You love salmon but don’t always have time to cook it fresh. Canned salmon to the rescue! When you’re looking for a quick, healthy protein to add to salads, sandwiches, pasta and more, canned salmon is a super convenient choice. But not all canned salmon is created equal when it comes to flavor and quality. You want the best bang for your buck from the canned fish aisle.
We tracked down the top canned salmon options, focusing on wild-caught varieties packed with omega-3s. Get ready to find your new go-to canned salmon based on taste, texture, sustainability and price. Read on for our picks of the best canned salmon that you’ll want to stock up on.
Why Canned Salmon Is a Healthy and Convenient Option
Canned salmon is a nutritional powerhouse and perfect pantry staple. It’s loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart, and protein to keep you satisfied. Unlike fresh fish which spoils quickly, canned salmon has a long shelf life so you can stock up on sales.
Convenience
Canned salmon is ready when you need it. No thawing or cooking required – just open and enjoy. Add it to salads, pasta, rice bowls or eat it straight from the can. Canned salmon also travels well for camping, boating or anytime you want a protein boost on the go.
Nutrition
A 3 ounce serving of canned salmon contains over 2 grams of omega-3 fatty acids which help lower cholesterol and reduce inflammation in the body. Canned salmon also provides a whopping 22 grams of protein and is low in mercury compared to some other fish varieties. Additional nutrients include B vitamins, selenium, and magnesium.
Affordability
Canned salmon is an affordable source of high-quality protein. Look for sales and stock up – some brands offer cans for under $2 each. Canned salmon has a shelf life of at least 2-5 years so you can buy in bulk. Compared to fresh fish, canned salmon is a budget-friendly choice.
Canned salmon deserves a spot on your pantry shelf. With its winning combination of nutrition, convenience and affordability, keep a few cans on hand for quick, healthy and delicious meals any time. Your heart, wallet and taste buds will thank you.
What to Look for When Choosing the Best Canned Salmon
When it comes to canned salmon, you want a product that’s high in nutrition and free from nasty additives. Here are a few things to consider:
Check the species.
Pink and sockeye salmon tend to be more flavorful than chum or coho. Pink salmon, in particular, has a nice balance of healthy fats and protein. For the best quality, choose salmon that was caught in Alaska. Those waters produce salmon with superior texture and taste.
Ingredients should be salmon, salt, and water—that’s it.
Avoid cans with soy, sugar, or preservatives which can compromise the flavor and nutrition. The fewer the ingredients, the better.
Buy wild-caught if you can.
Wild salmon has more heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids than farmed. Plus, wild salmon has a cleaner flavor without the muddy quality some farm-raised fish have.
Consider boneless and skinless for convenience.
The bones and skin can be unpleasant to eat, so boneless and skinless filets may be better for dishes where the texture matters like salads. However, the bones and skin do provide extra nutrition, especially calcium, so it depends on how you plan to use it.
Check the expiration or ‘best by’ date.
Unopened, canned salmon has a shelf life of at least two years. But for the best quality, choose a can with at least six months before the expiration date.
Buying the best canned salmon may cost a bit more but it’s worth it.
With so many options at the store, keep these tips in mind and you’ll end up with a product that’s delicious, nutritious, and natural. Your taste buds and your health will thank you.
Our Top Picks for the Best Canned Salmon Brands
Wild Planet Wild Sockeye Salmon
Wild Planet’s sockeye salmon is caught in the pristine waters of Bristol Bay, Alaska using sustainable fishing methods. The salmon is packed within hours of being caught, and no added salt or preservatives. The result is a delicious, flaky salmon that tastes like it was just pulled from the water. It has a vibrant coral-colored flesh and a robust flavor perfect for salads, sandwiches or by itself.
Vital Choice Wild Alaskan Salmon
Vital Choice offers wild Alaskan pink salmon, caught sustainably and packed with simple ingredients: salmon, salt and water. The pink salmon has a mild, delicate flavor and texture. It contains high amounts of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids as well as bone-strengthening calcium and vitamin D. Vital Choice’s salmon is certified sustainable by the Marine Stewardship Council.
Crown Prince Natural Pink Salmon
Crown Prince Natural offers high-quality pink salmon packed with its natural oils – no added broth or fillers. It has a pleasant, mild flavor and moist, flaky texture. The salmon is caught from sustainable fisheries in Alaska and within 6 hours, it is headed, gutted and blast frozen to lock in freshness and nutrition. Crown Prince is also a certified B Corp, meaning they meet high standards of social and environmental performance.
In summary, you can’t go wrong with any of these top canned salmon brands. They offer wild-caught, sustainably sourced salmon packed with minimal processing so you get salmon that tastes like, well, salmon. Whichever brand you choose, it can be a nutritious and affordable source of protein to add to your pantry.
Creative Recipe Ideas Using Canned Salmon
Canned salmon is extremely versatile and can be used in many recipes. Here are a few creative ideas to try:
Salmon Burgers
Mash one 14.75-ounce can of salmon with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and your favorite herbs and spices like dill or parsley. Form into patties and pan-fry in olive oil until golden brown, about 5 minutes per side. Serve the burgers on buns with your favorite burger toppings.
Salmon Salad
Flake one 14.75-ounce can of salmon and combine with mayonnaise, lemon juice, diced celery, and fresh dill. Season with salt and pepper. Chill before serving on bread, in lettuce cups or on its own. This protein-packed salad also makes a great topping for salads.
Salmon Cakes
Mash one 14.75-ounce can of salmon with 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, 1 egg, and minced shallots. Season with hot sauce, salt, and pepper. Form into patties and pan-fry in olive oil until crispy, about 5 minutes per side. Salmon cakes are delicious on their own, or topped with remoulade sauce, lemon aioli, or tartar sauce.
Pasta Primavera with Salmon
Toss cooked pasta such as farfalle or penne with sautéed veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, broccoli and spinach. Gently fold in one 14.75-ounce can of flaked salmon and a few tablespoons of pesto or alfredo sauce. Top with parmesan cheese, pine nuts and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This colorful, hearty dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
It can take your cooking from ordinary to gourmet with very little effort. Experiment with different flavor profiles to create salmon dishes your whole family will love. Using high-quality, wild-caught canned salmon will ensure the best taste and nutritional benefits in all your culinary creations.
Canned Salmon FAQs: Your Most Pressing Questions Answered
What kind of salmon is used in canned salmon?
The most common types of salmon used in canning are pink salmon and sockeye salmon. Pink salmon is the most affordable and mild in flavor. Sockeye, also known as red salmon, has a deeper orange color and richer flavor. For the best quality, choose a brand that specifies the salmon type. Some high-end brands also use king or Chinook salmon which has the highest fat content and richest flavor.
Is canned salmon cooked?
Yes, canned salmon is pre-cooked during the canning process. The fish is cleaned, deboned, and steamed before being sealed in the can. This cooking process kills any potential bacteria and creates a shelf-stable product. It can be eaten right out of the can or used in recipes like salads, sandwiches, and fish cakes.
How long does canned salmon last?
An unopened can of salmon will last 2 to 5 years when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it will last 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator. For best quality, use opened canned salmon within 1 to 2 days. Discard any salmon with a foul odour, color, or taste.
Is canned salmon healthy?
Canned salmon is a nutritious choice. It is high in protein and omega-3 fatty acids which are good for your heart. A 3 ounce serving contains about 20 grams of protein and over 2,000 mg of omega-3s. It also provides selenium, niacin, vitamin B12 and phosphorus. However, it is high in sodium, containing around 600 mg per half cup. Compare nutrition labels and choose a low-sodium option if needed. Moderation is key to balancing the nutritional benefits and salt content.
In summary, canned salmon can absolutely be part of a healthy diet when consumed in proper portion sizes and as part of a balanced diet. For the best quality and nutrition, choose wild-caught Alaskan salmon from a reputable brand. Enjoy your canned salmon on salads, in sandwiches, or all on its own!
Conclusion
At the end of the day, the best canned salmon comes down to your taste and preference. But hopefully, this quick guide gave you a good starting point to find a top-quality product packed with omega-3s that won’t break the bank. With Wild Planet, Crown Prince, and Vital Choice leading the pack, you’ve got plenty of flavorful and nutritious options to choose from. So next time you’re stocking up at the grocery store, grab a can or two and see which brand speaks to you. Just crack open that lid, give it a try on some crackers or a salad, and enjoy the delicious taste of the sea!