When Your Scrumptious Lobster Roll Isn’t Really Made With Lobster

It's time to celebrate lobster roll season and dig in, but let's just hope you're eating the real thing.

Biting into the perfect, hot, buttery lobster roll made with huge, fresh Maine lobster is pure heaven. Or maybe you're all about the chilled, mayo-based lobster roll.

When summer hits, we don't even mind paying around $30 (or whatever the market price is) for that scrumptious, melt-in-your-mouth Maine lobster roll.

However, here's where you have to be leery.

You know the old saying, "You get what you pay for." When it comes to lobster, these are words to live by.

Basically, if the price feels too good to be true, then chances are it most absolutely is not really Lobster. Lobster is never inexpensive, so besides the taste, the price is a huge red flag.

Lobsters vs Langostinos

According to the Tasting Table website, it's most likely not traditional lobster if the price is relatively inexpensive. While your roll may be listed as lobster on the menu and likely tastes delicious, the dish is probably made with langostinos.

According to the Seafood Source website, langostinos are technically a species of lobster and part of the family. However, they're more closely related to crabs rather than the beautiful, mouthwatering Maine crustaceans.

Langostinos come from Chile, look like small, stubby lobsters, and are a bit tougher in texture. It's usually chain seafood restaurants or places that don't want to spend the money on the real deal that tend to market langostino as lobster in appetizers, snacks, and sandwiches, while offering it cheaper than traditional lobster.

Lobster vs Langoustines

Meanwhile, here's a fun fact for you.

According to Bon Appétit, luxury chefs consider langoustines (also called Norway lobster) to be even tastier than Maine lobster, because the meat is much more delicate.

You'll pay a premium for these, but most likely, chefs won't hide them under lobster on the menu.