King Salmon vs Atlantic Salmon: Which One Wins for Flavour and Nutrition?

Not all salmon are created equal, especially regarding taste, nutrition, and how they’re raised. On one side, you’ve got King salmon, prized for its rich, buttery texture. On the other hand, Atlantic salmon is the more commonly farmed and widely available option. 

But which one truly comes out on top? In this breakdown, we’ll pit them against each other in flavour, health benefits, and sustainability to help you make the better choice for your plate.

What’s the Difference Between King and Atlantic Salmon?

At first glance, salmon is just salmon, but the differences between King and Atlantic are impossible to ignore when you dig deeper. From origin to farming methods and flavour potential, here’s how they truly compare:

Both types of salmon serve their purpose, but when quality and natural production matter, the differences speak for themselves.

Flavour Showdown: Which One Tastes Better?

When it comes to taste, the battle between King and Atlantic salmon is less about similarity and more about depth. Here’s how they stack up on the plate:

• Texture and Mouthfeel: King salmon offers a buttery, firm texture that holds its shape when grilled or pan-seared. It’s rich without being oily, and every bite delivers a satisfying, almost creamy mouthfeel. Atlantic salmon is noticeably softer, with a more delicate flake that can sometimes fall apart during cooking.
  
• Fat and Flavour Intensity: Thanks to its higher natural fat content, King salmon has a fuller, bolder flavour with a clean, ocean-fresh finish. The marbling melts into the flesh, enhancing its natural sweetness. Atlantic salmon is milder and less fatty, with a gentler taste that can be overpowered by strong seasoning or sauces.
  
• Cooking Versatility: King salmon excels across multiple methods, from sashimi and smoking to grilling and baking. Its fat content helps prevent drying out, making it forgiving for home cooks. Atlantic salmon performs best in low-heat preparations or quick pan-fries but is less suited for raw dishes due to its farming origins.
  
• What the Chefs Say: Professional chefs consistently choose King salmon for its flavour complexity and presentation appeal. It’s the go-to for high-end menus and sashimi plates where quality is everything.
  

If you’re after a salmon that truly delivers on taste, King is the reigning champion.

Nutrition Face-Off: Which One’s Healthier?

Both King and Atlantic salmon are excellent sources of nutrients, but when it comes to clean eating, not all fillets are equal. Here's how they compare nutritionally:

• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: King salmon is widely considered the most omega-3-rich salmon available. Its high fat content delivers up to 2,000 mg of EPA and DHA per 100g, supporting heart health, reducing inflammation, and aiding brain function. Atlantic salmon also contains omega-3s, but levels can vary depending on the feed used in farming.
  
• Vitamins and Minerals: Both species are great vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. However, wild-caught King salmon tends to have slightly higher concentrations due to its natural diet. These nutrients are vital for energy, immunity, and maintaining strong bones and nerves.
  
• Mercury and Contaminants: Wild King salmon generally contains lower mercury levels compared to farmed Atlantic varieties. Intensive farming practices can sometimes result in higher exposure to contaminants such as PCBs, especially in poorly regulated operations.
  
• Farming vs Wild-Caught Health Impact: Wild King salmon offers a cleaner, more natural protein source with fewer additives. Farmed Atlantic salmon may include added colouring, antibiotics, or modified feeds; factors that make it less appealing to those on keto, carnivore, or whole food diets.
  

For those prioritising nutrition and clean protein, King salmon leads the pack.

Sustainability and Sourcing: What You Should Know

When choosing salmon, what happens behind the scenes matters just as much as what ends up on the plate. Sustainability has become a major consideration for conscious consumers, and rightly so. King salmon is often wild-caught or raised in small-scale, low-density aquaculture systems. 

These operations prioritise environmental responsibility, with strict controls on feed, waste management, and water quality. In regions like New Zealand and Tasmania, King salmon is farmed with a strong focus on protecting marine ecosystems and minimising environmental impact.

On the other hand, Atlantic salmon is almost exclusively farmed, and not always responsibly. Large-scale operations have drawn criticism for overcrowding, disease outbreaks, overuse of antibiotics, and the release of waste into surrounding waters. These issues not only impact marine biodiversity but also affect the nutritional purity and taste of the final product.

Escapes from Atlantic salmon farms can also threaten wild fish populations by spreading parasites and disrupting the genetic balance of native species. It’s a reminder that what we eat has far-reaching consequences beyond the dinner table.

By choosing wild or responsibly farmed King salmon, you support more sustainable fishing practices, cleaner oceans, and higher welfare standards. It’s a win for both your body and the planet, proving that premium seafood can still align with your values.

King Salmon from Carnivore Society: The Premium Pick

At Carnivore Society, we believe seafood should be as honest as it is delicious, and our premium King salmon is no exception. Sourced directly from the clean, cold waters of New Zealand, our range includes some of the most sought-after names in ocean-caught salmon. Rich in flavour, loaded with healthy fats, and harvested with care, this is seafood that delivers on every level.

Unlike heavily farmed alternatives, our King salmon offerings are selected for their exceptional quality, natural rearing environments, and superior nutritional value. They’re ideal for clean eaters, home chefs, and anyone looking to elevate their protein game with something truly premium.

Here are our two standout options:

• Ora King Ocean Caught Salmon (Fresh): Often called the Wagyu of the sea, Ora King is prized for its deep marbling, buttery texture, and unmatched richness.
  
• Regal King Ocean Caught Salmon (Fresh): Known for its delicate flavour and firm flesh, Regal is ideal for pan-searing, roasting, or enjoying raw in sashimi-style dishes.
  

Both options are available for fast, chilled delivery across VIC, NSW, ACT, and QLD. Local customers can also take advantage of our 24/7 pickup service for ultimate convenience.

For King Salmon, which checks every box, flavour, sustainability, and provenance, the Carnivore Society is your trusted source.

The Verdict on Taste and Nutrition

When it comes to flavour, nutrition, and sustainability, King salmon is the clear winner. Rich, buttery, and naturally raised, it offers a premium seafood experience that Atlantic salmon simply can’t match. Whether you're grilling, slicing sashimi, or eating clean, King salmon delivers on every front. 

Ready to make the better choice for your plate and the planet? Order fresh Ora King or Regal King salmon today from Carnivore Society and taste the difference quality makes.