: It uses the same 100% Wild Alaskan Pollock patty with crispy panko breading.
• The Heat: The patty is doused in Burger King’s triple-pepper spicy glaze. This glaze is the source of the heat, offering a noticeable spice level that goes beyond a simple dash of pepper.
• The Build: It is served on a soft brioche bun, typically topped with the standard tartar sauce, though the spice is the overwhelming flavor.

Reviews for the Fiery Big Fish have been mixed, with some praising the unique combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy, while others noted the spicy glaze tends to overpower the delicate fish flavor. It’s certainly a must-try for spice lovers looking for a seasonal challenge.

Big Fish vs. The Competition: Why Size Matters

The Big Fish Sandwich has always positioned itself as the substantial, value-focused alternative in the fast-food fish landscape. While competitors often opt for a smaller, steamed bun and a more minimalist approach, Burger King aims for a hearty, filling meal.

3. The Big Fish vs. Filet-O-Fish: A Calorie and Size Showdown

The primary rival in the fast-food fish wars is, of course, the McDonald's Filet-O-Fish. The two sandwiches are fundamentally different, appealing to different customer intentions. The Filet-O-Fish is known for its steamed bun, simple tartar sauce, and half-slice of cheese, offering a lighter, almost nostalgic experience. The Big Fish, however, is designed to be a full-sized sandwich.

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• Size and Texture: The Big Fish patty is larger, square-shaped, and boasts a thick, crispy panko breading, providing a substantial bite. The Filet-O-Fish is smaller, round, and has softer breading.
• Calorie Count: The Big Fish Sandwich typically clocks in around 510 calories, while the Filet-O-Fish is slightly lower at about 380-400 calories. The difference is primarily due to the larger patty and bun size of the BK offering.
• The Debate: Fans of the Big Fish prefer the crunch and the strong flavor profile from the pickles and sauce, while Filet-O-Fish loyalists appreciate the simplicity and melt-in-your-mouth texture.

The 2025 Price Mystery and How to Get the Best Deal

One of the most confusing aspects of ordering fast food in 2025 is the wildly fluctuating price, and the Big Fish Sandwich is no exception. The final cost can vary dramatically based on your location and whether you use the Burger King app.

4. The Price Range Shock: Expect to Pay $3.99 to $7.39

The price of the Big Fish Sandwich is not uniform across the country. Based on current reports, a single sandwich can cost anywhere from a promotional low to a premium price, reflecting regional differences in franchise operations and costs.

• Promotional/Entry Price: Some locations have the sandwich listed as low as $3.99, often as part of a limited-time deal or a regional promotion.
• Standard Price: The average price for the sandwich alone appears to hover between $5.50 and $6.50.
• Premium Price: Some customers have reported prices as high as $7.39 for a single sandwich, which has led to some criticism regarding its value proposition.
• Meal Price: A Big Fish Meal, which includes fries and a drink, is often priced around $13.29.

It is always recommended to check the Burger King app for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing at your local restaurant.

5. The Secret Royal Perks $2 Big Fish Deal (Limited-Time Offer)

This is the most critical piece of information for any Burger King fan this Lent season. To drive engagement with its loyalty program, Burger King is offering a massive discount to its Royal Perks members.

• The Deal: Royal Perks members can purchase the original Big Fish Sandwich for just $2.
• The Catch: This deal is only available through the BK app and is valid for a limited window, running from approximately March 5th to April 20th, 2025, aligning with the Lenten period.
• The Takeaway: If you plan on buying more than one Big Fish Sandwich this season, downloading the free BK app and signing up for Royal Perks is a no-brainer. The savings are substantial, making the $2 Big Fish one of the best fast-food deals of the year.

Controversy and Customer Verdicts on the 2025 Fish

No fast-food item is without its critics, and the Big Fish Sandwich has faced its share of scrutiny, especially in the highly competitive 2025 market. Recent reviews highlight a key point of customer dissatisfaction that potential buyers should be aware of.

6. The 'More Breading Than Fish' Controversy

A recurring complaint in recent customer reviews centers on the fish-to-breading ratio. While the panko breading is a highlight, some customers feel the fish fillet itself has shrunk or is disproportionately thin compared to the bun and the breading.

• The Complaint: Customers have described the fish as a "small square Patty about ½ in thick" with "more breading than fish."
• The Impact: This perception of poor quality has led some to label the Big Fish as one of the "worst-quality fish sandwiches" in the fast-food space, despite its use of 100% Wild Alaskan Pollock.
• The Reality: The quality of the sandwich can often depend on the specific location and how fresh the patty is. Ordering during peak times might ensure a hotter, fresher product.

7. The Underrated Element: The Sweet Tartar Sauce

Despite the controversies, one element of the Big Fish Sandwich consistently receives high praise: the sweet tartar sauce. This sauce is a key differentiator, setting it apart from the more basic tartar sauces used by competitors.

• Unique Flavor Profile: The sauce is noticeably sweeter and creamier, cutting through the richness of the fried fish and the tang of the pickles.
• A Customization Must: Many long-time fans recommend asking for extra tartar sauce to fully saturate the sandwich and maximize the flavor experience.
• The Verdict: If you prefer a fish sandwich with a strong, complex flavor profile that leans into sweetness and crunch, the Burger King Big Fish Sandwich remains a compelling option for the 2025 Lent season, especially if you can snag the $2 Royal Perks deal.