How Much Does Lobster Tail Cost? (2024)

Last Updated on October 3, 2023
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by How Much Does Lobster Tail Cost? (1) CFA Alexander Popinker

One of the most popular and tastiest parts of a lobster is its tail. The tails are considered a delicacy in almost most restaurants, but they’re also available to buy from grocery stores or seafood markets if you prefer cooking them yourself.

How much do lobster tails cost?

On average, a pound of lobster tail will usually be priced anywhere from $30 to $50 per pound. The price, of course, will depend on some factors, like your location, the place you purchase it from, the kind of lobster you’re going for, and the current market conditions.

Coldwater lobster tails can cost about $5 more per pound, according to reluctantgourmet.com. The average size of a tail is six ounces which makes the market price about $35 for two tails at your local grocery store or online.

The price for two lobster tails at Sam’s Club is close to $38 weighing close to a pound, while at Costco you can buy lobster tails for around$90 for a box of eight to nine that would weigh close to seven ounces each.

You might also like our articles about the cost of yellowfin tuna, shrimp, or King crab.

At Kroger, they sell packages of five ounces of lobster tail for close to $9. On the other hand, if you were to buy their eight-ounce wild-caught lobster tail, you would spend around $27. You can buy lobster tails online, from Amazon. You can get your hands on some of their best sellers in packs that are priced at around $2 per ounce.

If you want to have just the lobster meat from the tail, then it might cost about$65-$72 per pound. For example, at Yankee Lobster Company they charge approximately $55 for every single pound of meat you get.

Maine lobster tail prices

They offer colossal lobster tails from hard-shell, cold-water Maine lobsters. Their products can be ordered with free overnight shipping.They also provide a range of other seafood products including live lobsters, chowders, bisques, shrimps, and scallops.

The cost of lobster tails from Maine varies depending on the size, vendor, and quantity. The prices provide examples of the cost of Maine lobster tails according to different customer reviews and available searches.

Maine Lobster Now offers Maine lobster tails in various sizes, ranging from 3-4 oz to 8-10 oz, with prices ranging from $21.99 to $74.99 for a pack of 2.

Amazon.com offers a pack of 8 large Maine lobster tails, each weighing 8-10 oz, for $158.99.

Maine Lobster Now offers a 12-14 oz Maine lobster tail for $90.00.

Browne Trading Company offers frozen Maine lobster tails for $90.00.

Lobster Gram offers Maine lobster tails in various sizes, ranging from 6-7 oz to 10-12 oz, with prices ranging from $110.00 to $215.00 for a pack of 2 to 6.

Lobster tail details

How Much Does Lobster Tail Cost? (2)There are varying sizes of lobster tails, from as small as four ounces to 14 and sometimes even more.

When it comes to a lobster tail, some will be warm water tails while others are cold water lobster tails. Warm-water tails can come from the warmer waters in Florida and Latin America, whereas your colder ones will most likely originate from New Zealand or Australia. You will also notice some definite taste differences between the tail meat.

Coldwater tails have a whiter appearance and are more tender due to slower growth in colder waters. They also can be cleaner tasting than the ones from warmer waters.

Any additional expenses to consider?

Ordering lobster tails online has its drawbacks because shipping fees can be noticeable. Shoppers may have to spend anywhere from$15 to $45, which is a significant amount of money considering the majority of retailers won’t waive these costs if you don’t meet their order requirements.

Most suppliers offer overnight or next-day delivery, especially for perishable items like seafood. This ensures that the product reaches the customer in the best possible condition.

Important things to consider

If you’re looking for a tasty lobster tail, don’t just grab the first one! Remember to ask the retailer whether it’s from cold or warm water. If they are unsure of their origin then walk away and continue your search elsewhere. There could be yellow spots on those tails if you were to examine them closely, which might indicate that they come from warmer waters.

The black spots on them could indicate mishandling and should not be eaten. At the same time, if the tail has a grayish color, it might mean that the lobster was dead when it was processed. Make sure you go for lobsters with smaller tails because they have a better flavor.

Cooking lobster tails is simple. For boiling, use salted water and boil based on weight. Steaming requires a basket and takes 7-8 minutes for small tails. Grilling involves buttering the tails and grilling for about 10 minutes. Broiling needs a preheated broiler and takes 5-10 minutes. Baking at 350°F with seasoning lasts 15-20 minutes, and you can always add a sauce at the end.

Regardless of the cooking method, it’s essential to avoid overcooking lobster tails as they can become tough and rubbery. The best lobster meat should be opaque and firm when done. Always serve with melted butter, lemon wedges, or a garlic dip for the best flavor!

For simple recipes, you can look on websites like Food Network.

Is there any way to spend less?

One way to check if a retailer is reputable and trustworthy is by researching them on the internet. If you see prices that seem too good to be true, then they probably are. A store might sell lobster tail at an unrealistically low price because it’s not as flavorful in comparison with fresh-caught ones.

Winter is the prime time to buy and enjoy lobster. If you are looking for a great deal on these delicious crustaceans, check out your local Costco and see if they’re selling any of those cases in bulk.

How Much Does Lobster Tail Cost? (2024)

FAQs

Why are lobster tails so expensive? ›

Perhaps the number one reason for rising lobster prices is that lobsters are much more in-demand than they were when they were more plentiful. Back when the lobsters were so over-populated that they washed up on shore, there were almost more of them than people knew what to do with.

How many 4 ounce lobster tails per person? ›

These tails come from smaller “sweet” lobsters, and the 4-5 oz. portion is a perfect size for so many recipes - we recommend two tails per person!

Is lobster tail cheaper than whole lobster? ›

Buying the Lobster Tails

Preparing a lobster tail dinner can be cheaper than cooking whole lobsters because you only have to buy the tails.

Is an 8 oz lobster tail big? ›

Our 8 to 10 oz. Fresh Maine Large Lobster Tails are pulled fresh out of the water and shipped overnight at no extra cost. Each tail is about as large as a 2-pound live lobster tail and will allow you to taste what lobster from Maine is all about.

What month is lobster cheapest? ›

Prices will peak in early spring, but as the weather warms, lobster fishing picks up, and prices drop in May and June. May is typically one of the best months of the year to buy live lobsters. The supplies are very good as the demand from summer resorts has yet to kick in.

Is lobster tail worth it? ›

Lobster tails are just the tail portion of the lobster, which is often considered the most flavorful part of the lobster. They are typically easier to handle and cook, making them a favorite for many.

Is it better to boil or bake lobster tails? ›

Boiling lobster tails is a great choice because if stored and thawed your lobster tails properly, this is the cooking technique we recommend to minimize your tails sticking to the shell! Boiling is always a safe bet and if you are a first-timer or old-timer, this is the technique you can count on.

What size lobster tail is the best tasting? ›

Look for lobster tails ranging from 5oz to 12oz. These are smaller tails, and are the prime size for getting a good amount of meat and a quality taste and texture with lobster tails. Buy from a reputable place. Pay more for the cold water tails.

Do you rinse lobster tail before cooking? ›

Regardless of how you cut your lobster tails and how you decide how to cook lobster tails, the cleaning method will be the same. After you have rinsed the shells and chosen how to split your lobster tail and exposed the flesh, you'll need to remove the vein running down the center.

Are frozen lobster tails any good? ›

For the most part, frozen lobster retains much of the flavor of fresh lobster. For distributors and national chains, shipping frozen lobster makes it much easier for markets and people to access Maine lobster worldwide. Another plus is that frozen lobster can be purchased and shipped in bulk to save on costs.

Is Costco lobster any good? ›

Seasoned pretty great. A little bit salty. If I had to make a complaint, I wanna be making a lobster roll, so it's gonna be fantastic. On some toasted brioche bun, place your lobster, some lemon juice and some Old Bay seasoning.

What is the tastiest part of a lobster? ›

The most delicious part of the lobster is typically considered to be the tail meat. The tail meat is soft, tender, and has a sweet, delicate flavour. It is the part of the lobster that is most often served in lobster dishes, such as lobster bisque, lobster rolls, and lobster thermidor.

Do you thaw frozen lobster tails before cooking? ›

Can You Cook Frozen Lobster Tails without Thawing Them? You can cook certain types of frozen seafood without thawing it first, like salmon (see our Lemon Butter-Baked Frozen Salmon and Pan-Fried Honey-Garlic Frozen Salmon). But you'll want to thaw lobster tails before cooking them, otherwise they'll end up tough.

How to tell if lobster tail is cooked? ›

Pick a tail to test for doneness. Using a knife, cut through the shell into the thickest part of the tail meat. The meat of a fully-cooked lobster tail is white with no sign of a translucent, grayish color.

When did lobster become an expensive food? ›

They eventually became a delicacy.

Lobster began to shed some of its negative reputation and gain a following among discriminating diners, particularly in Boston and New York City, during the 1880s. Prices immediately began to rise. Because lobster was considered a delicacy when World War II began, it was not rationed.

Should you buy fresh or frozen lobster tails? ›

The issue, then, is not the source but the process. There may be different reasons to order fresh vs. frozen lobster, from expediency to personal preference, but ultimately it will be a matter of taste. Fresh Maine lobster meat is highly prized for its sweet and salty taste.

Is it healthy to eat lobster tail? ›

Although lobster tails contain fat, they are notably high in omega-3 fatty acids, including EPA and DHA. These omega-3s are crucial for heart health and cognitive functions. They are low in saturated fat, making them a heart-healthy choice.

Why has the cost of lobster gone up? ›

The price of lobster is becoming more expensive as inflation and new regulations impact the cost of the delicacy. Dwight Staples, who has worked as a lobsterman in Stonington, Maine, for 15 years, said modern-day lobster fishing can be complex, and this season is producing additional challenges.

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