How Much is a Pound of King Crab Legs? (2024)

King crab legs are a luxurious, sought-after seafood delicacy. Hailing from cold Alaskan waters, these crab legs offer incredibly sweet, rich flavor and tender texture. But king crab doesn’t come cheap – it commands premium pricing. So how much should you expect to pay for a pound of king crab legs?

King Crab Leg Basics

• Harvested from Alaska’s Bering Sea and North Pacific Ocean
• Two main types: red king crab and blue king crab
• Red king preferred for its sweeter, richer flavor
• Legs are already cooked and frozen when sold
• Simply thaw, warm, and serve

Sizing Makes a Price Difference

King crab legs are sold by the pound, but not all pounds are equal. Larger, meatier legs command higher prices per pound There are a few main size classifications

• Jumbo – approx. 1.25-1.5 legs/claws per lb
• Extra Large – approx. 1.5-2 legs/claws per lb
• Large – approx. 2-3 legs/claws per lb
• Medium – approx. 3-4 legs/claws per lb
• Colossal – approx. 1 leg/claw per lb

Jumbo and colossal sizes with fewer, thicker legs per pound cost more than smaller legs Medium sized legs offer the best value

Average Retail Cost per Pound

The retail cost for king crab legs can vary greatly depending on the source, season, and specific size of legs:

• Jumbo red king crab legs – $50 to $90+ per pound
• Large red king crab legs – $35 to $60 per pound
• Colossal red king crab legs – $60 to $100+ per pound
• Jumbo blue king crab legs – $35 to $60 per pound
• Medium king crab legs – $25 to $40 per pound

Sale prices will be on the lower end while premium suppliers charge the highest per pound pricing.

Estimated Per Person Serving Size

To estimate how many pounds you need, plan on approximately 1 pound of Alaskan king crab legs per person. This accounts for some getting more while others may take smaller portions.

An average serving size of king crab is about 4-6 oz of crab meat. With shells, figure 8-12 oz of legs per serving. Legs yield approximately 25-35% meat.

So for 4 people, buying 4 pounds of legs is perfect for a king crab feast with generous portions. Add a few extra pounds if you expect larger appetites.

Costco King Crab Leg Prices

Costco is a great source for buying king crab legs at wholesale pricing. Here are some average Costco prices per pound:

• Jumbo Red King Crab Legs – $50 to $60/lb
• Extra Large Red King Crab Legs – $40 to $50/lb
• Blue King Crab Legs – $35 to $45/lb

Pricing will vary a bit by region. Costco typically sells legs in 2 lb cryovac packages for convenience.

Sam’s Club King Crab Prices

Sam’s Club also sells king crab, though pricing is similar to or even slightly higher than Costco:

• Jumbo Red King Crab Legs – $55 to $65/lb
• Colossal Red King Crab Leg Sections – $70 to $90/lb

Sam’s Club packages legs in 1 lb vacuum sealed pouches. Overall selection is less than Costco.

Grocery Store Prices

Grocery stores like Kroger, Safeway, Publix, etc carry king crab legs seasonally. Prices are noticeably higher than warehouse stores:

• Jumbo Red King Crab Legs – $70 to $90/lb
• Large Red King Crab Legs – $50 to $70/lb
• Colossal Red King Crab Claws – $80 to $100+/lb

Check for sales, coupons, and loyalty discounts to save on grocery store king crab.

Online Direct from Suppliers

Purchasing directly from reputable seafood suppliers nets the highest quality. But it comes at a premium cost:

• Jumbo Red King Crab Legs – $80 to $110/lb
• Colossal Red King Crab Legs – $85 to $120+/lb

Keep costs lower by buying bulk 5 lb or 10 lb boxes. Online sellers offer overnight shipping.

Is King Crab Worth the Splurge?

Alaskan king crab is certainly a luxury ingredient. But the amazingly sweet flavor and tender, succulent meat make it worth the indulgence for special occasions.

To save money, buy legs at warehouse stores or look for sales at the grocery store. Focus on the large and jumbo sizes for thicker, meatier legs.

A king crab feast is a special tradition for many families. While not cheap, those rich red crab legs are simply irreplaceable on the holiday table. Celebrate special events with this decadent delicacy straight from the icy Alaskan waters.

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