The best canned salmon provide a good dose of good fats such as Omega-3 fatty acids, which your body needs to function healthily, especially your brain and heart.
Suppose you are too busy to cook meals from scratch every day, canned salmon is a solution that you should consider integrating into your daily diet.
Or maybe you can never remember how long you should refrigerate cooked salmon and always pass the recommended time, leaving spoiled fish in the fridge. With canned salmon, that incident will never happen to you.
It’s time for you to support the best for your body. Today’s article covers a considerable amount of knowledge about this nourishing canned fish to help you find the products that perfectly match your taste and lifestyle.
Types Of Salmon
Although there are several popular types of salmon, pink and red salmon are most commonly used for making canned fish. I will discuss these two types of salmon below.
Pink Salmon
Pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbusha) is also known as the humpback salmon. At first glance, they have a light color. Their flesh is flavorful, and their fat content is relatively low.
Pink salmon contains a great amount of proteins and carbohydrates as well as vitamin D and B12
Red Salmon
Red salmon (Oncorhynchus nerka) is a common nickname for sockeye salmon recognized for their red-orange flesh and rich flavor. This is also the reason why people call them “reds.” They contain more amount of fat per serving than pink salmon.
Red salmon appears larger than pink salmon and offer generous source of omega 3 fatty acids, potassium, B6, B12, and more
Both pink and red salmon are Pacific salmon and are mostly wild-caught instead of farming.
The Benefits Of Salmon
Let’s go over some benefits of salmon before diving deep into each product:
- Healthy source of protein.
- Natural source of Omega 3 fatty acids.
- High in essential vitamins such as calcium, vitamin D, vitamin A and iron.
- Contains Selenium.
- Useful for weight loss.
- Improve heart health.
Nutritious as salmon it is, still, you should never eat past the recommended intake of salmon for one person. Overeating never leads to good results, and this fish is no exception.
Best Canned Salmon Brands On The Market
Let’s talk about some popular brands of canned salmon in the market.
Chicken of the Sea
It’s known as a sustainably packaged seafood firm that provides high-quality products with selected ingredients. For salmon, they are wild-caught in the North Pacific Ocean for best nutrition. Their mission is to keep the goodness of the sea going strong.
Wild Planet
Their Wild Sockeye Salmon and Wild Pink Salmon are also wild-caught in Alaska by small-scale fishing families. Wild Planet’s products are fresh, nutritious, and environmental-friendly. This company is quite young compared to others, but they’re sure to know how to do business.
Bumble Bee
It is a company that produces canned tuna, salmon, other seafood, and chicken. You can even trace your products by entering can code. That means you can rest assured about their quality.
Blue Harbor
This brand has a good reputation for its canned seafood quality. All the ingredients, from tuna to salmon, are hand-selected, hand-cut, and packed without preservatives.
Which Are The Best Canned Salmon To Buy?
The best canned salmons are Wild Planet, Chicken of the Sea, and StarKist for their yummy flavor, versatile and diet-friendly, while Bumble Bee has a more accessible price and offers hearty serving. Henry & Lisa’s Natural Seafood, Crown Prince, and Safe Catch should also be considered for their nutrition and safety.
Below are 10 best canned salmon I have picked. Let’s read through their highlight features.
- Best Overall – Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Canned Salmon
“Flavorful, wild-caught salmon without bones and skin, convenient to use in many delicious recipes, Keto-friendly.” - Best Budget – Bumble Bee Pink Salmon Canned Salmon
“Hearty salmon can at an affordable price, no preservatives, delicious.” - Best Pink Salmon – Chicken of the Sea Traditional Pink Canned Salmon
“Wild-caught and packed in Alaska in bulk cans, all-natural and great-tasting pink salmon.” - Best without Bones – Henry & Lisa’s Natural Seafood Wild Alaskan Pink Canned Salmon
“Boneless and skinless, high-quality fillet pink salmon, wild-caught in Alaska, no additives and non-GMO.” - Best Red Salmon – 365 Everyday Value Alaskan Red Sockeye Canned Salmon
“Red sockeye salmon, packed with nutrition, tastes rich and mouthwatering.” - Best for Omega-3 – Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon Canned Salmon
“Nice packaging, high amount of Omega-3 fatty acids, quick, nutritious and convenient on-the-go food.” - Best for Croquettes – StarKist Skinless & Boneless Wild Pink Salmon Canned Salmon
“Suitable for many appealing salmon-related recipes including croquettes, MSC certified, diet-friendly.” - Best for Salmon Patties – Wild Planet Wild Pink Canned Salmon
“Nourishing and low-sodium, perfect choice for salmon patties and other traditional, Keto-friendly salmon recipes.” - Best Low-sodium – Crown Prince Natural Pink Canned Salmon
“Only 55mg of sodium per serving, full of vitamins, includes bones and skin.” - Best for Babies – Safe Catch Wild Pink No Salt Canned Salmon
“Mercury content tested, BPA-free can, no salt and additives, quick to use.”
Canned Salmon Comparison Table 2023
It’s time to learn more about 10 best canned salmon, including dimensions, weight, types, calories per serving. I’ve put the key elements next to each other, so you can quickly compare these products.
My Reviews For The Best Canned Salmon in 2023
It’s time learn all you need to know about the pros and cons of 10 best canned salmon products so that you can decide which one to buy,
1. Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Canned Salmon
(Best Overall)
If you want some flavorful salmon without bones and skin, Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Canned Salmon is the top-rated product.
First and foremost, all salmon of this company are sustainably wild-caught from clean, clear waters in Alaska. One more thing, this product retains the original flavor of fresh salmon, which I enjoy so much. This is because it is processed without being kept frozen.
Secondly, due to its boneless and skinless meat, it’s incredibly convenient to use numerous recipes such as patties, frittata, or croquettes.
Last but not least, this product comes as a 6-ounce can and is Paleo-friendly, non-GMO verified, FAD-Free, OU Kosher Pareve, and gluten-free.
Key Features:
- 6-ounce can
- Boneless and skinless salmon
- Includes 709mg of Omega-3 and 17g of protein
- Paleo-friendly, non-GMO verified
- FAD-Free, OU Kosher Pareve, and gluten-free
Pros
- Flavorful
- Environment-friendly
- Sustainably wild-caught in Alaska
- Easy to prepare
- Goes well with many recipes
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 5.18 pounds |
| Dimension | 13.8 x 10.2 x 1.9 inches |
| Brand | Wild Planet |
| Bone and skin contents | No |
| Omega-3/serving | 709mg |
| Protein/serving | 17g |
| Sodium/serving | 220mg |
| Number of can/pack | 12 |
Click to see how to make salmon spread with Wild Planet Sockeye Canned Salmon:
2. Bumble Bee Pink Salmon Canned Salmon
(Best Budget)
Bumble Bee Pink Salmon features a pack of four cans; each contains 14.75 ounces of salmon, which can serve a satisfying dinner for your family on busy nights. You don’t have to worry about what to cook anymore.
This healthy product contains 470mg of Omega-3 fatty acids in total and provides 13g of protein per serving. More importantly, it has no preservatives, so you can rest assured when enjoying Bumble Bee Pink Salmon.
What is more, it has a mild flavor and delicious taste. Although this ready-to-eat dish keeps both bones and skin, it’s quick to prepare.
On top of that, the price is relatively low, so I’m ready to stock my pantry with some Bumble Bee Pink Salmon now.
Key Features:
- 75-ounce can
- Set of 4 cans
- Contains 470mg of Omega-3 fatty acids
- Includes bones and skin
- Delicious
Pros
- Preservative-free
- Reasonable price
- Great for family use
- Safe to eat out of the can
Cons
- It might take extra time for you to remove the remaining skin and bones before making salmon burgers or other dishes
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 4.23 pounds |
| Dimension | 12.2 x 5.6 x 2.9 inches |
| Brand | Bumble Bee |
| Bone and skin contents | Yes |
| Omega-3/serving | 470mg |
| Protein/serving | 13g |
| Sodium/serving | 270mg |
| Number of can/pack | 4 |
Let’s make salmon pasta with Bumble Bee canned salmon:
3. Chicken of the Sea Traditional Pink Canned Salmon
(Best Pink Salmon)
This Alaska wild-caught canned salmon is one of my favorite products, and I highly recommend it for all of you who are finding a good source of Omega-3 fatty acids to add to your daily diet.
Besides, with Chicken of the Sea Traditional Pink canned salmon, you can make plenty of hearty recipes, including salads, spreads, and patties. Even eating alone, it still tastes excellent and delicious. That is to say, this product is loved for its hearty texture and satisfying flavor.
Furthermore, it’s packed in twelve bulk cans of 14.75-ounce, which appears so convenient to order for stocking.
Chicken of the Sea Traditional Pink contains a tremendous amount of protein and omega-3 and is all-natural as well as Kosher certified. Therefore, it’s the right choice for your family.
Key Features:
- Wild-caught and packed in Alaska
- Kosher Pareve certified
- MSC certified
- Good source of Omega-3 fatty acids
- Hearty texture and flavors
Pros
- All-natural
- Great-tasting salmon
- Packed in bulk cans for convenience
- Easy to prepare
- On-the-go healthy meal
Cons
- You might need to consider the total calories of this product before buying, especially if you have to watch your weight for health reasons
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 14.75 ounces |
| Dimension | 12.01 x 9.02 x 5 inches |
| Brand | Chicken of the Sea |
| Bone and skin contents | Yes |
| Omega-3/serving | Not specific |
| Protein/serving | 12g |
| Sodium/serving | 230mg |
| Number of can/pack | 12 |
Click to watch homemade salmon cake with Chef Buck:
4. Henry & Lisa’s Natural Seafood Wild Alaskan Pink Canned Salmon
(Best without Bones)
Henry & Lisa’s Natural Seafood Wild Alaskan pink canned salmon provides a generous amount of Omega-3 fatty acids to improve your health.
This product contains salmon fillet and water without any additives and preservatives. Moreover, it has no bones and skin, so it’s fast and convenient for you to prepare. That means you are able to save extra time from removing the remaining bones before cooking various recipes.
Henry & Lisa’s Natural Seafood Wild Alaskan pink canned salmon features high-quality four cans of 6-ounce salmon.
Finally, it’s Non-GMO, gluten-free, no hormones, and no antibiotics.
Key Features:
- High-quality fillet pink salmon
- No bones and skin
- Net-caught in Alaska
- Packed in 4 cans of 6-ounce
- Non-GMO, gluten-free, no hormones and no antibiotics
Pros
- Premium quality
- Skinless and boneless for quick preparation
- Suitable for many salmon recipes
- Contains a high amount of omega-3
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 2 pounds |
| Dimension | 6.55 x 6.25 x 3.75 inches |
| Brand | Henry & Lisa’s Natural Seafood |
| Bone and skin contents | No |
| Omega-3/serving | 711mg |
| Protein/serving | 16g |
| Sodium/serving | 243mg |
| Number of can/pack | 4 |
5. 365 Everyday Value Alaskan Red Sockeye Canned Salmon
(Best Red Salmon)
Featuring a BPA-free lining can of 7.5-ounce, this 365 Everyday Value Alaskan Red Sockeye is not only safe but also yummy.
Although it’s not boneless or skinless, this shouldn’t be a problem as bones and skin might add more flavors to the whole dish. And it’s true, you can make this salmon into multiple tasty dishes: sandwiches, salads, and so on.
And no matter which recipes you choose, you can still have various accompaniment options to go with this salmon. It’s because the red salmon is so rich and mouth-watering that it makes a perfect match with any side dishes.
It’s certified Kosher, has a fancy-grade, and contains a lot of nutrition, including omega-3, protein, vitamin A, calcium, and iron.
Key Features:
- Wild Red sockeye salmon
- Comes with skin and bones
- Has a great flavor
- 5-ounce can
- Contains only salmon and salt
- Non-BPA lining
Pros
- High-quality red salmon
- Packed with nutrition
- Nice packaging
- Quick to eat
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 9.36 ounces |
| Dimension | 3.3 x 3.4 x 2 inches |
| Brand | Whole Foods Market |
| Bone and skin contents | Yes |
| Omega-3/serving | Not specific |
| Protein/serving | 17g |
| Sodium/serving | 240mg |
| Number of can/pack | 1 |
6. Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon Canned Salmon
(Best for Omega-3)
To my surprise, Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon arrived at my door with a nice and catchy package, which makes me think it’s the perfect gift idea for salmon lovers.
This product is made from pink salmon which are boneless and skinless. Due to that, it’s ideal for quick meals during a day at the office or on-the-go foods and camping occasions.
According to the nutrition fact label, Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon provides 13g of protein and 700mg of omega-3 per serving.
What is more, it also contains a low amount of sodium, so this canned salmon is an excellent choice for people who need to watch their sodium intake.
Key Features:
- 6-ounce pink salmon from Alaska
- Boneless and skinless
- 13g of protein and 700mg of omega-3 per serving
- 200mg of sodium per serving
Pros
- Great gift ideas for friends and family
- Nutritious
- On-the-go foods
- Low-sodium
- Low-calorie
Cons
- It might be a bit crunchy for some people
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 2.3 pounds |
| Dimension | 10 x 3 x 3 inches |
| Brand | Kirkland Signature |
| Bone and skin contents | No |
| Omega-3/serving | 700mg |
| Protein/serving | 13g |
| Sodium/serving | 200mg |
| Number of can/pack | 6 |
7. StarKist Skinless & Boneless Wild Pink Salmon Canned Salmon
(Best for Croquettes)
Craving some wholesome and filling snacks which fit well with Keto, Mediterranean, and Paleo diet plans? I suggest that you should give StarKist Wild Pink Salmon a try. For those who are fans of croquettes, this product won’t let you down.
First and foremost, those pink salmon from StarKist are wild-caught and carefully processed to keep the original flavor. Moreover, it’s gluten-free and soy-free.
Besides, it has a mild taste that appears not too fishy, so it’s suitable for many appealing salmon-related recipes.
Lastly, you might need a can opener to open it before use because the StarKist can doesn’t have a pop-top lid.
Key Features:
- High-quality wild-caught Alaska pink salmon
- Gluten-free and soy-free
- Mild taste
- MSC certified
Pros
- Suitable for making croquettes
- Has higher protein amount per serving than other products
- Easy to store
- Keto, Paleo, and Mediterranean-friendly
Cons
- It might contain quite high amount of sodium, so it’s not for people who have to watch sodium intake
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 5 ounces |
| Dimension | 14.13 x 10.83 x 2.05 inches |
| Brand | StarKist |
| Bone and skin contents | No |
| Omega-3/serving | 450mg |
| Protein/serving | 22g |
| Sodium/serving | 360mg |
| Number of can/pack | 12 |
8. Wild Planet Wild Pink Canned Salmon
(Best for Salmon Patties)
Wild Planet is well-known for its premium quality of products. That’s why I think you will be happy with your purchase.
This product delivers 340mg of EPA and DHA Omega-3 per serving and contains 12g of protein per serving while it has a low sodium amount of the only 200mg per serving. Due to that, Wild Planet Wild Pink Canned Salmon is nourishing and suitable for people who don’t want much salt in their diets.
Furthermore, it’s easy to store so you can buy in bulk to save some bucks and make sure you always have healthy snacks with low calories around.
In my opinion, Wild Planet Wild Pink Canned Salmon is the perfect choice for salmon patties and other traditional, Keto-friendly salmon recipes.
Key Features:
- Pack of 12 cans with 6-ounce each
- Wild-caught in Alaska
- Gluten-free, non-GMO and OU Kosher Pareve
- 340mg of EPA and DHA Omega-3 per serving
- Low sodium
- Skinless and boneless
Pros
- Fast to prepare
- Perfect for many types of salmon dishes
- Ideal for salmon patties
- Easy for storage
- Healthy snacks for healthy diets
Cons
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 8.32 ounces |
| Dimension | 13.9 x 10.4 x 1.9 inches |
| Brand | Wild Planet |
| Bone and skin contents | No |
| Omega-3/serving | 340mg |
| Protein/serving | 12g |
| Sodium/serving | 200mg |
| Number of can/pack | 12 |
Watch this video to see how to make sushi stack with Wild Planet Wild Pink Canned Salmon:
9. Crown Prince Natural Pink Canned Salmon
(Best Low-sodium)
This product is made for those people who are advised by their doctors to keep watch on sodium intake for the sake of their own health.
Crown Prince Natural Pink Canned Salmon has no added salt and is processed carefully with rigid quality control to ensure the sodium amount is as low as possible. As a result, this product contains only 55mg of sodium per serving.
Furthermore, it’s made from wild-caught pink salmon in Alaska. It’s also packed with vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium, mostly thanks to edible bones and skin.
Key Features:
- Non-GMO Project Verified and Marine Stewardship Council certified
- Kosher
- Product of USA
- 1,415 mg Omega-3 per serving
- 55mg of sodium per serving
- Wild-caught pink salmon in Alaska
Pros
- High-quality product
- Flavorful taste
- Good source of Omega-3
- Jam-packed with vitamins
- Convenient when serving
Cons
- It might be bland for some people, so I suggest that you can spice it up to your taste
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 10.24 ounces |
| Dimension | 3.44 x 3.44 x 2 inches |
| Brand | Crown Prince |
| Bone and skin contents | Yes |
| Omega-3/serving | 1415mg |
| Protein/serving | 17g |
| Sodium/serving | 55mg |
| Number of can/pack | 12 |
10. Safe Catch Wild Pink No Salt Canned Salmon
(Best for Babies)
As the name implied, Safe Catch Wild Pink No Salt canned salmon is safe for babies and pregnant women.
Firstly, it’s the only brand in the market to test each fish’s mercury content before processing, precooking, and canning. That means it does not harm your health as long as you don’t consume too much a day. Plus, it’s packed in food-grade BPA-free lining can.
Secondly, it doesn’t include bones and skin, which allows you to prepare your meals fast and conveniently. Moreover, no salt and additives are added.
Thirdly, this product offers nutrients, vitamins, and contains 35g of lean protein per can. So I highly recommend you use it as an alternative energy-boost snack if you’re on a diet.
Key Features:
- Mercury content checked before processing
- 5-ounce BPA-free can
- No salt added
- No additives
- Boneless and skinless
- 35g of protein per can
Pros
- Safe for babies and pregnant women
- Ideal for making various healthy snacks
- Nice to add to other dishes
- Convenient to use
Cons
- It might be bland to taste
- Pricey
Product Specifications:
| Weight | 10.24 ounces |
| Dimension | 3.44 x 3.44 x 2 inches |
| Brand | Safe Catch |
| Bone and skin contents | No |
| Omega-3/serving | 1415mg |
| Protein/serving | 17g |
| Sodium/serving | 55mg |
| Number of can/pack | 6 |
Handy Buying Guide For Canned Salmon
Here are the features to consider if you want to purchase the best canned salmon.
Wild-caught Vs. Farmed Salmon
Most canned salmon on my list are made from wild-caught salmon in Alaska. Those fish are sustainably harvested, which does not harm the environment and other species in the habitat.
Not to mention, wild-caught salmon are believed to offers more nutrients than farmed salmon.
Their flesh tastes more flavorful and more decadent. That’s why you should go for wild-caught salmon. For newbies, manufacturers often state this clearly on their products’ package.
Pink Vs. Red Canned Salmon
As I have said before in the first part of this article, they are different in the amount of fat per serving and the calories each type of fish provides. Red salmon has higher fat and higher calories per serving than pink salmon.
In terms of flavors, red salmon appears richer in taste and also more pricey than pink salmon.
Both contain an abundant amount of nutrients, including proteins and vitamins.
Bone-in Vs. Deboned Salmon
While skin and bones in canned salmon are edible, they’re not suitable for some recipes. Little children, pregnant women, and pets might also find bone-in salmon hard to eat.
However, skin and bones add extra flavors to your foods and offer a considerable amount of vitamin D and calcium for your body.
FAQs
We have some questions about the best canned salmon. Let’s find the answer to each of them.
My Top Pick
In this article, I have shared my insights about 10 best canned salmon products in the market.
I hope it will help you be ready to stock your pantry with your favorite canned salmon and enjoy the healthy and filling effect of tasty snacks and yummy dishes.
My go-to product is Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Canned Salmon for its rich flavor, diet-friendly, and versatility. In addition, the Bumble Bee Canned Pink Salmon is an excellet choice if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option.
Leave your comments below to share with me your thoughts about the best canned salmon.
