Is Salmon Burgers Keto?

The Ingredient Breakdown

As a food scientist, I always look beyond the marketing claims and straight to the ingredient list. The core of this product is PINK SALMON, which is excellent. It provides high-quality protein and essential Omega-3 fatty acids. However, the keto diet is unforgiving when it comes to hidden sugars and starches, and that is where this product runs into trouble.

The primary culprit is the SEASONING blend. It lists TAPIOCA SYRUP and SUGAR right at the top. Tapioca syrup is a liquid sweetener derived from cassava root; while it is natural, it is essentially pure glucose and will impact blood sugar levels immediately. Similarly, added SUGAR is strictly limited on keto.

Further down the list, we find MALTODEXTRIN and DEXTROSE. Maltodextrin is a highly processed starch derived from grains (or in this case, likely corn or tapioca) that has a glycemic index even higher than table sugar—often clocking in around 110. Dextrose is a form of glucose. In the context of a ketogenic diet, these two ingredients are significant red flags because they are designed to spike insulin, the hormone that halts fat burning.

Finally, the inclusion of CARRAGEENAN is worth noting. While it is a plant-based thickener used to improve texture, some studies suggest it can cause inflammation in the gut. While not a carbohydrate issue, it is an additive that strict whole-food dieters often prefer to avoid.

Nutritional Value

On the surface, the nutrition label might look appealing. You are looking at roughly 170 calories per patty with about 9 grams of fat and 16 grams of protein. The calorie count is reasonable for a meal, and the fat-to-protein ratio is decent. However, the Net Carb count is the deciding factor for ketosis.

Because the label lists Sugar and Total Carbohydrates, we have to calculate the net carbs (Total Carbs minus Fiber). While the fiber content isn't explicitly high, the sugars and maltodextrin contribute to the total carb count. In a diet where you are often limited to 20-30 grams of net carbs per day, a single patty containing hidden sugars like dextrose takes up a disproportionate amount of your daily allowance.

Furthermore, the presence of Sunflower Oil is a consideration. While it fits the macronutrient profile of fat, it is high in Omega-6 fatty acids. A balanced keto diet emphasizes Omega-3s (from the salmon) but minimizes excess Omega-6s to reduce inflammation. Therefore, while the macros seem okay on paper, the quality of the ingredients and the hidden sugars make it a suboptimal choice for the diet.