Pink vs Red Salmon: What’s The Difference?

Many people think salmon is the same regardless of what type it is. On the contrary, there are some big differences between salmon species. But what are the differences between pink and red salmon?

Red salmon is more expensive than pink salmon because of the flavor, color and quantity sold. Pink salmon has a softer texture, milder flavor and it’s lighter working well in salads. Red salmon has a firmer texture and its flavor is more intense than pink. Red salmon works well with other intensely flavored foods.

So, how are red salmon and pink salmon used? I’ll examine that plus a side by side nutrient comparison, differences, mercury levels, taste, texture and costs.

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Affiliate Disclosure: Some links in this article are affiliate links which means I may earn a commission by you clicking on one of the links. I’m an Amazon associate.

Pink vs Red Salmon Differences

There are many different types of salmon. Some of them have more than one name which can make things a little confusing at times. Let’s answer the question, what is the difference between pink and red salmon?

Red salmon is the common name for sockeye salmon while pink salmon represents different kinds of lighter colored salmon. The red salmon flesh color is red while pink salmon is lighter and pinkish. Red salmon weighs about six pounds and spends over a year in freshwater after hatching. Pink salmon weighs about four pounds and goes straight to the ocean after hatching.

Red and pink salmon are both freshwater and saltwater fish. Sockeye salmon is a species of pacific salmon that typically live for 3 to 7 years ¹. They are otherwise known as the red salmon or the blueback salmon. Its official scientific name is Oncorhynchus nerka.

Pink salmon are the smallest of the Pacific salmon found in North America ². Of all the Pacific salmon, pink are the most numerous. Many can be found on the west coast or near Alaska.

Their official scientific name is Oncorhynchus gorbuscha ³. It’s easier to say pink salmon. Some people call them humpback salmon or humpy. The spawning males often develop a hump on the back which is why there are called humpback.

Pink and Red Salmon Nutritional Value

If you have the choice between pink or red salmon, which should you get based on nutritional value? To help you answer this, here is all the nutritional information you will need to make that decision.

Nutrient	Pink Salmon, raw (4 Ounces)	Red Salmon, raw (4 Ounces)
Calories	144	149
Fat	4.9 g	5.3 g
Protein	23 g	25 g
Omega-3	0.70 g	0.96 g
B-6	0.69 mg	0.82 mg
B-12	4.71 mcg	5.32 mcg
Thiamin	0.09 mg	0.15 mg
Riboflavin	0.12 mg	0.23 mg
B5	1.16 mg	1.21 mg
Iron	0.43 mg	0.49 mg
Vitamin A	39.69 mcg	55.57 mcg
Niacin	9.06 mg	9.64 mg
Folate	4.54 mcg	6.80 mcg
Potassium	415 mg	416 mg
Magnesium	30 mg	34 mg
Phosphorus	295 mg	291 mg
Calcium	7.94 mg	10.21 mg
Zinc	0.44 mg	0.52 mg
Selenium	35.6 mcg	33.8 mcg

Examining the table above it’s easy to see both fish are full of nutrients ⁴. To compare the two, let’s answer which one is healthier, pink or red salmon?

Red salmon is healthier than pink due to its higher number of heart healthy omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins. Red salmon contains 35% more omega-3s and a higher percentage of B6, B12, B5, thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, folate, vitamin A, calcium and zinc. 

Pink salmon is no slouch and offers a great number of nutrients as well ⁵. It just doesn’t have more of a percentage of the nutrient categories like red does. Pink does contain slightly more selenium and has a similar number of phosphorus, magnesium, potassium, protein and iron.

From the nutrient table above, you can make your own inferences about the nutritional values of pink and red salmon. Overall, red salmon has more nutritional value than pink salmon does ⁶. You can eat pink salmon every time and you would be eating healthy too.

For some people it doesn’t really matter which one they eat. Sometimes it comes down to which fish is available or the taste and texture. Which leads me to the next section.

While pink salmon may be slightly less healthy, what about pink salmon vs Sockeye? Check out the battle of these heavyweights in my article here, Pink Salmon vs Sockeye: The Complete Comparison

Pink vs Red Salmon: Tastes and Textures

Some people like red salmon more because of its richer flavor and firmer texture. Pink salmon is lighter in flavor and its texture is soft ⁷ . If you are choosing between red and pink salmon, try both out and see what flavors and textures you like better.

If you prefer one over the other, then you should choose that one next time you buy salmon. If you don’t have a preference, then choosing the healthier option (or maybe the cheaper one) could be a great choice for you.

Remember there are ways to cook pink and red salmon to better satisfy your taste buds. Again, red salmon is richer and goes well with other flavorful foods, while pink salmon is more delicate and goes well with lighter foods ⁸.

Depending on your food preferences, you may like one salmon over the other because of how it pairs with your favorite flavors. Both salmon are healthy options, so either one will be a good choice ⁹.

I wrote another article comparing two types of salmon, keta and sockeye salmon. Check it out here, Keta vs Sockeye Salmon: What’s The Difference?

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Can You Substitute Pink for Red Salmon?

There are times when you just can’t find the exact fish needed for your planned meal. Whether the supermarket isn’t stocking it today or maybe you already have a type of fish in the refrigerator. Therefore, you may ask the question, can you substitute pink for red salmon?

Pink and red salmon can substitute for each other when cooking, although they have slightly different textures and tastes. They both can be cooked using the same methods like slow-roasted, poached, fried or searing in a pan.

When substituting pink salmon for red, certain sauces and ingredients that go well with one should be fine with the other ¹⁰.

What can I substitute for red salmon in a recipe? The following fish can substitute for red salmon in a recipe:

• Mackerel
• Trout
• Bluefish
• Striped bass
• Arctic char
• Mahi mahi

What fish can replace pink salmon? Fish that can replace pink salmon:

• Mackerel
• Trout
• Bluefish
• Striped bass
• Arctic char
• Mahi mahi

When substituting one fish for another, try to follow these tips:

• Pick similar fillets, whole fillet or cross section.
• Always choose the same weight and size.
• If the recipe calls for skinless, choose skinless and visa versa.
• When grilling a firm texture is more important.
• Substitute a fatty or lean fish for the same.

Pink and Red Salmon Uses

There are many ways to serve pink and red salmon. They pair well with different foods for a variety of dishes and bring great flavors.

Pink salmon can be used like tuna because of its soft texture. Putting it in sandwiches is a great option. It is also smoked, canned and frozen. You can make a variety of meals with salmon with a variety of flavors.

You can make dinner using pink salmon as the main part of your dish. In addition, you can use it as an ingredient to enhance and add flavor.

As mentioned earlier, it has a light flavor so it pairs well with salads and can be put on sandwiches and pizza. Pink salmon is great for creating new meals, and it goes with a variety of foods.

Red salmon is great as a main course. It takes on a smoky flavor very well when it is placed in a smoker for hours. You can also cook it on the stove, grill it and bake it. It pairs well with sweet, sour and creamy flavors like lemon.

Red salmon is used to add richness to the plate. Therefore, you’ll most often see it cooked in a smoker, as a patty or seared in a skillet. The number of recipes and ways to cook red salmon is extensive, so you can search and find a go-to recipe you will love.

There are many ways to eat red and pink salmon. You can decide for yourself if you like lighter flavors or deeper, richer flavors. Use your preference to help decide if you want to eat red or pink salmon.

Then, find recipes online you want to try, and purchase some salmon at your local supermarket or fish market.

Pink vs Red Salmon: Which One Has More Mercury?

The Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration have issued warnings regarding mercury levels in fish. They also provide recommendations about how often people should consume them per week ¹¹.

This is especially important for pregnant women, developing children and breastfeeding.

They established a list of fish that are best choices, good choices and ones to avoid based on their mercury levels. Therefore does red or pink salmon have more mercury?

Red and pink salmon have similar levels of mercury. Both fish are listed on the FDA’s best choices of fish to consume regarding their mercury levels. They recommend eating no more than two to three servings a week.

When fish eat other fish in the ocean, more mercury builds up in their bodies over time. Bigger fish have more mercury in them than other smaller fish. Pink and red salmon grow to about the same size which is one reason they’ll contain similar mercury levels.

Mercury is especially harmful to children to consume because they are in crucial stages of development both physically and mentally.

Always check with a physician prior to eating new foods or changing your dietary habits.

Pink or Red Salmon: Which Costs More?

The cost of either salmon will differ depending on your location, supermarket, fresh or frozen and whether it’s farm raised or wild caught. Which is more expensive, pink or red salmon?

Red salmon is slightly more expensive than pink salmon. The average cost for red salmon is $19 per pound while the average cost for pink is $17.24 per pound. The cost will vary depending on location, whether it is farm-raised or wild-caught, fresh or frozen.

I checked my local Shoprite, Costco and other supermarkets for the current prices of each.

• Wild Alaskan red salmon
  • $20 per pound.
• Wild Alaskan red salmon
  • $18 per pound
• Wild Alaskan pink salmon
  • $16.50 per pound
• Wild Alaskan pink salmon
  • $17.99 per pound

To save some money on fresh seafood, would you believe some can be purchased on Amazon? Check out their current prices and selection, Fresh Seafood.

FAQ

Why is red salmon more expensive than pink? Red salmon is more expensive than pink due to the amount of supply and demand. In addition, people are willing to pay more money for salmon with a more reddish color flesh.

Read Next – More Salmon vs Fish Articles!

Coho Salmon vs King: What’s The Difference?

Coho Salmon vs Sockeye: What’s The Difference?

Frozen Salmon vs Canned Salmon: Which Is Healthier?

Atlantic vs Pacific Salmon: What’s The Difference?

Sockeye vs King Salmon: A Complete Comparison

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1. Wikipedia: Sockeye salmon[↩]
2. Wikipedia: Pink salmon[↩]
3. NOAA: Pink Salmon[↩]
4. FDA: Seafood Nutrition Facts[↩]
5. Nutrition Value: Fish, raw, pink, salmon[↩]
6. Nutrition Value: Fish, raw, sockeye, salmon[↩]
7. FishChoice: Pink Salmon[↩]
8. Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Pink Salmon[↩]
9. Pure Alaska Salmon Co: Red Salmon Versus Pink Salmon Versus Tuna[↩]
10. Sea Grant North Carolina: Fish Flavors and Substitutions[↩]
11. FDA: Advice about Eating Fish[↩]