I’ve got some genuinely fantastic news from the world of health retail.
Holland & Barrett, a big name on our UK high streets, has just announced they are phasing out all products containing krill and krill oil. I know, I know—it might sound like a minor ingredient switch, but trust me, this is a monumental win for the world’s wildest and most fragile ecosystem: the Antarctic.
The Paperclip-Sized Powerhouse
For those who haven’t obsessed over the Antarctic food web (it’s surprisingly dramatic, trust me), let me introduce you to the unsung hero: the tiny, shrimp-like crustacean known as krill.
Krill are the bedrock of the Southern Ocean. They are the primary food source for almost every animal we adore down there — the seals, the soaring seabirds and crucially, the whales and penguins. Krill are like the ultimate, non-negotiable buffet.
But here’s the rub: in recent years, this vital food source has become a hot commodity for industrial fishing, mostly for use in omega-3 supplements and fish feed.
The Competition is Heating Up (and not just because of climate change)
As an advocate for these wonderful creatures, the krill fishing industry has always given me a shiver of anxiety. Imagine recovering whale populations — finally getting back on their feet after the devastating whaling era — only to find themselves in a food fight with massive super-trawlers!
Conservation groups like Sea Shepherd have documented this growing conflict: industrial vessels operating right in the feeding grounds where whales, penguins, and seals are desperately trying to fill up for the season. Krill numbers are already stressed by climate change and shrinking sea ice, and every scoop the trawlers take is a mouthful taken directly from an endangered animal. It’s an unnecessary tug-of-war that the wildlife simply can’t afford to lose.
A Retailer Does the Right Thing
This is why Holland & Barrett’s decision is such a breath of fresh, non-polluted Antarctic air. They are the first major UK retailer to fully exit the krill market, and they’ve done so because they’ve recognised that simply meeting current “sustainable” standards isn’t enough when an entire ecosystem is at stake.
As their Sustainability Director put it, “True wellness doesn’t stop at the body; it starts at the source — and with the world we share.” I couldn’t agree more. It’s a wonderful example of corporate leadership filling the gap where international policy has, frankly, stalled. The failure to establish promised Marine Protected Areas in the Antarctic is a whole other blog post of frustration!
There is a super detailed article in ‘oceanographic’, a conservation, adventure and exploration magazine, so read more HERE.
Your Role: Go Algae!
The best part? Krill oil’s key benefits come from omega-3 fatty acids, which krill get from eating algae. The sustainable alternative? Going straight to the source! Plant-based alternatives, like Algae Oil, offer the same nutrients without stealing food from the Antarctic crew.
This move by Holland & Barrett sends a clear, powerful signal: we, as consumers, can choose to support companies that prioritise the planet over a quick profit. I truly hope this leads the way for others to follow.
So, next time you’re picking up your supplements, remember the paperclip-sized superhero and the massive animals that rely on it. Let’s make sure our desire for well-being isn’t at the expense of the well-being of the wild world.
What are your favourite sustainable swaps? Drop me a comment below!
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