Written by CalorieData Nutrition TeamReviewed by a Registered DietitianLast Updated: March 2026

Salmon vs Tuna: Nutrition Comparison

Which is healthier? Compare calories, protein, carbs, and more

Complete side-by-side nutrition comparison per 100g serving | Updated 2026

Which is Healthier?

Tuna is generally healthier

Tuna comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (132 vs 208), more protein (29g vs 25g), less sodium (41mg vs 75mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Tuna

132 kcal

More Protein

Tuna

29g

More Fiber

Salmon

0g

Less Sugar

Salmon

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Salmon
208
Tuna
132
Proteinper 100g
Salmon
25g
Tuna
29g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Salmon
0g
Tuna
0g
Fatper 100g
Salmon
13g
Tuna
1.3g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientSalmonTunaDifference
Calories208kcal132kcal+76.0kcal
Protein25g29g-4.0g
Carbohydrates0g0g0.0g
Fat13g1.3g+11.7g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium75mg41mg+34.0mg

Serving Size Comparison

All values above are per 100g. Here's how they compare in common serving sizes:

Salmon

Per 100g:208 calories
Per cup (150g):312 calories
Per serving (85g):177 calories

Tuna

Per 100g:132 calories
Per cup (150g):198 calories
Per serving (85g):112 calories

Diet Compatibility

Salmon

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

Tuna

Low-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

When to Choose Salmon

  • More fiber (0g vs 0g)
  • Lower in carbs (0g vs 0g)
  • Less sugar (0g vs 0g)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Salmon nutrition →

When to Choose Tuna

  • Lower in calories (132 vs 208)
  • Higher in protein (29g vs 25g)
  • Lower sodium (41mg vs 75mg)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Tuna nutrition →

Salmon vs Tuna: Nutritional Analysis

Salmon is more calorie-dense at 208 calories per 100g compared to 132 for Tuna, a difference of 76 calories. On the protein front, Tuna delivers more with 29g per 100g versus 25g, which matters for muscle maintenance, satiety, and overall metabolic health. These differences become meaningful when you consider how each food fits into your daily dietary pattern rather than looking at any single nutrient in isolation.

Macronutrient Breakdown

The macronutrient profiles of Salmon and Tuna tell different nutritional stories. Salmon provides 0g of carbohydrates, 13g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Tuna contains 0g carbs, 1.3g fat, and 0g fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Tuna is the lower-calorie choice at 132 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Tuna provides more protein (29g/100g), supporting muscle repair and growth.
  • For sustained energy: Salmon offers more fiber (0g/100g), which slows digestion and provides steadier energy release.
  • Overall: Neither food is universally "better" than the other. The right choice depends on your specific nutritional goals, meal context, and dietary preferences. Both can play a role in a balanced diet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more calories, Salmon or Tuna?

Salmon has more calories with 208 kcal per 100g, compared to Tuna with 132 kcal. That's a difference of 76 calories per 100g serving.

Is Salmon healthier than Tuna?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Tuna is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Tuna has 132 calories, 29g protein, and 0g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Salmon and Tuna?

Tuna has more protein with 29g per 100g, compared to Salmon with 25g. Tuna provides 4.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Salmon or Tuna?

For weight loss, Tuna is the better choice with only 132 calories per 100g compared to 208 calories in Salmon. Tuna also offers 0g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Salmon or Tuna have fewer carbs?

Salmon and Tuna have the same carbohydrate content at 0g per 100g.

About Our Data

All nutrition data in this comparison is sourced from the USDA FoodData Central, the official food composition database maintained by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Values are based on 100g servings for accurate comparison.

Health Disclaimer: This comparison is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or dietary advice. Nutritional needs vary by individual. The best food choice depends on your personal health goals, dietary requirements, and preferences. Consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian for personalized nutrition guidance.