Enjoy The Sweet Taste of The Sea With Canned Lump Crab Meat

Canned lump crab meat allows you to enjoy the delicious taste of crab without the hassle of cracking and picking fresh crab yourself. It’s a convenient and tasty way to add the flavor of the ocean to your favorite dishes. Keep reading to learn all about lump crab meat and the best canned varieties available.

What is Lump Crab Meat?

Lump crab meat refers to the large chunks of meat from the body and claws of the crab. It has a sweet, delicate flavor and a tender, flaky texture that makes it perfect for dishes like crab cakes.

Lump crab meat comes from mature crabs that are at least 4-6 inches across. Younger crabs don’t have enough body meat to produce those big, juicy lumps. The swimming legs and claws are carefully broken off and the body is cracked open to remove the meat inside. Lump crab meat comes mostly from the blue crab, but you may also see it from Dungeness or stone crab.

Other types of canned crab include

• Claw meat: From the claws and legs, with a stronger flavor.
• Backfin or special grade: A mix of smaller flakes from the body.
• Cocktail claws: Smaller pieces from the tips of the claws.

Lump crab has the mildest flavor and premium texture crab lovers crave Keep reading to find the best canned lump crab meat brands

Why Choose Canned Crab Meat?

Canned crab allows you to skip the work of steaming and picking your own crabs, while still enjoying delicious lump meat. Here are some of the benefits of choosing canned:

• Convenience: Canned crab is ready to eat and easy to use in recipes.

• Year-round availability: Fresh crab is seasonal, but canned crab can be found anytime.

• Affordability: Canned crab costs less than fresh.

• Pre-portioned: Cans come in ready-to-use portions so you can use just what you need.

• Longer shelf life: Unopened cans last 1+ years in the pantry.

• Minimal leftovers: Opened cans last 5-7 days in the fridge.

For lump crab meat with incredible flavor, keep reading for the top brands on the market.

Top Canned Lump Crab Meat Brands

Chicken of the Sea

Chicken of the Sea produces various grades of canned crab, including jumbo lump from the swimming legs. Reviewers describe their lump meat as “far superior” with a “solid, buttery flavor.” The ingredients are simple, with the crab sealed in water and preservatives to maintain fresh taste. As a founding member of the International Seafood Sustainability Foundation, Chicken of the Sea is committed to ethical, sustainable practices.

Highlights: Wild-caught blue crab, kosher, simple ingredients

Grades: Jumbo lump, backfin, super lump, claw

Crown Prince

Crown Prince gently steams wild-caught crab immediately after harvesting and packages the hand-picked meat minimally with only saltwater and citric acid. Reviewers on Amazon praise its fresh crab flavor, flaky texture, and visible hunks of lump meat. Crown Prince does not use harsh chemicals, preservatives, or artificial flavors. Their sustainable “Green Team” helps protect crab populations and their environment.

Highlights: Wild Indonesian blue crab, minimal ingredients, stewardship initiatives

Grades: Natural Jumbo Lump, Fancy White Lump

Bumble Bee

Bumble Bee’s preservative-free Prime Fillet premium lump crab meat gets rave reviews for its value, chunky lumps of crab, and mild sweet flavor. Their Fancy White meat offers an affordable option for delicious crab. Bumble Bee participates in efforts to help crab fisheries and ecosystems via groups like the Global Ghost Gear Initiative.

Highlights: Prime Fillet line sustainably caught, lower sodium

Grades: Prime Fillet Jumbo Lump, Fancy White Lump

Phillips

Phillips is a trusted brand that has been sustainably harvesting and hand-picking lump crab for almost 100 years. Reviewers confirm this is “the best lump crab meat you can buy” with “outstanding taste and freshness.” It contains wild lump crab and minimal ingredients without any added sugar.

Highlights: Family-owned, century of experience, no preservatives

Grades: Jumbo Lump, Premium Lump, Special Lump

Heron Point

Heron Point offers wild-caught jumbo lump crab meat packed with sweet flavor. Their processing facilities in Indonesia partner with local fishermen to bring high-quality seafood to market. Reviewers say this brand “blew away” crab from their local market and call it the “best tasting canned crab!”

Highlights: Wild-caught, jumbo grade, delicious flavor

Grades: Jumbo Lump, Colossal Sections, Back Fin Sections

What To Look For When Buying Canned Lump Crab

To help you identify the best quality canned lump crab meat, here are a few things to look for on the label:

• Species: Most lump crab comes from blue crab, but verify the species.

• Grade: Jumbo lump is ideal, with the largest chunks.

• Catch method: Traps or pots are better than dredges or trawls.

• Certifications: Look for MSC, BAP, or other sustainability certifications.

• Ingredients: Minimal is best. Crab and saltwater or brine is ideal.

• Short ingredient lists: Avoid lots of preservatives or chemicals.

• Fat or fillers: Some brands add soy protein, which dilutes the flavor.

• Country of origin: Indonesia, USA, and Vietnam are common sources.

• Packaging: Cans or vacuum-sealed pouches both work well.

With so many options on the shelf, use this checklist to zero in on the best canned lump crab for a great price.

How To Use Canned Lump Crab Meat

The tender, sweet lumps of crab meat should be the shining star in your recipes. Folding it gently into dishes preserves those succulent chunks. Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy canned lump crab:

• Crab cakes – The quintessential use, bind with minimal breadcrumbs or mayo.

• Crab dip – Fold into a creamy, cheesy base and bake until bubbly.

• Crab salad – Toss gently with mayo, lemon, and herbs for a simple salad.

• Seafood pasta – Combine with shrimp or scallops for a creamy pasta.

• Crab imperial – Stuff into baked mushrooms or peppers.

• Crab-stuffed fish – Fill filets of snapper or flounder.

• Louisiana gumbo – Add authentic flavor to seafood stews.

• Crab omelets – Saute lightly before adding eggs.

• Crab sandwiches – Pile high on brioche or croissants.

• Crab cocktails – Serve chilled with lemon and cocktail sauce.

With so many possibilities, canned lump crab meat is sure to become a pantry staple. The premium flavors and meaty textures make dishes feel special and luxurious.

Storing and Handling Canned Crab

It’s important to store and handle canned crab properly to maintain quality:

• Store unopened cans in a cool, dry place like the pantry. Avoid temperature extremes.

• Check the “Best By” date and use within 1-2 years for peak flavor.

• Refrigerate opened cans and use within 3-5 days.

• Drain and separate any excess liquid to prevent sogginess.

• Avoid freezing opened crab meat if possible, as this alters the texture.

• Handle the delicate meat gently to keep lump shapes intact.

Follow these tips to keep lump crab meat as fresh-tasting as the day it was caught.

Is Canned Crab Meat Healthy?

Like fresh crab, canned crab is low in fat, calories, and carbs. It’s an excellent source of lean protein, providing about 16-20g per 4oz serving. Canned crab also contains minerals like calcium, magnesium, and potassium.

And since it comes from the ocean, crab offers healthy omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart, brain, and inflammation levels.

Canned crab is certainly a healthier choice over processed snack foods or deli meats. Just watch your sodium intake, as canned versions often contain salt and preservatives to maintain freshness.

Overall, enjoying canned lump crab meat in moderation as part of a balanced diet can provide nutritional benefits.

Time To Crack Open Canned Lump Crab

With its sweet ocean flavor and tender, meaty texture, lump crab meat is a real delicacy. Canned crab allows you to skip the messy prep work while still enjoying delicious jumbo lumps of crab meat.

Top brands like Crown Prince, Chicken of the Sea