The Best Canned Salmon (Yes, I Personally Tried It)

Not all canned salmon is the same—trust me, I’ve opened enough to know. Some are too salty, some fall apart, and others just don’t taste like real fish. But every once in a while, you find one that checks all the boxes. That’s exactly what happened when I tried Wild Planet’s Wild Sockeye Salmon.

In this post, I’ll share why it’s easily the best canned salmon I’ve come across, what makes it stand out, and a few other brands worth keeping in your pantry. If you care about flavor, texture, and sustainably sourced seafood, you’ll want to read on.

The Best Canned Salmon I’ve Tried

If you're searching for the best canned salmon, Wild Planet’s Wild Sockeye Salmon is an easy favorite. After trying several brands over the years, this is the one I keep coming back to—for its clean flavor, firm texture, and consistent quality.

What sets it apart is how fresh it tastes. It’s not overly salty or fishy, and the texture is solid—not mushy like some other brands. It actually tastes like real salmon. Since it's boneless and skinless, it's also super easy to use. Just drain and go—it’s perfect for salads, rice bowls, sandwiches, or even a quick snack with crackers.

Another reason I trust this brand is their focus on sustainability. The salmon is caught in the Pacific Ocean by small-scale fisheries in Alaska and British Columbia. Wild Planet uses responsible fishing methods that avoid harming marine life. They don’t use fish aggregating devices (FADs), which help reduce bycatch. Knowing that the fish is caught with care makes it even easier to choose this product again and again.

It’s also a solid choice nutritionally. One 85-gram can gives you 80 calories, 17 grams of protein, 1.5 grams of fat, and zero carbs or sugar. It’s simple, healthy, and fits easily into most diets.

It’s Not Just Me — Experts Say It’s the Best Canned Salmon Too

I’m not the only one who thinks Wild Planet’s Wild Sockeye Salmon stands out. Food writers, chefs, and home cooks alike have praised it for its flavor, convenience, and quality. Here’s what a few of them had to say:

Joanne Gallagher, co-owner of Inspired Taste:

“I love canned salmon for its convenience and nutritional value, and Wild Planet is my go-to for sustainable, wild-caught salmon.”

Erin Clarke, author of The Well Plated Cookbook and creator of Well Plated:

“This is my go-to for fresh, firm texture and clean flavor. I love using it in salmon patties or adding it to a grain bowl for an easy, healthy, and affordable meal.”

Kat Marris, Senior Recipe Developer at Green Chef:

“It’s never mushy. Then I form my cakes, pan fry for three to four minutes on each side, and eat them with a fresh salad—it’s such a satisfying and easy dinner.”

These reviews back up what I’ve already seen in my own kitchen: Wild Planet delivers. Whether you're cooking from scratch or pulling together a quick meal, it’s a pantry staple that never disappoints.

Honorable Mentions

While Wild Planet’s Wild Sockeye is my top pick, a few other canned salmon brands are also worth keeping in your pantry. Whether you're looking for something more budget-friendly, a smoked option, or something ready to eat right out of the can, these honorable mentions have something to offer:

• 365 by Whole Foods Market Wild Alaskan Pink Salmon - An affordable option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Fishwife Smoked Atlantic Salmon -  A flavorful, smoked-style canned salmon that adds depth to any dish.
• Minnow Wild Sockeye Salmon - So good, it can be eaten straight out of the can—no seasoning needed.

Summary

After testing several canned salmon brands, Wild Planet’s Wild Sockeye clearly stands out for its clean flavor, firm texture, and responsible sourcing. It’s boneless, skinless, and easy to use—perfect for quick meals that don’t sacrifice quality. From salads to salmon patties, it’s a reliable pantry staple for busy days.

But if you’re craving the full flavor experience, nothing beats a fresh, wild-caught salmon fillet. Canned options are great for convenience, but when it comes to taste and texture, fresh always wins. Explore our Wild Alaskan Salmon and bring home the same premium quality trusted by chefs and seafood lovers alike.