People love Costco because it has long aisles and great deals on bulk purchases. It has become a shopping destination for millions of people. (We love Costco here at Cheapism, too, in case you havent noticed. But while many of its products are good quality and a good value, smart shoppers say you should stay away from some seafood items.
Some seafood items at Costco might not be worth buying because of where the seafood comes from or health or environmental concerns. Here are 10 Costco seafood items to avoid.
Because fish farms are so crowded, some farm-raised salmon may have more parasites than wild-caught salmon. This is because fish farms are perfect places for bacteria and diseases to grow. It also hurts local ecosystems because farmed salmon pollutes them with nutrients, uses a lot of land and water, and makes more people want wild-caught fish as feed.
You can buy farm-raised salmon in packs of six to eight at Costco, but wild-caught salmon is better. It costs a little more, but it’s usually better in terms of quality and taste, and it has more omega-3 fatty acids. “Farmed salmon doesn’t have the same nutritional profile and is often dyed,” one Reddit user wrote in a thread.
To make sure the shrimp you buy were raised in safe conditions, look at the country of origin and buy U.S. S. -made whenever possible.
As one of the largest grocery retailers in the United States Costco sells a massive amount of farmed salmon every year. But is this affordable fish healthy and safe to eat on a regular basis?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into the key factors to consider regarding Costco’s farmed salmon:
- How it’s raised and processed
- Potential health benefits and risks
- Environmental impacts
- Alternatives to weigh
- Safety tips for consumers
Let’s take a close look at whether you should put Costco’s popular farmed salmon in your shopping cart or look elsewhere.
How Costco Farmed Salmon is Produced
First, it’s important to understand exactly how this fish makes it way to the seafood section of your local Costco.
The vast majority of farmed salmon sold in the U.S. comes from large aquaculture operations located in Chile, Norway, Canada and Scotland. Costco primarily sources its fish from these major salmon farming companies.
Raising Process
The salmon live their whole lives in big net pens that float in open water. They are fed processed fish pellets to get fat fast so they can be sold.
Antibiotics Use
The crowded conditions require frequent doses of antibiotics and pesticides to control diseases and parasites. However, Costco claims to use antibiotics judiciously.
Chemical Bath
Before shipping, the salmon are treated with a chemical bath to artificially color the fish and prolong shelf life. Wild salmon obtain their color naturally from their diet.
Flash Freezing
The fish are processed, filleted and flash frozen to -35°F for export and distribution to Costco warehouses.
Now let’s analyze the potential health impacts of eating fish produced in this standard industrialized manner.
Health Benefits and Risks of Costco Farmed Salmon
Farmed salmon from Costco and other retailers does provide important nutrients, but also poses some health concerns.
Benefits
- High in protein to support muscle growth and maintenance
- Rich in anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA
- Good source of vitamins B12, D and selenium
Potential Risks
- Higher saturated fat content than wild salmon
- More likely to contain carcinogenic pollutants like PCBs
- Artificial coloring can increase inflammation in the body
- Overuse of antibiotics may contribute to drug resistance
The toxins and synthetic compounds accumulated in their flesh from their concentrated feed and environment are the primary worries. The ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids is also less optimal than wild.
For most people, the nutritional value likely outweighs the risks of occasional Costco farmed salmon meals. But those with compromised immunity or certain medical conditions may want to exercise more caution or avoid it.
Assessing the Environmental Impacts
In addition to health considerations, we must examine the ecological consequences of mass producing salmon in this manner.
Negative Impacts
- Pollution and waste discharged into marine habitats
- Farmed fish escape and compete with wild stocks
- Overfishing of smaller prey fish for salmon feed
- Chemical treatments kill other marine life besides salmon
Improvements
- Rotating and leaving some pens fallow reduces waste buildup
- Advanced nets and barriers help minimize farmed fish escapes
Considering the vast amount of salmon Costco sells, these environmental impacts can be substantial. Sourcing fish from eco-certified suppliers helps, but may not entirely eliminate adverse effects.
Alternatives to Consider
If you have reservations about consuming Costco’s farmed salmon after assessing the risks, what are some alternatives?
-
Wild-caught salmon from Alaska or the Pacific Northwest – More expensive but lower in toxins and contaminants
-
Canned wild salmon – Much cheaper and a good substitute in recipes
-
Other omega-3-rich fish like sardines, trout or mackerel – Vary your protein sources
-
Plant-based salmon alternatives like soy protein – For vegetarian or vegan diets
-
Smaller portions of Costco farmed salmon – Limit but still enjoy on occasion
Your budget, preferences and nutritional needs should guide which salmon or seafood choice works best for your lifestyle.
Tips for Safely Consuming Costco Farmed Salmon
If you opt to purchase farmed salmon from Costco, here are some tips for reducing risks and making the healthiest choice possible:
-
Look for a lighter, more natural pink color – Paler means fewer artificial colorings
-
Choose Norwegian salmon over Chilean if possible – Stricter limits on antibiotic use
-
Grill, roast or poach – Avoid charring at high heat to form fewer carcinogens
-
Eat a modest portion of 4-6 oz per serving – Limit exposure to contaminants
-
Supplement with a fish oil capsule – Further boost your omega-3 intake
-
Remove the fatty belly section – This part tends to accumulate the most toxins
-
Buy previously frozen fish – Flash freezing helps kill parasites and pathogens
With some judicious selection and preparation, you can safely benefit from the convenience, availability and price of Costco’s farmed salmon option.
The Verdict on Costco Farmed Salmon
Given the multitude of factors covered here, what’s the final verdict on the safety and health impacts of Costco’s popular farmed salmon?
For most healthy individuals, the risks appear low to moderate when consuming their farmed salmon in moderation as part of a varied seafood diet. The occasional Costco shopper will likely be fine eating it.
However, those with immunity issues or certain medical conditions may be wiser to spend a bit more for wild-caught salmon or alternate protein sources after considering the antibiotics usage and contaminant risks. Or they could seek out a reputable eco-certified farm to source from.
Pregnant women, children and those who eat salmon frequently should also take extra care selecting their fish.
Overall, Costco’s farmed salmon provides a cheaper, convenient way to get more omega-3s and protein in your diet. But weigh the potential adverse impacts, choose the best option possible, and enjoy a variety of sustainable seafood.
Trident Seafoods Fish Sticks
While your kid may beg you to buy fish sticks while shopping at Costco, these frozen fish sticks are covered in a thick, Panko breading that overwhelm the scant and bland fish inside, customers say. As one Redditor points out, “[There was] a lot of breading for the little chunk of fish inside.”
When it comes to nutrition, three sticks have 12 grams of protein, which isn’t very much, and a lot of sodium.
Orca Bay Keta Salmon Fillets
Not only does this brand sound like youre buying fillets made out of orca meat, theyre also “the worst food sold at Costco,” according to one Redditor. “It tasted nothing like normal salmon,” writes the Redditor, adding, “It was dry, fishy, and just off tasting.”
After some research, the user said they first thought they had bought a bad batch but then learned that “Keta salmon, also known as chum, is best known for being DOG food in Alaska because people won’t eat it.” ” Well, yikes — maybe save these for Fido?.
Ahi tuna lends itself well to a variety of seafood-inspired dishes like poke and seared tuna steaks. But according to seafood enthusiasts, Costcos ahi tuna might be subpar.
The 6-ounce single servings come in a heavy 10-pound pack. At first glance, the deep pink color and low price make them look appealing. However, customers say that the meat is “extremely salty” and has an unpleasant texture and taste after being seared. One user even likened it to a “processed hunk of ham,” while another claimed it “tasted like medicine. “.
Sushi Guy’s Guide: Costco Fresh Salmon for Sushi Use (v2 non-Frozen Version)
FAQ
What is the safest farmed salmon?
Is it safe to eat Costco Farm raised salmon raw?
Where is Costco farm raised salmon from?
Should you avoid farmed salmon?
Is Costco a good place to buy salmon?
Costco’s pricing is a bit overpriced than others but more convenient. Costco offers almost a fresh whole side of farm-raised Atlantic salmon for only about $12.99 per pound. So we purchase salmon there in bulk to cut costs on my maritime meals–it is about 3 lbs per package. Rating: 8/10 Costco’s farmed Atlantic Salmon is boneless and skinless.
Is fresh salmon safe to eat?
Yes, salmon is a source of omega 3, the fatty acid is responsible for acting in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, making the heart strong and healthy. Just be careful to analyze the supplier to make sure it doesn’t have any contamination.
Is Costco Salmon Safe?
Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon is known to be one of the safer salmon options due to its low toxicity and mercury levels. The Costco brand – Kirkland Signature has a couple of different frozen salmon options with the Alaskan salmon being the most expensive. I enjoy salmon weekly, is this one from Costco tasty enough that I’ll repurchase it?
Where can I buy healthy farmed salmon?
Several healthy farmed salmon options are available at major grocery stores. Whole Foods offers the most comprehensive seafood policy and are my first choice when buying seafood. However, you can buy healthy farmed salmon at Publix, Costco, and Trader Joes as long as you read labels.