Is there a better pairing than smoked salmon with a schmear of cream cheese on an everything bagel? A brunch staple, smoked salmon is a true delicacy. Whether you are hosting a large gathering or looking for a value pack, you may be looking to pick up a large pack of smoked salmon from Costco. If so, you’re in luck!
Costco carries several types of smoked salmon including Kirkland Signature Cold Smoked Salmon, Kirkland Signature Smoked Sockeye Salmon, Foppen Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices, and Foppen Hot Smoked Salmon. Product sizes ranges from .75 lbs. up to 1.5 lbs. of smoked salmon, perfect for hosting a large brunch or gathering. As always, product availability at Costco varies per location.
In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of smoked salmon offered at Costco, as well as provide some delectable smoked salmon recipes. Let’s dig in!
Contents
What Kind of Smoked Salmon Does Costco Sell?
Costco carries smoked salmon by Costco’s own brand known as Kirkland Signature, as well as Foppen. Depending on your local warehouse, you may find both cold-smoked and hot-smoked salmon, as well as wild-caught Sockeye and farm-raised Atlantic smoked salmon.
Let’s explore the different options and take a closer look at each type of smoked salmon offered at Costco.
1. Kirkland Signature Cold Smoked Salmon
This is the typical salmon type you will find at most grocery stores, simply in a much larger package – yes, we are talking 1.5 lbs. of salmon! This smoked salmon by Kirkland is perfect for hosting a brunch party, for holidays, or if you have a big family.
It comes in two packages, so you can refrigerate one and freeze the other if you don’t plan to use it right away. Just remember that cold-smoked salmon only lasts 5 days in the fridge once opened.
This smoked salmon is farm-raised and is sourced from Chile. If you prefer to stay away from farm raised fish, we recommend you skip over to the wild-caught Sockeye smoked salmon we’ll discuss next.
Size: 1.5 lbs
Price: $19.99
Source: Farm Raised in Chile
Ingredients: Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar), Salt, Natural Hardwood Smoke
2. Kirkland Signature Smoked Sockeye Salmon
If you are looking for wild-caught salmon, you’ve come to the right place! This Costco Smoked Sockeye Salmon is from Alaska and is a product of the USA.
It is a quality product you can trust, and the price is absolutely right! For only $21.99, you’ll get your hand on 1 lb. of wild-caught smoked salmon. Just look at the color, absolutely gorgeous!
This product is also Kosher and Kosher for Passover.
Size: 1 lb
Price: $21.99
Source: Wild-Caught in Alaska
Ingredients: Sockeye Salmon, Salt, Brown Sugar Natural Wood Smoke
3. Foppen Smoked Norwegian Salmon Slices
If you’re looking to spice things up, Costco also offers perfectly sliced and portioned smoked Norwegian salmon slices.
The package includes traditional, pepper, and dill flavored smoked salmon. Additionally, the package includes a packet of honey mustard dill sauce, which you can add to your crackers or spread.
This smoked salmon is farm-raised in Norway and processed and packaged in Greece. Though farm-raised is not ideal, it is certified raised without antibiotics.
This smoked salmon is Kosher.
Size: 0.75 lb/291g
Price: $10.99
Source: Farm-Raised in Norway, packaged in Greece.
Ingredients: Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar), Salt, Vinegar, Distilled Vinegar Powder, Fish Gelatin (Cod, Pollock and/or Haddock), Transglutaminase, Dill, Black Pepper, Paprika, Parsley, Smoke, Color Added.
4. Foppen Hot Smoked Salmon
The final smoked salmon option at Costco is different than the last three we discussed. This option by Foppen is Hot Smoked Salmon, which is fully cooked. This is a great option if you’re feeding a crowd and may have some people weary of eating raw or semi-raw fish.
This package comes with three salmon fillets: traditional, pepper, and maple. They look absolutely appetizing and are great for reheating or to be used in dips.
While the price is right, we don’t love the caramel sugar syrup, natural and smoke flavors, and other additives. The key is to enjoy it in moderation.
Size: varies, but most around 0.75-1 lb.
Price: $15.99 per lb.
Source: Farm-Raised in Norway, processed and packaged in the Netherlands.
Ingredients:
Hot Smoked Salmon – Traditional: Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar), Salt, Distilled Vinegar Powder, Natural Flavor, Caramel Sugar Syrup, Smoke, Color Added.
Hot Smoked Salmon – Pepper: Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar), 1.5% Pepper, Salt, Distilled Vinegar Powder, Natural Flavor, Caramel Sugar Syrup, Smoke, Color Added.
Hot Smoked Salmon – Maple Flavor: Atlantic Salmon (Salmo Salar), Sugar, Salt, Distilled Vinegar Powder, Natural Maple Flavor, Dextrose, Smoke Flavor, Color Added.
What is the Difference Between Cold and Hot Smoked Salmon?
Costco carries both cold and hot smoked salmon but what is the difference between the two, and which one should you opt for?
Cold Smoked Salmon
- Cold smoked salmon is cooked at 80-90F
- Salmon is unpasteurized (unsafe for immune-compromised and pregnant women)
- Dry curing + smoking
Hot Smoked Salmon
- Cooked at 120-225F
- Fully cooked
- Much smokier flavor than cold-smoked
- Wet brine + smoking
- Better for reheating
Does Kirkland Smoked Salmon Need to Be Cooked?
No, Kirkland smoked salmon, or any smoked salmon, does not need to be cooked. In fact, smoked salmon is not meant to be cooked but is rather meant to be eaten as is.
Smoked salmon is traditionally eaten in bagels with cream cheese, alongside egg dishes such as Smoked Salmon Eggs Benedict or Omelet, or with a salad.
However, you can sear smoked salmon if you’d like. Seared smoked salmon can be served with eggs or stir fry.
Is Costco Smoked Salmon Raw?
Yes, Costco cold-smoked salmon is raw. The same is true for all commercially cold smoked salmon. If you are weary of eating raw fish, do not fret. Though cold-smoked salmon is raw, it undergoes a special cooking procedure and salting, also known as “curing”. As long as the smoked salmon is prepared and stored properly, it should be safe for consumption.
However, hot-smoked salmon is cooked all the way through and is not considered raw.
How Do You Store Costco Smoked Salmon?
Cold-smoked salmon lasts in the fridge for several days, up to a week. Once opened, cold-smoked salmon should be consumed within 5 days.
If stored in the freezer, smoked salmon can last up to a month.
If not stored in the proper temperature, smoked salmon can lead to listeria.
Nutritional Benefits of Smoked Salmon
We know that salmon contains protein and omega-3 fatty acids (think fish oil supplements), but what about smoked salmon? Does it offer the same health benefits as the non-smoked version?
- Low in calories
- High in protein
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: preserves brain function, lowers triglycerides
- Vitamin B12: boosts nerve function, production of red cells
- Vitamin A + E: antioxidants to fight free radicals
- Astaxanthin: antioxidant that lowers risk of heart disease
Are There Any Health Drawbacks to Smoked Salmon?
Yes, there are some health drawbacks to smoked salmon.
- High Sodium: unfortunately, smoked salmon contains a very high amount of sodium, with 650+ mg of sodium per 100g serving. A diet that is high in sodium can increase the risk for heart disease and stroke.
- Cancer: eating too much smoked fish or meat can raise the risk of certain types of cancer.
- Bacteria: cold-smoked salmon is raw and may contain bacteria, particularly Listeria monocytogenes. Opt for hot-smoked salmon or cooked salmon if you’d prefer to not take your chances!