Crab cakes are a popular seafood appetizer and meal across the United States. Their delicious taste and texture make them a consumer favorite. With crab meat being more expensive than other types of seafood, finding an affordable option for crab cakes is top of mind for many grocery shoppers. This leads to the question – does Aldi’s sell crab cakes?
The Availability of Crab Cakes at Aldi’s
The availability of crab cakes at Aldi’s varies by location. Some stores carry fresh crab cakes in the seafood section, while others only offer frozen crab cakes. There are a few factors that impact whether a specific Aldi’s location sells fresh or frozen crab cakes:
- Proximity to coastal areas – Stores near crab fishing areas like the Chesapeake Bay are more likely to carry fresh crab cakes.
- Customer demand – Stores track sales data to determine demand. Higher demand results in more locations stocking crab cakes.
- Store size – Larger Aldi’s stores tend to have more freezer and refrigerator space dedicated to fresh seafood options.
In general, Aldi stores on the East Coast, especially those near major cities, are more likely to sell fresh crab cakes than other regions. Locations on the West Coast also have a higher probability of fresh crab cakes being available since they receive shipments from Alaska crab fisheries.
For Aldi shoppers not near the coasts, the frozen crab cake option provides more widespread availability. Frozen crab cakes can be found year-round at most Aldi locations within the refrigerated seafood section. This provides customers across the country with an affordable crab cake choice.
Types of Crab Cakes Sold at Aldi’s
Aldi carries a selection of crab cake options to meet diverse tastes and needs:
Fresh Crab Cakes
- Jumbo Lump Crab Cakes – Large crab cakes made with chunks of jumbo lump crab meat. Prized for their texture.
- Maryland Style Crab Cakes – classic crab cake recipe with Old Bay seasoning, commonly found near the Chesapeake Bay region.
- Mini Crab Cakes – Bite-sized crab cakes, often sold in packs of 6 or 8. Easy to cook and serve as an appetizer.
Frozen Crab Cakes
- Original Crab Cakes – Traditional style, made with a blend of white and claw crab meat.
- Spicy Crab Cakes – Crab cakes flavored with spices like red pepper, black pepper, and chili powder.
- Crab Cake Sliders – Mini crab cakes perfect for small sandwiches and appetizers.
The selection of crab cake types focuses on classic flavors customers expect. Options like jumbo lump and Maryland style provide premium flavors with large chunks of crab. While the frozen crab cakes offer convenience without sacrificing taste.
ALDI Crab Cake Nutrition & Ingredients
Understanding the nutrition and ingredients in Aldi’s crab cakes helps consumers make informed choices.
Typical Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts for a standard 2.5 ounce crab cake from Aldi are:
| Calories | 120 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 4g |
| Sodium | 320mg |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Protein | 15g |
The nutrition information shows Aldi crab cakes are high in protein with moderate calories. They make a satisfying meal rich in nutrients from seafood.
Common Ingredients
Aldi crab cakes contain minimal ingredients. The typical ingredients list includes:
- Crab Meat – A blend of white and claw meat makes up the bulk of the cakes.
- Bread Crumbs – Used to bind the cakes together and provide texture.
- Mayonnaise – Adds moisture and flavor to the crab meat.
- Spices – Old Bay or other spices for flavoring.
- Fillers – Small amounts of milk or egg may be used as fillers.
Aldi crab cakes rely on crab as the star ingredient. There are no preservatives or artificial flavors added. The straightforward ingredients result in quality crab flavor.
How to Cook ALDI Crab Cakes
Cooking crab cakes from Aldi is simple and quick:
Fresh Crab Cakes
- Preheat oven or pan to 400°F.
- Brush crab cakes lightly with oil or butter.
- Cook crab cakes for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Enjoy crab cakes plain or with remoulade sauce.
Frozen Crab Cakes
- Bake frozen crab cakes directly in a 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes.
- Or thaw crab cakes overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.
- Pan fry thawed crab cakes in oil for 3-4 minutes per side.
- Microwave thawed crab cakes for 1-2 minutes on each side.
Aldi crab cakes make cooking gourmet seafood simple. Their pre-made preparation means you can skip the effort of creating homemade crab cakes from scratch.
ALDI vs. Other Crab Cake Brands
How do Aldi’s crab cakes compare to other leading brands?
| Aldi | Phillips | BlueStar | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $4.99 | $8.49 | $6.99 |
| Size | 2 ct, 5 oz | 2 ct, 6 oz | 2 ct, 4 oz |
| Quality | Medium | Premium | Budget |
The table shows Aldi offers competitive pricing on good quality crab cakes compared to premium and budget brands. While brands like Phillips use higher-end ingredients, Aldi provides a solid mid-range option combining affordability with decent crab flavor.
Tips for Purchasing Crab Cakes from Aldi
Follow these tips to choose the best crab cakes during your Aldi trip:
- Inspect texture – Fresh cakes should have visible chunks of crab. Frozen cakes should not appear mushy when thawed.
- Check for fillers – Crab should be the first ingredient. Avoid cakes with fillers like soy.
- Evaluate size – Larger cakes around 5 ounces indicate more crab content over fillers.
- Pick minimal added seasonings – Let the crab flavor shine by choosing cakes with salt and pepper only.
- Check sell-by dates – Pick packages with further expiration dates for freshness.
Shopping wisely allows you to get the highest quality crab cakes Aldi has to offer. Taking these factors into account results in delicious crab cakes with premium taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Aldi crab cakes pre-cooked?
Most of Aldi’s crab cakes come pre-cooked so they just require quick heating or broiling to finish. Some smaller packs of mini crab cakes may need fully cooking through before eating.
How long do Aldi’s fresh crab cakes last?
Fresh crab cakes from Aldi have a shelf life of around 4-5 days when kept refrigerated at 40°F or below. Cook or freeze the cakes within this timeframe for best quality.
What is the price of crab cakes at Aldi?
Aldi crab cakes range from $3.49-$7.99 depending on the variety pack and whether they are frozen or fresh. Expect to pay under $5 for most frozen packs of 2 crab cakes.
Does Aldi sell vegan crab cakes?
Currently, Aldi does not offer vegan crab cake options made from plant-based seafood. Their selection is limited to traditional crab cakes using real crab meat.
Crab Cakes at Aldi – The Verdict
After reviewing the availability, selection, nutrition, quality, and price – crab cakes sold at Aldi offer an excellent value option. Shoppers on a budget can enjoy delicious crab cakes without paying premium prices. The minimal ingredients and lack of preservatives result in a tasty product highlighting fresh crab flavor.
Checking the local Aldi’s seafood section is worthwhile for crab cake lovers. Keep an eye out for weekly specials or stock up when they go on sale. Whether cooking up restaurant-worthy crab cakes at home or serving an impressive appetizer, you can’t go wrong buying crab cakes from Aldi.