In the quiet stretch between first light and the start of the day proper, it’s often birds that make themselves known first. A blackbird’s clear call, the tapping chatter of sparrows, the flicker of wings among the hedges.
For many of us, the presence of birds in our gardens or on our balconies has become a small but steady source of interest — even joy.
Feeding them, once the preserve of the especially green-thumbed, is now far more common. But what to feed them, and why, is a question that deserves a little more attention.
According to the RSPB, over half of adults in the UK feed birds in their gardens. It’s an easy way to support biodiversity, especially in urban spaces where natural food sources can be limited. But not all seed mixes are created equal. Many supermarket brands bulk out their offerings with low-nutrient fillers like wheat or split maize. These are often picked over or dropped entirely, encouraging pests and wasting money in the process.
The best mixes cater to a range of species, offering high-energy seeds that are rich in fats, oils and proteins. Black sunflower seeds and sunflower hearts are brilliant year-round options. Nyjer seeds need special feeders but are beloved by goldfinches and siskins. Suet pellets or mealworms are popular with robins and blackbirds, especially during colder months. The British Trust for Ornithology (BTO) also recommends checking for dust-free blends and avoiding anything with artificial additives or preservatives.
Organic seed is becoming increasingly available and is generally preferable, not only for its environmental credentials but also because it often comes from producers focused on quality and traceability.
There’s also something to be said for seasonal variation. Birds’ needs shift throughout the year — in spring and summer, protein is crucial for raising young. Yet the RSPB recommends avoiding seed mixtures that have split peas, beans, dried rice or lentils, as only the large species can eat them dry. In winter, fat content becomes more important to help maintain energy levels. Most reputable suppliers will offer guidance on this, either on packaging or through resources on their websites.
This article takes a closer look at some of the best bird seed mixes currently available, focusing on blends that are nutritious, responsibly sourced and well-suited to both common and more occasional garden visitors. A small change in what you put out can make a noticeable difference, not just in who turns up, but in how often they come back.
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Sainsbury's Wild Bird Seed Mix 4kg
A budget-friendly, everyday option for casual feeding. This mix contains black sunflower seeds, millet and wheat, attracting sparrows, finches and dunnocks. While it includes a good proportion of energy-rich seed, it’s not entirely waste-free, so expect some spillage beneath the feeder.
Still, it’s a reliable entry point for encouraging more regular bird visitors, especially in winter, when natural food is scarcer. Fellow reviewers seem to adore this mix, with one 80-year-old bird watcher saying, “Lovely watching the birds on my feeder, they love this seed mix – wood pigeons, magpies and fledglings.”
Buy now £5.00, Sainsbury's
National Trust CJ Wildlife Garden Bird Table Seed 12.75kg
Developed in partnership with the National Trust, this high-quality, husk-free mix is designed for use on bird tables and ground feeders. Rich in sunflower hearts, kibbled maize and peanut granules, it caters to blackbirds, tits, chaffinches and robins.
With no filler and minimal waste, it’s ideal for those looking to feed regularly without the mess or unwanted growth below.
Buy now £22.50, Ocado
Garden Wildlife Direct Premium No Grow / No Waste / No Husk Wild Bird Seed Mix 2kg
A smart choice for patios, balconies and tidy gardeners alike. This premium mix contains sunflower hearts, kibbled maize and suet pellets — all husk-free and heat-treated to prevent germination. It’s particularly good for finches, tits and robins, and offers excellent year-round nutrition.
With no wheat or low-grade filler, what you scatter is what they eat.
Buy now £7.99, Garden Wildlife Direct
Extra Select Seed Mix Wild Bird Food 5L
An accessible, general-purpose mix that offers good value for casual feeders. Ingredients typically include wheat, red millet, and black sunflower seeds — suitable for sparrows, pigeons and dunnocks. Though it’s not a no-grow or husk-free formula, it does the job in most feeders and works well for larger garden visitors.
Best used during colder months, when food demand is higher.
Buy now £9.89, Amazon
RSPB Feeder Mix 3.25kg
Endorsed by the RSPB and blended to support a wide range of UK garden birds, this mix includes black sunflower seeds, oats and millet, which is ideal for feeders and tube dispensers. It avoids wheat and cheap filler, helping attract finches, tits and even the occasional woodpecker.
Every purchase helps fund RSPB conservation work, adding an additional layer of purpose to your bird feeding.
Buy now £12.34, Amazon
Johnston & Jeff Wild Bird Food, 20 kg
A dependable bulk option for daily feeders. Johnston & Jeff’s mix includes wheat, maize, black sunflower and dari, making it more suitable for larger birds like pigeons and jackdaws, though tits and sparrows will also visit. It's not husk-free and contains some filler, but the quantity and price offer value for those feeding at scale or in rural gardens.
Buy now £16.99, Amazon
Happy Wings NO GROW Thistle Seeds (Nyjer Seeds) Bird Food for Wild Birds – 1.8kg
Pure nyjer seed, rich in oil and protein, is a goldfinch magnet. This fine seed is best used with a specialist nyjer feeder and is also loved by siskins and redpolls. Heat-treated to prevent germination, it's mess-free and won’t sprout beneath feeders. Ideal for supplementing a general mix or targeting finch families with precision and minimal waste.
Buy now £14.49, Amazon
