What are the ingredients in John West salmon?

December 27, 2025 •

3 min read

John West offers a variety of salmon products, with ingredient lists varying significantly based on the specific type. For example, the classic Wild Pacific Red Salmon contains just 99% red salmon and salt. Understanding exactly what are the ingredients in John West salmon depends entirely on the product you choose.

Quick Summary

John West salmon products vary in ingredients based on the specific type, such as plain, springwater, or flavoured. Core ingredients often include salmon and salt, with additions like water, vegetable oils, and seasonings for flavoured options.

Key Points

Core Ingredients: The simplest John West salmon varieties contain just 99% salmon and salt.
Product Variation: Ingredient lists differ significantly between classic plain options and flavoured or prepared varieties like pâté.
Wild Caught: Most John West salmon is wild-caught, often from Pacific waters, emphasising natural sourcing.
Allergen Check: The salmon pâté contains additional allergens like milk, eggs, and tuna, which are not present in the simple salmon varieties.
Oil vs. Water: Some products are packed in oil for a richer flavour, while others use springwater for a lighter, leaner alternative.
Read the Label: Always check the specific packaging for the most accurate and up-to-date ingredients for your chosen product.
Paprika Colouring: Paprika oleoresin is used as a natural colouring in some flavoured products and is not for flavour.

The Core Ingredients: Simple Varieties

For many of its classic tinned salmon products, John West keeps the ingredient list notably short and simple. The focus is on the quality of the wild-caught fish, with minimal additives. This is particularly true for their plain red and pink salmon varieties.

For the John West Wild Pacific Red Salmon, including the skinless and boneless versions, the ingredients are straightforward:

Red Salmon (99%)
Salt

Similarly, the Wild Pacific Pink Salmon follows this minimalist approach:

Pink Salmon (99%)
Salt

This simple composition appeals to consumers looking for a pure, unadulterated source of protein and Omega-3 fatty acids without any unnecessary extras.

The Flavoured and Specialised Range

Beyond the basic canned varieties, John West offers a diverse range of flavoured and specialised salmon products. These require additional ingredients to create their unique taste profiles. For these, the list extends beyond just salmon and salt.

John West Salmon in Springwater

This option provides a leaner choice by packing the fish in water instead of oil. A typical ingredient list includes:

Salmon (60%)
Springwater
Salt
Colour (Paprika Oleoresins)

John West Salmon in Olive Oil Blend

For a richer flavour, some products are packed in an oil blend. The ingredients for one variant are:

Salmon (60%)
Olive oil blend (39%) [Water, Olive oil, Vegetable oil]
Salt
Colour (Paprika Oleoresins)

John West Salmon Chilli

This product adds a spicy kick, incorporating more components:

Salmon (60%)
Water
Vegetable oil
Salt
Chilli (1%)
Colour (Paprika Oleoresin)
Garlic

John West Salmon Tempters Onion & Tomato

This is a more complex flavour profile with a longer list of ingredients:

Salmon (48%)
Onion (23%)
Water
Vegetable oil
Vinegar
Sugar
Tomato paste (1.5%)
Salt
Spice (contains chilli, celery)
Garlic powder
Colour (paprika oleoresins)

John West Salmon Pâté

The pâté is a distinct product, blending salmon with other ingredients to achieve a spreadable consistency and specific flavour. The ingredients include:

Pink Pacific salmon (37.5%)
Rapeseed oil
Skipjack tuna (12.5%)
Free-range egg white powder
Vegetable fiber
Milk protein
Thickeners (carrageenan and locust bean gum)
Salt
Flavourings (including smoked aroma)

Comparison of John West Salmon Varieties


Feature	Wild Pacific Red Salmon	Salmon in Springwater	Salmon Chilli	Salmon Pâté
Salmon Content	99% Red Salmon	60% Salmon	60% Salmon	37.5% Pink Pacific Salmon, 12.5% Skipjack Tuna
Liquid/Oil	None added	Springwater	Vegetable Oil, Water	Rapeseed Oil
Key Flavouring	Salt only	Salt, Paprika	Salt, Chilli, Garlic	Salt, Aromas, Spices
Omega-3 Source	Naturally from fish	Naturally from fish	Naturally from fish	Naturally from fish, tuna
Allergens	Fish	Fish	Fish	Fish, Milk, Eggs
Potential Bones	Yes, may contain	No, usually skinless/boneless	No, usually skinless/boneless	No, blended

The Role of Key Ingredients

Paprika Oleoresin

This ingredient, found in several flavoured variants, is a concentrated extract derived from paprika. It's used primarily for natural colouring rather than flavour, ensuring a consistent visual appearance in the final product.

Salt

An essential component in almost all John West salmon products, salt serves multiple purposes. It acts as a flavour enhancer, bringing out the natural taste of the salmon, and also functions as a traditional preservative to extend the product's shelf life.

Vegetable and Olive Oil Blends

For variants packed in oil, the blend is a mixture designed to balance flavour and fat content. It provides a richer texture and helps distribute the seasonings. For some products, this includes a combination of olive oil and other vegetable oils.

Thickening and Binding Agents

In products like the salmon pâté, additional ingredients are needed for texture. For instance, carrageenan and locust bean gum are used as thickeners to create the desired consistency.

Conclusion

In summary, the ingredients in John West salmon are not uniform but depend heavily on the specific product type. The core range of wild-caught red and pink salmon contains a simple mix of fish and salt, emphasising natural quality. In contrast, the flavoured and prepared products feature a more extensive list of components, including water or oil blends, vegetables, and seasonings to achieve diverse flavours. For consumers, the key takeaway is always to check the specific product label to understand its full ingredient list and nutritional profile. Whether you prefer a simple, natural taste or a more complex flavour, John West offers a variety of options to suit different preferences. For more recipe inspiration and product information, visit the official John West website.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most plain varieties of John West salmon are naturally gluten-free. However, some flavoured products, such as Salmon Tempters Soy and Ginger, contain soy sauce which may contain wheat. It is essential to check the specific product label for confirmation.

Many John West salmon products are wild-caught, often sourced from the Pacific waters off Alaska and Canada, as highlighted on their packaging and website. Some products are also MSC certified, confirming they come from a sustainable wild fishery.

John West primarily uses salt as a natural preservative in many of its products. Its simpler salmon varieties and those in springwater generally avoid artificial preservatives.

In products like the Salmon in Olive Oil Blend, the oil blend typically contains a combination of water, olive oil, and vegetable oil. For other oil-packed products, the oil type may differ, so checking the label is recommended.

John West produces both skinless and boneless salmon products and those that may contain bones. It is crucial to check the specific product label or description, which will include a safety warning if bones are present.

Yes, paprika oleoresin is a natural, concentrated extract derived from paprika peppers. It is used in certain John West products primarily as a colourant.

Plain salmon typically contains only fish and salt, while flavoured options have added ingredients like water, vegetable oils, and spices such as chilli, garlic, onion, and tomato paste. The percentage of salmon also varies between these products.