10 Best Canned Salmon 2023 – Review Plus Buying Guide
Who doesn’t like canned salmon? This can be an awesome, fast, and healthy meal at any time. One thing we all have to appreciate about salmons is that they are highly rich in protein, omega-3 fats, calcium and vitamin D.
So, you can’t go wrong if you eat more of it every day. However, not all salmon that comes canned is safe and healthy for you. That’s why it’s important to be inquisitive before making a final pick.
In that regard, we’d like to start this conversation by talking about the qualities of the best canned salmon. What kind of stuff should you expect?
- Good salmon should be good tasting
- It should be well-packaged
- It should be duly certified as safe for use
You might be thinking “Aren’t those guidelines too general?” Well, they are and that’s why we have used the body of this article to get down to the specifics.
Top 10 Currently Best Canned Salmon on the Market in 2023 – Comparison List
Psst! This article is rather long and detailed. Don’t have the time to read? Here’s our quick and comprehensive list to help you cut to the chase.
1. Wild Planet 6-Ounce Wild Pink Salmon
If you are a true salmon fanatic, then you must know that wild Salmon is that which has been plucked directly from its natural habitat and features no artificial additives. This implies that it is the healthiest Salmon in the market.
The Wild Pink Salmon is fished off Alaskan waters and has a reputation of having the highest level of nutrition, as well as being very delicious. It is the small-scale local fishermen who do the fishing and are therefore very mindful of the environment since the negative impact would strike them directly.
Although it lies more on the pricier side, we believe it is worth every cent of your money.
Product Description
As stated earlier, the Wild Pink Salmon is highly nutritious, and it offers EPA and Omega 3. It is high in these nutrients and contains 340mg per every 2oz of fish. It comes in a pack of six cans, with each tin having six ounces of fish.
It has 100% natural ingredients, including the juices in the can which you will not need to drain off as they contribute to the flavor and nutrition of the canned Salmon.
Other Features and Benefits
The Wild Pink Canned Salmon has no extra fillers, and you will only consume Salmon and salt. You will be free from gluten, GMO, and kosher, and this enhances its natural nutritional value.
Then, the canned Salmon arrives skinless and boneless. If you are among the many people out there who do not like having these parts around, then you will be lucky to avoid the hassle of filleting.
For those who are mindful of the salmon species, you should know that the fishermen deliberately avoid harming the natural habitat or scooping the young fish to ensure the continuity of the family.
This canned Salmon is just for you if you want to have some fish on the road as it comes ready for use out of the can.
Pros
- Great taste
- Environmentally conscious fishing practices
- Is BPA-free
Cons
- Some shipments don’t appear quite as fresh as described
2. Redhead Alaskan Wild Sockeye Salmon
If you desire canned Salmon that has sufficient capacity to feed an entire family, the Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is what you need. It comes in a set of twelve marginally larger cans, each having a capacity of 7.5oz. Although pricey and too salty, you will get your money’s worth as it is highly nutritious and a major source of Vitamin D.
Read our preview below and see if it fits the bill.
Product Description
The red Salmon has a long period of retaining its freshness as it is canned on the same day that it is caught. It has the endorsement of the USDA National Nutrient Database as one of the reliable primary sources of Vitamin D.
It has a higher flavor as well as a higher fat content, and this may explain its high pricing. The red color comes as a result of the Red salmon feeding on skrill. The fish have a short lifespan, and this minimizes the build-up of toxins in their flesh.
Their fishing and processing are monitored by Alaska Fisheries to ensure proper environmental sustainability.
Other features and Benefits
The Red Salmon comes with its skin and bones, so if you are one of those who enjoy their flavor and nutritional value, you are at a great advantage.
It offers 13-grams of protein as well as 2% of iron and Vitamin A. Also, the bones and skin have high calcium content, and they will increase their presence to 10%.
The Alaskan red Salmon also has a high content of Omega 3.
Pros
- Great taste
- High capacity
- High freshness-retention
Cons
- Too salty
Also read: 15 Best Fish Fillet Knife – Only Top Models & 10 Best Kitchen Blow Torch – A Detailed Buyer’s Guide and Review
3. Bumble Bee Canned Skinless and Boneless Pink Salmon
If taste will be the deciding factor on which canned Salmon you are going for, the Skinless and Boneless Pink Salmon by Bumble Bee is an excellent place to start. It has a deep flavor of Salmon and would be ideal for making salads, dips, and pasta.
The Pink Salmon is fished out of its natural habitat and is more nutritious, healthier, and environmentally conscious. A single can contains pink Salmon and salt and would be an excellent choice for gluten intolerant individuals.
Product Description
The Bumble Bee Canned Skinless and Boneless Wild Pink Salmon is packaged in the USA and comes in a pack of eighteen cans, each with a capacity of five ounces. This makes it an ideal choice for feeding your family, which may be having a big appetite for Salmon.
You can always go for it if you are craving to have a salmon on the road as the canning makes it convenient for picnics and camps.
The pack of eighteen is a convenient size to minimize the frequency with which you go to the shops to replenish your stock.
Other Features and Benefits
Although you can eat the Wild Salmon alone and still enjoy its great flavor, you can also use it as an ingredient for several recipes, including salad, pasta, and burgers as well.
It is skinless and boneless for you to avoid the filleting process that takes a lot of time and energy before cooking.
Then, it is highly nutritious and will offer you cholesterol, protein, and Sodium. The Salmon oil in the can gives it an earthy flavor while you can also enjoy the smoky taste associated with Salmon.
Lastly, the can is well sealed and easy to open at the same time.
Pros
- Versatile fish for a variety of recipes
- Ideal for eating on the road
- Environmental conscious fishing
Cons
- Too pricey
4. Chicken of The Sea 12-pack Traditional Pink Salmon
If you are in the market for affordable, easy to prepare and highly nutritious canned Salmon, this Pink Salmon by Chicken of The Sea would be an excellent place to start. Although some may be put off by the fact that it comes with skin and bones, it is a major source of vital nutrients such as protein, omega-3, and calcium.
Further, it is MSC-certified, meaning that the manufacturer played some part towards ocean sustainability.
Product Description
The Chicken of the Sea Canned Pink Salmon comes in a pack of twelve, each containing 14.75 Ounces of Pink Salmon. It is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids and therefore having it in your diet means that your body will be well equipped to give you healthy joints, better vision, and sleep.
It has an amazing pink appearance plus the taste and texture are fantastic too. It is well-priced, and you will find it convenient if you want to have some salmon on the road.
Other Features and Benefits
As we stated earlier, the Chicken of the Sea canned Salmon comes with the skin and bones. If you find this to be advantageous, then you probably know that you will be getting more calcium and omega-3 fatty acids than if they (bones and skin) were not there.
The capacity of 14.75oz means that you can comfortably have this canned Salmon during family meet-ups and picnics. Further, it is rated as WIC (women, infants, and children), meaning that it is safe for consumption by these groups.
The Pink Salmon is wild and fished off the waters north of the Atlantic and contains only natural flavors.
Pros
- Convenient capacity of cans
- WIC-rated
- High calcium and omega-3 acids
Cons
- Needs tedious filleting before consumption
5. Vital Choice Wild Red Alaskan Sockeye Salmon
Vital choice has a great reputation of sourcing fresh wild salmon straight from their natural habitat. As a result, they will deliver you premium quality seafood that will be of high nutritional value to your body. In this instance, we are going to review the Wild Red Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. It comes with skin and bones and arrives ready to eat.
Product Description
The Wild Red Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is canned in the USA a short while after fishing to ensure that it stays fresh for a longer duration. The can is convenient and easy to open, so you will not need much energy, nor will you be at risk of injuries from exerting too much pressure.
It is MSC certified to assure you that the firm took part in eco-friendly practices to give you this nutritious package. It arrives with the skin and edible bones, meaning that you will get more calcium.
It has a high content of Omega 3s, Vitamin D3, and Astaxanthin, making it one of the most nutritious canned salmons you will ever come across.
Other Features and Benefits
If you are environmentally conscious, then the MSC certification should assure you that high ethical standards were adhered to towards ocean sustainability and environmental protection as this product was being manufactured.
You can also rest assured that you will be consuming 100% natural ingredients; no GMO, Gluten, or any other artificial additives.
The canned Salmon is a versatile food that you can consume with a variety of dishes such as pasta, salad or even eggs.
It is BPA-free and also has very low levels of toxins. This will go a long way in boosting your health.
Lastly, it comes in a pack of six cans, each weighing 5.5-ounces and will keep you going for a decent period.
Pros
- Easy to open cans
- Highly nutritious
- Arrives fully cooked
Cons
- Too salty
6. Crown Prince 7-Ounce Natural Pink Salmon
If you value quality, then the Crown Prince Natural Pink Salmon should be on your list. Although it is pricier as compared to other canned Salmon in the market, it is worth every penny as it comes very fresh, no strong odor, and has a fantastic taste.
There are many benefits to purchasing this Natural Pink Salmon as you shall see in our review below.
Product Description
This is an American product which was caught in its wild habitat in the Alaskan seas. It is non-GMO, gluten-free and is MSC certified to assure you that all the processes used to get the end product was eco-friendly and contribute towards ocean sustainability.
It contains no salt and would complement vegetables, soups, and even cakes. It is a reliable source of protein, Omega 3s, and calcium. It is 100% natural, and so if you are on a special diet, this Canned Salmon would be a perfect fit for your menu.
Other Features and Benefits
It comes with skin and bones. This means that it offers you more calcium, and it will contribute to giving you stronger teeth and bones.
The Pink Salmon is caught straight from the wild and is prepared under close monitoring to ensure that no toxins or additives make their way into the flesh. The supervision also ensures that all the ethical standards concerning conserving the environment are adhered to.
This Salmon comes in a pack of twelve cans, each weighing 7.5oz. This is sufficient to serve your entire family and will also play a part in ensuring that you reduce the frequency with which you refill your stock.
Pros
- Caught straight from the wild
- No salt added
- A reliable source of protein, calcium and Omega 3s
Cons
- Too expensive
7. Think pink Wild Alaska Pink Salmon by Pure Alaska Salmon Co
Seafood from the Alaskan waters is highly valued as they have a reputation of having low levels of toxins and contaminants. The Pure Alaska Salmon Co sources all its fish from these waters, and we shall review one of them, which is the Thinkpink Wild Alaska Pink Salmon. It is canned in the USA and is certified Kosher.
Product Description
The Thinkpink Wild Alaska Pink Salmon comes in a set of twelve cans each containing 7.5-Ounces of Salmon. No salt is used in its preservation, and you will get to enjoy the natural taste of the Wild Pink Salmon. It is highly nutritious and is a reliable source of protein, Omega 3s, Vitamin D, and Sodium.
The can is very easy to open, and once you do so, you will be met with a sight of a light-colored Salmon with a mild taste. It arrives cooked and ready to eat.
Other features and Benefits
This canned Salmon comes with its bones, and so you will receive more calcium than if it had been boneless. These bones are small and soft such that you can always chew and swallow them too.
You can always add it to other dishes to give it the mild salmon taste that you desire. Even if you complement it with another meal, you will still get to enjoy the high nutritional value that Salmon brings.
Pros
- Has no added salt
- Easy to open can
- Delicious with a mild salmon taste
Cons
- A considerable amount of bones
8. Rain Coast No-Salt-Added Wild Pink Salmon
If you are keen on consuming products whose manufacturing involved eco-friendly practices, this canned Wild Pink Salmon by RainCoast would be an excellent place to start. It is caught in the Pacific North West waters and is packed very shortly after being caught to ensure that only the freshest fish enter the market.
Is it worth your money? Let’s see.
Product Description
The Wild Pink Salmon by RainCoast is prepared in Canada and features no salt in its preservation. It is fished off the wild waters of the North West and therefore has low toxin-composition in the flesh. The cans are BPA free, and once you open them, you will be met by the sight of fresh Salmon, which is lightly colored.
The production is closely monitored to ensure that strict guidelines regarding ocean sustainability and friendly eco-system are adhered to. Although full of sea salt, its sodium content lies at 150mg, while the fat content is 1.5mg/55g of fish.
Other Features and Benefits
This canned Salmon by Raincoast comes in a pack of twelve tins, each containing 5.65-Ounces of Salmon. This is a convenient capacity to keep you going while on a camping trip or picnic with friends.
It comes skinless and boneless and will spare you the time-consuming task of filleting. This will also save you from the risk of a sharp piece of bone popping up in your meal and even piercing your gums. Additionally, it makes it suitable for inclusion in a broader range of recipes.
You can rest assured that you will only be consuming 100% natural ingredients as there are no artificial additives in the preservation. This serves to boost your health and the overall immunity of your body.
Pros
- Boneless and skinless for easy preparation
- Arrives fresh
- Eco-friendly production practices
Cons
- No bones means no calcium content
9. Bumble Bee Canned Pink Salmon
If you have been searching for the tastiest canned Salmon in the market, the pink Salmon by Bumble Bee should answer your question. It is premium quality salmon that has a deep flavor, and it is so delicious that you will not pour it into a plate; instead, you will eat straight from the can.
We have done this review so that you can see it is worth every cent of your money.
Product Description
The Bumble Bee Canned Pink Salmon comes in a pack of four cans each containing 14.75-Ounces of canned Pink Salmon. It has no added preservatives, and once you open a can, you will only find the Salmon and salt. It is versatile, and you can use it as an ingredient in a wide range of recipes.
It is delicious and a reliable source of protein, so it would be a healthy addition to your meal. Then, it comes without skin and bones, and so saves you a considerable amount of time for preparing it.
Other Features and Benefits
Since there are no additional preservatives in this Salmon, you will get to experience the rich earthy taste of the salmon oil, plus the Salmon also has a smoky flavor which will simply blow you away.
The pack of four plus the 14.75oz capacity is convenient to keep you going on a picnic or a camping trip. The can is also very easy to open and will help in saving time and energy.
Apart from its nutritional benefits, the Salmon is packaged under highly regulated conditions to ensure that all activities in its production are eco-friendly and play a part towards marine sustainability.
Pros
- Easy to open can
- No added preservatives
- No bones and skin so it is straightforward to prepare
Cons
- Too expensive
10. Double Q 4-Pack Pink Salmon
This is one of the best canned salmons you will ever come across. The Pink Salmon from the icy Alaskan waters which is toxic-free to give you very healthy fish. No salt is used in its packaging, and so you will get to enjoy the deepest Salmon flavor. Further, there are no additives in the preparation to give you a pure and delicious Salmon.
Product Description
The Pink Salmon is a product of the USA and is certified kosher. It comes in a pack of four cans, each containing 14-Ounces of Salmon. The Wild Salmon is tender and is prepared and packed a short while after fishing to ensure that it remains fresh for as long as possible.
The Salmon comes with skin and bones, and so you will receive more calcium than from the boneless fish. It also has a high content of protein and Omega 3s, making it a delicacy with high nutritional benefits and one that you should have in your menu.
Other Features and Benefits
Although the bones will be there, they are so small that you will barely notice them on your plate. They are also soft, and you can chew and swallow them without much difficulty.
The pack of four tins plus the 14oz capacity makes it very convenient to carry with you when you go for camping trips and hikes. It will serve the entire lot, and there will always be extra just in case you run into a lost hiker on the trail.
Lastly, the manufacturer prepared this product with ocean sustainability at the back of his mind, so you can enjoy your meal without your guilty conscience hounding you.
Pros
- No salt added
- Environment-conscious production
- Fresh from the wild
Cons
- The bones can be a nuisance
The Buying Guide for Canned Salmon
According to the US Dietary Guidelines, mature adults should eat at least two servings of fish every week. Indeed, Salmon is a great choice in such situations. Not only is the fish nutrient-rich but also quite affordable. But before you buy, here are the factors you need to keep in mind.
Where It Came From
There are two origins of canned salmon i.e. farms and the wild oceans. Generally, wild salmon is better because farmed salmon tends to have antibiotics and general toxins. So, we generally advocate for wild salmon.
A good example of wild salmon is the Alaskan one. The Alaskan waters have the good reputation of being clean and the fishing practices done over there are quite sustainable.
Keep off anything that’s labeled Atlantic Salmon. That’s because the Atlantic Salmon is almost becoming extinct and most products labeled so contain fish caught from the farms.
Some of the fish, though caught in America might be processed in foreign countries (mostly Asian countries). Such fish may still be good but not quite as fresh owing to the long distances involved.
Bone vs Boneless
One interesting fact about salmons is that their skin and bones are edible. However, not all people like how they taste in particular. So, whether to go for salmon with them or not boils down to your taste and preferences.
Generally, boneless salmon works best as an ingredient or part of a larger dish. Bone-in salmon is an excellent choice for salmon meant to be cooked and eaten alone.
Added Salt
Some manufacturers choose to add salt to their salmon but others don’t. The good thing with salted salmon is that it’s easier to prepare. In fact, it’s not unusual for such fish to have pepper as an added seasoning as well.
Salmon that has no salt added is, however, a much safer choice in the long-run. Why so? Some people often complain that salted fish is sometimes too salty for their liking. So, if you’re looking for ways to reduce sodium from your diet, salmon that’s packed without added salt would be a better choice.
Quality of Packaging Used
Food items should always be well packaged. Don’t use salmon that’s in cans with leaks or signs of tampering. Make sure that the can used is of high quality and that it’s properly sealed.
Contaminants
Generally, Salmon contains low amounts of mercury than other average canned fish (tuna mercury levels are typically high). Nonetheless, it’s important that the can you opt for is certified to be checked for mercury among other contaminants.
This is the only way to ensure that the fish that ends up on your table is not only delicious but also safe for everyone in the family.
Sustainable Fishing Practices
As we have already mentioned, salmon is fast becoming an endangered fish species. Therefore, you don’t want to end up funding unsustainable fishing practices with your purchase. For that reason, it’s important to insist on buying certified fish.
Luckily, there are quite a few non-profit organizations that have stepped in to fill this gap. The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) is one such. Therefore, the moment you buy MSC-certified salmon, you can rest assured that it has been fished in a manner that’s generally rewarding to the world’s oceans.
Another common label to look out for is the one from the non-GMO project. This is yet another 3-rd party verifier who helps promotes general transparency in the industry.
The Color of the Salmon
Does the color of the fish suggest how good or bad it is?
Yes, it does. In fact, color is an indication of the overall quality of the fish. It is for this particular reason that some unscrupulous farmers even dye their fish to increase its market value. Generally, wild salmon tends to have a deeper red than farm-bred one.
Out there in the ocean, salmon tends to eat lots of crustaceans which ultimately account for the reddish or thick pink color of the salmon. Farmed fish are mainly fed on wheat gluten and canola meal and, therefore, tend to have a lighter shade of pink.
Which One Is The Best?
From our editors’ point of view, the choice is all too obvious. Can you spot it already?
The best canned salmon is the Wild Planet 6-Ounce Wild Pink Salmon. The best thing we like about it is that it’s fished from the icy Alaskan waters. It’s quite fresh and is 3-rd party tested for mercury. Most importantly, it is fished sustainably with some of the proceeds from its sale being used to run a free school for the local community.
Final Thoughts
There is no doubt that salmon is a nutritional powerhouse. But for you to get the most from this special breed of fish, it’s important to be choosy. Hopefully, the suggestions given above will help you in that quest.
i have been looking for wild canned pink salmon brand name red top if you know where to get let me know thanks jim
Just a note about the Wild Planet salmon- it caught in Alaska, but shipped to Viet Nam for processing. Not pleased about that…
Cons for all; Mercury levels are high in wild caught salmon as well as farmed. Even the wild caught Alaskan. Fish is not the clean meat it once was. 🙁