I have never eaten anything from Arby’s in my entire life — primarily because they are best known for their roast beef sandwiches; and I never particularly cared for roast beef. Even the best roast beef in the world would likely be met by me with a lukewarm reception at best…
…So I Tried a Fish Sandwich From Arby’s For One Dollar — You Can, Too — and The Verdict Is…
…so when I found out that Arby’s was giving away a “fish check” for $3.79 — which is purportedly the price for a crispy fish sandwich so that people can try one at ultimately no cost — I figured, “Why not?”
Unfortunately, the first 10,000 eligible people to sign up from February 27, 2021 until either earlier of March 12, 2021 or supplies are depleted will receive a check for $3.79, to be cashed with a bank — and all 10,000 checks were already claimed…
…but despite the “fish checks” no longer being available, any eligible entrant who signs up for this promotion not only has a chance to win a grand prize of $379.00 — I suppose that is good for up to 100 crispy fish sandwiches from Arby’s — but will also be given a reusable coupon with which a crispy fish sandwich can be purchased for only one dollar plus tax through Sunday, March 14, 2021.
I decided to give it a try. After all, what did I have to lose — a dollar plus tax and a few moments of my time?
The person speaking through the drive-thru speaker was not familiar with the coupon. “Are you sure the coupon is not for the shake?” she asked, as a mint chocolate shake was also ordered — and that will be reviewed in a separate article here at The Gate. “The coupon is for the fish sandwich, as it is on my phone,” she was told.
The sandwich was indeed purchased for $1.06 — that amount includes sales tax — the time had arrived to try it.
The Taste Test
I could smell the odor of the fish sandwich through the bag — and it was reminiscent of…
…hold on to your seat…
…a fried fish sandwich from a fast food restaurant. Surprise!
I unwrapped the sandwich, which contained shredded lettuce and tartar sauce in addition to the fish itself on a sesame seed bun. It tasted similarly to a Big Fish sandwich from Burger King, which is not bad and I will occasionally eat — but unlike the Big Fish sandwich, Arby’s crispy fish sandwich has no pickles.
Does Arby’s even have pickles?!? I asked. The woman behind the counter indicated that Arby’s does not have pickles.
Although the tartar sauce was nicely tangy and was put on both the top and bottom of the fish itself — which was on a bed of shredded lettuce — pickles would have definitely elevated the overall flavor of the sandwich further. If pickles are not available, perhaps I can ask for a slice or two of tomato instead?
The fish sandwich itself is definitely larger than the Big Fish sandwich from Burger King and the Filet O’Fish sandwich from McDonald’s — and thankfully, Arby’s crispy fish sandwich does not include half of a slice of processed American cheese on it.
Nutritional Information
Crispy Fish Fillet: Pollock, Enriched Bleached Wheat Flour (flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Water, Bleached Wheat Flour, Modified Food Starch, Enriched Wheat Flour (flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), Yellow Corn Flour, Salt, Soybean Oil, Leavening (sodium acid pyrophosphate, sodium bicarbonate), Enriched Yellow Corn Flour (corn flour, niacin, reduced iron, thiamin mononitrate, riboflavin, folic acid), White Corn Flour, Torula Yeast, Hydrolyzed Soy Protein, Garlic Powder, Spice Extractives, Onion Powder, Natural Flavor, Spices, Dough Conditioners (ascorbic acid, l-cysteine monohydrochloride), Dextrose, Iodized Salt. Cooked in Vegetable Oil.
CONTAINS: FISH (Pollock), SOY, WHEAT.
May be cooked in the same oil as menu items that contain Egg and Milk
Sesame Seed Bun: Wheat Flour, Malted Barley Flour, Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Yeast, Soybean and/or Cottonseed Oil, Wheat Gluten, Contains 2% or less of the following: Salt, Dried Malt, Dough Conditioners (contains one or more of the following: mono and diglycerides, ethoxylated mono and diglycerides, calcium peroxide, calcium stearoyl lactylate, sodium stearoyl lactylate, DATEM, ascorbic acid, calcium iodate, soy lecithin, enzymes), Yeast Nutrients (contains one or more of the following: calcium carbonate, ammonium chloride, ammonium sulfate, calcium sulfate, monocalcium phosphate, carbamide), Dextrose, Natural and Artificial Flavors, Caramel Color, L-Cysteine, Propylene Glycol, Diammonium Phosphate, Tricalcium Phosphate, Wheat and/or Corn Starch, Corn Grits, Potato Flour, Calcium Propionate and/or Potassium Sorbate (preservatives), Soy Lecithin. Topped with Sesame Seeds.
CONTAINS: SOY, WHEAT.
Tartar Sauce: Soybean Oil, Water, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Corn Syrup, Pickles, Distilled Vinegar, Sugar, Egg Yolk, Modified Corn Starch, Salt, Corn Cider Vinegar, Onion (dehydrated), Propylene Glycol Alginate, Red Bell Peppers, Xanthan Gum, Spices (including mustard seed), Potassium Sorbate and Sodium Benzoate (preservatives), Natural and Artificial Flavors, Polysorbate 80, Calcium Disodium EDTA (to protect flavor).
CONTAINS: EGG.
| Nutritional Information | Arby’s Crispy Fish Sandwich | Burger King Big Fish Sandwich | McDonald’s Filet O’Fish Sandwich |
| Serving Weight | 228 grams | 198 grams | 141 grams |
| Calories | 570 | 513.3 | 380 |
| Calories from Fat | 230 | Not available | Not available |
| Fat — Total | 25 grams | 27.8 grams | 18 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 4 grams | 4.7 grams | 4 grams |
| Trans Fat | 0 grams | 0 grams | 0 grams |
| Cholesterol | 45 milligrams | 29 milligrams | 40 milligrams |
| Sodium | 990 milligrams | 1,181.3 milligrams | 580 milligrams |
| Total Carbohydrates | 65 grams | 51.1 grams | 39 grams |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 grams | 2.3 grams | 2 grams |
| Sugars | 9 grams | 7 grams | 5 grams |
| Proteins | 20 grams | 15.5 grams | 16 grams |
Summary
When I think of crispy, I think of a light crunch when biting through the coating of the fish — and although the fish sandwich was certainly not soggy or limp, it fell just short of crispy, in my opinion.
I would certainly purchase the fish sandwich again for $1.06. I might even consider purchasing two of the fish sandwiches for $6.00, which is a current promotion for a limited time — as is the availability of the crispy fish sandwich itself…
…but I would not pay $3.79 for the fish sandwich.
If you would like to have a crispy fish sandwich for one dollar plus tax — as well as a chance to win the grand prize of $379.00 — then take a moment to sign up for the promotion.
All photographs ©2021 by Brian Cohen.
