Grappling with elevated cholesterol myself through the decades, I’m always on the look-out for convenient yet diverse sources of seafood to reduce it. I strive to decrease the saturated fats in my diet, and raise the so-called good fats, like the mono- and polyunsaturated fats, not to mention the Omega-3 fatty acids. I came across this Vita Classic Premium Hot Smoked Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon at Walmart last week, and being an avid salmon fan, and given all the much-publicized health benefits of moderate amounts of salmon, I immediately threw a 4-ounce package into my shopping cart for review.
It’s salty but definitely salmon. It’s convenient; packaged much as a cold-cut lunch meat. It can be handled the same way. But be sure to seal up any unused portions, as if left open, it might stink up your ice box.
Benefits, Pros, Advantages, and Features
- The use-or-freeze-by date on the package is nearly a month out from the date I bought mine. So it will keep for some time longer than that, if you keep it cold and sealed. Once you open it however, use it up in a week or two.
- It contains 531 grams of Omega-3 fatty acids per serving. Research shows, though not conclusively, that consuming EPA and DHA Omega-3 fatty acids, may lower the risk of developing coronary heart disease, lower blood pressure, and help reduce arthritis inflammation.
- This seafood contains virtually no saturated fat and plenty of the healthier fats.
- This is a great healthy snack but also functions well as an entrée. The label suggests that it goes great on pizzas, omelettes, and salads. I’ve tried it on all three. Delicious each and every time.
- You can eat this right from the package. No cooking or further preparations are necessary.
- This is a certified sustainable seafood, and is a product of the USA.
- The salmon is quite moist and easy to chew up, but satisfying and filling as well. Two ounces for lunch on bread or a salad along with a few whole-grain crackers, fills me up for the rest of the afternoon.
- The flavor here is certainly salmon but definitely mild. It will not overpower the other tastes in your salads, pita breads, or crackers. Its aroma might be stronger than its taste.
Disadvantages, Cons, Problems, and Concerns
- While this is a cured product, keep in mind that it’s still raw and uncooked. You need not cook it to safely eat it, though some folks are taken aback at the thought of eating raw fish. If you’re one of those, you may cook it in a frying pan or in the microwave if you so desire.
- The scent of fish is moderate to strong in this product. However, if you’re a salmon fan as am I, it shouldn’t bother you.
- It must always be refrigerated at 38 degrees F or lower.
- It contains nitrites, and added salt and sugar.
- The package is not resealable. So unless you plan to eat this fish right away, be sure to transfer it to a sealable bag.
- Seafood including salmon can contain high levels of mercury and other toxins. So moderate consumption is advised. Do not eat any seafood every day; twice a week is a good rule of thumb. Make salmon part of a wide variety of seafood you consume each week.
- This salmon has a delicate flavor that can easily be cancelled out by applying too much hot sauce, tartar sauce, or lemon. So generally, I do not season my salmon at all prior to eating; preferring to enjoy its naked, natural flavor.
Ingredients List
Salmon, salt, sugar, sodium nitrite (a preservative), natural hardwood smoke.
Contains: Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving size: 2 Oz. (56 grams). Servings per container: 2.
- Calories: 90. Fat calories: 30.
- Total fat: 3.5 grams, 5% DV.
- Saturated fat: 0.5 grams, 3% DV.
- Trans fat: 0 grams.
- Polyunsaturated fat: 1 gram.
- Monounsaturated fat: 1 gram.
- Cholesterol: 35 milligrams, 12% DV.
- Sodium: 580 milligrams, 24% DV.
- Total carb: 0 grams, 0% DV.
- Dietary fiber: 0 grams, 0% DV.
- Sugars: 0 grams.
- Protein: 14 grams.
- Vitamin A: 0% DV.
- Calcium: 0% DV.
- Vitamin C: 0% DV.
- Iron: 0% DV.
Product Rating
Aside from the added nitrites, sugar, and salt, I really enjoy this product. It’s healthy, tastes pretty good, and is not terribly expensive right now; though it does cost more per pound than cold cut meats. I deem this extra cost well worth the added health benefits of consuming Vita Foods salmon. I’d rate it at 93 out of 100.
Where To Buy Vita Classic Premium Hot Smoked Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon
I’ve not seen this product in smaller grocery stores and convenience outlets. So I’d seek it at larger grocery stores and super food centers. I bought mine at Walmart. Look for it in the clear, evacuated plastic bag, topped with a cardboard flap that’s red on the front, and black on the back. This snack food is manufactured by Vita Food Products Inc.
References
Revision History
- : Moved this post to the Tom’s Diet Quest blog, added whitespace, adjusted ad placement, and tweaked the content.
- 2012-06-20: Originally published.