National Salmon Day – Oct. 8, 2026

National Salmon Day
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FoodHealthy Food
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United States
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Every October 8
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National Salmon Day swims onto the calendar every October 8, celebrating one of America’s favorite seafoods. This day highlights salmon’s incredible versatility, from grilling to baking, and its powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids. Dive into delicious recipes, explore sustainable sourcing, and make salmon the star of your plate today!

Want to sponsor National Salmon Day? Learn how

Expected National Salmon Day Deals

While we wait for official 2027 promotions to drop, history shows National Salmon Day often brings delicious deals from major seafood retailers and restaurants. Look for special pricing on fresh fillets at stores like Whole Foods Market and Costco, or discounts on frozen varieties from brands like Gorton’s and Trident Seafoods. Restaurants such as Red Lobster and Bonefish Grill might feature limited-time salmon specials or new menu items. Even meal kit services like Blue Apron could offer salmon-centric recipes. We will update this page with confirmed live deals as October 8 approaches.

Platform Guide for National Salmon Day

Instagram

Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #NationalSalmonDay. Share vibrant photos of your favorite salmon dishes, cooking tips, or even sustainable fishing facts.

TikTok

Tag @www.nationaltoday.com and use #NationalSalmonDay. Film quick recipe tutorials, taste tests, or fun facts about the health benefits of salmon.

Facebook

Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #NationalSalmonDay. Share family-favorite salmon recipes, discuss healthy eating, or post links to sustainable seafood resources.

Social Media Tips for National Salmon Day

Individuals

Prepare your favorite salmon dish at home, whether it's grilled, baked, or pan-seared. Experiment with new seasonings or cooking methods and share your culinary creations.

Creators

Develop engaging content around salmon recipes, sustainable sourcing guides, or 'cook-with-me' videos. Highlight the versatility and health benefits of this superfood.

Brands

Launch a special salmon-themed promotion or recipe contest. Partner with chefs or food influencers to showcase your salmon products and engage with a wider audience.

Top Brands for National Salmon Day

  1. Chicken of the Sea

    Founded in 1914, Chicken of the Sea is a leading brand of seafood products, known for its canned tuna and salmon. They were instrumental in proposing National Salmon Day, recognizing the fish's nutritional value and popularity.

  2. Trident Seafoods

    Established in 1973, Trident Seafoods is one of the largest vertically integrated seafood companies in North America, specializing in wild Alaska salmon. They are committed to sustainable fishing practices and processing.

  3. Whole Foods Market

    Founded in 1978 in Austin, Texas, Whole Foods Market is a prominent natural and organic food supermarket chain. They are renowned for their strict quality standards and commitment to sustainably sourced seafood, including a wide selection of salmon.

  4. Gorton's Seafood

    With a history dating back to 1849, Gorton's Seafood is a well-known American brand of frozen seafood products. They offer a variety of convenient salmon options, making healthy eating accessible to many households.

  5. Red Lobster

    Founded in 1968 in Lakeland, Florida, Red Lobster is the world's largest seafood restaurant company. They frequently feature salmon dishes on their menu, offering guests a range of preparations from grilled to wood-fired.

  6. Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI)

    ASMI is a public-private partnership founded in 1981, dedicated to promoting Alaska's wild, natural, and sustainable seafood. They educate consumers and the industry about the quality and benefits of Alaska salmon.

  7. Nordic Naturals

    Founded in 1995, Nordic Naturals is a leading manufacturer of omega-3 supplements, sourcing high-quality fish oil from wild-caught fish like salmon. They emphasize the health benefits of omega-3s, a key nutrient found in salmon.

National Salmon Day Hero

Rachel Carson

Rachel Carson (1907–1964) was an American marine biologist, author, and conservationist whose book 'Silent Spring' (1962) advanced the global environmental movement. Her work highlighted the interconnectedness of ecosystems, including the vital role of healthy waterways and the impact of pollution on marine life like salmon, advocating for their protection.

History of National Salmon Day

National Salmon Day was first celebrated on October 8, 2015, after Chicken of the Sea recommended the holiday. They then accepted a City of San Diego proclamation designating the day as National Salmon Day. The City of Chicago and Cook County, Illinois, also proclaimed October 8 as National Salmon Day in honor of the strong legacy of salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The holiday is dedicated to celebrating the health, taste, convenience, and diverse recipe benefits of salmon. And, it is observed in honor of wild and packaged pink fish.

Chicken of the Sea, founded in 1914, is a packager and provider of seafood. They not only offer a product line of seafood but also offer recipes to inspire seafood lovers. In 1984, the company introduced skinless and boneless salmon to encourage wider public adoption of the fish as a healthy ‘new’ source of protein. In 2014, the company introduced a line of flavored salmon pouches. Chicken of the Sea has been committed to preserving seafood sustainability and is a co-founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation.

How often do you eat fatty fish per week? Hopefully, twice a week, just as recommended by American Heart Association. Why? Fatty fish such as salmon is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, and research has shown that they can lower your risk of heart disease and stroke. Moreover, research shows that omega-3 fatty acids may help prevent, delay, and diminish Alzheimer’s disease. Awesome. So, have you got your recipes and prepared your salmon? Because National Salmon Day is the day to make and enjoy the delicious healthy food of your favorite fatty fish.

National Salmon Day timeline

1914
Chicken of the Sea

Chicken of the Sea (previously Van Camp Seafood Company) is founded by Frank Van Camp in California.

1984
Skinless and Boneless

Chicken of the Sea is the first to introduce skinless and boneless salmon.

2014
Flavored Salmon Pouches

Chicken of the Sea is the first to offer a complete line of flavored salmon pouches.

2015
National Salmon Day

National Salmon Day is first celebrated on October 8.

How Businesses Can Celebrate National Salmon Day

Local restaurants and seafood markets can celebrate National Salmon Day by featuring special salmon entrées, offering cooking demonstrations, or providing discounts on fresh fillets. Grocery stores can create eye-catching displays of various salmon types and offer recipe cards. Even non-food businesses can participate by sharing educational content about salmon’s health benefits or supporting sustainable fishing initiatives through local partnerships. Boldly promote your salmon specials with #NationalSalmonDay on social media.

National Salmon Day FAQs

When is National Salmon Day?

National Salmon Day 2026 falls on Thursday, October 8, inviting everyone to enjoy this nutritious and delicious fish. It’s the perfect mid-week opportunity to incorporate healthy seafood into your diet.

How popular is salmon in the U.S.?

Salmon consistently ranks as one of the most popular seafood choices in the United States, often second only to shrimp. Americans consume millions of pounds of salmon annually, valuing its taste and health benefits.

What are the health benefits of eating salmon?

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart health and brain function. It’s also an excellent source of high-quality protein, vitamins D and B12, and antioxidants.

What are the different types of salmon?

The most common types of salmon include Atlantic, Sockeye, Coho, Pink, and Chinook (King) salmon. Atlantic salmon is typically farmed, while the others are wild-caught, each offering distinct flavors and textures.

National Salmon Day Activities

  1. Cook the salmon

    There is nothing better to do to celebrate National Salmon Day than cook and eat it. Prepare the salmon and cook the salmon based on your favorite recipes, and later get the health benefits.

  2. Spread the word

    Most of us probably don’t know about the health benefits of salmon. So, spread the word about this pink fatty fish so that more people can benefit from it.

  3. Try Chicken of the Sea recipes

    The Chicken of the Sea provides featured recipes for healthcare food services on their National Salmon Day toolkit. Try the recipes — Spinach Strawberry Salmon Salad with Poppy Seed Dressing, Salmon Quiché, and Salmon Bisque.

5 Facts About Canned Salmon You Need To Know

  1. New England started it

    In 1840, New England first began canning salmon.

  2. It has various nutritional advantages

    Canned salmon has a variety of nutritional benefits such as omega-3s, protein, vitamin D, and calcium.

  3. It is versatile

    Canned salmon is a quick and inexpensive choice that provides the same excellent health benefits as fresh fish.

  4. It is not to eat daily

    Despite the health benefits, you can’t eat it every day, because it will increase the possibility of rising mercury levels in the blood.

  5. It is high in sodium

    Canned salmon is incredibly high in sodium, and if you consume it every day, it can increase the risk of high blood pressure and stroke.

Why We Love National Salmon Day

  1. Salmon has many health benefits

    The reason for the celebration of National Salmon Day is to be a reminder of the health benefits of salmon. More people need to know about this.

  2. It is delicious and versatile

    Sure, the reason salmon becomes the second most popular seafood consumed by Americans is because it’s delicious. Besides, there are several ways to enjoy it. We can roast it, pan-fry it, broil it, or grill it.

  3. It can lower the risk of heart disease

    The heart is our vital organ. Knowing that consuming salmon can lower our risk of heart disease is such a relief.

National Salmon Day dates

Year Date Day
2026 October 8 Thursday
2027 October 8 Friday
2028 October 8 Sunday
2029 October 8 Monday
2030 October 8 Tuesday