Difference between: crab meat and imitation crab meat

Difference Between, Fooding, ,

We know it can’t be the real thing, but what’s the difference between crab meat and imitation crab meat?

Crab meat:

  • Comes from a crab.
  • Is high in sodium.
  • Is high in protein and potassium.
  • Is expensive.

Imitation crab meat (also called surimi):

  • Comes from the meat of a variety of white-fleshed fish, ground into a thick paste.
  • Is also high in sodium.
  • Is highly processed.
  • Is cheap.

Not surprisingly, imitation crab meat is manufactured as a cheaper alternative to the real thing. It’s not horrifically unhealthy, but it’s not super nutritious either.

For those on the anti-gluten bandwagon: crab meat is gluten-free; imitation crab meat is not.

One thought on “Difference between: crab meat and imitation crab meat”

  1. Imitation crab meat is also a BIG issue for people with fish allergies, while real crab meat is not! Most people’s allergies to fish are to shellfish, but for people who can tolerate shellfish but who have fish allergies, it’s a big deal whether restaurants use imitation or real crab meat in their dishes. :o) The things you learn when you have a loved one with a fish allergy!

Comments are closed.