Surimi & Imitation Crab Nutrition Facts
The honest numbers: modest calories and decent protein, but watch the sodium, starch, and added sugar.
Nutrition facts per 3 oz (85 g)
USDA reference values for generic imitation crab, with the range we see on US brand labels. Check your own package — brands differ, especially on sodium.
| Nutrient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | ~81 | Labels: about 75–120 |
| Protein | ~6.5 g | Labels: about 5–8 g; well under half of real crab (~15–16 g) |
| Total carbs | ~13 g | Labels: about 10–21 g; mostly added starch plus sugar |
| Sugars | ~5 g | From cryoprotectants and seasoning; labels about 2–7 g |
| Fat | ~0.4 g | Washing removes nearly all fish oil |
| Sodium | ~450 mg | Labels: about 340–720 mg — about 15–30% of the 2,300 mg Daily Value |
| Cholesterol | ~17 mg | Low |
Sources: generic values from USDA FoodData Central (SR Legacy “crab, imitation, made from surimi”, FDC 174203; real crab FDC 174202 and 174205; checked October 2026). Brand label ranges from labels filed in the same database.
What the washing process takes away
The same rinsing that makes surimi mild (see how surimi is made) also rinses out most omega-3 fats and much of the B12 and zinc: USDA lists about 0.5 µg B12 and 0.3 mg zinc per 3 oz of imitation crab, against roughly 10 µg and 6.5 mg in Alaska king crab. A few brands add fish oil back — Trans-Ocean, for example, says its Crab Classic provides about 100 mg EPA+DHA per serving. Bottom line: imitation crab is a lean, low-calorie protein source, but a diluted one.
Common ingredients and additives
- Fish (Alaska pollock) — should be the first ingredient.
- Starch (wheat, tapioca, potato, corn) — binder; wheat starch means gluten. See is imitation crab gluten-free?
- Egg white, soy — texture and binding; relevant for allergies.
- Sugar & sorbitol — freeze protection, mild sweetness.
- Salt, MSG or yeast extract — seasoning and gel formation.
- Natural crab extract or artificial flavor — crab extract is a real crustacean ingredient; see allergies & safety.
- Carmine, paprika, or lycopene — the red stripe.
How it fits common diets
| Diet | Verdict |
|---|---|
| Weight loss / calorie counting | Good — filling and low-calorie; details at imitation crab calories |
| Keto / low-carb | Poor fit — ~13 g carbs per serving; see the keto guide |
| Gluten-free | Only certified GF brands; most use wheat starch |
| Low-sodium | Use sparingly and compare labels — see imitation crab sodium |
| Pregnancy | Low-mercury and fully cooked; see the pregnancy guide |
| Pescatarian | Yes — it's fish (check for egg if ovo-free) |
Comparing packages? Read the protein and sodium lines side by side — see our sodium guide, the ingredient explainer and the brand guide or browse premium kanikama on Amazon.
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