Ingredient

Crabstick

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Source
Animal-derived
Allergen
No
Role in food
Crabstick is used to provide a seafood flavor and texture in dishes where real …

What it is

Crabstick, also known as imitation crab or surimi, is a processed seafood product. It is made from white fish, such as pollock, that is deboned, minced, and then mixed with starches, egg whites, sugar, salt, and flavorings. The mixture is then heated and formed into shapes resembling crab legs.

Why it's used

Crabstick is used to provide a seafood flavor and texture in dishes where real crab meat may be too expensive or unavailable. It is commonly found in sushi rolls, seafood salads, crab rangoon, and other prepared seafood dishes.

Health notes

Crabstick is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for its intended use as a food ingredient. It is primarily composed of fish and other common food ingredients. The WHO/IARC has not classified surimi or its common components as carcinogenic. Regulatory bodies like JECFA have evaluated many of the individual ingredients used in surimi, such as starches and flavorings, and have established acceptable daily intakes for them.

Allergen info

Crabstick is derived from fish, which is one of the 9 FDA major allergens. It may also contain egg and soy, which are also major allergens, depending on the specific formulation.

Products containing Crabstick

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Last updated: September 28, 2026

Note: This site presents label data from USDA FoodData Central for general information. It is not medical advice. Check the package label; formulations change.