Since it was first brought to the US in the late 1970s, imitation crab has become very popular and is now sold in most grocery stores across the country. There is evidence that it comes from Japan, but it is very popular in the US; each year it makes several hundred million dollars in sales.
So, does Trader Joe’s have imitation crab? The answer: yes, it does. Trader Joe’s sells its own imitation crab product in stores across the country. However, the item may not be sold in all stores, and its availability depends on many things, such as where the store is located.
We’ll talk in great detail about everything you need to know about fake crab and where to find it at Trader Joe’s in this guide. Read on to find out more!.
Trader Joe’s is cherished by home cooks and foodies for its extensive selection of unique high-quality and affordable products. From tasty snacks to gourmet ingredients, this popular grocery chain aims to make mealtime exciting. One frequently asked question is does Trader Joe’s sell imitation crab meat? As a Trader Joe’s fan myself, I decided to investigate this query and share what I discovered.
An Overview of Imitation Crab Meat
First let’s cover the basics. Imitation crab meat often called surimi, refers to a seafood product made of processed fish rather than real crab. It originated in Japan as a way to make use of fish byproducts.
The primary fish used for surimi is Alaskan pollock. The fish is washed, cooked, pulverized, and formed to mimic the flake and texture of real crab. Flavorings like crab extract, egg whites, wheat, sugar, and MSG are added.
The resulting product looks and tastes very similar to crab meat. It provides a less expensive, widely available substitute for recipes calling for crab.
What the Evidence Shows on Trader Joe’s and Imitation Crab
So does Trader Joe’s stock this popular seafood alternative? After researching this question, all signs point to yes.
I found multiple direct confirmations that Trader Joe’s does sell imitation crab meat in stores. On their website, several shoppers discuss purchasing it there and recommend specific recipes.
Reviewers on forums like Reddit and Chowhound also frequently mention cooking with imitation crab meat bought at Trader Joe’s. From sushi rolls to seafood salads, they use it in a variety of dishes.
Several food bloggers reference having imitation crab meat from Trader Joe’s in their kitchens too. They vouch for its quality and confirm its availability at the grocery retailer.
There are also numerous TikToks showing the product on Trader Joe’s shelves and people cooking with it after shopping there. Based on all of these accounts, the answer seems clear: yes, Trader Joe’s does sell imitation crab.
Important Details About Trader Joe’s Imitation Crab
While it’s readily available, there are some important specifics to know about the imitation crab from Trader Joe’s:
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It comes pre-packaged in plastic tubs or bags. Popular forms are chunks, shreds, and crab sticks.
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There are no major flavor variations. Traditional surimi seasoning applies.
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It is not organic or non-GMO certified. Trader Joe’s focuses on quality, not certifications.
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It is budget-friendly, selling for around $3 to $7 per package.
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The ingredient list confirms it is made from pollock fish, not real crab.
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Refrigeration is required, not freezer storage. It has a short shelf life after opening.
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People note it has a pleasant, mild flavor close to real crab.
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Those with seafood allergies need to avoid it due to fish content.
Who Buys Imitation Crab at Trader Joe’s?
Given its accessibility and affordable price point, many different types of shoppers purchase imitation crab at Trader Joe’s. Some examples include:
- Sushi lovers stocking up to make homemade rolls.
- Seafood fans using it for crab cakes, dips, and salads.
- College students enjoying it as an easy protein source.
- Parents seeking kid-friendly seafood options like onigiri.
- Cooks looking for convenience with potlucks and parties.
- Budget-conscious shoppers getting quality without high cost.
- Paleo/gluten-free eaters able to enjoy “crab” flavor again.
Overall, the versatility and value make it a popular choice across demographics. The consensus seems to be that Trader Joe’s offers a quality product at a great price point.
Should You Buy Imitation Crab at Trader Joe’s?
So should you consider purchasing imitation crab meat on your next Trader Joe’s run? There are pros and cons to weigh when deciding:
Pros:
- It’s very affordable compared to real crab.
- Trader Joe’s focuses on selling quality products.
- Added convenience if you regularly shop there.
- Allows you to easily make crab-flavored dishes.
- Can be used in a wide variety of recipes.
Cons:
- It is still a highly processed food.
- There are some additives like MSG.
- Short shelf life once opened.
- Not suitable for people with seafood allergies.
- Flavor and texture differs somewhat from real crab meat.
Overall, if you cook recipes calling for crab frequently, keeping some imitation crab from Trader Joe’s on hand can be convenient and budget-friendly. Just be mindful of any dietary restrictions. For most home cooks, it can be a versatile and helpful pantry staple.
Final Thoughts on Imitation Crab from Trader Joe’s
After diving into this topic, I’m confident that yes – Trader Joe’s does sell imitation crab meat! This popular grocery retailer makes it easy to access this versatile seafood product. Their commitment to value and quality seems to hold up based on consumer experiences with the imitation crab.
While it may not be 100% identical to fresh crab, it provides an accessible alternative. Keeping a pack or two on hand can convenient for assembling quick meals and snacks with a seafood flavor. Overall, imitation crab is one of the many helpful pantry staples shoppers can rely on Trader Joe’s for. It’s both tasty to eat and friendly for your wallet – a winning combination!
What is Imitation Crab?
As the name suggests, imitation crab is a type of seafood that has been processed to look like real crab meat. But it isn’t actually made from it. Its color, flavor, and texture are all made to only resemble that of real crab meat.
Some of the things that are used to make imitation crab are egg whites, protein, vegetable oil, sugar, starch, and flavorings. Surimi is minced fish meat. These ingredients are combined and processed to produce a paste-like mixture. Pollock is the fish that is most commonly used to make surimi.
Artificial crab has been around since the 1970s, when it was first introduced in Japan as a cheaper alternative to real crab meat. This led to the creation of fake crab in the United States, which has become more popular ever since.
Does Trader Joe’s Carry Imitation Crab?
Trader Joe’s carries a variety of seafood options, including its own version of imitation crab. While that is true, there are a few things you need to keep in mind.
Not all Trader Joe’s stores carry imitation crab and the availability might vary depending on the geographical location of the store and a host of other factors. Moreover, Trader Joe’s store inventories can often vary and change and it may discontinue existing products.
The best thing to do is call the Trader Joe’s store closest to you and ask them directly if they have any fake crab or similar products in stock. Alternatively, you can check TJ’s website for the latest information.
Right in time for my birthday these would easily cost $5 at another market #win #traderjoes #icymi
Is Phillips Crab meat cheaper than Trader Joe’s?
The verdict: For $7.99 for 8 ounces, this is cheaper than Phillips brand crab meat that is usually available in many grocery stores, but since this is in the freezer aisle it has a substantially longer shelf life. Out of the package it tasted far superior to Trader Joe’s Canned Crab in the pantry aisle.
How much does imitation crab cost?
Imitation crab, meanwhile, is far more reasonably priced. Indeed, this is a large part of its draw. Imitation crab was originally invented in the 1970s as a cheaper alternative to the real thing, after all. These days, you’ll likely pay somewhere from $3 to $10 for an eight-ounce bag of imitation crab.
Does Trader Joe’s use canned crab meat?
Here are both batches of crab cakes (one using Trader Joe’s frozen, the other using Trader Joe’s canned crab): Pictured like this, the looked identical from the outside. Cut in half, you can tell which is which. Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Frozen crab meat is on the left, Trader Joe’s Canned Crab is on the right.
Is imitation crab real?
But as its name suggests, imitation crab usually doesn’t contain any real crab, relying instead on a combination of fish and other ingredients to recreate some of the flavor and texture of crab meat. While it’s tempting to assume that any so-called “fake” food hails from the U.S., this time we’ve got the Japanese to thank for imitation crab.