Fish & seafood

Fish, salmon, chum, raw

FDC 173689oz (85 g)

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Density 75 · +0 vs Fish & seafood median

Chum salmon, raw, comes in at a Strong 75 of 100, rank 32 of 60 in Fish & seafood, with 120 calories per 100 grams. It supplies 40% of the Daily Value for protein, an excellent tier consistent with other salmon varieties, even though chum tends to run leaner than sockeye or king salmon.

Chum salmon is a common choice for smoking, canning, and roe production, and its milder fat content suits baking or poaching more than high-heat searing. An 85 gram serving is a typical portion size. Its score matches the Fish & seafood median of 75 precisely, putting it in the middle of a well-scoring category rather than at either extreme.

See how this score is calculated, build a plate around fish, salmon, or compare it with another food.

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

Fig. 1 · Macronutrient composition
Protein 20.1 g · 70%Carb 0 g · 0%Fat 3.8 g · 30%

Percent of calories derived by NutriVerdict from USDA grams

Nutrition facts

NutrientAmount% DV
Calories120 kcal6%
Total fat3.8 g5%
Saturated fat0.84 g4%
Cholesterol74 mg25%
Sodium50 mg2%
Carbohydrate0 g0%
Dietary fiber0 g0%
Sugars-
Protein20 g40%
Potassium429 mg9%
Calcium11 mg1%
Iron0.55 mg3%
Magnesium22 mg5%
Vitamin C0 mg0%
Vitamin A30 µg3%
Vitamin E1.1 mg7%

Source: USDA FoodData Central · Public domain

FDC 173689

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

What it is rich in

Nutrients supplying at least 10% of the Daily Value per 100 grams. 20% or more is an excellent source.

Protein40% DV

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

Versus the fish & seafood median

Nutrient density75 vs 75 median
Protein / 100 g20 vs 19 median
Fiber / 100 g0 vs 0 median
Sodium / 100 g50 vs 75 median

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

More nutrient-dense swaps

Foods in the same category that score higher on nutrient density.

Fish, bluefish, rawDensity 75 vs 75Fish, cisco, rawDensity 75 vs 75Fish, sheepshead, rawDensity 76 vs 75

Original analysis by NutriVerdict

In the kitchen and how to use it

Chum salmon, also sold as keta, is one of the leaner Pacific salmon species, with a milder flavor and firmer texture than sockeye or king salmon. It's a common choice for canning and is also the source of much of the salmon roe used as ikura in sushi restaurants, while the fillets themselves can be grilled, baked, or pan-seared and pair well with soy-based glazes, dill, or a simple squeeze of citrus. Its lower fat content compared to other salmon means it can dry out faster on the grill, so shorter cooking times or moist-heat methods like poaching help keep it tender.

When buying fresh chum salmon, look for firm flesh and a clean, briny smell, and store it on ice or in the coldest part of the fridge, cooking it within a day or two. An 85-gram, or 3-ounce, portion has about 120 calories with 20.1 grams of protein (40% DV) and 3.77 grams of fat, making it a leaner salmon option to build a simple grilled or baked dinner around when a lighter fillet is wanted; its sodium (50 milligrams per 100 grams) is low enough that most of the seasoning comes from the marinade or glaze used.

Frequently asked questions about fish, salmon

How many calories are in chum salmon?

An 85-gram (3-ounce) portion of raw chum salmon has about 120 calories, with 20.1 grams of protein.

Is chum salmon a good source of protein?

Yes, it supplies 40% of the Daily Value for protein per 100 grams while being one of the leaner salmon varieties.

What is chum salmon used for besides fillets?

Chum salmon is a common source of the roe sold as ikura, and its fillets are also frequently canned.

View the USDA source record