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

Salmon vs Turkey Breast: 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?

Turkey Breast is generally healthier

Turkey Breast comes out ahead in this comparison, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. It has fewer calories (135 vs 208), more protein (30g vs 25g), less sodium (59mg vs 75mg)making it the better choice for most health goals.

Quick Summary

Fewer Calories

Turkey Breast

135 kcal

More Protein

Turkey Breast

30g

More Fiber

Salmon

0g

Less Sugar

Salmon

0g

Visual Comparison

Caloriesper 100g
Salmon
208
Turkey Breast
135
Proteinper 100g
Salmon
25g
Turkey Breast
30g
Carbohydratesper 100g
Salmon
0g
Turkey Breast
0g
Fatper 100g
Salmon
13g
Turkey Breast
1.7g

Side-by-Side Nutrition Table

NutrientSalmonTurkey BreastDifference
Calories208kcal135kcal+73.0kcal
Protein25g30g-5.0g
Carbohydrates0g0g0.0g
Fat13g1.7g+11.3g
Fiber0g0g0.0g
Sugar0g0g0.0g
Sodium75mg59mg+16.0mg

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

Turkey Breast

Per 100g:135 calories
Per cup (150g):203 calories
Per serving (85g):115 calories

Diet Compatibility

Salmon

KetoLow-CarbHigh-ProteinPaleoLow-Sodium

Turkey Breast

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 Turkey Breast

  • Lower in calories (135 vs 208)
  • Higher in protein (30g vs 25g)
  • Lower sodium (59mg vs 75mg)

Common Uses

Main dishesMeal prepGrillingHigh-protein meals
View full Turkey Breast nutrition →

Salmon vs Turkey Breast: Nutritional Analysis

Salmon is more calorie-dense at 208 calories per 100g compared to 135 for Turkey Breast, a difference of 73 calories. On the protein front, Turkey Breast delivers more with 30g 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 Turkey Breast tell different nutritional stories. Salmon provides 0g of carbohydrates, 13g of fat, and 0g of fiber per 100g, while Turkey Breast contains 0g carbs, 1.7g fat, and 0g fiber.

Key Takeaways

  • For weight management: Turkey Breast is the lower-calorie choice at 135 cal/100g, making it more suitable for calorie-controlled diets.
  • For muscle building: Turkey Breast provides more protein (30g/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 Turkey Breast?

Salmon has more calories with 208 kcal per 100g, compared to Turkey Breast with 135 kcal. That's a difference of 73 calories per 100g serving.

Is Salmon healthier than Turkey Breast?

Based on our nutritional analysis, Turkey Breast is generally the healthier choice, winning in 3 out of 5 key nutritional categories. Turkey Breast has 135 calories, 30g protein, and 0g fiber per 100g. However, the best choice depends on your specific dietary goals.

What is the protein difference between Salmon and Turkey Breast?

Turkey Breast has more protein with 30g per 100g, compared to Salmon with 25g. Turkey Breast provides 5.0g more protein per 100g serving.

Which is better for weight loss, Salmon or Turkey Breast?

For weight loss, Turkey Breast is the better choice with only 135 calories per 100g compared to 208 calories in Salmon. Turkey Breast also offers 0g of fiber per 100g, which helps you feel fuller longer.

Does Salmon or Turkey Breast have fewer carbs?

Salmon and Turkey Breast 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.