Snow crab grades and formats: a buyer's guide
Snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) is one of the most sought-after cold-water shellfish in the world, and Newfoundland & Labrador is one of its great sources. But "snow crab" on a purchase order can mean very different products. This guide breaks down the grades and formats so you can specify exactly what you need.
Formats: sections, clusters, claws and meat
Sections (clusters) are the legs and attached body portion, cooked and frozen — the workhorse format for retail and foodservice. Claws are sold separately for appetisers and platters. Combo meat and all-leg meat are picked products for further processing, salads and value-added lines where the customer wants the meat already extracted.
Size grades
Sections are graded by weight, commonly 4 oz+, 5–8 oz, 8–10 oz and 10 oz+, and by category as S, M, L and XL. Larger grades command a premium and suit white-tablecloth foodservice; smaller grades work well for value retail and processing. Specifying the grade precisely avoids costly mismatches.
Pack formats
- Retail packs such as 320 g for grocery programmes.
- Foodservice packs such as 5 lb for kitchens and distributors.
- Custom packing to your carton count, labelling and brand.
What to specify on your order
To get exactly what you expect, state: format (section, claw, combo meat, leg meat), size grade (weight band and/or S–XL), pack size, brand or label, and any certification requirement. For MSC product, confirm chain-of-custody documentation. Naming the catch area (Newfoundland & Labrador) and that it is wild-caught rounds out a clean spec.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between sections and clusters?
They refer to the same format — the cooked legs with the attached body portion. It is the most common snow crab format for retail and foodservice.
How is snow crab size graded?
By weight bands such as 4 oz+, 5–8 oz, 8–10 oz and 10 oz+, and by category as S, M, L and XL. Larger grades carry a premium.
Is Ocean Choice snow crab MSC certified?
Yes — our Newfoundland & Labrador snow crab is from an MSC-certified fishery, available with chain-of-custody documentation.
Further reading
Quote MSC snow crab
Tell us format, grade and pack — we will reply with a firm, season-aware offer.