If you love crab sticks, this might be the moment to look away. Seriously, don’t say we didn’t warn you—this could ruin them for good.
Have you ever stopped to think about how your food is made? Sometimes, ignorance really is bliss, especially when it comes to certain “delicacies.” But today, we’re pulling back the curtain on crab sticks—and it’s not exactly appetizing.
First things first: crab sticks don’t actually contain crab. Surprised? That’s why many brands now call them “seafood sticks.” But a lack of crab is just the beginning. Let’s talk about how they’re made.
In a video uploaded by Food Kingdom on YouTube, the process is laid bare—and it’s as unappetizing as it is eye-opening. It all starts with frozen fish meat, usually Alaskan pollock, though other fish like hake sometimes sneak into the mix. The fish is ground together with ingredients like potato starch, egg whites, sugar, and salt. Sounds okay so far, right? But here’s the twist: this combination creates a grey, goopy sludge that looks more like wet cement than food.
This unappealing mush is then shaped into long strips that resemble—brace yourself—a fish-flavored candy cane. These are sliced into sticks and wrapped in an orange casing to mimic the appearance of crab meat. The leftovers? They’re sold as substitutes for actual crab. Yum?
If you’re cringing, you’re not alone. Many viewers of the video vowed never to touch crab sticks again. One horrified commenter wrote, “Thanks for sharing! I’ll never purchase this ever again!” Another said, “I always thought this stuff was gross. Now I know it is.” A third chimed in, “This looks so disgusting, I’ll never have the courage to eat them again.”
So, next time you see those brightly colored sticks in your fridge, remember: they’re not what they seem. They’re shaped and dyed to look like crab, but the reality is far from fancy seafood.
What do you think? Are crab sticks officially off your menu, or will you brave the truth for another bite? Let us know—and maybe share this with a friend who loves crab sticks. They might think twice before digging in!
