How Much Does a Can of Salmon Cost?

Salmon is one of the most nutritious and delicious types of fish you can buy. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high quality protein, various vitamins and minerals. Canned salmon is an extremely convenient way to enjoy the benefits of this superfood. But with so many options on the market, you might be wondering – how much does a can of salmon cost?

We’ll show you how much different kinds of canned salmon cost so you know what to expect when you go shopping for this healthy food. We’ll also look at what changes the prices, such as how the fish are caught and how they are processed.

The Cost Range of Canned Salmon

Prices for canned salmon can vary a lot. Generic store brands can cost as little as $1 a can, while premium wild-caught salmon from Alaska can cost up to $10 or even $15. Here’s a quick overview of typical costs:

• Generic or store brand pink salmon – $1 to $3 per 15 oz can
• Name brand pink salmon – $2 to $4 per 15 oz can
• Sockeye salmon – $3 to $6 per 7.5 oz can
• Coho salmon – $5 to $8 per 7.5 oz can
• King salmon – $6 to $10 per 7.5 oz can

So you can see that wild salmon varieties like sockeye coho and king tend to cost more than generic pink salmon. But even within the same species, prices can vary widely between basic supermarket brands versus premium sustainable fisheries.

Let’s look at some of the factors that affect canned salmon prices

Fishing Practices and Sustainability

Wild-caught salmon from well-managed, sustainable fisheries commands higher prices than generic canned salmon.

Responsible fishing practices that don’t overharvest or damage marine ecosystems cost more to implement. But they help preserve salmon populations and the health of our oceans. So you’re paying for quality and peace of mind when you buy salmon branded as sustainable.

Some trusted certifications to look for include

• Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue eco-label
• Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) logo
• Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Best Choice ratings

Canned salmon carrying these seals of approval will be pricier than conventional and farm-raised varieties. But the extra cost helps fund vital conservation efforts.

Salmon Species

There are five species of wild Pacific salmon – chinook (king), sockeye, coho, chum, and pink. Of these, sockeye and king are the most coveted for their rich color and flavor.Sockeye has a bright orange-red flesh and a robust taste. King boasts a luxurious, buttery texture and a melt-in-your-mouth silky quality.

So it’s no surprise that canned sockeye and king cost more than other salmon varieties like pink and chum. If you’re looking for value, canned pink salmon is widely available at budget-friendly prices. While not as palate-pleasing as king or sockeye, its soft, mild taste works well in recipes like salmon patties and chowders.

Bone-In vs Boneless

You’ll typically pay less for canned salmon containing bones and skin compared to boneless, skinless fillets.

Although the small, soft bones can be off-putting to some, they do add flavor and nutrients. Salmon bones are rich in calcium and vitamin D. For an authentic, rustic salmon taste, bone-in might be the way to go.

On the other hand, boneless canned salmon offers convenience and ease of use. It’s versatile for quickly throwing together salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes and more. So you’re paying extra for the value of having it pre-prepped and deboned.

Additives: Salt, Oil, Seasonings

Plain canned salmon contains just the fish and natural juices inside the can. But some versions add extra ingredients that impact the price:

Salt – Most canned salmon contains added salt as a preservative and for flavor. Unsalted varieties cost more due to a shorter shelf life.

Oil – Salmon packed in oil has a richer mouthfeel and infuses the fish with flavor. But oil-free options are pricier since they contain less fat.

Spices and seasonings – Gourmet canned salmon can come marinated in ingredients like lemon, dill, pepper, and garlic. The added flavors mean you’re essentially buying a ready-to-eat meal in a can.

So you’ll pay a premium for additive-free, low sodium, or artisan seasoned canned salmon compared to basic varieties.

Alaska vs Farmed Salmon

Wild-caught Alaskan salmon is considered superior to farmed Atlantic salmon. Strict regulations govern fishing in Alaska’s pristine waters, resulting in a high-quality, sustainable product.

Meanwhile, most farmed salmon comes from crowded pens of fish fed plant-based diets. This affects the nutritional value and natural salmon flavor.

Since wild Alaskan salmon is harder to source and catch, it costs more than ubiquitous farmed salmon you’ll find branded as “Atlantic.” Stick to cans marked “Alaskan” or a specific Alaskan region like Keta, Copper River, or Bristol Bay to get the real deal.

Processing: Fresh vs Frozen

Did you know much canned salmon starts out frozen?

Salmon that’s flash-frozen right on the boat retains its freshness and nutrition. Frozen salmon can be shipped to the cannery year-round for a consistent supply.

“Fresh-pack” canned salmon means it was processed raw within hours of being caught. This costs more due to quick transport and the tight seasonal availability of fresh-caught fish.

While fresh might sound better than frozen, both yield tender, tasty canned salmon. Focus more on the overall quality of the fish rather than whether it’s sold as “flash-frozen” or “fresh-pack.”

Can Size

In general, smaller cans are pricier per ounce than larger cans. A 7.5 oz can might cost $3 to $4, while a 1 lb can averages $7 to $8.

Larger cans do mean getting more salmon for your buck. But the bigger cans also take longer to use up before a can starts going bad. The omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can oxidize and go rancid when exposed to air.

For minimal waste, stick to smaller cans you’ll use up quicker. Or transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store for up to 2 to 4 days in the fridge.

Branding and Carrying Costs

Higher overheads for premium brands translate to higher prices:

• Advertising and marketing expenses
• Quality control and lab testing
• Costs of third-party sustainability audits
• Supply chain logistics (cold storage, transport)

Less expensive supermarket labels save by cutting down on these extra costs. So you pay more for the brand recognition and trust in quality that comes with top names like Wild Planet, Crown Prince, and Safe Catch.

Now that you know why some canned salmon costs ten times more than others, you can weigh up what’s most important to your budget and values.

Prioritize sustainability and natural flavor? Seek out Wild Alaskan salmon certified by reputable groups like Marine Stewardship Council.

Want gourmet quality? Splurge on a premium brand like Wild Planet for restaurant-worthy salmon at home.

Need an affordable protein source for casual meals and recipes? Choose a value-brand pink salmon at $2 to $3 per can.

And compare prices between grocery stores, warehouse clubs, and online retailers. Walmart, Costco, and Amazon often undercut traditional supermarkets on shelf-stable items like canned fish.

Finally, watch for sales and specials when stocking up. Canned salmon can keep for up to three years when unopened and stored properly.

What matters most is enjoying the nutritional benefits of salmon, no matter which can you choose. When stored properly and consumed before the best by date, any canned salmon offers quality protein, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals.