Have you ever stared at the seafood counter, wondering about that bright red and white stick of “crab” meat? It looks like the real deal, but the price tag tells a different story. Imitation crab meat, often called surimi, is a kitchen staple for many, showing up in everything from California rolls to creamy pasta salads. But when you reach for that package, do you ever pause? You might be thinking: What exactly am I eating? Is this a good substitute for real crab?
Choosing the best imitation crab can feel confusing. Brands use different ingredients, and some mimic the texture better than others. You want that satisfying seafood flavor without ending up with something rubbery or overly sweet. Many home cooks struggle to find the perfect high-quality product that works well in their favorite recipes.
This post cuts through the confusion. We will explore what imitation crab meat truly is, how it’s made, and most importantly, how to spot the premium versions on the shelf. Get ready to become a surimi shopping expert!
Top Imitation Crab Meat Recommendations
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market. Our standards are what set us apart, and our quality is what keeps us Stocking pantries, fridges and freezers with the best natural and organic 365 Everyday Value products every day.
- Made with wild-caught Alaska Pollock.
- Fully cooked, ready to eat.
- Fat Free.
- Certified GMO-free, Certified Gluten Free, Certified sustainable Seafood.
- Brought to you by Whole Foods Market. Our standards are what set us apart, and our quality is what keeps us Stocking pantries, fridges and freezers with the best natural and organic 365 Everyday Value products every day.
- Made with wild-caught Alaska Pollock.
- Fully cooked, ready to eat.
- Fat Free.
- Certified GMO-free, Certified Gluten Free, Certified sustainable Seafood.
- One 12 ounce bag of Colossal Cooked Shrimp, Tail On, Peeled & Deveined
- Some of your favorite Amazon Fresh products are now part of the Amazon Grocery brand! Although packaging may vary during the transition, the ingredients and product remain the same. Thank you for your continued trust in our brands.
- BAP Certified
- Keep Frozen
- Contains: Shrimp (Crustacean Shellfish)
- WHITE CRAB MEAT: Flaky, delicious meat from the body of the crab. Drain before use (drained weight 4.25oz per can).
- CONVENIENT CANNED SEAFOOD: Use whenever you want a tasty protein-packed ingredient for lunches, snacks, entertaining, or dinners at home.
- QUALITY IN EVERY CAN: A reliable protein source for those on a ketogenic and low carb diets; contains 1g carbs and 14g protein per serving.
- FAVORITE SHELLFISH RECIPES: Bake into crab cakes, blend into crab dips, fold into crab rangoon, stack with eggs for Crab Benedict, or add to pasta and casserole dishes.
- BUMBLE BEE CRAB MEAT: Delicious canned crab meat is great mixed with mayonnaise for a tasty seafood salad and is a great alternative to canned fish for your favorite seafood recipes.
- DELICIOUS FLAVOR: Add a savory touch to your favorite recipes with Chicken of the Sea Imitation Crabmeat in a convenient packet.
- VERSATILE PANTRY INGREDIENT: Our imitation crabmeat is a perfect topping for pasta and rice dishes, a bullseye for party dips, and a hit atop fresh salads—or simply scoop it onto a cracker for a scrumptiously quick snack. There’s no wrong way to indulge.
- BULK 12 PACK: Buy your crabmeat in bulk and save! Each order contains (12) 3.53-ounce pouches, perfect for stocking your pantry.
- LUMP CRAB MEAT: Succulent meat from the body of the crab. Drain before use (drained weight 4.25oz per can). Use whenever you want a tasty protein-packed ingredient for lunches, snacks, entertaining, or dinners at home.
- CONVENIENT CANNED SEAFOOD: Lump crab is carefully packed in water and layered with paper to preserve the integrity of the crab lumps, provide added protection, and facilitate easy draining.
- QUALITY IN EVERY CAN: A reliable protein source for those on a ketogenic and low carb diets; contains 1g carbs and 14g protein per serving.
- FAVORITE SHELLFISH RECIPES: Bake into crab cakes, blend into crab dips, fold into crab rangoon, stack with eggs for Crab Benedict, or add to pasta and casserole dishes.
- BUMBLE BEE CRAB MEAT: Delicious canned crab meat is great mixed with mayonnaise for a tasty seafood salad and is a great alternative to canned fish for your favorite seafood recipes.
- 𝗣𝗥𝗘𝗠𝗜𝗨𝗠 𝗟𝗨𝗠𝗣 𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗕 𝗠𝗘𝗔𝗧: This lump crab meat blend combines broken jumbo lumps with smaller whole pieces of wild caught blue swimming crab, creating a hearty, satisfying texture that works beautifully in crab cakes, sautéed dishes, dips, and elevated appetizers. It offers dependable quality for both home cooks and foodservice kitchens.
- 𝗪𝗜𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗔𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧 𝗙𝗥𝗢𝗠 𝗦𝗢𝗨𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗧 𝗔𝗦𝗜𝗔: Sourced from sustainable tropical waters, this blue swimming crab offers dependable year-round availability. Each can delivers naturally sweet, delicate flavor that elevates appetizers, salads, pasta dishes, and gourmet seafood meals with reliable consistency.
- 𝗣𝗔𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗘𝗗: Convenient pasteurized crab meat that is fully cooked and easy to use straight from the can, saving prep time for busy kitchens. Perfect for seafood salads, crab cocktails, pasta dishes, or warm recipes that highlight its delicate flavor.
- 𝗟𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗟𝗙 𝗟𝗜𝗙𝗘: Pasteurization allows this canned crab meat to maintain quality for up to 18 months under proper refrigeration, offering reliable stock for meal planning, restaurant use, home entertaining, and consistent menu preparation year-round.
- 𝗩𝗔𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗧𝗬 𝗢𝗙 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗙𝗢𝗢𝗗 𝗗𝗜𝗦𝗛𝗘𝗦: Lump crab offers a beautiful presentation when used to stuff fish, chicken, vegetables, or seafood. Its versatile structure holds well in countless recipes, making it perfect for appetizers, entrées, party platters, salads, casseroles, and coastal-inspired cooking projects.
- 12-ounce resealable bag of cooked and peeled salad size shrimp with tails removed
- Wild Caught
- Sustainably Sourced: Certified by the Marine Stewardship Council
- Phosphate Free
- Tiny shrimp that are delicious in a classic shrimp salad
Your Essential Guide to Buying Delicious Imitation Crab Meat
Imitation crab meat, often called surimi, is a popular, affordable seafood alternative. It tastes like crab but uses white fish as its main ingredient. This guide helps you pick the best package for your next meal.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you shop for imitation crab, look closely at the packaging and the product itself. These features matter for taste and texture.
Texture and Flake
- Flakiness: Good imitation crab should separate easily into strands, just like real crab. Avoid mushy blocks.
- **Bite:** The texture should feel firm, not overly soft or rubbery.
Color and Appearance
- **Color Variation:** High-quality surimi usually has a reddish-orange outer layer wrapped around a white center. This mimics real crab leg meat.
- **Moisture Level:** The product should look moist, but not sitting in a pool of water or excess liquid.
Labeling Clarity
- Check the package for clear labeling, usually stating “Surimi” or “Crab Stick.”
2. Important Materials: What’s Inside?
Imitation crab is not actually crab. Understanding the ingredients helps you choose healthier options.
The Main Ingredient: Surimi
The primary material is surimi. This is a paste made from white fish, usually Alaskan Pollock. Manufacturers process the fish to remove fat and undesirable parts, leaving pure protein.
Binders and Flavorings
- **Starches and Sugars:** Manufacturers add starches (like potato or tapioca) and sometimes sugar to give the surimi its texture and sweetness.
- **Flavoring:** Natural and artificial crab flavorings are essential. Look for natural flavorings if you prefer fewer additives.
- **Coloring:** Natural colorings like paprika or beet juice often create the red/orange exterior.
Sodium Content
Because surimi is processed, it often contains higher levels of sodium. If you watch your salt intake, compare the nutrition labels between brands.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
The manufacturing process greatly affects the final product quality.
Quality Enhancers
- **Higher Fish Content:** Products listing a higher percentage of surimi (fish paste) generally offer a better texture and cleaner flavor.
- **Natural Ingredients:** Brands using natural flavorings and colorings often taste fresher.
Quality Reducers
- **Too Much Starch:** If the ingredient list shows starches high up, the product might be overly gummy or mushy.
- **Excess Water:** If the package is watery, the flavor might be diluted, and the texture compromised.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
Imitation crab is versatile and easy to use, making it a kitchen staple.
Ease of Use
Imitation crab is usually pre-cooked. You simply open the package and use it. This saves significant preparation time.
Popular Uses
- **Salads:** Shred it finely for classic seafood salads or mix it into coleslaw for a twist.
- **Rolls:** It is famously used in California sushi rolls.
- **Hot Dishes:** You can flake it into pasta sauces, casseroles, or stir-fries. It heats up quickly.
- **Dips:** Cream cheese and imitation crab dips are very popular appetizers.
When buying, consider how you plan to use it. Sticks are great for dipping or slicing; flaked versions are better for mixing into salads.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Imitation Crab Meat
Q: Is imitation crab meat safe to eat?
A: Yes. Imitation crab meat is made from cooked white fish, so it is safe to eat straight from the package or after light heating.
Q: How is imitation crab different from real crab?
A: Real crab comes from shellfish. Imitation crab comes from white fish paste (surimi) that is shaped and flavored to taste like crab.
Q: Does imitation crab taste exactly like real crab?
A: No. It tastes similar, especially when mixed with mayonnaise or sauce, but it lacks the complex, sweet flavor of real crab.
Q: Should I cook imitation crab meat?
A: You do not have to cook it because it is already fully cooked. However, you can heat it gently in soups or casseroles.
Q: What is the best way to store unused imitation crab?
A: Keep it tightly sealed in its original packaging in the coldest part of your refrigerator. Use it before the expiration date printed on the package.
Q: Can I freeze imitation crab meat?
A: Yes, you can freeze it. Wrap it tightly to prevent freezer burn. Thaw it slowly in the refrigerator before using.
Q: Is imitation crab healthier than real crab?
A: Real crab is usually lower in sodium and carbohydrates. Imitation crab is often lower in fat, but check labels as quality varies greatly.
Q: Why does my imitation crab feel rubbery?
A: Rubbery texture usually means the product has a high amount of starch or was frozen and thawed improperly. Higher quality surimi is less rubbery.
Q: What should I look for on the ingredient list?
A: Look for Pollock or other white fish listed first. Avoid products where sugar or starch is listed before the fish content.
Q: Where is the best place to buy imitation crab?
A: You can find it in the refrigerated seafood section of most major grocery stores, usually near the fresh fish.