Frequently Asked Questions

What is imitation crab meat?

Imitation crab meat is made from a seafood paste called “surimi” and mixed with portions of real crab meat. Surimi has been a part of Asian cuisine for over 900 years and is now enjoyed in cuisines all over the world. Because of the negative association with the word “imitation”, people often assume surimi is a fake meat product full of chemicals and preservatives. However, Louis Kemp surimi is made from whole meat Wild Alaska Pollock, freshly harvested off the shores of Alaska, and with little to no preservatives. Read more about imitation crab and its health benefits here.

What is imitation lobster?

Similar to our imitation crab, Louis Kemp imitation lobster is made from surimi and mixed with portions of real lobster meat. Learn more about imitation lobster here.

Can I freeze imitation crab?

We do not recommend freezing imitation crab or any other Louis Kemp products. Surimi seafood, including imitation crab and imitation lobster, should be stored in the refrigerator at a temperature between 32°F and 38°F. If you accidentally leave the product out at room temperature for more than 2 hours, it should be discarded.

How do I cook imitation crab?

Surimi seafood is fully cooked and ready to eat right from the package. Because it is already cooked, products like imitation crab and imitation lobster only need to be heated through when adding to dishes such as stir-fries, soups and casseroles. We do not recommend microwave reheating because it may produce undesired textural changes. Check out our recipes collection for more inspiration.

How do I know if my Louis Kemp product has gone bad?

Please consume your Louis Kemp surimi, imitation crab, or imitation lobster before the “use-by” date printed on the package. The use-by date is valid as long as the product is in its original packaging and unopened. Product that is past date should be discarded. Once opened, the product should be enjoyed within 3 days.

Is imitation crab healthy?

Since Louis Kemp imitation crab is made with Wild Alaska Pollock, it enjoys many of the same health benefits as Wild Alaska Pollock—it’s low calorie, low fat, low cholesterol, and contains around 7g of protein and 150mg of Omega 3’s per serving (depending on the exact product). Most Louis Kemp products are also gluten-free.

Can I consume imitation crab while pregnant?

Imitation crab is usually safe for pregnant women to consume; however, we recommend consulting your doctor before including it in your diet during pregnancy. All Louis Kemp imitation crab, imitation lobster, and surimi products are fully cooked and made with Wild Alaska Pollock, a low-mercury fish recommended for pregnant women by the FDA.

Can I consume imitation crab or imitation lobster if I’m allergic to shellfish?

Most of our imitation seafood products contain some real shellfish, and all are made on shared equipment. While we take rigorous precautions to prevent any risk of cross-contamination, we do not recommend these products be consumed by those individuals with shellfish allergies or sensitivity.

I have other food allergies, what Louis Kemp products can I consume?

Your health and safety are of utmost importance to us, and we recognize the consequences some consumers may encounter due to undeclared allergens in food products. We fully comply with current federal laws governing the labeling of food allergens, so you can rest assured that our product labels clearly communicate the presence of the following major food allergens: crustacean shellfish (crab, crayfish, lobster, and shrimp), eggs, fish, milk, peanuts, soy, tree nuts, and wheat. When these allergens are present in our products, you will find a parenthetical listing of the allergen immediately following the ingredient common name, along with a ‘contains’ statement listing the allergen immediately following the ingredient statement. If you have any concerns about an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient that is not listed above, please see our contact us page for info on how to reach us and we will confirm if the ingredient is used in our products. Because product formulas are occasionally revised, it is important to review the ingredient statement before purchasing.