Core Insights - The article highlights the rapid growth of children's cod fish sausage as a popular snack among parents, marketed as nutritious and convenient, but reveals hidden marketing tactics and misleading claims about the actual content of these products [1][5][19] Product Composition - Many brands promote their cod fish sausages as containing high levels of DHA and protein, but the actual fish content is often lower than advertised, with some products using fish paste instead of real cod [2][3][4] - A study of 17 cod fish sausage products found that only 12 had cod fish as the primary ingredient, while others used fish paste or frozen fish paste, which may contain as little as 3% cod [2][4][11] Nutritional Claims - The DHA content in many products is often overstated, with added DHA algal oil being a marketing gimmick rather than a significant nutritional benefit, providing only minimal DHA per serving [6][7][19] - The protein content is often compared to milk, but the actual protein intake from consuming cod fish sausages is significantly lower than that from milk, requiring children to eat multiple sausages to meet their protein needs [17][18] Sodium Content - Many cod fish sausages have high sodium levels, with over half of the analyzed products exceeding 600mg of sodium per 100g, which is considered high for children's diets [11][12] - The sodium content can contribute significantly to a child's daily intake, raising concerns about the health implications of regular consumption [11][12] Consumer Awareness - Parents are advised to scrutinize ingredient lists and nutritional information when selecting cod fish sausages, prioritizing products with higher fish content and lower sodium and sugar levels [19][20] - The article emphasizes the importance of fresh ingredients over processed snacks, suggesting that whole fish is a better option for providing essential nutrients [19][20]