(BPT) - Americans are more mindful than ever about the food that ends up on their plates, shopping beyond just convenience or cost. While budget plays a key role, factors like nutrition, sustainability and long-term well-being are now part of the conversation. Despite growing awareness, many Americans still fall short of the Dietary Guidelines' recommendation to eat at least 8 ounces of seafood per week. That's where Chilean salmon specifically shines in offering a flavorful, feel-good food that checks all the boxes for health-conscious eaters.

What makes Chilean salmon a nutritious choice?

Chilean salmon delivers many powerful health benefits, thanks to its rich nutrient profile. It's packed with high-quality, lean protein and is particularly high in essential omega-3 fatty acids. All of these nutrients are known to support heart, brain and immune health at every stage of life. Chilean salmon is also low in mercury, making it a great choice for the entire family, including pregnant women and children.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) includes salmon on its list of foods that meet the new criteria for its updated definition of "healthy," which focuses on nutrient-dense foods that promote long-term health. The combination of hard-to-find nutrients that support health throughout the lifespan make salmon an important food to include in your diet.

What makes Chilean salmon an easy, sustainable choice?

Farmed salmon, including salmon from Chile, has the highest edible yield and lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) of animal proteins, meaning it's the most efficient animal to farm. Chilean salmon farmers have formed impactful third-party partnerships that ensure accountability and hold each farm to high environmental standards. This commitment to protecting the ocean is ongoing; salmon farmers are constantly refining and improving their practices based on the latest science and technological advances. Moreover, fish farming, known as aquaculture, plays an important role in protecting natural fisheries while ensuring there is enough food to sustain the growing global population.

The pristine and consistently cold waters of Patagonia allow Chilean salmon to thrive year-round, making fresh and frozen salmon available at your local grocer no matter the season.

How to eat salmon from Chile to reap the benefits

It's the perfect season to add more Chilean salmon to the weekly menu rotation. Whether it's grilled on the BBQ, tossed into a salad or baked with fresh herbs and citrus, this versatile protein is perfect for family meals. Quick to prepare and easy to love, it's the kind of "conscious" choice that tastes as good as it feels.

Chilean salmon is a convenient, healthy protein source to buy fresh or keep on hand in the freezer. It is flash frozen to preserve quality and defrosts in just 15 minutes. Ask for Chilean salmon at the seafood counter or find it in the frozen aisle during your next grocery trip.