Crab meat is a delicious and versatile ingredient that can elevate so many dishes, from crab cakes to seafood pasta to crab dip. However not all crab meat is created equal. With options like imitation crab meat made from pollock and crab sticks made from processed fish surimi it can be hard to know where to find real, authentic crab meat.
In this article, we’ll explore what exactly “real” crab meat means, where to buy it, and how to choose the best quality crab meat for your needs. Let’s dive in!
What is Real Crab Meat?
Real crab meat comes directly from crabs, rather than being a highly processed seafood product. There are a few key types of real crab meat to know:
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Jumbo lump crab meat – This refers to whole intact lumps of crab meat from the two largest muscles of the crab. It has the best texture.
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Lump crab meat – Slightly smaller lumps of crab meat typically from smaller crab species. Still has nice chunks.
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Backfin crab meat – Flakier chunks and shreds of crab meat. Comes from smaller body section muscles.
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Claw crab meat – Shredded and stringy meat from crab claws, legs, and body. Often used in crab cakes.
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Special crab meat – A mix of lump and backfin meat. Provides nice crab flavor at a lower cost.
No matter what type of crab is used, real crab meat should have a sweet, delicate flavor and moist, flaky yet chunky texture when cooked.
Where to Buy Real Crab Meat
You have several options when it comes to sourcing real crab meat. Here are some of the best places to buy fresh crab meat near you:
Local Fish Markets and Seafood Shops
One of the best ways to buy real, quality crab meat is to visit a local fish market or seafood shop. Many carry fresh crab meat from their region’s local fishermen. You can check the seafood counter for options and ask the fishmonger for recommendations based on your recipe needs and budget.
The benefit of buying crab meat from a local fish market is you typically get peak freshness and can inspect the product before purchasing. You also support local fishermen when you buy direct from a fish market.
Specialty Grocery Stores
Upscale grocery stores, especially those with fresh seafood counters or sections, are another solid option for finding real crab meat. Some examples are Whole Foods, Central Market, Wegmans, or metropolitan stores like Eataly.
Check the labels closely and look for crab meat packed in the USA from domestic crab varieties like blue crab, Dungeness crab, snow crab, or king crab. Jumbo lump or lump crab meat tends to cost $20-30 for around 8 oz at most grocery stores.
Online Seafood Retailers
For premium crab meat delivered right to your door, turn to online seafood companies like Seattle Fish Co., Fulton Fish Market, or Lobster Anywhere. You can order fresh jumbo lump crab, have it quickly packed with freezer gel packs, and get ultra-fresh crab no matter where you live.
Be sure to read reviews and only buy from reputable online seafood retailers with fast shipping and quality guarantees. Expect to pay a premium for overnight delivery.
Direct from Crab Fisheries
If you live in a region known for crab fishing like the Chesapeake Bay, Pacific Northwest, or Alaska, consider buying crab meat straight from local crab fisheries or processors.
Companies like Lindy’s Seafood in Maryland ship fresh and frozen crab nationwide. This allows you to get crab meat straight from the source, supporting small businesses while getting delicious crab.
Choosing the Best Quality Crab Meat
Once you’ve found a retailer that sells real crab meat, here are some tips for picking the best quality:
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Check the processing date – Fresher is better, so look for crab meat packed within a few days or week.
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Inspect the color – It should have a natural white, pinkish, or reddish-brown tint depending on the type of crab. Avoid yellowing.
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Give it a smell – Fresh crab has a pleasant, mild seafood aroma. Rancid crab will have a fishy odor.
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Feel the texture – Lump crab should have noticeable chunks and resistance when pressed gently. Flaky backfin will be drier.
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Read the ingredients – Real crab is the only ingredient. Some additives are OK, like salt or citric acid, but avoid lots of fillers.
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Know your region’s best crabs – Blue crab from the Chesapeake Bay, Dungeness from the Pacific Northwest, and king crab from Alaska are all good local choices.
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Consider sustainability – Choosing crab meats certified as sustainable by organizations like the Marine Stewardship Council ensures healthy crab populations.
With this guide, you now know exactly what real crab meat is, the best places to source it fresh or online, and how to select the highest quality crab for your cooking needs. Enjoy experiencing the sweet deliciousness of real crab meat in your next seafood recipe. Just don’t forget the Old Bay!
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Moreover, snow crab leg meat has been rapidly gaining popularity among food enthusiasts due to its succulent flavor and versatility in culinary applications. Many of our customers have shared their culinary creations with us, including innovative dishes like homemade snow crab leg rolls. These testimonials highlight the satisfaction and enjoyment that our premium snow crab leg meat brings to the dining experience.
Whether youre indulging in a sumptuous crab leg roll or relishing the sweet, tender meat on its own, Maine Lobster Nows snow crab leg meat promises an unforgettable culinary journey every time.
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But what sets our Jonah Crab Leg Meat apart? Its incredible versatility! Whether youre a professional chef or a home cook, there are endless ways to enjoy this delectable meat. Try it plain for a pure, satisfying taste experience, or elevate your meals by incorporating it into your favorite recipes.
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2025 Best Refrigerated Crab Meat Review [ Top 5 ]
FAQ
How can you tell if crab meat is real?
The easiest way to tell the difference between real and fake crab is the label. Fake crab will have a laundry list of ingredients on the nutrition label. Real crab meat will simply read “crab meat” or “lump crab meat”. There will be no additives or other funky ingredients.
Do supermarkets sell crab meat?
Tesco Orkney Crab Meat 100G – Tesco Groceries.
Does Costco have real crab meat?
Chicken of the Sea Super Lump Real Crab Meat Same-Day Delivery | Costco.
What is the best way to buy crab meat?
1. Fresh crab meat should be white, firm, and eaten within two days. When it comes to selecting good fresh crab meat, trust your senses. The meat should be white for the most part with a moderately firm texture. If the meat has an exaggerated fishy or ammonia smell or has a blue tinge, steer clear.