| Getting your Trinity Audio player ready... |
As I embarked on finding the best canned salmon on the market these days, it was easy to get overwhelmed with the huge number of brands and forms out there.
So I did a little hunting on store shelves and online websites, and did a taste test comparison for these brands. But the truth is that people have different preferences in how they like their canned salmon.
In the end, the best salmon you can find relies on a few things: value, sustainability, and reputation of the company. It is well worth your time to find a good canned salmon because it adds a lot of convenience and versatility as well as health benefits to your diet.
And by the way, all the canned salmon that I can find on the market is also wild salmon, which is a big benefit over farmed salmon!
Let’s dig in and find out more.
Table of Contents
The Best Canned Salmon Brands
Here are some of the best canned salmon options available on the market based on the criteria of affordability, sustainability, and company reputation. These are ones that I also find to be quite tasty, although read the descriptions to see if this matches your idea of tasty canned salmon.
You should know that you are also going to pay a lot more for sockeye salmon than you will for pink salmon.
Contains affiliate links. Read the disclosure page for more information.
Most Affordable and Delicious Sockeye Canned Salmon
Most Affordable and Delicious Sockeye is Bumble Bee Wild Alaska Red Canned Salmon. This classic brand offers wild-caught red (sockeye) salmon that’s versatile and delicious. But the best part is that it is cheap-really really cheap compared to all other brands at $4.79 for a BIG 14.75 ounce can. I love it because it is a nice firm texture despite having skin and bones. This makes it ideal for burgers, tacos, or stir fry dishes. I admit I was scared to try this one because I really disliked Bumble Bee tuna in the past, but this one truly blew me away because it was so good for so little money. Also sustainable with MSC Certification, is also Non-GMO, Gluten Free, and Kosher. Bumble Bee started in 1899 with 7 salmon canneries from fish caught in Bristol Bay in Alaska.
Best Tasting Boneless, Skinless Sockeye Salmon
Best Tasting Skinless, Boneless Sockeye Salmon is Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon. This sustainably-sourced canned salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and has a rich, robust flavor. It’s great for making salmon cakes, sandwiches, or salads. However, for sockeye salmon, this one Isn’t as vibrant of color as 365 Whole Foods brand. For me, though, it’s worth it because it has a firm texture more like fresh salmon does and not overly salty which I like. The only downside is that this one is pricey at about $10 per small can at the time of this post. This one is available in many local grocery stores and online.
Best-Tasting Red Sockeye Salmon
Best-Tasting Red Sockeye Salmon is 365 Whole Foods Market Alaska Red Sockeye Salmon. Vibrant red in color, this tasty salmon is a bit salty in flavor and a little softer texture than I like. Still, almost all other reviewers love this one, so I realized my preference on salt and texture is likely biased. 365 Whole Foods brand is also bone-in and skin on so this may be why the texture is a little softer. If going on healthy alone, this would be a great pick and it’s also more reasonable at about $6.75 per 7.5 ounce can for sockeye salmon than Wild Planet. MSC certified and from the pristine Bristol Bay area in Alaska.
Best Low Salt Bone-in Skin-on Pink Salmon
Best Low Salt Bone-in Skin-on Pink Salmon is Field Day Pink Salmon. A tasty low salt wild-caught pink salmon, this one is an all-around good bet for just about any purpose. It is also a fairly good value at $6.99 for 7 ounces at the time of this post. This budget-friendly canned salmon is wild-caught like all the other brands I mention here and it has a mild flavor that pairs well with various seasonings and sauces. For people who like milder flavor fish, pink salmon like this one is the way to go compared to sockeye salmon. And last but not least, this is MSC certified sustainable as well.
Best Value Pink Salmon
Best Value Pink Salmon is Chicken of the Sea Wild-Caught Pink Salmon. Another great and affordable option at around $0.27 per ounce and available just about everywhere, this canned pink salmon is skinless and boneless and packed in water for a lighter taste. It’s perfect for adding protein to soups, casseroles, or dips. Surprisingly, this one has a fantastic taste too and reminds me a bit of canned crabmeat. The texture is firm and delicious and I like that it isn’t over salted. An interesting fact that I found out about Chicken of the Sea is that they are listed as #1 on Seafood Stewardship Index for 2023. You can also use the tracking code listed on your can to find out exactly where it was harvested.
Most Healthy Sockeye Salmon
Most Healthy Version of Sockeye is Rubinstein’s Sockeye Salmon. Known for its high-quality seafood products, Rubinstein’s offers premium wild-caught sockeye salmon that’s rich in flavor and nutrients. You will also note that it is the reddest of the red for sockeye, a marker of high antioxidant content. It’s great for grilling, baking, or simply enjoying straight out of the can. I tried this one after my mom called me to rave about this brand and sure enough, she is right-this salmon is far superior to many canned salmon brands out there as far as taste goes. Packed from a sustainable catch of Wild Alaska salmon, this is reasonable for sockeye at about $6 per 7.5 ounce can. This company is part of Trident Seafoods which was founded in 1973 in the Seattle area and they source from fisheries that have sustainable fishing practices. They also are a near zero-waste company.
Health Benefits of Canned Salmon
Not only is canned salmon typically cheaper than fresh salmon, it has all the benefits of fresh salmon with some bonus benefits because it contains skin and bones. The bone-in becomes a great source of minerals like magnesium and calcium. Not only that, the skin is an amazing source of collagen which is great for skin and joints. Canned salmon is also is amazing for gut health.
Like fresh salmon, canned salmon contains high levels of omega-3 fatty acids that are good for brain function, heart health, and cancer prevention. When you choose skin-on canned salmon, the skin also helps provide an additional excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids. These healthy fats dampen inflammation and are also good for helping prevent autoimmune diseases and help maintain healthy joints, skin, and hair.
As an added bonus, sockeye salmon is also rich in the antioxidant called astaxanthin which is great for protecting eye health. Eating more fatty fish like salmon helps prevent strokes, reduces blood pressure, and reduces excess blood clotting. Wild-caught canned salmon also has a lot of natural B-vitamins like vitamin B6, thiamine, and vitamin B12. In fact, if you eat a serving of canned salmon, you will meet over 100% of your daily needs for vitamin B12.
Not to mention, wild-caught canned salmon is also convenient and portable because it is sealed and ready to serve at any time you need a protein boost in your diet.
And you should know that most canned salmon is wild salmon, which is healthier than farmed salmon. This means that with canned salmon you aren’t going to get the contaminants like PCBs and higher levels of unhealthy fats like omega-6 fatty acids that you would with farmed salmon. Besides, farmed salmon are more susceptible to diseases and are more likely to receive antibiotics, which nobody wants more of in their bodies.
Wild-caught sockeye salmon stands out as some of the most nutritious food on the planet and contains:
Per 3-ounce serving:
- Protein: 27 grams
- EPA: 300 mg
- DHA 600 mg
- DPA: 100 mg-meets over 100% RDI for combined omega-3 fatty acids
- Potassium: 436 mg (12% WHO Guidelines)
- Niacin: 10 mg (63%)
- Vitamin B6 0.83 mg (55% DV)
- Choline: 113 mg (20% DV)
- Vitamin B12: 4.6 mcg (191% DV)
- Vitamin D: 670 IU (RDI outdated)
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Cooking Tips for Delicious Canned Salmon Meals
The easiest way to use canned salmon is to use it anywhere you might want, such as add it to a salad, sandwich, wrap, or on crackers. You can also make a healthy salmon loaf or salmon cakes with it. Don’t forget about salmon dip! Canned salmon also works in stir fry dishes, for frying and making salmon burgers. Or if you are like me, I most often eat it straight out of the can to get all the nutrients right away.
Why Sustainable Fishing Practices Matter When Buying Canned Salmon
Sustainable fishing is not only better for you because wild-caught, sustainable fish has less toxins than farmed salmon, it also tastes better and isn’t overly fishy and mushy like farmed salmon tends to be.
What to Look for in Canned Salmon
When selecting canned salmon, look for certifications like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) or the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), which ensure that the fishery or aquaculture operation meets rigorous sustainability standards.
Additionally, consider the following:
- Regional sourcing: You should opt for canned salmon from regions with well-managed fisheries, such as those in Washington or Alaska.
- Labeling: Check the label for information on the fishery or aquaculture operation, and look for transparency about sourcing and practices. You will most often see an MSC label listed on canned salmon if it is sustainable.
That said, most canned salmon is perhaps more sustainable than fresh fish because any excess fish that is harvested tends to be canned or otherwise would be wasted. It is also a way that fisheries can use slightly less desirable pieces of fish without them going to waste.
All types of canned salmon that I can find on the market also happen to be wild salmon, which is healthier for both people and the planet than farmed salmon.
In conclusion, canned salmon is a convenient, healthy, and versatile option for incorporating a healthy source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet. With a wide variety of brands and flavors to choose from, there is sure to be a canned salmon option that suits your taste preferences. Whether you enjoy it on its own, in salads, sandwiches, or other dishes, canned salmon provides you a delicious and nutritious addition to any meal.
Next time you’re looking for an easy and flavorful way to boost your intake of essential nutrients, consider reaching for a can of salmon from this list of the best options available on the market.
