Sat, 02 May 2026 16:57:17 +0000

The Secret Stuffing You’re Adding to Your Sushi — It’s Kanikama (And Why You Should Rethink It) If you’ve gazed into your sushi platter and marveled at the sleek, translucent “fish” that delivers that familiar umami punch, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered kanikama. This popular ingredient—often referred to as imitation crab—has become a staple in sushi rolls worldwide, but what exactly is it, and is it worth the “secret” addition to your favorite rolls? In this article, we dive deep into kanikama, uncover what’s really in it, and explore whether this hidden ingredient belongs in your sushi. ### What Is Kanikama? Kanikama is the Japanese brand name for imitation crab meat, a processed seafood product typically made from white fish—usually pollock—combined with starch, sugar, fish preservatives, and colorings to mimic the texture and pink hue of real crab. Invented in Japan and now widely used across global sushi, kanikama offers a convenient, affordable alternative to fresh crab, which is often expensive and seasonal.