Imitation crab meat is usually made from surimi , a paste of finely minced white fish, often pollock, mixed with starch, salt, sugar, egg whites or soy, vegetable oil, flavorings, and coloring to make it look and taste like crab.

What it is

It usually contains no real crab meat or only a tiny amount, despite the name. The fish paste is shaped, cooked, and dyed so it resembles crab leg meat.

Common ingredients

  • White fish paste, usually surimi made from fish like pollock.
  • Starch or flour to help bind the mixture.
  • Egg whites or soy for texture and protein.
  • Sugar, salt, and sometimes MSG for flavor.
  • Vegetable oil, water, crab flavoring, and orange-red coloring to mimic crab.

Simple rule of thumb

Think of it as fish-based crab substitute , not actual crab meat.