How many calories are in imitation crab claw?

January 10, 2026 •

3 min read

According to nutritional data, a standard 3-ounce (85g) serving of imitation crab typically contains between 80 and 90 calories. The specific number of calories in imitation crab claw, also known as surimi, can vary slightly by brand and the processing method used. However, it generally remains a low-calorie food option compared to many other proteins.

Quick Summary

Imitation crab claw, or surimi, is a low-calorie processed seafood product. A 3-ounce serving usually contains 80-90 calories, with most of its energy coming from carbohydrates rather than protein, unlike real crab. The exact nutritional profile varies by brand and ingredients, which include fish paste, starch, and flavorings.

Key Points

Low in calories: A standard 3-ounce serving of imitation crab contains roughly 80-90 calories.
Carb-heavy profile: Most calories come from carbohydrates and added sugars, not protein.
Differs from real crab: Imitation crab is a highly processed food, unlike real crab which is naturally high in protein and nutrients.
Sodium levels vary: The sodium content in imitation crab can be high and differs by brand, so always check the label.
Versatile and affordable: It can be a low-calorie ingredient for salads, stir-fries, and sushi, offering a seafood flavor at a lower cost.
Nutritionally inferior: Real crab offers more protein, vitamins (like B12), and minerals (zinc, selenium) per serving.

Imitation Crab vs. Real Crab: A Nutritional Breakdown

What Exactly is Imitation Crab?

Imitation crab is a processed seafood product made from surimi, a paste created from deboned and minced fish, most commonly Alaskan pollock. Other ingredients like starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and flavorings are added to give it a taste and texture similar to real crab. The final product is molded into various shapes, including flakes, sticks, or claws.

Factors Affecting Calorie Count in Imitation Crab

Several factors can influence the final calorie count of imitation crab claws. The primary culprits are the added ingredients. The amount of starch and sugar used in the manufacturing process directly impacts the carbohydrate content and, consequently, the calories. Different brands use varying amounts of these fillers, explaining why some nutritional labels may show a higher calorie count than others. The form it takes can also change things. While plain surimi is low in calories, adding it to dishes, especially fried versions, drastically increases the calorie count.

Macronutrient Profile of Imitation Crab

When evaluating the calories in imitation crab, it's essential to look at its macronutrient composition. For a typical 3-ounce serving (around 85 grams), the breakdown is roughly as follows:

Calories: 80-90
Carbohydrates: 12-13 grams
Protein: 6-7 grams
Fat: Less than 1 gram

Noticeably, unlike real crab meat, the majority of the calories in imitation crab come from carbohydrates, not protein. This is a key difference for those on specific diets, such as a low-carb or ketogenic diet, where real crab would be a more suitable choice.

Real Crab vs. Imitation Crab: A Side-by-Side Comparison


Nutritional Aspect	Imitation Crab (per 85g)	Alaskan King Crab (per 85g)
Calories	81	82
Protein	6.5 g	16.5 g
Carbohydrates	12.8 g	0 g
Fat	0.4 g	1.3 g
Sodium	450 mg	910 mg
Vitamin B12	21% DV	408% DV
Selenium	35% DV	62% DV

This comparison table clearly illustrates that while the calorie counts are similar, the nutritional quality is vastly different. Real crab provides a much higher concentration of protein and essential vitamins and minerals.

The Role of Imitation Crab in a Balanced Diet

For many, imitation crab is an accessible and inexpensive way to enjoy seafood flavor. If you're managing calorie intake, it can be a part of a balanced diet when consumed in moderation. However, due to its low protein and nutrient density compared to real crab, it should not be considered a direct nutritional replacement. It's crucial to be mindful of its higher sodium content, which can vary significantly by brand.

Tips for Including Imitation Crab in Meals

Sushi Rolls: Mix with a little low-fat mayonnaise and cucumber for a classic California roll. Be mindful of how much mayo you use to control calories.
Salads: Flake imitation crab and add it to a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing.
Ceviche-style: Dice imitation crab and marinate it with lime juice, cilantro, and red onion for a refreshing, low-calorie dish.
Stir-fries: Quickly toss into a vegetable stir-fry at the end of cooking to add a seafood flavor without significant fat.
Seafood pasta: Combine with whole-wheat pasta, olive oil, garlic, and cherry tomatoes for a quick, tasty meal.

Conclusion

When considering how many calories are in imitation crab claw, the answer is that it is a relatively low-calorie food, with a typical serving containing around 80-90 calories. However, it's a processed food product and lacks the high protein and nutrient density of real crab. For individuals focused on minimizing calories from fat and maximizing protein, real crab is the superior choice, but imitation crab can serve as a lower-cost alternative when used judiciously. Reading the nutrition label of your chosen brand is the best way to know the precise calorie and macronutrient breakdown for your specific needs.

: https://www.nutritionix.com/i/great-catch/imitation-crabmeat/555b7986f0cba6b12d341466

Frequently Asked Questions

Imitation crab is made from surimi, a paste of minced and deboned fish (typically Alaskan pollock), mixed with other ingredients like starch, egg whites, sugar, salt, and artificial flavorings to mimic the taste and texture of real crab.

No, imitation crab is not a high-quality protein source. While it does contain some protein, it has significantly less per serving compared to real crab meat. For example, real crab has nearly three times the amount of protein.

The sodium content in imitation crab can be high and varies by brand. It is often saltier than real crab, which is something to be aware of if you are monitoring your sodium intake.

The total calorie count for a serving of imitation crab is often similar to that of real crab meat. However, the source of those calories is different: imitation crab calories come mostly from carbs and sugar, while real crab calories primarily come from protein.

Imitation crab is generally not suitable for a strict low-carb or ketogenic diet because most of its calories come from carbohydrates and added sugars. Real crab meat would be a much better option for these diets.

The cooking method can significantly affect the final calorie count. Light steaming or adding it to soup will not add many calories, but frying it in oil can substantially increase the fat and calorie content.

As a processed food, imitation crab offers limited health benefits compared to whole fish or real crab. While it can be low in calories and fat, its high carbohydrate and sodium content, coupled with a lack of significant micronutrients, makes it a less nutritious choice.