There are several names for imitation crab. You may know it as surimi, crab sticks, seafood sticks, or krab.
In spite of its name, this food does not actually contain crabmeat. So what is it made out of?
Let’s take a closer look at this food and whether it's suitable for the keto diet. First we will discover what exactly it is and if it has any nutritional value. Then we’ll see if surimi is keto-friendly, what types are lowest in carbs, best keto-compliant alternatives, and more.
Imitation crab, also called surimi, is a popular seafood product made from whitefish and other fish ingredients.
The fish is shredded and combined with a binding agent, usually egg whites or wheat flour. The mixture is then shaped into round sticks and flavored with a variety of sauces and seasonings.
This food is often used as a cheaper alternative to real crab meat in dishes such as sushi, salads, and pasta. It is a common ingredient in crab cakes and California rolls.
While it does not have the same flavor or texture as true crab meat, it can be a satisfying and budget-friendly option for those looking for seafood flavor without the high price tag.
3 oz of this food contains the following nutrients:
Serving size: 3 oz (85 g) surimi
Keep in mind that different brands use different ingredients, so the nutritional values can vary widely from product to product.
Common ingredients include sugar, corn syrup, potato starch, rice starch, wheat starch, and egg whites.
Surimi is not keto-friendly. It is high in carbs, usually contains sugar, and is a highly processed food. It is also relatively high in sodium.
That said, people following dirty keto could decide to eat crab sticks as long as they stay under their daily carb limit. Dirty keto is based on ultra-processed foods, making it a less healthy way to reach ketosis.
But as a general rule, imitation crab should be avoided on keto.
Imitation crab is not recommended as part of a healthy keto diet. It is a highly processed food that contains sugar and other carbs.
However, you could technically eat small amounts of it and still stay under your carb ceiling. A 3-oz serving may contain around 11 grams of carbs, although it can be higher or lower depending on the brand and what mixture of fillers they use.
Fake crab should not be part of a keto diet. Here are the different ways you may come across it, so you can keep an eye out and avoid it.
If you're following a dirty keto diet, you may be wondering what types of recipes you can make with this food.
There are many combinations, but one of the most popular is making faux crab cakes. To make these, combine surimi, eggs, mayonnaise, mustard, and Old Bay seasoning. Then form the mixture into small patties and fry in oil until golden brown.
The simplest way to eat it is to use it as a salad topping. Just add it to your favorite greens and low-carb vegetables along with some olive oil and vinegar, and you’re good to go. It can make salads more filling and satisfying, but also less healthy.
Since this is not a low-carb or healthy food, it’s best to avoid it and use alternatives that are good for keto.
Would you like to find out more about this food? Here we answer questions that may be on your mind.
Yes, it is. Crab is an excellent source of protein and healthy fats, making it a good food for people following a ketogenic diet. It is also low in carbs and calories, which can help to promote weight loss. In addition, the high-quality protein in this meat can help to preserve muscle mass during weight loss.
Additionally, it is also a good source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving heart health.
No, it is not healthy. It is highly processed and may also contain unhealthy additives and preservatives such as monosodium glutamate (MSG). Additionally, because it is made from fish paste, it is typically lower in nutrients than fresh crabmeat. While it may be safe to consume imitation meat on occasion, it is important to remember that it is not healthy food.
The reason it's high in carbs is because the main ingredient in most imitation crab products is surimi, which is made from fish that has been finely ground and combined with starches and fillers. As a result, those who are watching their carb intake should avoid it and stick to real crab meat instead.
Crab sticks are not keto-friendly, but eating a small amount won’t necessarily kick you out of ketosis as long as you stay under your daily amount of carbs. However, it’s best to avoid this highly processed food for a healthy keto diet.
No, they are precooked and can be eaten straight out of the package. Still, pay attention to the labeling on the package just in case there are specific instructions.
Seafood is very keto-friendly. This includes fish such as salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines as well as shellfish such as crab, lobster, and shrimp. Other seafood options include octopus, squid, and scallops.
When choosing seafood, it is best to select wild-caught or sustainably raised options. Farmed seafood can be high in toxins and chemicals, and tuna can be high in mercury.
When selecting seafood, look for options that are fresh or frozen. Canned seafood can be high in sodium.
When cooked properly, seafood can be a healthy and delicious addition to a ketogenic diet.
