If you’re shopping for seafood online, the Dungeness crab prices might look random. This crab has a sweet, mild, and nutty taste, with firm but tender meat. Depending on the source, Dungeness crab can cost between $50 and $70 per pound. For those new to crab, that might feel like a lot of variance for a relatively straightforward order.
The Dungeness crab at Lummi Island Wild sits squarely at the center of that range. We want to keep our prices low, but we also need to take care of the waters where we fish. Below, we’ve unpacked some of the reasoning behind our pricing.
We take care to price our crabs fairly. We put in a lot of work to be as environmentally friendly as possible and take good care of the waters where we fish. Most of the time, you’ll see that thoughtfulness reflected in our pricing. But we always make sure to keep our prices as low as we can. Our goal is for everyone to be able to get sustainable seafood. If you want to try Dungeness crab, you should be able to buy some.
Our Dungeness crab cost is very straightforward. These crabs come in amounts of 3 or 5, and they weigh between 1. 5 and 2 pounds each. In most cases, these crabs cost around $50 for a 1. 5 or 2-pound crab. If you opt to buy 5 crabs instead of 3, you’ll save 20 percent.
Keep in mind that Dungeness crab have a high meat yield. This means you’ll get more meat for your money. Around 25 percent of a Dungeness’s weight is pure meat. If you think the price of a Dungeness crab is high, keep in mind that you get more meat per pound than with a Maryland Blue crab.
Our Dungeness crabs are cooked whole and frozen to preserve taste and texture. Crustacean meat, like that found in crab and lobster, tends to degrade quickly once the fish dies. Unless it ships live, crab will almost always be pre-cooked.
This added step removes some of the work for home chefs. We take the time to cook the crabs to perfection. We also factor this step into our pricing. Cooking crabs takes quite a bit of expertise. All you have to do to cook the Dungeness crabs to your liking once they get to your door is steam them.
As with all our frozen seafood, Dungeness crabs will ship frozen. We pack them into coolers with dry ice, then send them via 2nd Day Air. This ensures the crabs are frozen and safe to eat when they arrive at your door. If you’d like to specify a shipping or receiving date, you can customize your order at checkout. We ship Monday through Wednesday, excluding holidays.
Our price for Dungeness crab takes into account all the work that goes into finding and preparing these tasty treats, but we also want to make them as affordable as possible. If you’ve never eaten Dungeness crab, today is a great day to try it.
Crab is one of the most prized seafood delicacies in the United States. Its sweet, succulent meat is cherished by seafood lovers across the country. But crab can also be quite expensive especially for premium varieties like king crab and snow crab. So how much does crab cost per pound in 2024? Here is a detailed breakdown of current crab prices in the US market.
Average Retail Prices for Different Crab Varieties
There are several popular types of crab commercially fished and sold in the US The most common varieties and their average retail cost per pound are
- Blue crab – $12.50/lb
- Dungeness crab – $5.90/lb
- King crab – $13/lb for whole crab, $49.99/lb for clusters
- Snow crab – $9.03/lb for clusters
- Stone crab claws – Market price of $35-$75/lb depending on size
Blue crab and Dungeness crab are among the cheapest options, as they are abundantly caught along the Atlantic and Pacific coasts respectively. Premium varieties like king crab and snow crab have to be shipped from Alaska, while stone crab claws come from Florida. Their limited supply results in higher prices for these types of crab.
Factors Affecting Crab Prices
Several factors account for the varying prices of different crab species in the US market
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Species – Some varieties like king crab and snow crab are inherently more expensive due to limited supply.
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Size – Larger crab or claws command higher prices per pound. A premium colossal stone crab claw can cost up to $75/lb.
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Processing – Live crab or whole cooked crab are cheaper than processed products like crab cakes or claw meat, which require more labor.
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Location – Crabs sourced from further locations like Alaska and Florida are pricier than regional catches.
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Season – Prices fluctuate depending on crab season and availability.
Historical and Projected Crab Prices in the US
Based on historical data, crab prices in the US have been steadily rising over the past decade:
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The average export price of all crab varieties increased from $9.59/lb in 2011 to $12.07/lb in 2020.
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King crab imports saw even steeper gains, going from $8.62/lb in 2012 to $12.07/lb in 2020.
This upward price trend is projected to continue, with king crab imports predicted to reach $11.50/lb by 2024. However, periodic dips may occur, like the recent drop in snow crab prices thanks to a bountiful season this year in Alaska.
Getting the Best Deal on Crab
For seafood lovers looking to enjoy delicious crab without overspending, here are some tips:
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Opt for abundant regional varieties like Dungeness or blue crab if you live near their habitats.
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Buy live or whole cooked crab instead of pre-processed products.
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Purchase crab during peak season when availability is high. For Dungeness, this is Winter. For blue crab, late Summer and early Fall.
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Check weekly specials at local fish markets and supermarkets, when seasonal gluts can bring down prices.
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Consider buying frozen crab legs or clusters when king crab and snow crab are out of season. Or substitute them with cheaper crab cakes made from blue crab meat.
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Buy crab claws and other parts instead of whole king or snow crab. The legs and shoulders offer the sweetest meat for much lower prices.
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Shop around different stores and markets, or buy directly from local fishermen when possible to get the best deals.
While crab will always command premium prices due to high demand and limited supply, following these tips can help budget-conscious seafood fans can still enjoy delicious, affordable crab. With its sweet and succulent meat, crab is a worthwhile splurge for special occasions like holidays and celebrations when you want to indulge in this luxurious shellfish.
We Tried $180 Alaskan King Crab Legs To See If They’re Worth The Money
FAQ
How much is crab meat a lb?
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Maryland Crab Meat
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Maryland Claw The dark flavorful meat from the claw of the crab. Pasteurized
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(3) 1 lb containers $40.00/lb
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(5) 1 lb containers $37.60/lb
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Maryland Claw Cocktail Twelve ounces of claw meat ready to dip and eat. Pasteurized
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(1) 12 oz container
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(3) 12 oz containers $40.00/ea
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How much is one lb of crab legs?
How many crabs do you get in a pound?
How much meat is in a 2 lb Dungeness crab?
How much does a pound of king crab cost?
As a rough rule of thumb, expect to spend anywhere between $10-$40 for a pound of crab meat. This can add up fast, especially if you have a lot of diners. Many sites charge about $400 for 10 lb. of colossal king crab, and a similar price for wild Alaska giant king crab legs.
How many crab legs in a pound?
Crab legs are graded by size, so this tells you how many legs you will get in a pound. If, for example, you see 10/13 on the packaging, you’ll get between ten and thirteen legs per pound. You may also see written sizes such as “jumbo” on the packets to give an indication of leg size.
How much do king crab legs cost?
Many sites charge about $400 for 10 lb. of colossal king crab, and a similar price for wild Alaska giant king crab legs. Some stores charge around $110 for 10 lb. of snow crab legs, which is significantly cheaper than the online king crab options. Crab legs are graded by size, so this tells you how many legs you will get in a pound.
How much does a king crab leg weigh?
So, we’re here to take the guessing out of the game when it comes to both size and portion. FAQ: How much do I order? ANSWER: The average (adult) guest typically enjoys about two pounds of King Crab Legs — three pounds if you’re really celebrating! Check how much delicious meat to expect per leg!