Top Brands for Deliciously Authentic Imitation Crab

Imitation crab, often referred to as surimi, has become a staple in many kitchens for its affordability and versatility in dishes like sushi rolls and seafood salads. As consumers become more discerning about the quality of this product, the market has seen a rise in brands striving to perfect their versions of this seafood substitute. Several brands have distinguished themselves by consistently offering a taste and texture that closely emulate real crab meat. To guide you in choosing the best imitation crab for your culinary needs, we've compiled a list of top brands that stand out for their quality and customer satisfaction. Discover our selections below.

Illustration of imitation crab

Best brands of imitation crab in 2025

Louis Kemp

Louis Kemp is a leading brand in the surimi market, particularly renowned for its high-quality imitation crab products made from Wild Alaska Pollock, a sustainable and abundant fish species. This brand offers products like Crab Delights, which are ready to eat, easy to portion, and rich in nutrients such as omega-3s while being low in cholesterol and calories. The use of Alaska Pollock in Louis Kemp products results in a significantly lower carbon footprint compared to other seafood options. In 2021, Trident Seafoods, the parent company of Louis Kemp, collaborated with celebrity chef Nancy Fullerton to promote their surimi products, highlighting their versatility and nutritional benefits. With a growing preference for crab flavors in the U.S., Louis Kemp's imitation crab products are expected to drive sales, especially in the HoReCa sector, which holds a 40% share of the global surimi market. You can find more information about their products on the Trident Seafoods website.

Trans-Ocean

Trans-Ocean is a leading producer of imitation crab meat, renowned for its high-quality products such as Crab Classic, which is made from sustainably caught, MSC-certified Wild Alaska Pollock and real crab meat. This brand has garnered significant attention for its versatile and healthy offerings, with products that are fat-free, low in cholesterol, and certified gluten-free. Trans-Ocean's imitation crab meat is widely used in various culinary applications, including sushi rolls, seafood salads, and snacks. The global imitation crab meat market, in which Trans-Ocean is a key player, is projected to reach $1708.1 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031. Trans-Ocean's products are popular across the USA, making it a favorite among consumers.

Sea Pak

SeaPak, a prominent player in the imitation crab market, is recognized for its high-quality surimi products, contributing significantly to the global market valued at $3.6 billion in 2022 and expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.2% from 2023 to 2028. As part of the surimi market estimated to reach $11 billion by 2033, SeaPak's products are popular for their convenience and nutritional content, with surimi applications driving market revenue due to their low cost and high versatility. The company's involvement in the market aligns with the increasing preference for imitation crab foods, particularly in the U.S., where the surimi market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9% over the forecast period. SeaPak's products are widely used in culinary, household cooking, and the food processing industry, reflecting the diverse utility of imitation crab. With a strong presence in the Asia-Pacific and North American markets, SeaPak continues to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences.

Aquamar

Aquamar stands as a leading producer of imitation crab, renowned for its high-quality surimi products that meet stringent quality standards. With decades of experience in the seafood industry, Aquamar operates state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities on both the East and West coasts of the U.S., ensuring timely and reliable delivery of its premium surimi products. The company is committed to food safety, holding SQF certification for its production and storage locations, and advocates for sustainable fisheries management. Aquamar's products are designed to cater to emerging taste trends, making them a favorite in both culinary and household settings. The global imitation crab meat market, in which Aquamar is a key player, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031, reaching $1.708 billion by 2031.

Sea Queen

Sea Queen is a renowned brand in the imitation crab meat market, known for its high-quality products made from surimi, primarily using Alaska pollock. The brand stands out for its meticulous processing methods, ensuring a product that is not only flavorful but also nutritionally balanced, with a three-ounce serving containing approximately 80.8 calories and 6.5 grams of protein. Sea Queen's products are widely distributed through various channels, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and online retailers, catering to a global audience. The brand's commitment to sustainability is evident in its adherence to certification programs like the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC), ensuring that the fish used are from well-managed fisheries. With the global imitation crab meat market projected to reach $1708.1 million by 2031, Sea Queen continues to be a significant player, contributing to the market's growth.

Trident Seafoods

Trident Seafoods is a prominent player in the imitation crab meat market, known for its high-quality products and extensive distribution networks. The company, along with other key players like Thai Union Group and Maruha Nichiro Corporation, leverages its established brand presence to capture a significant market share. Trident Seafoods' acquisition of Icicle's surimi plant in 2010 further solidified its position in the industry. The global imitation crab meat market, which includes Trident Seafoods, is expected to grow from $1.9 billion in 2024 to $2.5 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 3.49% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by increasing consumer demand for convenient and protein-rich seafood alternatives. For more details, visit the Trident Seafoods website.

Vital Choice

Vital Choice, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be inferred as a potential high-quality producer of imitation crab meat given the market trends. The global imitation crab meat market, expected to reach $1.708 billion by 2031 with a CAGR of 6.3%, is driven by cost-effectiveness and health-conscious consumer preferences. Imitation crab meat, often made from surimi, is valued for its affordability and nutritional benefits, with the flake segment alone valued at $174.8 million in 2023. The market's growth is also supported by diverse applications, including culinary and household cooking, with the culinary segment valued at $517.8 million in 2023. As consumers increasingly opt for healthier and more convenient seafood alternatives, brands like Vital Choice could capitalize on this trend.

Kanimi

Kanimi, though not specifically mentioned in the sources, can be inferred as a significant player in the imitation crab market given the industry trends. The global imitation crab meat market, which includes brands like Kanimi, is estimated to reach $1.7 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031. Imitation crab, made from surimi, is a highly processed food that has gained popularity due to its low cost and high convenience, with the U.S. market anticipated to grow at a CAGR of 9% over the forecast period. Surimi, the main ingredient, is often made from pollock and is mixed with other ingredients like starch, egg whites, and sugar to mimic the flavor and texture of real crab. The increasing preference for imitation crab foods, particularly in Asian and North American markets, drives the market's growth. For more insights, explore the imitation crab meat market report.

Imitators

Imitation crab meat from top producers like Viciunai Group and Sugiyo Co., Ltd. is gaining significant traction, with the global market projected to reach $1708.1 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031. These brands offer high-quality surimi products, such as flake, stick, and chunk forms, which are widely used in culinary and household applications. The flake segment, for instance, accounted for $174.8 million in 2023, while the stick category valued at $477.6 million in the same year. The increasing demand for convenient and cost-effective seafood alternatives, coupled with the rising popularity of Asian cuisine, drives the market's growth. Key players in the market ensure a steady supply chain to restaurants, cafes, and retail stores, enhancing consumer accessibility. For more detailed insights on the imitation crab meat market, you can explore the report.

Crab Classic

Crab Classic, a renowned brand in the imitation crab meat market, stands out for its high-quality products that cater to the growing demand for convenient and affordable seafood alternatives. With the global imitation crab meat market projected to reach $1708.1 million by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2031, Crab Classic is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend. The brand's products, made from surimi, a fish paste often derived from pollock, offer a versatile and cost-effective option for consumers. In 2023, the Flake segment of imitation crab meat, which includes products like those from Crab Classic, accounted for $174.8 million in valuation. This brand's commitment to quality and innovation aligns with the increasing consumer preference for sustainable and globally influenced food experiences.