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 salmonKanikamaAlaska pollock (U.S.)MasagoCapelin, smelt roe (Iceland)MirugaiPacific geoduckSakeWild Alaskan salmonShiro MaguroAlbacore tuna (U.S., Canada)SurimiAlaska pollock (U.S.)SuzukiFarmed striped bassUniSea urchin (Canada) | HirameFlounder/sole (Pacific)HotateSea scallops (U.S., Canada)IkaSquidKaniKing crab (U.S.)KanikamaImitation crab, non-Alaska pollockMaguroBigeye/yellowfin tuna (imported troll/pole)SurimiImitation crab, non-Alaska pollockTaiRed 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 tuna (imported longline)SakeAtlantic salmon (farmed)TakoOctopusToro (belly)Bigeye/yellowfin tuna (imported longline)Toro (belly)Bluefin tunaUnagiFreshwater eelsUniSea urchin from Maine |
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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