Candied Salmon Calories Calculator
Calculate candied salmon calories per serving. BC candied salmon nutrition facts, protein content, and sugar content comparison with regular smoked salmon.
Candied Salmon Calculator
To burn about 144 kcal you may need roughly:
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on standard food composition databases and common recipe data. Actual values vary by cooking method, oil quantity, ingredient brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.
Candied Salmon Nutrition Tips
Candied salmon (also called salmon candy or squaw candy, though the latter term is considered offensive) is a form of smoked salmon that has been cured with a heavy concentration of sugar (or brown sugar mixed with salt), then cold or hot smoked until the exterior develops a dark, lacquered, caramelised crust with a sweet, intense flavour. The process is traditional to Pacific coastal Indigenous c...
How to use this calculator
Enter the weight of the Candied Salmon serving you actually ate, in grams. As a reference, a 1 oz / 28g comes to about ~78 kcal, while a 2 oz / 57g is closer to ~160 kcal. Restaurant servings usually run heavier on oil and portion than home cooking, so if you ate out, round your estimate up rather than down for a more realistic figure.
Best for fitness goals
Candied salmon is a higher-calorie option than plain smoked salmon, but still one of the more nutritious snack proteins available. The 14g of natural sugar per 100g is a consideration for those tracking sugar intake closely. For weight management, treat candied salmon as a protein-rich, satiating sn...
Candied Salmon Calories — Complete Guide
Calories By Portion Size
| Portion / Serving | Estimated Calories | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1 oz / 28g | ~78 kcal | Small piece |
| 2 oz / 57g | ~160 kcal | Standard serving |
| 3 oz / 85g | ~238 kcal | Generous serving |
Calories By Preparation Method
| Preparation Method | Calories / 100g | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| BC wild Pacific candied salmon | ~280 kcal/100g | Classic sweet-smoked |
| Maple candied salmon (more sweet) | ~300 kcal/100g | Extra maple glaze |
| Low-sugar candied salmon | ~240 kcal/100g | Less sugar in cure |
Nutrition Breakdown
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 280 kcal | Per 100g |
| Protein | 25 g | High quality salmon protein |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g | From sugar in cure |
| Fat | 12 g | Healthy omega-3 fats |
| Fibre | 0 g | None |
| Omega-3 | ~1.8 g | Per 100g |
| Sodium | ~860 mg | From curing salt and soy |
What Is Candied Salmon?
Candied salmon (also called salmon candy or squaw candy, though the latter term is considered offensive) is a form of smoked salmon that has been cured with a heavy concentration of sugar (or brown sugar mixed with salt), then cold or hot smoked until the exterior develops a dark, lacquered, caramelised crust with a sweet, intense flavour. The process is traditional to Pacific coastal Indigenous cultures — particularly the Coast Salish, Haida, Gitxsan, and other BC First Nations — as a preservation method that creates a portable, calorie-rich food for winter and travel. Modern candied salmon is produced by both Indigenous fish companies and commercial producers throughout BC, and is sold at BC farmers' markets, fishmongers, and specialty stores across Canada. The intense sweetness of the cure is balanced by the natural salt of the curing process and the smokiness of the wood smoke. Candied salmon is eaten on its own as a protein-rich snack or used as an ingredient in appetisers and cheese boards.
Candied Salmon Calories Guide
Candied salmon (57g/2oz) contains approximately 160 calories — higher than plain cold-smoked salmon at 100 calories per equivalent serving, because of the sugar content in the cure. However, it is still a protein-rich, high-quality food with 14g of protein and significant omega-3 content per serving.
Candied Salmon for Weight Loss
Candied salmon is a higher-calorie option than plain smoked salmon, but still one of the more nutritious snack proteins available. The 14g of natural sugar per 100g is a consideration for those tracking sugar intake closely. For weight management, treat candied salmon as a protein-rich, satiating snack in controlled 28–57g portions rather than eating freely.
Candied Salmon for Muscle Gain
Candied salmon is an excellent muscle-building snack despite the sugar content — the salmon protein is complete and the sugar provides a quick energy component. The omega-3 fatty acids support muscle recovery and reduce inflammation. For pre-workout energy and protein priming, a 57g serving provides 14g of protein and quick-digesting carbohydrates.
Smart Comparison
Candied Salmon vs Cold-Smoked Salmon: Cold-smoked salmon has 175 kcal/100g and 0g sugar vs candied salmon at 280 kcal/100g with 14g sugar. The candied version is higher in calories entirely due to the sugar cure. Both have similar protein content. Candied Salmon vs Jerky: Beef jerky contains approximately 300–350 kcal/100g — comparable or slightly higher than candied salmon, with similar protein content but less healthy fat.
Portion Control Advice
57g (2oz) is a satisfying portion of candied salmon — the intense flavour means a small amount goes a long way. Pair it with sharp aged cheese and apple slices as part of a charcuterie board for a balanced flavour combination. It works well as a protein-rich hiking or outdoor snack because it is shelf-stable and portable.
Common Mistakes
Eating candied salmon without tracking the sugar content — unlike regular smoked salmon, the cure contains significant added sugar. Choosing candied salmon without knowing the difference from regular smoked salmon on a menu or food label.
Burn This Food — Activity Equivalents
| Activity | Duration to Burn |
|---|---|
| Brisk walking | ~40 min for 2oz serving |
| Jogging | ~19 min |
| Cycling | ~23 min |
| Swimming | ~21 min |
Healthy Alternative Tips
Plain cold-smoked Pacific salmon (lower sugar) — ~175 kcal
Regular smoked salmon with high protein, no sugar — ~175 kcal
Low-sugar candied salmon — ask producers for less sugar in cure
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FAQs
How many calories in candied salmon?
A 57g (2oz) serving of candied salmon contains approximately 158–162 calories. Per 100g, candied salmon has approximately 280 calories — higher than plain smoked salmon due to the sugar in the curing process.
What is the difference between candied salmon and smoked salmon?
Both are salmon that has been cured and smoked, but candied salmon uses a much higher concentration of sugar in the cure, creating a sweet, caramelised exterior and a sweeter, more intense overall flavour. Regular cold-smoked salmon (lox) uses a primarily salt cure with no significant sugar and has a more delicate flavour.
How is candied salmon made?
Salmon fillets are coated in a mixture of brown sugar, salt, and optional seasonings (soy sauce, maple syrup, garlic), then left to cure for 12–24 hours. The sugar draw moisture out and create a pellicle (tacky surface). The salmon is then cold or hot-smoked for several hours until the sugar caramelises into the signature dark, sweet crust.
Is candied salmon high in sugar?
Yes — compared to regular smoked salmon, candied salmon has significantly more sugar. A 100g serving contains approximately 14g of sugar from the curing process, compared to 0g in plain smoked salmon.
Where can I buy candied salmon in Canada?
Candied salmon is available at BC farmers' markets, fishmongers throughout BC and Vancouver Island, seafood specialty stores, and select grocery stores. Indigenous-owned fish companies in BC (such as those in the Fraser Valley and on Vancouver Island) produce some of the finest traditional candied salmon available.
📊 Data source note: Nutrition values are estimates based on Canadian food composition databases, Health Canada nutrient data, and standard recipe analysis. Actual values vary by cooking method, recipe, brand, and serving size. See our Data Sources and Methodology pages.