What Is Imitation Crab Made of, Exactly? Here's What to Know

Imitation crab is pretty up front about the fact that it’s not the real thing. Designed to mimic the taste of real crab without the hefty price tag, it provides a subtly sweet, mildly briny experience with a more tender bite. But what is imitation crab, exactly?

Prepare to be hit with some fascinating food facts. Ahead, we’ll cover what imitation crab is, how it’s made and, most crucially, whether it’s good for you. Let’s find out.

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What is imitation crab?

While it might seem like a modern-day food hack, imitation crab actually has ancient roots with a substance called surimi. Surimi is a paste made with mild white fish—typically Alaskan pollock, but sometimes cod or tilapia—and additives to extend its shelf life.

Japanese chefs originally created surimi as a way to use up food scraps and leftover fish fillets. It has been considered a delicacy for more than 900 years, and it’s still used in many popular Asian dishes, such as fish cakes. Chefs eventually stabilized the recipe and introduced it to other countries in the 1970s and ’80s, when it gained popularity in the United States as the foundational ingredient for imitation crab.

You’ll find surimi products clearly labeled as imitation, “processed seafood” or “fish protein,” per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policies. When dining out, be sure to ask waiters or other service staff if you’re getting the real deal or not. While it’s not the fresh, unprocessed crustacean and will never taste exactly like real crab, many diners find that imitation crab is a satisfying, versatile and low-cost alternative.

Here are a few foods and dishes you’ll likely find imitation crab in today:

Sushi (such as California roll, spicy crab roll, cream cheese and crab roll)
Crab salad
Crab rangoon
Crab sticks
Seafood macaroni salad
Seafood enchiladas
Imitation crab cakes
Crab Alfredo

How is imitation crab made?

Imitation crab isn’t just surimi. To achieve that unique crab flavor and consistency, food manufacturers now use additives that often include:

Egg whites
Starches
Salt
Sugar
Sweeteners
Natural or artificial flavors like monosodium glutamate (MSG)

The mixture is then molded and cut into chunks or strips that mimic real crab.

According to the FDA’s seafood labeling guide, manufacturers must clearly disclose when a product is imitation crab or surimi-based seafood.

Imitation crab vs. real crab: What’s the difference?

Imitation Crab Meat And Real Crab Meat Getty Images (2)

The difference between imitation crab and real crab is, well … pretty simple: One is real crab meat and the other is not.

The biggest draw of imitation crab is the difference in price—it’s usually about one-third of the price of real crab meat. At-home cooks and restaurant-goers alike enjoy it in dishes like sushi or seafood salads, but nutritionally, you do get what you pay for. Although imitation crab is low in both fat and calories, real crab has much more protein, fewer carbs and less sodium and sugar than the imitation.

The fake stuff also lacks many of the nutritional benefits of crab, including trace minerals, zinc, selenium and B vitamins. If you’re in it for the nutrients, crab is a better option.

Is imitation crab healthy?

To put it more judiciously, we can say imitation crab is not harmful. It’s low in calories and fat but lower in essential nutrients than real crab. And due to its processing, it often contains added sugars, sodium and preservatives.

According to Oregon State University’s Surimi School, the production process aims to balance taste and shelf life; however, the process inevitably leads to some nutritional loss.

Another word of caution for people with gluten, soy or egg allergies: Many imitation crab products contain these ingredients unless labeled gluten-free or allergen-free, so it’s important to read packaging labels.

What’s the environmental impact of surimi production?

The sustainability of surimi seafood depends on how the fish is sourced. Alaskan pollock, which is most commonly used, is considered relatively sustainable, though overfishing and habitat disruption remain a threat.

Additionally, surimi seafood production involves additives and energy-intensive processing, contributing to its environmental footprint.

Can vegetarians eat imitation crab?

Vegetarians and vegans should steer clear of imitation crab because it contains fish, but pescatarians are free to go for it.

Diners should also keep in mind that “crabstick” or “krab,” which imitation crab is sometimes called, is a much more highly processed food and is not vegan or gluten-free unless specifically marked as such.

FAQs

Can you use imitation crab in sushi?

Absolutely. Imitation crab is a staple in California rolls and spicy crab sushi. Since it’s precooked, eating right out of the sushi package is also safe.

What’s in imitation crab that makes it taste like crab?

Crab-like flavor comes from added natural and artificial flavorings, often derived from shellfish, yeast extract or seafood stock.

Is imitation crab sustainable?

It can be. The Marine Stewardship Council considers the most common fish used—Alaskan pollock—a sustainable species. However, always check labels for responsible sourcing certifications.

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At Reader’s Digest, we’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. For this piece on what imitation crab is, we verified all facts and data and backed them with credible sourcing, and we will revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. Read more about our team, our contributors and our editorial policies.

Sources:

Thrillist: “The One Ingredient Secretly in a Ton of the Seafood You Eat”
HuffPost: “Imitation Crab Isn’t Crab At All. So What Exactly Is It?”
Oregon State University: “Welcome to Surimi School”
FDA: “CPG Sec. 540.700 Processed and/or Blended Seafood Products”
Marine Stewardship Council: “The Wild Alaska Pollock industry is a Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) Certified Fishery!”