Costco’s $11.99/lb Seafood Boil Kit: Worth It This Summer?
If you’ve been on social media lately, you may have already seen this one blow up. Costco’s Lusamerica Seafood Boil went viral after a short video posted by Costco Fan sparked hundreds of comments debating one very simple question: is $11.99 per pound actually a good deal for a complete seafood boil kit?
Here’s the honest answer — and who should be throwing this in their cart.
What’s in the Kit
The Lusamerica Seafood Boil includes:
- Wild Dungeness Crab
- Shrimp
- Mussels
- Clams
- Red Potatoes
- Corn
- Spice Packet
It comes pre-cooked and the whole thing is ready in 6 minutes — which is the real headline here. A backyard seafood boil from scratch takes a stock pot, an outdoor burner [AFFILIATE:amazon], 45 minutes of active cooking, and a lot of cleanup. This kit skips all of that.
Why It’s Notable
Dungeness crab alone at a grocery seafood counter typically runs $12–$18 per pound when you can even find it. Getting wild Dungeness plus shrimp, mussels, and clams — with the sides and seasoning included — at $11.99/lb is genuinely competitive pricing for the quality and variety you’re getting.
This isn’t imitation crab or farmed shellfish filler. Wild-caught Dungeness is the star, and Costco’s sourcing tends to hold up better than what you’d find in a similar kit at a big-box grocery chain.
Who This Is Perfect For
Summer entertainers: If you’re hosting a 4th of July cookout, a beach-day afterparty, or just a Saturday backyard gathering, this kit feeds a crowd without requiring you to be a professional chef. Pair it with a large seafood boil pot [AFFILIATE:amazon] and an outdoor propane burner [AFFILIATE:amazon] and you’ve got a legit low-country boil setup for way less than a restaurant spread.
Busy families: Six minutes from the fridge to the table is hard to argue with on a Tuesday night. Southern families especially will appreciate the familiar flavors without the prep work.
First-time seafood boil hosts: If you’ve always wanted to throw a proper boil but felt intimidated, this kit removes the guesswork entirely. You don’t need to source five separate proteins or nail the seasoning blend — it’s done.
Any Downsides?
A couple of honest caveats:
- Priced by the pound: Depending on pack weight, your total at checkout can surprise you. Check the label before you assume you know the final cost.
- Spice level: Pre-packaged spice packets are a compromise. If your crowd loves serious heat, keep a bottle of extra Cajun seasoning [AFFILIATE:amazon] on hand to punch it up.
- Availability varies by warehouse: Costco’s seafood finds can be regional and seasonal. This one may not be in every location, and it may not stick around past summer.
Quick Comparison
Building a comparable seafood boil from scratch at a grocery store — wild Dungeness crab, shrimp, live mussels, clams, plus vegetables and seasoning — will likely run you $15–$22 per pound in seafood costs alone, before produce. For the convenience and price point, the Costco kit is hard to beat unless you’re a serious seafood cook who wants full control over your ingredients.
If you want to upgrade the experience, a solid set of seafood crackers and picks [AFFILIATE:amazon] makes eating Dungeness crab at the table a lot less messy and a lot more fun — especially with kids.
The Bottom Line
At $11.99/lb with Dungeness crab as the anchor ingredient, this kit is a genuine summer score for families who want a show-stopping meal without the effort. Grab it while you see it — Costco’s rotating seafood finds don’t always come back once they’re gone.
Head to your local Costco warehouse and check the fresh seafood section. If you don’t have a membership yet, summer is one of the best times to join — peak season for exactly these kinds of finds.