As human activity increasingly deprives animals of their natural habitats, it’s becoming more and more difficult for birds to find nutritious and filling morsels across the UK. But by setting up feeding stations around your garden, you can help support them throughout the year and make sure local wildlife flourishes.
We’ve rounded up some of the highest-quality bird food packs available to buy online, from suet to seeds, as well as supplies endorsed by the RSPB.
Want some tips on how to attract birds into your garden?
And if you're looking for wonderful places to go birdwatching?
Best bird seed, mealworms and suet balls on the market
RSPB Nyjer Seed Wild Bird Food
High in oil and a great source of energy, nyjer seeds are a fantastic nutritious snack for birds. They’re ideal for a wide range of different species, and could attract some of the lesser seen British birds into your garden, such as goldfinches, greenfinches and siskins.
You can also save up to 15% when you buy through Amazon’s repeat delivery scheme.
Also, 100% of the profits made from this pack will go to the RSPB to support birds and wildlife around the UK.
RSPB Suet Balls
Buy from RSPB (£10.50), Amazon (£12.34)
Made with suet, oats and sunflower seeds, these fat balls are an oil- and protein-rich snack with high nutritional value. They're sure to attract blackbirds, robins and starlings, as well as blue tits, great tits and long-tailed tits.
No Husk No Grow No Waste Wild Bird Seed Mix
This mix comes with kibbled peanuts and suet pellets, and should attract a variety of different species throughout the year, including blue tits, sparrows and woodpeckers.
Either use it to replenish your bird feeders or scatter it on the ground for birds to enjoy.
Premium Sunflower Heart Kernels
Buy from Garden Wildlife Direct (£12.49)
Sunflower hearts have a high proportion of nutritious oil, perfect for keeping your garden birds happy and healthy. Expect to find small species like robins and blue tits sampling them over the months.
A relatively hassle-free option, these bird seeds come without husks and don’t germinate after falling on the ground, which should keep the area underneath your feeder fairly tidy.
Dried Mealworms
Buy from Crocus (£24.99), Waitrose Garden (£24.99)
Robins, wrens and woodpeckers in particular love dried mealworms, so stocking up on a new bag should help you encourage them into your garden. This type of bird food is 50% crude protein and 25% fat, and this pack has been freeze-dried for maximum nutritional value, so it’s fantastic for the local wildlife. Plus, it’s easy to store in your home.
A high-quality product, these mealworms are prepared according to the guidelines set by the Birdcare Standards Association (BSA) and backed by the British Trust for Ornithology (BTO).
Robin & Songbird Wild Bird No Mess Seed Mix
For a versatile bird seed pack designed to attract smaller species, opt for this robin and songbird mix. It’s made from a healthy blend of sunflower hearts and suet pellets with high energy content. And as the seeds are cut and de-hulled, the birds shouldn’t drop shells all over your lawn.
Scatter this mix on a bird table or over the ground, or use it to top up your hanging feeder.
Walter Harrison's Premier Wild Bird Mix
This bird seed pack for wild birds includes premium food and is 100% free from wheat. Among other ingredients, it includes cut maize, yellow millet and black sunflower, as well as peanut granules and soya oil.
Like all the best mixed bird seed blends, this one can be used in various settings. Add it to your hanging feeders or place it on the ground. The pack comes in three sizes, so you can choose between the 2kg, 4kg and 12.75kg bags at the checkout.
Johnston & Jeff Peanut Bird Feed
Peanuts are a popular type of store-bought bird food, and they attract a wide variety of different breeds, such as bramblings and sparrows. High in natural oils and fat, and packed full of calories, they’re a filling treat for our feathered garden visitors.
These peanuts are clean and safe for birds to eat at any time of the year, just ensure that you place them in a feeder rather than leaving them whole on a table. A feeder means that small birds will peck and break them up, as whole peanuts can be difficult for them to ingest.
Remember to keep your bird feeders clean
The RSPB recommend cleaning all feeders once a week to stop the spread of diseases which are causing populations of garden birds to decline.
For more inspiration and advice on looking after local wildlife, take a look at our buyer’s guides to bird feeders, bird boxes and bird baths. You can also learn more about planting trees to feed wild birds in our dedicated article.