Is Kirkland salmon wild or farmed? A definitive guide

December 10, 2025 •

3 min read

According to multiple reports, Costco offers both farm-raised and wild-caught salmon under its Kirkland Signature label, and availability can vary by store location. The key to knowing if a specific package of Kirkland salmon is wild or farmed is to carefully read the product label, which clearly distinguishes between the two.

Quick Summary

Kirkland Signature includes both farmed Atlantic and wild Alaskan salmon products. The packaging explicitly states which type it is, determining differences in flavor, texture, nutrition, and price points for consumers to consider.

Key Points

Check the label: Kirkland salmon is sold in both wild and farmed varieties, so read the package carefully.
Farmed is Atlantic: Kirkland's farmed salmon is labeled as 'Atlantic Salmon' and is available year-round.
Wild is Alaskan: Kirkland's wild salmon is often labeled 'Alaskan Sockeye' and is seasonal.
Flavor difference: Wild salmon is leaner and more robust, while farmed salmon is higher in fat and has a milder, buttery flavor.
Sustainability: Look for MSC (Marine Stewardship Council) certification on wild products and ASC (Aquaculture Stewardship Council) on farmed products.
Price variation: Wild salmon is typically more expensive due to seasonality, while farmed is more affordable and consistently available.
Nutritional density: Wild salmon is generally leaner with a better omega-3 to omega-6 ratio, though both are excellent protein sources.

Understanding the Kirkland Salmon Label

When shopping for salmon at Costco, it is crucial to read the product packaging to determine whether you are purchasing a wild or farmed variety. The labeling for Kirkland Signature salmon is designed to be clear about its sourcing.

Farmed Atlantic Salmon: Any Kirkland salmon labeled 'Atlantic Salmon' is farmed. Atlantic salmon are raised in controlled aquaculture environments, not caught in the wild. This variety is typically available year-round and is often more affordable than its wild-caught counterparts.
Wild Alaskan Salmon: When you find Kirkland salmon labeled 'Alaskan Sockeye Salmon,' it is wild-caught from Alaskan fisheries. This salmon is seasonal and usually more expensive due to its limited supply.

Wild vs. Farmed Salmon: Key Differences

Understanding the fundamental differences between wild and farmed salmon can help you make an informed decision based on your personal preferences for taste, nutrition, and environmental impact.


Feature	Wild Salmon	Farmed Salmon
Sourcing	Caught in natural environments like oceans, rivers, and lakes.	Raised in controlled aquaculture settings, such as net pens.
Flavor	Leaner with a bolder, more pronounced flavor.	Higher in fat content, resulting in a milder, more buttery taste.
Texture	Firmer and more muscular due to a more active lifestyle.	Softer and more tender due to higher fat content.
Appearance	Deep red-orange color from natural diet (e.g., krill).	Lighter pink or orange color, influenced by pigments in their feed.
Nutrition	Typically lower in overall fat and calories, with a more balanced omega-3 to omega-6 ratio.	Higher in fat and calories, which means more omega-3s, but often a less balanced omega ratio due to feed.
Cost	Generally more expensive due to seasonal availability and higher catching costs.	More affordable and widely available year-round.
Sustainability	Sourced from well-managed fisheries, often with Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) certification.	Can be sustainable with third-party certification (e.g., Aquaculture Stewardship Council), but some operations raise environmental concerns.

Sourcing and Sustainability: What to Know

Costco is committed to supplying sustainable seafood and supports certification programs for both wild and farmed sources.

Wild Salmon: Look for the blue MSC label on wild-caught Kirkland salmon, which indicates the product comes from a fishery that has been independently certified to a sustainable standard. This helps ensure fish stocks are healthy and the ecosystem is protected.
Farmed Salmon: Costco purchases farmed salmon, such as the farmed Atlantic variety, from suppliers that participate in reputable certification programs like the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC). These certifications aim to minimize the environmental impact of aquaculture, control waste, and manage water quality effectively.

Making an Informed Choice

Choosing between wild and farmed Kirkland salmon depends on what you value most. The wild option provides a firmer texture and a more robust flavor, with the assurance of a natural diet and often an MSC sustainability label. Conversely, the farmed Atlantic salmon is more widely available, more affordable, and offers a milder, buttery taste that many prefer. Responsible aquaculture practices, supported by certifications like ASC, also make farmed salmon a viable and ethical option for consumers. Ultimately, Costco's clear labeling empowers you to make an informed decision at the seafood counter. For more information on sustainable seafood practices, you can visit the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) website(https://www.msc.org/).

Conclusion

The short answer to 'Is Kirkland salmon wild or farmed?' is that Costco stocks both, and the type can be identified by the label, which often specifies 'Atlantic' for farmed and 'Alaskan Sockeye' for wild. This variety allows consumers to choose based on their preferences for flavor, price, and environmental impact. Both types can be part of a healthy diet, offering excellent sources of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, provided they are sourced responsibly. By checking for sustainability certifications and understanding the key differences outlined here, you can confidently select the right Kirkland salmon for your next meal.

Common Kirkland Salmon Varieties

Here are some of the types of Kirkland salmon you may find at Costco:

Kirkland Signature Fresh Farmed Atlantic Salmon: Often sold as a fresh fillet, clearly labeled as farmed.
Kirkland Signature Frozen Farmed Atlantic Salmon: Individually vacuum-packed, boneless, skinless portions for convenience.
Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan Sockeye Salmon: Typically available frozen in individually vacuum-packed portions.
Kirkland Signature Wild Smoked Sockeye Salmon: A ready-to-eat option made from wild-caught sockeye.

Frequently Asked Questions

Check the product label. Kirkland's farmed salmon is explicitly labeled 'Atlantic Salmon,' while its wild-caught version is typically sold as 'Alaskan Sockeye Salmon'.

No, Kirkland's Atlantic salmon is farmed. All Atlantic salmon on the market is farmed, as the wild Atlantic stock is considered endangered.

The wild Alaskan Sockeye has a stronger, more pronounced flavor and a firmer texture. The farmed Atlantic salmon has a milder, buttery taste and a more tender, fatty texture.

Wild-caught Kirkland salmon, particularly Sockeye, is generally more expensive than the farmed Atlantic variety. This is due to its seasonal availability and higher catching costs.

Yes, Kirkland salmon often carries sustainability certifications. Wild salmon may have the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) label, while farmed salmon may have the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC) certification.

Both are healthy, but there are nutritional differences. Wild salmon is generally leaner with a lower fat content. Farmed salmon often has a higher total fat content, which can mean more omega-3s, though its omega ratio can be less balanced due to diet.

Wild salmon get their deep red color naturally from a diet rich in crustaceans, like krill. The color in farmed salmon is achieved by adding a natural antioxidant, astaxanthin, to their feed.