King crab legs are considered a delicacy by seafood lovers worldwide Their sweet, succulent meat and impressive size make them a premium choice for special occasions and gourmet meals But king crab legs also come with a hefty price tag that gives many buyers pause. So exactly how much do king crab legs cost? Here is a complete guide to king crab leg pricing so you can find the best deals.
What Impacts the Cost of King Crab Legs?
Several key factors impact the retail and wholesale pricing for king crab legs:
-
Size – King crab legs are sold by grade based on their size. Larger legs mean pricier crab. Common size grades: Jumbo, Colossal, Super Colossal.
-
Species – Red and Golden king crab have slightly different flavor profiles and textures impacting cost. Red king crab is more common and affordable.
-
Supply and Demand – Prices fluctuate yearly based on availability. Limited seasonal supply drives costs up.
-
Processing – Legs sold pre-split and shell-on or shell-off affects price. Meat-only is most expensive.
-
Shipping – Overnight shipping required for freshness adds cost for online and retail king crab.
-
Location – Markups at restaurants or fish markets increase price over buying direct from fisheries.
So what is the typical price range for king crab legs? Here’s a breakdown:
King Crab Leg Prices at Restaurants
Ordering king crab legs at a restaurant or seafood establishment often comes with a higher price tag. Expect to pay:
-
Appetizer Portions: $15 – $30 for 6 – 8 oz of crab legs
-
Entree Portions: $30 – $60 for 1 – 1.5 lbs of crab legs
-
Fine Dining Restaurants: Can range from $50 – $100+ for king crab entree
Paying a premium at restaurants allows you to enjoy king crab without any prep work. But buying directly from retailers can save over 50%.
Buying King Crab Legs from Retailers
Purchasing fresh frozen king crab legs from seafood retailers offers the best value. Here are typical retail prices:
-
Jumbo Legs: $25 – $35 per lb
-
Colossal Legs: $30 – $45 per lb
-
Super Colossal Legs: $50 – $70+ per lb
-
King Crab Clusters: $50 – $90+ per lb
-
King Crab Meat: $60 – $100+ per lb
When buying retail, look for specials on multi-pound bulk packs which can save up to 20%. Some retailers also offer free overnight shipping on orders over 10 lbs.
Buying Direct from Fisheries
The best king crab prices are found purchasing directly from Alaskan fisheries. Buying direct means saving on retailer markups. Expect to pay:
-
Jumbo Legs: $20 – $30 per lb
-
Colossal Legs: $25 – $35 per lb
-
Super Colossal Legs: $35 – $50 per lb
Many fisheries offer discounts for buying cases of 10+ lbs. Check for coupons and seasonal promos to save even more on large king crab orders.
How to Save on King Crab Legs
Here are some insider tips for finding king crab legs deals:
- Buy legs shell-on and crack them yourself – saves up to 30% over shell-off
- Look for sales in the fall and winter months when supply is highest
- Check coupons and promos from online retailers for percent-off discounts
- Buy direct from fisheries and buy in bulk quantities of 10+ lbs
- Avoid expensive restaurant markups by cooking at home
So how much are king crab legs? While king crab will always be one of pricier seafood options, knowing where to find the best deals can help you enjoy this delicacy without overspending. Use this pricing guide to shop smart for your next king crab feast!
Where to Buy Premium King Crab Legs Online
Website: Global Seafoods Global Seafoods is a trusted source for high-quality king crab legs. They offer a variety of options, including:
Why Choose Global Seafoods?
- Competitive pricing.
- Freshness guaranteed with fast shipping.
- Positive customer reviews for quality and service.
Cameron’s Seafood offers fresh and frozen king crab legs, shipped directly to your door with a focus on quality and convenience.
This retailer provides sustainably sourced king crab legs with detailed product information and reliable shipping.
Why Are King Crab Legs So Expensive?
Several factors contribute to the high price of king crab legs:
King crabs are harvested in cold waters like Alaska and the Bering Sea, where the fishing season is short to protect crab populations. This limited availability drives up prices.
Responsible fisheries adhere to strict regulations, including quotas and sustainable harvesting methods, which can increase operational costs.
Catching king crabs is no easy task. Fishermen brave freezing temperatures and rough waters to harvest these prized crabs, making the process more expensive.
The impressive size and rich flavor of king crab legs justify their premium price. Larger legs, like Alaskan Red King Crab Legs, cost more due to their higher meat yield.
We Tried $180 Alaskan King Crab Legs To See If They’re Worth The Money
FAQ
How many king crab legs is 1 lb?
One pound will yield 4-5 legs.
Why are king crab legs so expensive now?
King crab legs are expensive due to a combination of limited supply, high demand, and challenging harvesting conditions. Specifically, the Alaskan red king crab fishery, known for its premium quality, has faced closures and restrictions in recent years, further impacting supply.
How much should I pay for king crab?
As of 2024, the king crab price per pound typically ranges between $30 and $60, depending on the size, quality, and where it’s purchased. These prices reflect the costs for the red king crab variety, which is the most commonly consumed and highly prized.Oct 1, 2024
How many king crab legs for 1 person?
For crab, a standard serving size is 1 lb per person, or . 5 lb per person when serving as surf and turf.
How much do king crab legs cost?
Restaurant Prices: Ordering king crab legs at a restaurant triples or quadruples the price. Retail costs $25 per pound, restaurant servings can be $70-$100 per pound. Based on the typical range of market prices, here are the averages per pound: And keep in mind wild-caught Alaskan king crab costs 20-30% more than crab from other regions.
Which king crab is more expensive?
Red king crab is more expensive as it lives in shallower, colder waters and has a higher meat to shell ratio. Golden king crab comes from deeper, warmer waters and has spikier legs with a lower meat to shell ratio. Size: King crab legs are categorized by size – jumbo, colossal, extra large. Larger legs naturally contain more meat and cost more.
Does Costco sell king crab legs?
Yes, Costco has a generous return and exchange policy for its products, including King Crab Legs. If you’re not satisfied with the quality or freshness of the King Crab Legs, you can return them to Costco for a full refund or exchange them for a different product.
How much does a king crab leg weigh?
Jumbo legs are a good option if you want to enjoy king crab on a budget. The smaller legs mean less messing around trying to extract the meat. For a truly impressive king crab experience, go colossal. These extra-large legs weigh from 0.8 to 1.5 pounds each.
Are red king crab legs the same as Sam’s?
Red King Crab Legs arrived the next day and they were identical to ones purchased from an “Alaskan” site, other than the fact the ones from Sam’s were less than half the price. HALF THE PRICE AND EXACTLY THE SAME!!!
Where can I buy Alaskan king crab legs?
Known for its sweet, tender meat and large, juicy legs, Alaskan king crab offers a luxurious dining experience that’s hard to beat. When you order king crab legs from Maine Lobster Now, you’re getting premium, sustainably sourced crab, caught fresh and delivered directly to your door.