Salmon (Raw)vsSardine

Sardine has more protein, Salmon (Raw) is lower in calories, while Sardine has more healthy fats for satiety.

Salmon (Raw) has 142 calories and 20g protein per 100g. Sardine has 208 calories and 25g protein per 100g Sardine has more protein, Salmon (Raw) is lower in calories.

🎯When to Eat What

Goal-based picks for Salmon (Raw) vs Sardine

βš–οΈWatching your weight

Go with Salmon (Raw) at just 142 kcal per 100g β€” 32% fewer calories.

πŸ₯›Nutrient absorption

Sardine's natural fat (11.4g/100g) helps your body absorb fat-soluble nutrients like vitamin A and vitamin D and calcium β€” not all fat is bad, moderate amounts are essential.

πŸ’ͺBuilding muscle

Salmon (Raw) packs 19.8g of protein per 100g (56% of calories from protein) β€” the better pick for muscle growth and recovery.

❀️Heart health

Salmon (Raw) is the heart-friendlier option with lower saturated fat, less sodium, more potassium.

πŸ₯šCholesterol context

Sardine has 142mg cholesterol per 100g, but current research shows dietary cholesterol has minimal effect on blood cholesterol for most people β€” saturated and trans fats matter more.

🍌Electrolytes & cramp prevention

Salmon (Raw) provides 490mg of potassium per 100g β€” important for muscle function and hydration.

⚠️Things to Watch

Salmon (Raw)

No major nutritional red flags stand out per 100g.

Sardine

Relatively high in cholesterol at 142mg per 100g.

πŸ”₯Calorie Breakdown

Salmon (Raw)
142kcal
Protein58%
Carbs0%
Fat42%
Sardine
208kcal
Protein49%
Carbs0%
Fat51%

πŸ’ͺMacronutrient Comparison

Salmon (Raw)Sardine
Proteinβœ“ Sardine
20g
25g
Carbohydrates
0g
0g
Total Fatβœ“ Salmon (Raw)
6.3g
11g
Dietary Fiber
0g
0g

πŸ•ΈοΈNutrient Profile

Protein40% Β· 49%Fiber0% Β· 0%Vit C0% Β· 0%Iron4% Β· 16%Calcium1% Β· 29%Potassium10% Β· 8%Vit A1% Β· 4%Magnesium7% Β· 9%
Salmon (Raw)
Sardine

Values as % of Daily Value (capped at 150%)

πŸ“ŠFull Nutrition Comparison

NutrientFish Salmon Atlantic Wild RawFish Sardine Atlantic Canned In OilDiff
πŸ’ͺMacronutrients
Calories142kcal7%208kcal10%<0.1kcal
Protein20g40%25g49%<0.1g
Total Fat6.3g8%11g15%<0.1g
Saturated Fat0.98g5%1.5g8%<0.1g
Cholesterol55mg18%142mg47%<0.1mg
Carbohydrates0g0%0g0%β€”
Dietary Fiber0g0%0g0%β€”
Sugarsβ€”0gβ€”
✨Vitamins
Vitamin A12mcg1%32mcg4%<0.1mcg
Vitamin C0mg0%0mg0%β€”
Vitamin Dβ€”4.8mcg24%β€”
Vitamin Eβ€”2.0mg14%β€”
Vitamin Kβ€”2.6mcg2%β€”
Vitamin B60.82mg48%0.17mg10%+0.65mg
Vitamin B123.2mcg133%8.9mcg373%<0.1mcg
Folate25mcg6%10mcg3%+15mcg
Thiamin (B1)0.23mg19%<0.1mg7%+0.15mg
Riboflavin (B2)0.38mg29%0.23mg17%+0.15mg
Niacin (B3)7.9mg49%5.2mg33%+2.6mg
πŸ”ΆMinerals
Sodium44mg2%307mg13%<0.1mg
Calcium12mg1%382mg29%<0.1mg
Iron0.80mg4%2.9mg16%<0.1mg
Potassium490mg10%397mg8%+93mg
Phosphorus200mg16%490mg39%<0.1mg
Magnesium29mg7%39mg9%<0.1mg
Zinc0.64mg6%1.3mg12%<0.1mg
Copper0.25mg28%0.19mg21%+<0.1mg
Manganese<0.1mg1%0.11mg5%<0.1mg
Selenium37mcg66%53mcg96%<0.1mcg

πŸ”¬Nutritional Analysis

Calories: Salmon (Raw) is significantly lower in calories at just 142 kcal per 100g compared to 208 kcal for Sardine β€” that's 46% fewer calories, making Salmon (Raw) the better choice for calorie-conscious diets.

Protein: Sardine has more protein per 100g (24.6g vs 19.8g), but Salmon (Raw) delivers more protein per calorie β€” a more useful measure when calorie budgets matter.

Fat: Sardine has more fat (11.4g vs 6.34g per 100g), but the combination of fat and protein makes it more satiating β€” dietary fat helps absorb fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, K) and supports hormone balance.

Key Vitamins: The most notable vitamin differences are in Vitamin B6 (Salmon (Raw): 0.818mg vs 0.167mg), Thiamin (B1) (Salmon (Raw): 0.226mg vs 0.08mg), Vitamin B12 (Sardine: 8.94mcg vs 3.18mcg).

Key Minerals: Notable mineral differences include Calcium (Sardine: 382mg vs 12mg), Sodium (Sardine: 307mg vs 44mg), Manganese (Sardine: 0.108mg vs 0.016mg).

Diet Suitability: Both fit a low-carb or keto diet. Sardine fits a high-protein diet. Salmon (Raw) fits a low-sodium diet.

πŸ”—Related Comparisons

❓Frequently Asked Questions

Which has more protein, Salmon (Raw) or Sardine?
Sardine has more protein with 24.6g per 100g compared to 19.8g for Salmon (Raw).
Which is lower in calories, Salmon (Raw) or Sardine?
Salmon (Raw) is lower in calories with 142 kcal per 100g versus 208 kcal.
Is Salmon (Raw) or Sardine healthier?
It depends on your goals. Salmon (Raw) has 142 calories and 19.8g protein per 100g, while Sardine has 208 calories and 24.6g protein. Compare their full nutrition profiles to decide which fits your diet.
Which has less fat, Salmon (Raw) or Sardine?
Salmon (Raw) is leaner with 6.34g of fat per 100g compared to 11.4g.
Data from USDA FoodData Central. All values per 100g.