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Snapper vs. Salmon — Health Impact and Nutrition Comparison

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Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian by Jack Yacoubian | Last updated on May 03, 2023
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel Article author photo Igor Bussel
Snapper
vs
Salmon

Summary

Salmon is richer in B complex vitamins, vitamins A, E, and D. It is also richer in selenium, choline, phosphorus, and omega-3 fats. In comparison, snapper is a leaner fish with less fat and fewer calories. Salmon is packed with nutrients and has several more positive health impacts. 

Introduction

This article compares two types of fish; snapper vs. salmon. The snapper fish is a family of fish that have 113 different species. One of the most famous is the red snapper, the most sought-after type of snapper. It has a mild sweet flavor, and it is a lean fish.

In comparison, we have salmon fish containing different species like the chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye. Salmon is a fattier fish that has a rich and oily taste.

In this article, we will compare their nutritional content and health impacts.

Nutritional content comparison

This section will compare 100g of each fish in its raw state.

Calories

Salmon is higher in calories by 1.5 times. Snapper contains 100 calories, and salmon contains 150 calories.

Carbs

The carb content of both fish is negligible.

Fats

Salmon contains 9.5 times more fat compared to snapper. Snapper is low-fat lean fish. Salmon contains about 12.3g of fats. Salmon is richer in unsaturated fats.

Salmon is richer in Omega-3 fats.

Protein

The protein content of both fish is similar. They are rich in proteins, nearly 20g per 100g.

Minerals

Salmon is richer in selenium, phosphorus, and choline. Snapper is also a good source of selenium and phosphorus, comparatively salmon is richer.

Below we can visualize their mineral distributions.

Mineral Comparison

Mineral comparison score is based on the number of minerals by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
3
Salmon
Contains more Calcium +166.7%
Contains more Magnesium +23.3%
Contains more Potassium +35.9%
Contains more Selenium +18.4%
Contains more Iron +41.7%
Contains more Phosphorus +25.4%
Equal in Sodium - 61
Equal in Zinc - 0.43
Equal in Copper - 0.049
Equal in Manganese - 0.016
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 12% 9% 27% 87% 47% 8% 12% 16% 3% 268%
Calcium Iron Magnesium Phosphorus Potassium Sodium Zinc Copper Manganese Selenium 5% 13% 22% 108% 34% 8% 12% 17% 3% 226%
Contains more Calcium +166.7%
Contains more Magnesium +23.3%
Contains more Potassium +35.9%
Contains more Selenium +18.4%
Contains more Iron +41.7%
Contains more Phosphorus +25.4%
Equal in Sodium - 61
Equal in Zinc - 0.43
Equal in Copper - 0.049
Equal in Manganese - 0.016

Vitamins

Salmon is richer in all vitamins compared to snapper. Salmon is richer in B complex vitamins, D, A, and E. 

Below we can visualize their vitamin distributions.

Vitamin Comparison

Vitamin comparison score is based on the number of vitamins by which one or the other food is richer. The "coverage" charts below show how much of the daily needs can be covered by 300 grams of the food.
:
11
Salmon
Contains more Vitamin B12 +25%
Contains more Vitamin A +100%
Contains more Vitamin C +131.3%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +541.5%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +3275%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +2225.1%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +69.5%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +40.7%
Contains more Folate +466.7%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 7% 0% 0% 6% 14% 1% 7% 53% 107% 5% 438% 0%
Vitamin A Vitamin E Vitamin D Vitamin C Vitamin B1 Vitamin B2 Vitamin B3 Vitamin B5 Vitamin B6 Folate Vitamin B12 Vitamin K 14% 23% 393% 13% 86% 32% 151% 89% 150% 26% 350% 1%
Contains more Vitamin B12 +25%
Contains more Vitamin A +100%
Contains more Vitamin C +131.3%
Contains more Vitamin B1 +541.5%
Contains more Vitamin B2 +3275%
Contains more Vitamin B3 +2225.1%
Contains more Vitamin B5 +69.5%
Contains more Vitamin B6 +40.7%
Contains more Folate +466.7%

Health impacts

We will focus on the different health impacts each fish provides.

Omega-3 benefits

Salmon is richer in omega-3 fats and has several positive health impacts on overall health. Omega-3 fats are important to be added to our diets as they positively affect our nervous system and cardiovascular system by decreasing levels of triglycerides. (1)(2)(3)(4)

You can also read about Trout vs. Salmon. They are rich in omega-3 fats and are both fatty fish. However, it is important to explore their differences. 

Muscle building

Although snapper is a leaner fish, intuitively, people would tend to go for snapper fish because it's a leaner fish. However, salmon is packed with B complex vitamins, vitamins A, E, and D, and minerals, providing an additional health impact in athletic dietary options. (5)

Anemia

Section reviewed by gastroenterologist Arpi Gasparyan Article author photo Arpi Gasparyan

Snapper and salmon are great vitamin B12 and iron sources, salmon being richer in both.

Snapper and salmon consumption decrease vitamin B12 deficiency or megaloblastic anemia risks; they may also partake in anemia treatment. They also decrease the risk of iron deficiency or microcytic anemia. (6)(7)

Vitamin D

Salmon is a fish that is richer in vitamin D. In turn, vitamin D has several benefits, such as maintaining normal immune, bone health, and calcium levels. In addition, salmon is a good option to be consumed in countries with low sun exposure. (8)

Choline

Choline is essential for the homeostasis of homocysteine and acetylcholine. Consumption of bioavailable choline is highly important; in this case, salmon fish is a rich source of choline. (9)

Selenium

Selenium is a mineral that has importance in maintaining normal immunity and cognitive performance. In addition, selenium intake is linked with decreased risks of autoimmune thyroid diseases and lower viral urinary tract infections in males and females. (10)

Article author photo Jack  Yacoubian
Education: Haigazian Medical University
Last updated: May 03, 2023
Medically reviewed by Igor Bussel

Infographic

Snapper vs Salmon infographic
Infographic link

Macronutrient Comparison

Macronutrient breakdown side-by-side comparison
:
1
Salmon
Contains more Protein +19%
Contains more Other +103.8%
Contains more Fats +618%
Equal in Water - 64.75
26% 2% 70%
Protein: 26.3 g
Fats: 1.72 g
Carbs: 0 g
Water: 70.35 g
Other: 1.63 g
22% 12% 65%
Protein: 22.1 g
Fats: 12.35 g
Carbs: 0 g
Water: 64.75 g
Other: 0.8 g
Contains more Protein +19%
Contains more Other +103.8%
Contains more Fats +618%
Equal in Water - 64.75

Fat Type Comparison

Fat type breakdown side-by-side comparison
:
2
Salmon
Contains less Saturated Fat -84.8%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +1198.4%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +674.3%
29% 25% 46%
Saturated Fat: 0.365 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 0.322 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 0.588 g
22% 38% 41%
Saturated Fat: 2.397 g
Monounsaturated Fat: 4.181 g
Polyunsaturated fat: 4.553 g
Contains less Saturated Fat -84.8%
Contains more Monounsaturated Fat +1198.4%
Contains more Polyunsaturated fat +674.3%

Comparison summary table

Pay attention to the rightmost column. It displays the amounts side by side, giving a clearer understanding of the difference.
Snapper Salmon
Lower in Sugar ok
Lower in Sodium ok
Lower in Cholesterol ok
Lower in Saturated Fat ok
Lower in price ok
Rich in vitamins ok
Lower in Glycemic Index Equal
Rich in minerals Equal

All nutrients comparison - raw data values

Nutrient Snapper Salmon Opinion
Protein 26.3g 22.1g Snapper
Fats 1.72g 12.35g Salmon
Calories 128kcal 206kcal Salmon
Calcium 40mg 15mg Snapper
Iron 0.24mg 0.34mg Salmon
Magnesium 37mg 30mg Snapper
Phosphorus 201mg 252mg Salmon
Potassium 522mg 384mg Snapper
Sodium 57mg 61mg Snapper
Zinc 0.44mg 0.43mg Snapper
Copper 0.046mg 0.049mg Salmon
Manganese 0.017mg 0.016mg Snapper
Selenium 49µg 41.4µg Snapper
Vitamin A 115IU 230IU Salmon
Vitamin A RAE 35µg 69µg Salmon
Vitamin E 1.14mg Salmon
Vitamin D 526IU Salmon
Vitamin D 13.1µg Salmon
Vitamin C 1.6mg 3.7mg Salmon
Vitamin B1 0.053mg 0.34mg Salmon
Vitamin B2 0.004mg 0.135mg Salmon
Vitamin B3 0.346mg 8.045mg Salmon
Vitamin B5 0.87mg 1.475mg Salmon
Vitamin B6 0.46mg 0.647mg Salmon
Folate 6µg 34µg Salmon
Vitamin B12 3.5µg 2.8µg Snapper
Vitamin K 0.1µg Salmon
Tryptophan 0.294mg 0.248mg Snapper
Threonine 1.153mg 0.969mg Snapper
Isoleucine 1.212mg 1.018mg Snapper
Leucine 2.137mg 1.796mg Snapper
Lysine 2.415mg 2.03mg Snapper
Methionine 0.778mg 0.654mg Snapper
Phenylalanine 1.027mg 0.863mg Snapper
Valine 1.355mg 1.139mg Snapper
Histidine 0.774mg 0.651mg Snapper
Cholesterol 47mg 63mg Snapper
Saturated Fat 0.365g 2.397g Snapper
Omega-3 - DHA 0.273g 1.457g Salmon
Omega-3 - EPA 0.048g 0.69g Salmon
Omega-3 - DPA 0.022g 0.17g Salmon
Monounsaturated Fat 0.322g 4.181g Salmon
Polyunsaturated fat 0.588g 4.553g Salmon

Which food is preferable for your diet?

ok
ok
is better in case of low diet
Snapper Salmon
Low Fats diet ok
Low Carbs diet Equal
Low Calories diet ok
Low Glycemic Index diet Equal

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Vitamins & Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score

The summary scores indicate the extent to which this food can fulfill your daily vitamin and mineral requirements if you consume 3 servings, consisting of 100 grams of each (an approximation of 3 serving sizes).
Vitamins Daily Need Coverage Score
53%
Snapper
110%
Salmon
Minerals Daily Need Coverage Score
48%
Snapper
44%
Salmon

Comparison summary

Which food is lower in Sugar?
Snapper
Snapper is lower in Sugar (difference - 0g)
Which food contains less Sodium?
Snapper
Snapper contains less Sodium (difference - 4mg)
Which food is lower in Cholesterol?
Snapper
Snapper is lower in Cholesterol (difference - 16mg)
Which food is lower in Saturated Fat?
Snapper
Snapper is lower in Saturated Fat (difference - 2.032g)
Which food is cheaper?
Snapper
Snapper is cheaper (difference - $13)
Which food is richer in vitamins?
Salmon
Salmon is relatively richer in vitamins
Which food is lower in glycemic index?
?
The foods have equal glycemic indexes (0)
Which food is richer in minerals?
?
It cannot be stated which food is richer in vitamins. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information. See the charts below for detailed information.

References

All the values for which the sources are not specified explicitly are taken from FDA’s Food Central. The exact link to the food presented on this page can be found below.

  1. Snapper - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/173699/nutrients
  2. Salmon - https://fdc.nal.usda.gov/fdc-app.html#/food-details/175168/nutrients

All the Daily Values are presented for males aged 31-50, for 2000-calorie diets.

Data provided by FoodStruct.com should be considered and used as information only. Please consult your physician before beginning any diet.