Lobster is one of the most coveted and expensive seafood delicacies around. While whole live lobsters and lobster tails have their merits, lobster meat delivers sweet unadulterated flavor in every bite. But how much should you expect to pay for lobster meat by the pound? Here we break down the going rate based on seller, shipping costs, lobster supply, and other factors.
Overview of Lobster Meat Pricing
The price per pound for lobster meat typically ranges from
- $35 to $50 per pound for processed meat from seafood wholesalers
- $50 to $150 per pound for premium meat from specialty sellers
Lobster meat consists of tail, claw, and knuckle meat processed from whole cooked lobsters. Since it takes multiple lobsters to produce a pound of meat, it commands a higher price than lobster tails Quality, freshness, shipping fees, company reputation and processing standards also impact cost
Buying lobster meat lets you enjoy the sweet taste of lobster in sandwiches, salads, pasta, and more, without having to cook a whole lobster yourself. The price reflects the work that goes into extracting the meat. Let’s look at what specific elements make up the final cost per pound.
Key Factors That Determine Lobster Meat Pricing
Several key factors come into play when determining the retail cost of lobster meat:
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Meat yield per lobster – Only about 20% of a lobster’s weight is usable meat. It can take 3-4 whole lobsters to produce 1 pound of meat.
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Processing – Labor-intensive hand processing is required to carefully pick the lobster meat after cooking.
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Quality standards – Some companies adhere to stricter sea-to-table standards for quality which increases costs.
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Lobster supply – Availability of harvested lobster fluctuates which affects market price. Summer is peak season.
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Shipping – Overnight shipping with ice packs or freeze packing adds to the price. Free shipping may require minimums.
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Brand reputation – Premium lobster companies and identifiable branding justify a higher price point.
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Sales margins – Lobster is a high-margin product so retailers aim for a higher markup. Marketing and packaging further add to costs.
Average Market Rate for Lobster Meat
On average, expect to pay $50 to $120 per pound for high-quality lobster meat from most retailers. Here’s how pricing breaks down by seller type:
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Seafood wholesalers – $35 to $50/lb for bulk processed meat. Lower cost but less known sourcing standards.
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Online seafood markets – $60 to $80/lb for premium quality from top lobster suppliers. Retail packaging.
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Specialty lobster shops – $80 to $150+ per pound for identifiable brand, exceptional quality, and shipping care. Highest prices.
Obviously there is a wide range depending on where you purchase. We’ll analyze examples from top lobster companies below to illustrate pricing factors at work.
Comparing Prices at Premium Lobster Retailers
Here’s a look at current per pound lobster meat prices among the highest rated lobster delivery companies:
Lobster Anywhere
- Meat from $62/lb
- Free delivery over $150
- Minimum order 2 lbs
Get Maine Lobster
- Meat at $99.99/lb
- Free delivery over $199
- Minimum order 2 lbs
Luke’s Lobster
- Tail and claw meat $105/lb
- Free shipping all orders
- 1 lb. minimum
Maine Lobster Direct
- Lobster meat $89/lb
- Free delivery over $129
- 2 lb. minimum
As you can see, pricing is in the range of $62 to $105 per pound among premium retailers. Shipping minimums for free delivery and order minimums also impact real cost.
Does Location Affect Lobster Meat Price?
Your geographic location doesn’t directly impact the base rate per pound charged for lobster meat. Lobster is harvested in the northeast Atlantic waters and shipped fresh nationwide.
But lobster shipping costs do rise for longer transit to destinations like the west coast or southwest. So your real out-the-door cost may be higher based on where you live.
Cost Breakdown for 1 Pound of Lobster Meat
Let’s look at a sample cost for 1 pound of lobster meat to see the pricing dynamics:
- Base rate per lb: $89
- Shipping: $30
- Total cost: $119
For this fictional 1 lb order, base meat rate is $89/lb plus $30 overnight shipping totals $119. Orders over 2 lbs may qualify for free shipping, saving $30.
As you can imagine, costs add up fast when buying smaller amounts. That’s why you often see minimum order amounts to get the best deal on lobster meat per pound.
Tips to Get the Best Price on Lobster Meat
Here are some tips and tricks to get the most bang for your buck when buying lobster meat:
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Purchase in bulk for a lower per pound cost
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Take advantage of free shipping thresholds
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Compare rates between top retailers
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Consider processed meat from wholesalers
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Buy during peak fall/winter season if possible
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Look for sales around holidays and special events
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Add other items to hit minimum order value
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Split larger orders with friends to save on shipping
Savor the Flavor at a Premium Price Point
In the end, while not cheap, fresh lobster meat is worth splurging on as an indulgent treat and for special recipes. The delicate sweet flavor can’t be replicated. Knowing each pound contains the essence of multiple whole lobsters explains the higher cost. With a prized ingredient like lobster meat, it’s more about the memorable eating experience than the price tag.
Long time customer from TX
I have order from your company a minimum of 10 times. We love your lobster. I will say, though, that the quality wasn’t as good as it has been in the past. The meat was more shredded and had less large chunks then normal. I also notice more of the bones (not sure what they are called in lobster). However, your service and delivery are great! Hopefully this last shipment was just a fluke.
Love the lobster meat. I have it shipped every several months. It’s always fresh, clean and delivered on time.
How Much Lobster Meat is in a One Pound Lobster? Is it Cheaper to Buy Lobster Meat or Live Lobsters?
How much meat is in a pound of lobster?
For example, a 1 lb. hard-shell lobster will yield 3.36 oz. of cooked meat (Based on a 21% yield). To get a pound of meat, divide 16 oz. (1 lb.) by 3.36 oz. So you will need 4.76 1 lb. lobsters for 1 pound of cooked meat. What is Considered a Serving of Lobster? Four ounces of meat is considered a typical serving size for lobster.
Should you buy lobster meat by the pound?
Buying lobster meat by the pound is one of the most versatile seafood purchases you can make because you can make endless dishes with lobster meat. However, with tails and whole live lobster, there is some work to do in order to make other dishes.
How much does lobster meat cost?
Lobster meat is about freshness and those prices below $40/lb make us wonder how long they have been sitting around to be offered that cheaply. Similarly, those on the high end, like Sanders Lobster, and Winter Harbor Lobster Co-op are just too high to recommend to savvy shoppers.
Do you sell Maine lobster meat by the pound?
We sell Maine lobster meat by the pound — remember that a pound of lobster meat can go a long way. You can choose to buy lobster meat from different parts of the lobster, including the tail. We know you’ll love becoming one of our repeat customers. We deliver hand-picked, fully cooked, fresh Maine Lobster meat right to your door.