Does Crab Cakes contain dairy or gluten?

Yes, it contains dairy in the form of Cream and Egg Yolks, and gluten from the Bleached Wheat Flour in the bread crumbs and Textured Wheat Protein.

Is Crab Cakes good for weight loss?

Not particularly. It is calorie-dense due to frying oils and starches, and it contains added sugars and saturated fats that can hinder weight loss goals.

Where can I buy Crab Cakes?

These specific Crab Cakes are available at major retailers like Walmart, Target, and can be ordered online via Amazon.

Is Crab Cakes safe for kids?

Yes, it is generally safe for children, though the sodium content should be monitored. It contains no caffeine.

Is Crab Cakes Halal?

No, based on the ingredient label, Crab Cakes are not considered Halal. The specific formulation includes white wine, which is an intoxicant and strictly prohibited in Islamic dietary laws. While the crab meat itself is permissible, the inclusion of alcohol renders the final product non-compliant.

The Ingredient Breakdown

When evaluating a processed seafood product like these Crab Cakes, we must look beyond the main protein. The primary ingredient is Crabmeat, which is naturally Halal (permissible) as long as it is sourced from the sea. However, the complexity arises in the binding agents and flavor enhancers.

The most critical flag in this ingredient list is the presence of White Wine. Wine is explicitly listed under the mustard seed and vinegar seasoning blend. In Islamic jurisprudence, any amount of alcohol, even if used for cooking or flavoring, invalidates the Halal status of the food. Additionally, the product contains Cream and Egg Yolks, making it a non-vegan product that also contains dairy.

There are also several texturizers and flavor enhancers to consider. Methyl Cellulose is a plant-based binder often used in processed foods; while chemically Halal, some strict observers prefer to avoid it due to processing methods. The presence of Hydrolyzed Soy Protein and Yeast Extract are standard flavor enhancers (MSG precursors) and are generally considered safe and Halal, provided no animal-derived enzymes were used in the hydrolysis process.

🚫 Culprit Ingredients:

wine

Nutritional Value

From a nutritional standpoint, these Crab Cakes are a dense source of energy. A standard serving likely contains between 200 and 300 calories, driven largely by the Soybean Oil and Bread Crumbs. The fat content is moderate, but it is important to note that the product contains Saturated Fat from the cream and egg yolks.

The carbohydrate content comes primarily from the Bread Crumbs, Potato Starch, and added sugars like Dextrose and Molasses. While the sugar content is relatively low compared to desserts, it contributes to the overall glycemic load. The protein content is decent due to the crab and textured wheat protein, making it a satisfying meal option, though the sodium levels can be high due to added salt and sea salt.