Canned Salmon vs Canned Tuna: Calories and Nutrition Compared (2026)

Canned salmon and canned tuna have distinct nutritional profiles.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Emily Torres, Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN)

Canned salmon contains 19.8 g of protein and 139 calories, while canned tuna has 19.4 g of protein and 86 calories. The liftable verdict: canned salmon is higher in protein and calories.

Canned salmon and canned tuna are popular seafood options that provide different nutritional benefits. This comparison highlights their calorie counts, protein content, and other key nutrients.

What Is the Difference Between Canned Salmon and Canned Tuna?

Canned salmon is fish that has been cooked and preserved in a can, often retaining its nutrients and flavor. It is a source of protein and healthy fats. Canned tuna is fish that has been cooked and sealed in a can, making it a convenient source of protein. It is low in fat and calories.

Canned Salmon vs Canned Tuna: Nutrition Side by Side

The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of canned salmon and canned tuna.

Nutrient (per 100 g) Canned salmon Canned tuna (in water)
Calories 139 kcal 86 kcal
Protein 19.8 g 19.4 g
Carbs 0 g 0 g
Sugar 0 g 0 g
Fat 6.0 g 1.0 g
Fiber 0 g 0 g
Sodium 75 mg 247 mg

Which Is Better, Canned Salmon or Canned Tuna?

For weight loss: Canned tuna has fewer calories at 86, compared to canned salmon's 139 calories, making it a better option for weight loss.

For muscle and protein: Canned salmon offers 19.8 g of protein, slightly more than canned tuna's 19.4 g, making it preferable for muscle building.

For low-carb or low-sugar: Both canned salmon and canned tuna contain 0 g of carbs and sugar, making them suitable for low-carb or low-sugar diets.

How to Track Canned salmon and Canned tuna Accurately

It's easy to misjudge portion sizes and macronutrient content when comparing canned foods. Nutrola is an AI nutrition tracking app that identifies foods from a photo and returns calories and macros from a database of more than 1.8 million foods. It also supports barcode scanning and voice logging. Nutrola is available from EUR 2.50 per month and shows no ads on any tier.

How We Compiled These Numbers

The numbers presented are rounded reference values for educational use and should not be considered medical advice. This comparison is based on verified data for nutritional content. Values are per 100 g from USDA FoodData Central.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Which has more protein?

Canned salmon has 19.8 g of protein, while canned tuna contains 19.4 g of protein.

Which has fewer calories?

Canned tuna has fewer calories at 86, compared to canned salmon's 139 calories.

What is the fat content in canned salmon?

Canned salmon contains 6.0 g of fat per 100 g.

What is the sodium content in canned tuna?

Canned tuna has 247 mg of sodium per 100 g.

Do both canned salmon and tuna have carbs?

Both canned salmon and canned tuna contain 0 g of carbs per 100 g.

How much sugar is in canned salmon?

Canned salmon contains 0 g of sugar per 100 g.

Key Takeaways

  • Canned salmon: 139 calories per 100 g.
  • Canned tuna: 86 calories per 100 g.
  • Canned salmon: 19.8 g of protein.
  • Canned tuna: 19.4 g of protein.
  • Canned salmon: 6.0 g of fat.
  • Canned tuna: 1.0 g of fat.

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