Crab legs are a favorite for their tender taste and sweet flavor — and they often turn “non-seafood” fans into lifelong lovers. But with so many crabs varieties, how do you know which one to pick? Whether you’re a seafood connoisseur or just getting started, understanding the differences between King Crab and Snow Crab can help you make the best choice for your next feast.
Size: King Crab vs. Snow Crab
The first difference to note between these crabs is their size. Alaskan King Crabs are the biggest crabs in the world. A single King Crab can reach over 20 pounds and have a leg span of up to five feet! This immense size contributes to the robust, meaty texture that King Crab is known for. Snow Crabs typically weigh between 5 to 7 pounds, and while their legs aren’t as thick as King Crab’s, they still pack plenty of flavor.
Taste: Snow Crab vs. King Crab
Across the board, seafood lovers enjoy crab for its sweet flavor — no matter the type. But each type has its own unique taste.
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Snow Crab offers a sweet, slightly briny flavor. Its taste is light, making it a great option for dishes like crab cakes, salads, or just eaten fresh from the shell.
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King Crab has a rich, sweet flavor that’s almost reminiscent of lobster. Its meaty texture and delicate sweetness make it perfect for special occasions and indulgent seafood feasts.
Texture: Snow Crab vs. King Crab
While most crabs are known for their sweet, delicate taste, their textures vary greatly:
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Snow Crab has more fibrous, firm meat compared to King Crab. The meat is easily shredded, which makes it perfect for dishes like crab cakes, or just enjoyed on its own.
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King Crab is known for its long, smooth ropes of meat in each leg. The texture is tender and buttery, making it melt in your mouth with every bite — a true delicacy.
Despite their differences, both of these crabs offer a satisfying experience when cracked open and enjoyed.
Habitat: Where These Crabs Live
Each type of crab has its preferred habitat, which influences their taste and texture.
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Snow Crabs prefer the deep, cold waters of the Northern seas, typically found in the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans. Our Alaskan Super Jumbo Snow Crab Clusters are sourced from the deep waters of Juneau, Alaska.
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King Crabs also thrive in the cold waters of the Bering Sea, off the coast of Alaska. The icy waters of this region produce the large, meaty legs that King Crabs are famous for.
The habitat plays a huge role in the quality of the catch, and all of these regions produce crabs of exceptional quality.
Sustainability: Protecting the Crab Population
Sustainability is a key consideration when it comes to crabbing, especially for Snow Crabs. Only male Snow Crabs of a certain size can be legally harvested. This helps protect the smaller female crabs, ensuring their population remains strong. Additionally, there are strict regulations that ban crabbing during the molting and mating seasons. During molting, crabs shed their old shells and grow new ones, and since they are vulnerable during this process, harvesting is prohibited to allow the crabs to grow undisturbed.
King Crab vs. Snow Crab – Which Will You Choose?
Ultimately, the choice between King Crab and Snow Crab comes down to personal preference. If you're looking for the ultimate indulgence, King Crab offers a rich, buttery, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s perfect for special occasions. On the other hand, Snow Crab provides a slightly firmer, more fibrous texture with a light, sweet flavor that’s perfect for a variety of dishes.
So, whether you prefer the delicate sweetness of King Crab or the firmer texture of Snow Crab, there’s a crab out there for everyone!