How Much Does a Pound of Crab Meat Cost? Prices Explained

With its sweet delicate flavor and tender flaky texture crab meat is one of the most luxurious seafood ingredients. Whether enjoying juicy crab cakes, dipping into crab dip, or keeping it simple with fresh-picked crab meat, there’s no denying its appeal. But being an in-demand delicacy comes at a price – crab meat is one of the pricier proteins out there.

So how much can you expect to pay for crab meat by the pound? The cost can range quite a bit based on the type, quality, source, and where you purchase it. Let’s break down the pricing so you know what to budget when buying crab.

Types of Crab and Average Cost Per Pound

There are numerous varieties of crab and some command higher prices than others. Here are some of the most common types and their typical price range per pound

Blue crab – $12 to $18 per lb
Dungeness crab – $15 to $25 per lb
King crab – $25 to $45 per lb
Snow crab – $15 to $30 per lb
Stone crab – $20 to $30 per lb

Of course, prices fluctuate and can sometimes fall outside these ranges depending on availability, season, and where you shop.

Grades of Crab Meat and Pricing

Within each crab variety, there are different grades that determine the price:

Jumbo Lump – Highest grade, largest chunks from body and claws – $30 to $50 per lb
Lump or Backfin – Smaller pieces from body – $18 to $28 per lb
Flake – Shredded body and leg meat – $12 to $16 per lb
Claw – From claws only – $12 to $18 per lb
Special – Mix of lump and flake – $15 to $22 per lb

Jumbo lump commands the highest prices for its large, intact chunks, while flake is the most budget friendly.

Where to Buy and Estimated Cost

Where you purchase crab meat also affects the price per pound:

Specialty seafood markets – Highest quality, $25 to $50 per lb
Fishmongers at upscale grocery stores (like Whole Foods) – Premium, $18 to $40 per lb
Seafood department at regular supermarkets – Lower prices, $12 to $25 per lb
Big box stores (Costco, Sam’s Club, BJ’s) – Best bulk value, $15 to $30 per lb
Online retailers – Varies, average $20 to $35 per lb

As expected, prices are highest at dedicated seafood suppliers known for excellent quality. Big box stores offer some of the best values for buying crab meat in bulk quantities.

Factors That Determine Crab Meat Prices

Several key factors impact the retail cost per pound:

Meat yield – Amount of usable meat that can be extracted from each crab
Processing – Handpicked meat costs more than machine extracted
Difficulty harvesting – Accessing crabs from remote, icy waters increases prices
Season – Prices peak when fresh crabs are least abundant
Live vs. canned – Fresh cooked crab costs more than canned or pasteurized
Supply and demand – Low inventory means higher prices

Getting the Best Value on Crab Meat

Here are some tips for getting high-quality crab meat at the best price:

Buy canned or pasteurized for lower cost
Purchase claw or flake grades rather than lump
Buy frozen legs and pick your own meat
Look for sales and bulk deals at big box stores
Buy in season when prices drop
Acceptable substitutes include imitation crab and pollock

While not cheap, you can take steps to reduce the cost of this sublime seafood. With smart shopping, you can enjoy fabulous crab dishes without breaking the bank. Just be flexible on the type of meat and keep an eye out for promotions.

Worth the Splurge for a Special Occasion

While it’s pricier than chicken or other seafood, succulent crab meat is worthwhile if you’re celebrating a special meal or occasion. Splurge on a high-end grade like jumbo lump to truly treat yourself. With proper storage and handling, crab meat keeps well in the fridge or freezer, letting you savor it over multiple uses.

Don’t let the cost deter you from enjoying this sweet and flaky delicacy. With some smart shopping strategies, you can take advantage of promotions and buy budget-friendly forms of crab meat. Treat yourself to this decadent seafood and savor each tender morsel. Just follow these tips to get your money’s worth.

how much is a pound of crab meat

Where to Buy Jumbo Lump Crab Meat?

Are you searching for “jumbo lump crab meat near me”? Look no further than us. We sell fresh Jumbo lump crabmeat at a fair price at All Fresh Seafood. For your convenience, we can bring the fresh, tasty crab meat right to your door.

To enjoy a delightful culinary experience, Buy Jumbo Lump Crabmeat Now!

Disclaimer:

Dont freeze crab meat unless it is used in soups, cakes, or stuffings. Freezing damages texture. We ship the next day so order accordingly for fresh crabmeat.

If you need to freeze this item, we suggest making a crab cake, stuffing, or soup with it within five days of receiving it to keep its quality.

Zone 1:

Flat Rate Delivery $35.00 for orders below $75 (after all discounts)

Flat Rate Delivery $22.99 for orders between $75 and $175 (after all discounts)