Is Salmon burger Vegan?

The Ingredient Breakdown

To understand why the Salmon burger fails the vegan test, we simply need to look at the first ingredient: Upcycled Atlantic Salmon. In food science, 'upcycled' often refers to using parts of the fish that might otherwise be discarded, but the source remains the animal itself. This makes the product inherently non-vegan.

Regarding the seasoning profile, the product uses a clean blend of Salt, Garlic, White Pepper, Scallion, Lemon, and Cayenne Pepper. These are all plant-derived and contribute to a fresh, savory flavor without relying on artificial enhancers. The inclusion of Rosemary Extract acts as a natural antioxidant to preserve the fats in the fish, a common practice in seafood processing.

From an investigative standpoint, the absence of 'natural flavors' or ambiguous spice blends is a positive sign for transparency. However, for a strict vegan, the presence of fish makes the rest of the list irrelevant.

Nutritional Value

Because this is a whole-food protein source, the Salmon burger offers a robust nutritional profile. It is naturally low in sugar, likely containing less than 1g per serving, which is excellent for those monitoring glycemic indexes. The calorie count is moderate, typically hovering around 150-180 calories per patty, depending on the specific fat content of the salmon used.

The primary macronutrient here is fat, specifically Omega-3 fatty acids, which are highly beneficial for heart and brain health. While it fits well into Keto, Paleo, and Omnivore diets, it does not fit the limits of a Vegan or Plant-Based diet due to the cholesterol and animal protein content.