Salmon 101: Understanding the Different Types of Wild Alaskan Salmon

From rich King to mild Pink, here is a straightforward guide to the salmon that comes across your table.

If you have ever wondered why one salmon tastes richer than another — or why one costs more than the next — the answer usually comes down to fat content, texture, and flavor.

There are five main types of Pacific salmon commonly enjoyed in North America: King (Chinook), Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Keta (Chum). Each has its own flavor profile and works best for different meals.

Here is a quick breakdown.

King Salmon (Chinook)

King is the richest of the Pacific salmon species.

It has the highest natural oil content, which gives it a buttery flavor and softer texture. Because of that richness, King is often the choice for holidays, entertaining, or meals where salmon is the centerpiece.

Flavor: Rich, buttery, full
Texture: Soft and silky
Best for: Grilling, smoked salmon, entertaining

If you want to try King in smoked form, this is the style most people start with: Smoked Wild King Salmon. SeaBear’s traditional smokehouse method leans into the richness King is known for. For a convenient, protein-packed snack, Wild King Salmon Jerky is another great way to enjoy the bold flavor and naturally rich texture that make King salmon so popular.

Sockeye Salmon

Sockeye is our best-selling salmon species at the Smokehouse, and for good reason.

It has a deep red color, firmer texture, and fuller salmon flavor than most other varieties. Compared with King, Sockeye is leaner and more pronounced, which is why many salmon fans come back to it.

It is also one of the most popular species for smoking.

Flavor: Bold, savory, full
Texture: Firm
Best for: Smoked salmon, grilling, brunch spreads

If you enjoy a fuller salmon flavor, Smoked Wild Sockeye Salmon is usually the best place to start. It is one of the products customers return to most often. For an easy meal option, Wild Sockeye Salmon Dinner Fillets offer the same rich flavor in a convenient, ready-to-cook format that's perfect for weeknight dinners.

Coho Salmon

Coho lands right in the middle.

It is milder than Sockeye but leaner than King, with a balanced flavor that works well in everyday meals. Coho is easy to cook with and tends to work for a lot of different tastes around the table.

Flavor: Mild, balanced
Texture: Tender
Best for: Weeknight meals, salads, rice bowls, family dinners

For people looking for an everyday salmon option, Smoked Wild Coho Salmon Lox is an easy introduction to the species and works especially well for breakfasts, bagels, or lighter meals. For a different take on Coho, Traditional Hot Smoked Wild Coho Salmon highlights its mild flavor and tender, flaky texture, making it a great choice for salads, sandwiches, appetizers, or easy meals throughout the week. 

Pink Salmon

Pink salmon is lighter in flavor and texture than richer species like King or Sockeye.

Its milder flavor profile makes it a good fit for sandwiches, lighter meals, or anyone who prefers a less pronounced salmon flavor. It is also a common choice for families and seafood beginners.

Flavor: Mild, delicate
Texture: Soft
Best for: Sandwiches, lighter meals, casual dinners

Keta Salmon (Chum)

Keta is one of the leaner Pacific salmon species and one of the most abundant.

Because it is firmer and milder, it works especially well in soups, grain bowls, salads, or recipes where salmon is part of the dish rather than the centerpiece.

Flavor: Mild, lean
Texture: Firm
Best for: Soups, bowls, salads, everyday cooking

For easy meal prep, Wild Keta Salmon Dinner Fillets are a great way to enjoy Keta's mild flavor at home. If you prefer smoked salmon, Beer Garden Smoked Wild Keta Salmon showcases the species' firm texture and delicate taste in a ready-to-eat format.

So, Which Salmon Is Best?

That depends on what you like and how you plan to cook it.

If you want richer salmon, go with King. If you like a firmer texture and fuller salmon flavor, Sockeye is usually the favorite. Coho is a solid everyday option and easy to work into family meals. Pink works well for milder tastes, while Keta is a good fit for soups, bowls, and lighter meals.

 

There is no single “best” salmon. Most people end up finding a favorite based on taste.

We offer all species here at the Smokehouse and invite you to try different varieties to see what you like best. If you are not sure where to start, comparing a few species side by side is usually the fastest way to figure out what you like. The Smoked Salmon Quartet includes King, Sockeye, Pink, and Coho in one box, which makes it an easy way to taste the differences for yourself.

If you’re still having a hard time deciding, contact our customer care team via chat or phone and they will be happy to help!