Smart Sushi Choices
Ikura (roe), wild Alaskan salmon. Photo: sustainablesushi.net
Our list will help you make sushi choices that are good for you and the ocean.
- Print out our Pocket Sushi Selector [PDF].
- Download the sushi guide to your mobile phone [PDF].
Sushi Names: Fish are listed by their Japanese name, then English common name(s). Japanese names often refer to several types of fish, or a specific cut of fish, and may appear in more than one category.
| Eco-Best | Eco-OK | Eco-Worst |
|---|---|---|
AmaebiSpot prawns (Canada)Ikura (roe)Wild Alaskan salmonMasagoCapelin, smelt roe (Iceland)MirugaiPacific geoduckSakeWild Alaskan salmonShiro MaguroAlbacore tuna (U.S., Canada)SuzukiFarmed striped bassUniSea urchin (Canada) | HirameFlounder/sole (Pacific)HotateSea scallops (U.S., Canada)IkaSquidKaniKing crab (U.S.)KanikamaAlaska pollock (U.S.)MaguroBigeye/yellowfin tuna (imported troll/pole)SurimiAlaska pollock (U.S.)TaiRed porgy (U.S.)Toro (belly)Bigeye/yellowfin tuna (imported troll/pole)UniSea urchin (California) | EbiImported shrimp and prawnsHamachiFarmed yellowtail (Australia, Japan)HirameFlounder/Sole (Atlantic)Hon MaguroBluefin tunaIkura (roe)Atlantic salmon (farmed)MaguroBigeye/yellowfin tunaSakeAtlantic salmon (farmed)TakoOctopusToro (belly)Bluefin tunaToro (belly)Bigeye/yellowfin tunaUnagiFreshwater eels |
Raw Fish and Health
Sushi is often uncooked, and may contain parasites or microorganisms that cause food-borne illness.
Pregnant women, young children, older adults and people with immune conditions should not eat raw or partially cooked seafood.
Freezing raw fish before preparing sushi significantly reduces, but does not eliminate, health risks. Get guidance on freezing fish and controlling parasites.
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