Tag: Imitation crab vs real crab

According to Healthline, imitation crab is a highly processed food made from surimi, a paste of minced fish, that is lower in key nutrients than real crab. This common sushi ingredient is valued for its affordability and crab-like texture, but its manufacturing process raises valid questions about its health credentials, particularly when compared to its authentic counterpart.

While real Alaska king crab and imitation crab have a similar number of calories per serving, the source of those calories is drastically different. Imitation crab gets most of its calories from carbohydrates and sugars, whereas real crab gets most from protein, making imitation crab nutritionally inferior.