Where to Buy Imitation Crab Meat: The Best Brands and Places to Shop

Imitation crab, which is also known as “crab sticks” or “krab,” is often used in place of real crab in many recipes. Surimi, a finely ground fish paste made from Alaskan pollock or cod that has been deboned, washed, cut up, and seasoned before being shaped into rod-like shapes that look like crab legs, is used to make it. Once dyed, these mock crab legs are pasteurized and vacuum-sealed, ready for immediate consumption. The advantage of using imitation crab meat is its affordability compared with real crab. Depending on the recipe, it may also be easier to use because it’s ready to use right from the package and doesn’t need a lot of work.

One problem with using fake crab is that people who are allergic to wheat, egg whites, MSG, food coloring, or other flavorings or binders that are added may be affected. Imitation crabmeat may also pose an environmental concern depending on how the fish are harvested. Finally, contrary to popular belief, not all imitation crab products are kosher. Some brands add small quantities of real crab meat to the blend to create the appropriate flavor. For these reasons, its crucial to read labels carefully.

Six common fake crab meat products from different stores were tested for texture, flavor, and how closely they matched the texture and flavor of real crab. How did these fake crab items do? Read on to find out if you should put them on your next sushi roll.

Imitation crab meat, also known as surimi, is a popular ingredient used in various dishes like California rolls, crab cakes, seafood salads, and more. With its flavorsome taste, shredded texture, and versatility, it’s no wonder imitation crab is a staple in many kitchens. But where exactly can you buy high-quality imitation crab meat? Which brands and stores offer the best options? Let’s find out!

Understanding Imitation Crab Meat

First, let’s quickly go over what imitation crab meat is It is essentially a seafood product made of pulverized white fish that has been blended with additives like starch, egg white, salt, sugar, and crab flavoring Popular white fish used include pollock, cod, and hake.

The resulting paste is then shaped and colored to resemble real crab meat. Imitation crab offers the crab flavor people love at a fraction of the price of real crab. While not as premium, it works great in cooked dishes.

The terms “imitation crab” “crab stick”, “krab” and “surimi” are used interchangeably in grocery stores. When shopping, check the ingredients to know exactly what type of seafood you’re getting.

Where to Buy Imitation Crab Meat

Here are some of the best places to buy high-quality, delicious imitation crab meat:

1. Asian Grocery Stores

The best place to find authentic, imported imitation crab is at an Asian supermarket Brands like Osaki, Marutama, and Yamasa offer premium Japanese surimi that is favored for its superior texture and flavor The crab sticks are commonly used in Japanese cuisine like California rolls, sushi, and seafood pancakes.

2. Online Seafood Stores

Ordering seafood online has become easy thanks to eCommerce stores like TrueFish that offer overnight shipping on frozen imitation crab meat right to your doorstep. You can discover premium varieties like the TrueFish shredded imitation crab meat which contains wild Alaskan pollock and is sustainably caught.

3. Warehouse Stores

Bulk grocery stores like Costco, Sam’s Club, and BJ’s Wholesale carry large packs of high-quality imitation crab meat at affordable prices. The Kirkland brand crab salad or legs are very popular choices with great value for money.

4. Regular Supermarkets

National supermarket chains will stock regular varieties like Chicken of the Sea or Louis Kemp. While the quality may not be gourmet, the convenience and cost savings of buying imitation crab meat at local grocery stores still appeals to many.

5. Seafood Markets

Visiting fresh seafood markets in coastal cities can allow you to find imitation crab freshly made at the store using wild-caught regional fish. This ensures maximum freshness and minimizes preservatives used. The crab salad or cakes sold at seafood markets are delicious.

The Best Imitation Crab Meat Brands

Now let’s look at some of the top brands recognized for their superior imitation crab:

Osaki: This Japanese brand by Osaki Suisan is hailed as the original inventor of imitation crab sticks in 1928. Made with real Alaskan snow crab extract, it offers an authentic, mildly sweet flavor.
Marutama: Another premium Japanese brand, Marutama surimi is made from fish like cod and seabream. The individual crab sticks have a pleasant aroma and delicate flavor.
Trans-Ocean: This classic American brand uses Alaskan pollock and real king crab meat blended with blue crab and lobster extracts, resulting in a fresh, tasty product.
Louis Kemp: With its all-natural ingredients and gluten-free formula, Louis Kemp imitation crab contains wild pollock and snow crab for a delicious taste.
Chicken of the Sea: Their iconic foil packs of imitation crab meat mix texture and flavor perfectly. It also provides convenience, long shelf life, and ease of use.

While these brands lead the pack, also look for regional brands near fishing towns that use freshly caught seafood for their surimi.

Buying and Storing Tips

Opt for meat that has a translucent white color without Discoloration or yellow spots.
Look for shredded and chunk styles to use in crab cakes or salads. Get crab sticks for sushi rolls or stir fries.
Check for ingredients like starch, crab flavoring, fish protein, and preservatives.
Store refrigerated imitation crab meat for 1-2 weeks and frozen varieties for 2-3 months.
Thaw frozen imitation crab overnight in the fridge before use.
Rinse before use to remove excess sodium from brine/packaging.

Delicious Ways to Use Imitation Crab Meat

Imitation crab meat adds wonderful flavor and nutrition to many seafood recipes:

Classic crab cakes with breadcrumbs and spices
Tuna or chicken salad with sliced imitation crab
Quick sushi rolls filled with imitation crab sticks
Crab rangoon appetizers with creamy filling
Cold seafood salad with thousand island dressing
Stir fries with vegetables and crab sticks
Hot dips served with imitation crab meat
Crab omelets or frittatas for breakfast

So get creative and add some imitation crab to your recipes soon! Just use our tips to find the highest-quality options.

Where Should You Buy Imitation Crab Meat?

To enjoy the sweet flavor of imitation crab in your cooking, know where to source the best options. Premium Japanese brands, online seafood companies, warehouse clubs, and local seafood markets all offer great quality. Check ingredients, coloring, texture, and freshness when buying. With so many ways to use surimi in appetizers, mains, and sides, it’s worth getting your hands on the good stuff!

where to buy imitation crab meat

Louis Kemp Crab Delights leg style imitation crab

Next to last on our ranking of imitation crab meat was the Louis Kemp Crab Delights leg-style variety. This product also comes in several styles, including flakes and chunks. The texture is a little different, but they all taste the same. This means that they can be used in a variety of recipes, such as crab cakes or seafood salads. This imitation crab is made with sustainably sourced wild Alaska pollock with tiny amounts of snow crab meat. We like that this variety is gluten-free because it is made with potato and corn starches as binders. However, the packaging warns that it is made in a facility that also uses wheat. Other potential allergens include fish, eggs, and shellfish, meaning that this product is not kosher.

Each serving of three legs contains 80 calories, a more moderate 430 milligrams of sodium, and 7 grams of lean protein. It also has 150 milligrams of omega-3 fatty acids which, per the National Institutes of Health, is invaluable for cardiovascular, pulmonary, immune, and endocrine health.

This fake crab tasted more like seafood than others, but it didn’t have the sweetness that makes crab meat unique. Its seafood flavor lingered in the aftertaste, which was not off-putting but notable. Additionally, the texture was more on the chewy and rubbery side, rather than firm or flaky. While we wouldn’t put it in a salad or sushi, it would work great in a pasta dish or something similar.

Aquamar surimi leg style

The Aquamar brand of imitation crab landed next on our list. We tried the leg style of surimi, but this company makes a lot of different kinds, like chunk, flake, leg, and shreds, and sells them to grocery stores and restaurants. Its products are sustainably sourced and certified by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC). A half-cup serving has 1110 calories, 1 gram of fat, 760 milligrams of sodium, which is 2033 percent of the daily value, and 5 grams of lean protein.

This product is made with Alaskan pollock and/or whiting. Although it doesn’t contain crab meat, it does use blue crab extract to make the taste more real. For this reason, allergy warnings include both fish and shellfish, and it isnt a kosher crab substitute. This product also uses both wheat and eggs as binders, as well as soy for flavor.

Even though the nutritional information of this brand didn’t really wow us, we thought it tasted and felt fine. Its texture was somewhat closer to real crab, though not as flaky as we would like. It was also dry, which made it a little hard to swallow, but the taste was much better than the others, with a sweeter aftertaste that wasn’t so heavy on seafood. This product would be perfect either cooked or raw.

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.”

Should you eat imitation crab meat?

There’s an increased risk of food safety and allergy issues with imitation crabs since many surimi manufacturers don’t list the ingredients accurately on the packages. In fact, some studies have also found mislabeled surimi products containing fish that can cause seafood illnesses like ciguatera poisoning.

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.

What is imitation crab meat?

A mixture of pollock, cod, and whiting held together with wheat, and potato starch makes the Great Catch imitation crab meat brand. Low fat and ready-to-eat, this meat will taste like the real thing in your dishes. But it will cost you a fraction of what you would pay for a real crab. 11. High Liner Foods Flake Style Imitation Crabmeat

What is best imitation crab?

Best Imitation Snow Crab Best is a seafood brand from Malaysia well-known for making imitation foods such as crab, tofu, and fish. Best is not made with Alaskan pollock, unlike many other imitation crab meat brands. Instead, they use golden threadfin bream and bigeye tuna. These differences give Best a different flavor that people love.

Which imitation crab meat is best for sushi?

While some of the lesser brands may be okay mixed into a salad or casserole, you’ll want a superior brand for sushi or snacking. We hope this list allows you to make a more educated choice next time you’re looking for imitation crab meat. 12. Fremont Fish Market Fremont Fish Market (FFM) is Aldi’s imitation crab meat brand.

Does Aldi sell imitation crab meat?

Fremont Fish Market (FFM) is Aldi’s imitation crab meat brand. Aldi owns the FFM trademark, but there’s not a whole lot of information about the company beyond that. The Environmental Working Group (EWG) gives many FFM seafood products a food rating in the one to two range (with one being best).