Where Can I Buy Imitation Crab Meat? A Guide to Purchasing Surimi

Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, can be an affordable alternative to real crab in recipes. But where exactly can you buy it? Here’s a complete guide to finding and purchasing imitation crab meat at the best prices.

What is Imitation Crab Meat?

Imitation crab, or surimi, is a seafood product made from fish paste and flavorings. The process involves:

Mincing fish like pollock or hake into a paste
Adding starch, egg whites, sugar, shellfish extract, and colors
Molding the paste into a crab leg shape
Cooking and packaging the final product

It provides texture similar to real crab but costs a fraction of the price Keep reading to learn where you can find this budget-friendly grocery item

Buying Imitation Crab Meat at the Grocery Store

Imitation crab is widely available at most mainstream grocery stores. Here’s where to look:

Seafood section – Check refrigerated cases near fresh fish.
Freezer aisle – Look for frozen packs by other frozen seafood.
Asian food aisle – Find next to ingredients like rice noodles.
Deli section – Sometimes sold next to lunch meats and cheeses.

National brands like Sushime and Louisiana Fish Fry stock major stores. Check seasonal availability.

Purchasing from Warehouse Stores

Warehouse clubs like Costco Sam’s Club and BJ’s sell surimi in bulk packs

Large frozen blocks – Thaw small amounts as needed.
Multi-packs – Buys like 2 or 3 packages at once.
Store brand – Quality tends to be comparable to name brands.
Food service packs – For restaurants or large gatherings.

Watch for sales and specials. Bulk buying saves significantly per pound.

Ordering Online for Delivery or Pickup

More grocery delivery services now include imitation crab

Instacart – Get surimi delivered along with regular groceries.
Amazon – Prime members can receive within 1-2 days.
Walmart – Pick up surimi when getting ClickList orders.
Grocery store apps – Many major chains now offer delivery.

Order exactly what you need without having to search multiple stores.

Purchasing from Asian Markets

For the best selection and prices, head to local Asian supermarkets. Benefits include:

Wider variety of brands and package sizes
Better prices on bulk packs
More options like seasoned surimi
Fresh surimi, not just frozen
Can buy ingredients for homemade sushi

Ask a staff member if you need help finding it.

Buying in the Seafood Department

Some grocery stores sell fresh surimi sea legs right alongside their fresh seafood:

Looks just like real crab legs
Sold refrigerated, not frozen
More expensive than frozen packs
Lets you buy exact amount needed
Offers mild fresh flavor

Check seafood counters at higher-end markets.

What to Look for When Buying

To ensure you pick a quality product:

Check the ingredient list – Surimi should be the first ingredient.
Avoid additives – Pick options without MSG, excess sodium, or artificial colors.
Look for natural flavors – Real crab extract provides the best flavor.
Know the fish type – Surimi is typically made from mild pollock or hake.
Check the expiration date – Buy packs with furthest date for freshness.

How Much Does Imitation Crab Meat Cost?

Imitation crab offers big savings compared to real crab:

Frozen packs: $2 to $4 per pound
Fresh sea legs: $7 to $10 per pound
Bulk frozen blocks: Under $2 per pound
Canned: $1 to $3 per can

Deals can be found by shopping sales, using coupons, and buying in bulk.

Popular Brands to Look for

Some of the top brands for quality and flavor include:

Sushime
Louisiana Fish Fry
Trader Joe’s
Kroger
365 (Whole Foods)
Three Crabs
Ocean Garden
Great Value (Walmart)

Ask for samples if available to taste test different options.

Uses for Imitation Crab Meat in Cooking

Imitation crab works great in:

Sushi rolls
Seafood salads
Surf and turf dishes
Hot dips and spreads
Sandwiches, wraps, and tacos
Casserole toppings
Seafood pasta bakes

Get all of the delicious crab flavor at a budget price tag.

Should You Buy Real or Imitation Crab Meat?

Consider real crab for:

Premium taste and texture
Special occasions and fine dining
Dishes that highlight crab flavor

Opt for imitation crab when:

Cooking on a budget
Mixing seafood flavors
Using crab as an ingredient, not focus
Feeding large groups

Both real and imitation crab can be amazing options in the right recipes.

Where to Buy Imitation Crab Meat near Me

To find surimi sold near you:

Search grocery delivery apps
Check local Asian markets
Look at warehouse club listings
Call ahead to specialty seafood stores
Ask your favorite sushi restaurants where they source it

Finding high-quality imitation crab has never been easier or more affordable. With this guide, you’ll be ready to purchase surimi for your cooking needs. Enjoy the classic flavor of crab without breaking the bank.

where can i buy imitation crab meat

Imitation Crab Near MeBuy your favorite Imitation Crab online with Instacart. Order Imitation Crab from local and national retailers near you and enjoy on-demand, contactless delivery or pickup within 2 hours.

Turning on notifications for the Instacart app
Keep an eye out for calls and texts from your Instacart shopper.”
Giving people helpful directions on how to park, gate codes, or other ways to find your house

Delivery fees start at $3. 99 for same-day orders over $35. There are different prices for deliveries within an hour, to club stores, and for deliveries under $35.
Service fees depend on where you are and the number and types of items in your cart, among other things. Orders containing alcohol have a separate service fee.
Tipping is optional but encouraged for delivery orders. You can show your customer how much you appreciate and thank them for great service. There is 10% of your tip that goes directly to the person who delivers your order.

With an optional Instacart+ membership, you can get $0 delivery fee on every order over $35 and lower service fees too. Instacart pickup cost:

There may be a “pickup fee” of $1 for your order, which is the same as a delivery fee for pick-up orders. 99 for non-Instacart+ members. Instacart+ membership waives this like it would a delivery fee.
No matter if you are a member of Instacart or not, there are no service fees for pick-up orders.

Find Best Match: If nothing else is chosen, your shopper will use their best judgment to choose a replacement for your item.
Pick Specific Replacement: If your first choice is sold out, you can choose a specific alternative for the customer to buy.
Choose “Dont Replace” for items you don’t want to replace. If the item is out of stock, you’ll get your money back.

Missing items
Incorrect items
Damaged items
Poor replacements
Early/late orders

If an order never came, or you get someone else’s order, you can reach out to Instacart Customer Experience. Yes! You can get Imitation Crab products delivered same-day in as fast as one hour from stores near you using the Instacart app or website.

What Is Imitation Crab Meat Actually Made Of?

FAQ

Can you buy imitation crab at the grocery store?

More often than not, you’ll find imitation crab at grocery stores that sell “fresh fish.” You should see it either in the frozen section or in the refrigerated aisle. Look for packaging that says “imitation crab,” “crab-flavored seafood,” or “surimi seafood.”

Is imitation crab meat healthy?

It’s a highly processed food containing minced fillet, egg whites, salt, sugar, and other additives to make it look like real crab meat. It’s more affordable, but less nutritious, than fresh crab meat. The decision is yours to make as to which you’ll buy for dinner.

What is imitation crab meat called?

Most imitation crab products will be labeled as “imitation.” However you may see it go by many names, both in grocery stores and in restaurants, including “crab sticks,” “crab-flavored seafood,” “surimi seafood,” “krab,” and in Japan it is known as “kamaboko.”

Is imitation crab meat expensive?

There are several reasons imitation crab is popular. One is its affordable price, as imitation crab is typically significantly cheaper than real crab.