When you think about seafood, the flavor of fresh crab often comes to mind. But getting real crab can sometimes be tricky or expensive, which is where imitation crab steps in as a tasty alternative.
Over the years, imitation crab has gained a surprising amount of popularity, popping up in everything from sushi rolls to salads. It’s affordable, easy to find, and versatile enough to use in a variety of recipes. The real challenge, though, is finding a brand that tastes as close to real crab as possible.
Not all imitation crab is created equal. Some brands have managed to capture a flavor and texture that genuinely feels like you’re eating the real thing, while others fall short, offering only a rubbery, bland substitute. Whether you want to snack on it straight from the package or mix it into your favorite recipes, knowing which brands get it right can make all the difference.
Below, we explore some of the best options out there, based on taste, texture, and overall quality, so you can enjoy that satisfying crab flavor without the hefty price tag.
These Are the Best Brands
- Osaki
- Louis Kemp
- Trans-Ocean
- Chicken of the Sea
- Dyna-Sea Imitation Crab Stick
- Marutama Imitation Crab Sticks
- Yamasa Kani Kama
- Aquamar Imitation Crab Sticks
Osaki
Osaki is a Japanese brand known for making high-quality imitation crab sticks. Starting in 1928, Osaki Suisan put together a way to blend fish with crab extracts, creating a taste and texture that actually feel like real crab.
Product Overview
Osaki crab sticks are made from minced fish, mainly Alaska pollock and southern blue whiting. Each stick comes individually wrapped, so they stay fresh and are easy to grab. The texture is fibrous, which makes them perfect for recipes where you want that shredded crab feel.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 95 kcal |
| Protein | 7.62 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fat | 0.46 g |
Storage and Shelf Life
For best results, keep Osaki crab sticks frozen until you’re ready to use them. After thawing, they stay fresh in the fridge for about three days, but it’s best to use them soon after. Shelf life ranges from six to twelve months if kept frozen, so check the expiry date on the package.
Pricing
Prices for Osaki crab sticks vary depending on where you shop. A standard 17.6 oz (500g) package usually costs around $9, though this might change depending on the store.
Louis Kemp
Since teaming up with Trident Seafoods, Louis Kemp has focused on delivering a taste and texture that comes close to real crab without the high price.
Product Overview
Louis Kemp crab sticks are made primarily with Alaskan pollock, combined with snow crab for a touch of authentic flavor. The brand offers different styles, including flake, chunk, and leg options, making it versatile for a range of recipes. Its texture is softer but holds together well, fitting right into dishes where you want that crab-like bite.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
Pricing
Prices for Louis Kemp products usually range depending on the package size and store location. A standard 16 oz package can be found for less than $5.
Trans-Ocean
Trans-Ocean has been in the imitation crab game since 1985, operating out of Washington and using Alaskan pollock as a primary ingredient. This brand focuses on sourcing high-quality fish close to Alaska, ensuring a fresher taste in its Crab Classic line.
Product Overview
Trans-Ocean offers flake, chunk, and leg styles under its Crab Classic brand, combining Alaskan pollock with a bit of golden king crab extract for extra flavor. The texture is soft yet slightly firm, suitable for adding a touch of crab taste to various recipes.
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 85 kcal |
| Protein | 6.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 0.4 g |
Pricing
This brand is quite cheap, but known for high quality at the same time. You can find an 8 oz package for only $2.60.
Chicken of the Sea
Chicken of the Sea is a well-known seafood brand, branching out from its usual canned fish products to create imitation crab that holds up in quality and flavor. Using threadfin bream as a base, this imitation crab brings a slightly different texture and taste compared to pollock-based versions.
Product Overview
Chicken of the Sea’s imitation crab is made with threadfin bream instead of Alaskan pollock, giving it a slightly firmer texture and a mild sweetness. Packed in brine and foil-sealed, it’s easy to store and doesn’t require refrigeration until opened, making it convenient for meal prep.
The addition of hydrolyzed crab protein and MSG enhances the flavor, making it one of the more flavorful options in the imitation crab category.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 16 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
Pricing
The price of Chicken of the Sea imitation crab sticks is generally affordable, costing around $6.50 for a can.
Dyna-Sea Imitation Crab Stick
Dyna-Sea is a trusted brand offering imitation crab sticks crafted with care and known for a simple ingredient list that appeals to those seeking a straightforward, quality product.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 70 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 11 mg |
| Sodium | 525 mg |
Price
Marutama Imitation Crab Sticks
Marutama, a trusted Japanese brand, offers its imitation crab sticks in smaller, individually wrapped packages, typically found in 40g sizes. Known for its quality and authentic taste, Marutama’s crab sticks are often used in sushi and various seafood dishes, providing a mild, pleasant flavor with a soft, shreddable texture.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 80 kcal |
| Protein | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Sodium | 490 mg |
Price
Yamasa Kani Kama
Each 6oz package of Yamasa Kani Kama is made with Alaskan pollock and includes wheat starch, sorbitol, egg whites, sugar, and natural and artificial flavors. This blend creates a mild, pleasant taste and a soft, shreddable texture that works well in sushi rolls, salads, and other seafood dishes.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 75 kcal |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Carbohydrates | 11 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 450 mg |
- Yamasa Kani Kama is available for $5.29 per 6oz package
Aquamar Imitation Crab Sticks
Aquamar is a recognizable brand in the imitation crab market, known for providing a range of crab-style products. With a commitment to quality and versatility, Aquamar’s imitation crab sticks are often used in dishes requiring a mild seafood flavor.
This brand uses a combination of natural flavors to achieve a balanced taste, fitting well into various recipes, including salads, sushi, and casseroles.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per 100g |
|---|---|
| Calories | 90 kcal |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Carbohydrates | 14 g |
| Fat | 0.5 g |
- The 20 oz package costs around $5 in well-known stores.
Brands to Avoid
While many brands offer quality imitation crab that closely mimics the taste and texture of real crab, a few fall short in important areas. Issues like bland flavor, rubbery or dry texture, and excessive fillers have left some brands with negative reviews from customers. Below are some brands that may not meet expectations based on these common complaints:
1. Fremont Fish Market (Aldi)
Customers have often noted a rubbery and dry texture in Aldi’s Fremont Fish Market imitation crab. Reports of bland flavor and inconsistent quality have left some users unsatisfied, especially when used in recipes where crab flavor is essential. Additionally, some fillers and additives have raised concerns.
2. Beaver Street Fisheries (Sea Best)
Beaver Street Fisheries, under the Sea Best brand, offers both leg and flake styles of imitation crab, but it has faced criticism for a grainy, dry texture and lack of crab-like flavor. This brand’s product often contains a high amount of fillers, including modified starches, leading to a subpar experience compared to other brands.
3. Shirakiku
A product of Wismettac Asian Foods, Shirakiku imitation crab has faced mixed reviews due to its heavy processing and use of multiple phosphates. While some enjoy it for snacking, others find the taste overly artificial and the texture off-putting. The presence of additives, including MSG and various flavor enhancers, can make it feel overly processed.
Best Food to Make with Imitation Crab Meat
Imitation crab offers a seafood flavor at a fraction of the cost, and it fits into many recipes easily.
California Rolls
California rolls are a go-to for anyone looking to make sushi at home without needing pricey ingredients. The seafood taste of imitation crab pairs well with creamy avocado, crunchy cucumber, and seasoned rice, making it an easy and affordable sushi option.
Crab Salad
A quick and simple crab salad works well in sandwiches, on crackers, or over lettuce. Mix imitation crab with mayonnaise, diced celery, and a bit of lemon juice. It’s great for meal prep, too, since it stores well in the fridge.
Crab Rangoon
Crab rangoon brings together imitation crab and cream cheese for a creamy, savory filling in crispy wontons. They make a great appetizer or snack and are easy to fry up at home. Just combine the crab with cream cheese and seasonings, then wrap and fry.
Seafood Pasta
Creamy seafood pasta with imitation crab can be a satisfying meal. It works well with Alfredo or a simple garlic and oil sauce. Adding crab to pasta with mushrooms or spinach turns it into a quick, filling dish with a restaurant-quality taste.
Stuffed Mushrooms
Stuffed mushrooms filled with imitation crab and breadcrumbs make a flavorful appetizer. Add Parmesan and a bit of seasoning, then bake until golden for a savory snack that combines the richness of mushrooms with a hint of seafood.
Seafood Tacos
Seafood tacos with imitation crab are easy to put together. Just warm the crab, add lettuce, avocado, and salsa in a tortilla, and enjoy. It’s a lighter twist on regular tacos and takes only a few minutes to make.
FAQs
What Is Imitation Crab Made Of?
Imitation crab is primarily made from surimi, a paste created from minced fish, often Alaskan pollock. This fish paste is flavored, colored, and shaped to resemble real crab meat. Additional ingredients, like egg whites, starches, and flavoring agents, enhance its texture and taste to give it a seafood-like profile.
Is Imitation Crab Gluten-Free?
Not all imitation crab products are gluten-free. Some brands add wheat starch or flour as a filler or binder, so it’s important to check the ingredient list if you need a gluten-free option. Brands that prioritize gluten-free options often use alternative starches like potato or corn starch.
How Long Does Imitation Crab Last After Opening?
Once opened, imitation crab should be refrigerated and consumed within three days for the best quality and taste. If the product was previously frozen, it’s advised to consume it quickly after thawing to avoid any decline in texture or flavor.
Can I Freeze Imitation Crab?
Yes, imitation crab can be frozen, especially if it’s sold in a vacuum-sealed or airtight package. If you plan to freeze an opened package, ensure it’s sealed properly to avoid freezer burn. For best quality, consume frozen imitation crab within two months.
Is Imitation Crab Healthy?
It can be part of a balanced diet, offering protein with relatively low fat and calories. However, some brands may contain added sugars, sodium, or artificial flavors, so it’s a good idea to read the nutritional label and ingredient list if you are watching your intake of certain additives.
Final Thoughts
Picking the right imitation crab can make a real difference in your dishes. With some brands coming close to real crab flavor and texture, knowing which ones work best helps you get the most out of your meals. Use this guide to find quality options, so you can enjoy crab-like flavor without breaking the bank.