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Which is better — pink salmon or sockeye salmon?

Published on April 26, 2025 by Circle Seafoods

If you’ve ever stood in the seafood aisle wondering what the difference is between pink salmon and sockeye salmon, you’re not alone. These two types of salmon are both popular, tasty, and packed with nutrients — but they’re not the same. Whether you're grilling fillets, tossing salmon into a salad, or finding new ways to add more protein to your meals, knowing the difference can help you pick what’s best for your taste, budget, and cooking plans.

Sockeye (also called red salmon) and pink salmon are two of the most common wild salmon types you’ll see in stores. They both come from the Pacific Ocean, mostly caught in Alaska, and are known for being high in protein and omega-3s. But there are key differences between the two species in how they look and how they taste.

Key Differences and Similarities

  • Sockeye salmon is deep red, firm, and full of rich flavor – perfect for midsummer cookouts or salmon burgers. It also tends to be more expensive.
  • Pink salmon is light pink, milder in taste, and more affordable. Circle Seafoods Ultra-Low Temp Pink Salmon Fillets are perfect for the oven or the air fryer, and can be cooked straight from frozen, no defrosting required.

Both are wild-caught and good for you – it really depends on what you’re cooking and how bold you like your fish.

Are pink salmon farmed?

Nope! Both sockeye and pink salmon are wild-caught – mostly in Alaska and other parts of the northern Pacific. Alaska doesn’t allow finfish (the type of fish that have a backbone and fins) farming, so when you buy Alaskan salmon, you’re getting the real deal. 

Circle Seafoods buys and processes sustainably harvested wild salmon in Metlakatla, in the southeast part of Alaska.

Sockeye Salmon

Caught in places like Bristol Bay, sockeye runs are closely managed to ensure long-term sustainability.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon are actually the most abundant type of wild Pacific salmon. Their numbers are strong, and they have a short 2-year lifecycle, which helps keep their populations stable.

Nutritional Value

Both types of salmon are healthy – full of protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins like B12 and D.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye is more nutrient-dense. It has higher fat content (the good kind!), more omega-3s, and more vitamin A. If you’re eating salmon for health benefits, sockeye is a powerhouse.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon has slightly fewer calories and less fat, and is also a great option – especially if you prefer a lighter taste or are keeping an eye on your grocery budget.

Where is pink salmon from?

Both pink and sockeye salmon come mostly from Alaska — especially places like Prince William Sound and Bristol Bay. You’ll also find pink salmon in waters off British Columbia and Russia.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye prefer colder, deeper freshwater lakes and streams for spawning. Their migration routes can be epic and include the Bristol Bay watershed and the Kvichak, Naknek, Ugashik, Egegik and Nushagak rivers.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon spawn in shallower streams and have a shorter lifecycle, which helps keep their populations booming. Circle Seafoods buys our pink salmon in Metlakatla, in the southeast part of Alaska.

Population and Sustainability

If you’re trying to eat more sustainable seafood, both pink and sockeye salmon are solid choices.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye are managed carefully, especially in Alaska. Some regions have more limited harvests to protect future runs.

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon are extremely abundant and have a fast lifecycle, which makes them one of the most sustainable seafood choices around.

When is pink salmon season?

Pink salmon season runs from mid-June to early September, but keep in mind they only run in large numbers every other year (on even-numbered years in most areas like Alaska).

Sockeye runs usually peak in July, but their season can stretch from June to August depending on the location.

Conclusion: Choosing the Right Salmon for You

So — which is better, pink salmon or sockeye salmon?

It depends!

  • If you want bold flavor, rich texture, and loads of nutrients? Go for sockeye.
  • If you’re looking for something milder, more affordable, and still healthy? Pink salmon is a great pick.

Either way, you’re getting a wild-caught, nutritious fish that’s good for you and good for the planet.Pro tip: Try both! Keep frozen pink salmon fillets in the freezer for quick dinners, and save the sockeye for weekend dinners or grilling nights.