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? ›

Abundance of Supply: Maine lobster prices are lower when there is an abundant supply, usually between June and December. During these months, lobsters migrate closer to the shore, making it easier for fishermen to catch more, leading to lower prices.

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.

What size lobster tail tastes best? ›

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.

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 is the best lobster tail to eat? ›

Cold water lobster is prized above all other species for its sweet, briny richness. Maine and Canada are the most well-known for this cold-water delicacy and for a good reason. The icy waters of the northern Atlantic allow lobsters to grow more slowly which in turn makes the meat more tender.

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 lobster tail healthy? ›

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.

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 size of lobster is the best to eat? ›

Average eaters would be smart to purchase a two-pound lobster, also known as a deuce. This hefty lobster will suit the average eater while also being great for special occasions. They are a little costlier but well worth it.

What size lobster do you have to throw back? ›

Presently major conservation measures include safeguarding lobsters smaller than 3-1/4" carapace length. (Carapace, or shell, length is measured from the rear of the eye socket to the rear of the main body shell). Any lobster that is smaller in carapace length than 3-1/4" must be returned unharmed to the sea.

How old is a 10 pound lobster? ›

Considering that it takes a legal-size lobster measuring 3.25” in carapace length and weighing around 1 pound 7 to 11 years to reach sexual maturity, a 10-pound lobster could be 50 or more years old.

How did lobster become so expensive? ›

As lobster fishing intensified, supplies began to dwindle, which drove up the price further, and the vicious cycle continued until governments had to intervene so lobster stocks wouldn't be wholly depleted.

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.

What is the most expensive seafood? ›

Bluefin tuna is known for being the most expensive seafood in the world.

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