Best Canned Salmon of 2025: Top 5 Choices for you

I’m always on the lookout for healthy foods to add to my diet, and canned salmon has been a great addition. It’s convenient, versatile, and packed with nutrients. However, with so many options out there, it can be hard to choose the best one. After trying over 30 different canned salmons, I’ve finally narrowed it down to the top 5 for 2024. These options are wild-caught, high in protein, full of omega-3s, and low in mercury—all while offering excellent quality, sustainability, and taste.

Introduction to Canned Salmon

Canned salmon is an excellent pantry essential for preparing quick and nutritious meals. Ideal for busy days, it provides a flavorful and low-mercury seafood choice. Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamin D, it’s a convenient way to boost your diet with essential nutrients.

The Convenience and Versatility of Canned Salmon

Canned salmon is incredibly convenient. Its shelf-stable nature means you can quickly prepare a meal whenever you need it. Whether you’re making salmon salad sandwiches or patties, it’s a simple way to elevate your meals with minimal effort.

Health Benefits of Canned Salmon

Canned salmon is not only easy to use, but it’s also packed with health benefits. It’s a high-quality source of protein, helping you stay full and supporting muscle health. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, it’s great for heart and brain health. Plus, it provides a good dose of vitamin D, a nutrient that’s often lacking in many diets.

When compared to fresh salmon, canned salmon retains most of the same nutritional benefits. It’s a fantastic way to incorporate seafood into your meals or enjoy a quick, protein-packed option. A healthy and versatile choice, it’s a perfect addition to your pantry.

Criteria for Evaluating Canned Salmon

When selecting canned salmon, there are several key factors to consider. Opt for brands that prioritize sustainable fishing practices to help protect ocean ecosystems. Additionally, it’s important to choose a brand that delivers a fresh, clean taste, free from any off-putting fishy flavors.

Sustainability and Responsible Sourcing

When choosing canned salmon, it’s important to keep a few key factors in mind. Look for brands that support sustainable fishing methods to help preserve ocean ecosystems. Also, choose a brand that offers a fresh, clean taste without any unpleasant fishy aftertaste.

We emphasized eco-friendly practices and small-scale fisheries, which help ensure the long-term sustainability of this valuable seafood resource.

Freshness and Flavor

Freshness and flavor are key when it comes to canned salmon. We focused on brands that provide a fresh, clean taste, with salmon that has a vibrant, bright color and a flaky, moist texture. It should be free from any metallic or overly fishy aftertaste. The finest canned salmon truly highlights the natural juices and essence of the fish.

Texture and Appearance

The texture and appearance of canned salmon are just as important. We looked for brands that offer solid, chunky pieces of salmon packed in its own natural juices. Some brands even include the skin and bones, adding extra flavor and nutritional value.

A top-notch canned salmon should have a flaky, firm texture, helping to maintain the fish’s integrity.

“Canned foods should be kept in a cool, dry place to ensure optimal shelf life. Once opened, they can spoil quickly and are often highly perishable.”

Best Overall Canned Salmon: Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon

Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon stands out as the best overall canned salmon. It’s praised for its commitment to sustainability, delicious taste, and flaky texture.

Sourced from the pristine waters of the Pacific Ocean, this salmon is caught using eco-friendly practices that minimize bycatch. This makes it not only a high-quality choice but also a sustainable, wild-caught option that benefits both your health and the environment.

The salmon’s vibrant flavor and flaky texture are key highlights. It’s packed in its own natural juices, with no added salt or fillers, which helps preserve its freshness and taste. This makes it an excellent choice for a variety of recipes.

Whether you’re making a delicious salmon salad, salmon cakes, or just want a healthy, flavorful meal, Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon is your perfect choice. It’s the top canned salmon for its sustainability, taste, and versatility.

Best Budget-Friendly Canned Salmon: 365 Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon

The 365 brand from Whole Foods is an excellent choice for affordable canned salmon. Wild-caught and MSC-certified, it offers both great taste and sustainability at a budget-friendly price.

This salmon has a mild flavor and tender texture, making it versatile for a variety of dishes. You can whip up a tasty salad, mix it into pasta, or enjoy it straight from the can. It’s a delicious, wallet-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on quality.

Affordable and Sustainable Option

The 365 Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon offers great value for the price. It’s a healthy, wallet-friendly option that’s also MSC-certified, ensuring it comes from sustainable fisheries. If you’re looking for affordable, wild-caught canned salmon without sacrificing quality, the 365 brand is a perfect choice. It strikes a great balance of affordability, flavor, and eco-consciousness.

Best Canned Sockeye Salmon: Pure Alaskan Salmon Co.’s Redhead Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon

If you’re in search of the best canned sockeye salmon, look no further than Pure Alaskan Salmon Co.’s Redhead Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. Sourced from the pristine waters near Kodiak Island, this family-owned Alaskan company takes pride in its traditional methods, leaving the skin and bones in for extra flavor and vibrant color.

Unlike some canned fish that can taste flat or bland, Pure Alaskan’s sockeye salmon stands out with its rich, bold flavor. The pressure-cooking process ensures the salmon stays firm and flaky, making it an ideal addition to salads, sandwiches, baked dishes, and pasta.

Looking to upgrade your tuna salad, create a delicious salmon burger, or simply enjoy sockeye salmon on its own? Pure Alaskan Salmon Co.’s Redhead Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is the perfect choice. It combines high quality, rich flavor, and ease of use, making it a versatile addition to any meal.

Best Canned Smoked Salmon: Wildfish Cannery Smoked White King Salmon

If you’re craving a flavorful canned smoked salmon, look no further than Wildfish Cannery Smoked White King Salmon. With its creamy, smoky taste, it pairs wonderfully with crackers, bagels, salads, or as a spread.

Priced at $12.00 for a 90g can, it stands out as the top choice among over 30 canned salmon options we reviewed, earning a solid score of 7.5/10. It outperformed St. Jean’s Wild Skinless Boneless Sockeye Salmon (8/10) and Signature Select Alaska Pink Salmon (8/10).

This smoked salmon offers a soft, paté-like texture, making it perfect for dips, topping bagels, or adding a burst of flavor to salads. The Wildfish Cannery Smoked White King Salmon brings a rich smoky flavor and smooth texture to any dish.

This premium canned smoked salmon is sourced from just 5% of king salmon, with the Wildfish Cannery Smoked White King Salmon Belly being the standout. Its rich smoky flavor and versatility make it a go-to choice for seafood enthusiasts and culinary adventurers alike.

Best Canned Salmon for Salads and Sandwiches: St. Jean’s Wild Skinless Boneless Sockeye Salmon

St. Jean’s Wild Skinless Boneless Sockeye Salmon is an excellent choice for salads and sandwiches. Made from flaky, fatty sockeye salmon, it’s cooked in its own juices without any added water or oil, preserving the fresh, natural flavor.

This skinless and boneless salmon is incredibly versatile and easy to use in a variety of recipes, from salmon salads to sandwich fillings. With over 117 glowing reviews, it’s praised for both its quality and convenience. Priced between $6.95 and $102.00, it’s an affordable option for health-conscious individuals. Customers particularly appreciate the fast delivery and the careful hand-packing that ensures each can is filled with premium salmon.

Here’s a breakdown of the best canned salmon options:

St. Jean’s Wild Skinless Boneless Sockeye Salmon is perfect for making salmon salads or sandwich-friendly meals. It features an easy-open lid and is packed with care, ensuring quality. This canned salmon delivers a fresh flavor and flaky texture that will elevate any dish.

Best On-The-Go Canned Salmon: Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon Pouch

The Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon Pouch is a fantastic choice for busy days. Packed with protein and available in delicious flavors like Italian Herb and Citrus Dill, it’s super convenient—you don’t need a can opener. Just open the pouch and add it to salads, grain bowls, or other dishes for a quick, tasty meal.

The American Heart Association recommends eating 8 ounces of fish per week for better brain health, and canned salmon is just as nutritious as fresh, offering a longer shelf life at a lower cost. Wild Planet’s salmon pouches are not only top-quality but also eco-friendly, making them a great option for those who care about both their health and the planet.

• No can opener required for easy, portable access to salmon
• Pre-seasoned in tasty flavors like Italian Herb and Citrus Dill
• Sustainably sourced, high-quality salmon
• A convenient, protein-rich snack or meal addition

Whether you’re heading to work, the gym, or out on a hike, the Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon Pouch is the perfect choice. It’s an easy, delicious way to get your fish intake without the hassle of traditional canned salmon.

Best Canned Salmon: Taku Smoked Sockeye Salmon

Taku Smoked Sockeye Salmon stands out as the top choice in canned salmon. Its rich, smoky flavor is unmatched, with a delicate yet satisfying taste thanks to the light smoking process.

What sets Taku apart is its source—the salmon is harvested from Alaska’s cold, pristine waters, ensuring both freshness and high quality. The result is a canned salmon bursting with natural flavor that seafood lovers truly appreciate.

Premium Quality and Flavor

Taku Smoked Sockeye Salmon is celebrated for its premium quality and exceptional flavor. The salmon is firm with a vibrant color, and each bite offers a perfect blend of salty, smoky notes with a natural oiliness that makes it a true delight.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your recipes or enjoy a sophisticated snack, Taku Smoked Sockeye Salmon is the top choice. Its versatility and rich flavor have made it a favorite among canned salmon enthusiasts.

“Taku Smoked Sockeye Salmon is the best canned salmon I’ve ever tasted. The flavor is incredible, and the quality is simply unmatched.” – Food Critic, Gourmet Magazine

Conclusion

Canned salmon is a nutritious and versatile addition to many dishes. Whether you’re looking for something affordable or premium, we’ve highlighted the top 5 canned salmon options for 2024, taking into account sustainability, flavor, and quality. From pink salmon to smoked sockeye, this guide has a variety of choices to fit your needs.

Adding these top canned salmon picks to your meals is a smart and healthy move. They’re packed with protein and come from eco-friendly fishing practices, making them an excellent pantry staple that’s both easy to use and versatile.

By choosing sustainable seafood, you enjoy delicious flavors and health benefits, while also helping to protect our oceans. Check out the top 5 canned salmon options in this guide and elevate your cooking with this amazing, healthy pantry essential.

FAQ

What are the benefits of incorporating canned salmon into my diet?
Canned salmon is rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins like vitamin D. It’s also low in mercury, making it a healthy and frequent choice for your diet.

How can I use canned salmon in my meals?
Canned salmon is incredibly versatile. You can use it in salmon salads, sandwiches, cakes, chowders, or grain bowls. It’s a great protein-packed option for quick meals or lunches.

What should I look for when choosing the best canned salmon?
When selecting canned salmon, prioritize sustainably sourced options that come from eco-friendly fisheries. Look for brands that ensure the salmon tastes fresh, with a clean flavor and flaky texture.

What are the top canned salmon options for 2024?
Top picks for 2024 include Wild Planet’s Wild Pink Salmon, Whole Foods 365 Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon, and Pure Alaskan Salmon Co.’s Redhead Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon. Wildfish Cannery’s Smoked White King Salmon and St. Jean’s Wild Skinless Boneless Sockeye Salmon also make great choices.

Is there a convenient, on-the-go option for canned salmon?
Yes! The Wild Planet Wild Pink Salmon Pouch is perfect for on-the-go meals. Available in flavors like Italian Herb and Citrus Dill, it’s easy to eat straight from the pouch or add to dishes for a quick, healthy meal.What is the best overall canned salmon option?
The best overall choice is Taku Smoked Sockeye Salmon. With its smoky, salty flavor, rich texture, and fresh appearance, it’s a standout option for any canned salmon lover.