Are Costco's King Crab Legs Worth The Hype?
Costco is renowned for its bulk food offerings, never-ending complimentary samples, and exclusive membership cards. The bulk pack of king crab legs follows the trend of enormous food volumes, presenting an impressive option for seafood lovers seeking both quality and quantity. These crab legs come in 9 to 12 ounce portions and are sold in a 10-pound box, with prices varying depending on the location. While Costco only sells king crab in these large packages, a mix of praise and playful critique has brought into question whether the taste and experience justify the cost, particularly in a membership-driven shopping environment.
While some shoppers feel the price is steep, many agree that the taste and ample amount make it worth the investment. For instance, in 2023, TikTok user @ny.foodie reported paying $38.99 per pound, totaling $389 for the box, but justified it as affordable in the comment section. Meanwhile, @girlchef63, humorously compared the expense of buying king crab from Costco to taking out a loan on a house. Her store was selling the crab for $27.99 per pound in 2021, whereas a Redditor posted about theirs selling it at $43.99 per pound in early 2024. Even if it's good quality seafood, the price may still be unreasonable according to members.
@ny.foodie King Crab Legs from @costco. Love buying these for special occasions. Pricey but worth it! #nyfoodie #kingcrablegs #kingcrab #costco #costcofind #costcohaul
What to expect if you splurge
King crabs are called kings for a reason. The species can grow legs that are up to 5 feet long and 11 inches wide. Their red or burgundy shells translate to the color of the meat inside too. Once boiled or steamed, the taste can be described as juicy and tender with a hint of sweetness. Most people like to pair the legs with garlic and butter, with the occasional lemon for a hint of acidity. A crab mallet (like you'll find in this seafood tool kit for avid crab connoisseurs) is recommended, as the shells are hard to break due to being thick and a bit spiky. Costco describes its king crab legs as, "producing a succulent cigar-size meat portion," maintaining the idea that there's a notable quantity of food in there.
Many people on a Reddit thread called out Costco for raising its crab prices since the last release, so if crab is more of an occasional treat, maybe look elsewhere for your favorite crustacean and buy it in smaller quantities. However, if you're having a seafood boil and need about 10 pounds of king crab, this deal might just be what you're looking for.