How Much Does a Rare White Lobster Cost?

It was all in a days work. Chris Puckey went out to check his lobster traps off the coast of Cornwall, England, on May 5, 2024. He found a very rare gem: a bright blue female lobster.

When Puckey found the lobster, he called Jacqueline Spencer, a fishmonger who buys his catch and owns Kitty’s Lobster, Crab, and Fish. “Its a vivid blue color,” Spencer says. “Its absolutely stunning. “.

Given its weight, the lobster would have fetched roughly $31 for Puckey. But Pucky and Spencer didn’t sell the blue crustacean or put it back in the sea, where it could be eaten by a predator. Instead, they found it a safer place to live in an aquarium. The top part of the lobster, called the carapace, was 87 millimeters long, so Puckey didn’t have to put the lobster back in the water.

White lobsters are one of the rarest and most fascinating creatures from the sea Their snowy white shells occur in just 1 out of every 100 million lobsters, making them a true rarity and delicacy for any seafood lover But with their ultra-rare status comes a hefty price tag. Just how much does one of these gleaming white crustaceans cost?

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at what makes white lobsters so unique, their astronomical pricing in today’s luxury seafood market, and whether they are really worth the splurge compared to standard blue lobsters We’ll also overview the various factors that impact the price tag on these ivory-hued shellfish

Read on to learn everything about the sky-high costs of these unusually pigmented lobsters and to determine if you should indulge in one for your next lavish surf and turf dinner.

What Makes White Lobsters So Rare

Lobsters attain their normal bluish tone from a red pigment called astaxanthin present in their shell. For a lobster to appear white, it lacks this pigment entirely due to a genetic mutation causing albinism.

Here are some key facts about white lobsters:

They occur only once in every 100 million lobsters, making them extraordinarily rare.
Their shells are completely white, including the body meat and claws.
The lack of pigment has no adverse health effects.
They possess the same sweet succulent flavor as regular lobsters.
Their rarity means they are often donated to aquariums rather than eaten.
With odds of 1 in 100 million, any discovery generates great interest and demand.

Their remarkably slim chances of occurring paired with their dazzling coloration significantly drive up value and prices when one is caught. Their visual uniqueness as a food item also adds to the appeal for collectors and foodies.

Typical Pricing for White Lobsters

Due to their ultra-rare status, white lobsters command exorbitant premiums compared to regular lobsters:

Small 1-1.5 pound white lobsters may cost $500-$1,000.
Large 3-5 pound white lobsters range from $2,000-$4,000+.
Record prices paid have exceeded $10,000-$15,000 for giant 10+ pound specimens.
Per pound prices typically start around $400-$500/lb and beyond depending on size and buyer interest.
Prices remain extremely high long after initial catch as novelty fades little over time.

So expect to pay at least 10 times or greater the cost of regular lobsters, which usually run $10-$20 per pound live. But for the chance to taste one of the ocean’s rarest treasures, many find the splurge worthwhile.

What Factors Impact Cost?

Several key factors influence the pricing of white lobsters:

Size – Larger lobsters over 5 lbs command bigger premiums. A 10+ lb trophy lobster could fetch $10k+.
Condition – Flaws or damage lower value. Perfect specimens in pristine condition bring top dollar.
Color – An all-white shell with no discoloration is most desirable.
Market – Specialty sellers may pay more than basic seafood suppliers.
Buyer Interest – Wealthy foodies bidding prices up higher.
Season – Off-season timing when lobster supply is lower can elevate prices.

The more ideal attributes a white lobster possesses, the higher price it potentially can obtain from eager buyers, restaurants, and collectors.

Are White Lobsters Worth the High Price Tags?

There are pros and cons to splurging on one of these ultra-rare white lobsters:

Pros:

Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to savor an incredibly unique delicacy.
Makes for an unforgettable special occasion meal.
Provides a visually stunning and social media-friendly dining experience.
Supports the fishermen lucky enough to trap these rare finds.
Gives you serious bragging rights among foodie circles.

Cons:

Expensive even for luxury seafood, at $100+ per serving.
Limited supply and great demand restrict availability.
Must be preordered well in advance; not readily available.
Potential to be seen as a frivolous or wasteful expenditure.
No actual taste difference from regular blue lobster.
Risks criticism for eating rather than displaying a rare animal.

Ultimately, whether to splurge comes down to your budget and passion for unique delicacies. For hardcore foodies celebrating a special milestone, the joy of indulging in a 1 in 100 million lobster may justify the astronomical price tag. For other diners, it may seem foolish to spend so extravagantly on a novelty item.

How to Buy and Serve White Lobster

If you decide to invest in a white lobster, here are some tips:

Contact a premium seafood purveyor or fish market to source one after a rare catch.
Be prepared to spend at least $500+ even for a 1-2 pound lobster.
Order well in advance to allow time for availability and overnight shipping.
Inspect carefully upon delivery and keep chilled until ready to prepare.
Consider showcasing the claws and tail and using the rest for lobster rolls or bisque.
Cook and serve simply with clarified butter and lemon to let the subtle flavors shine.

With some planning and a willingness to splurge, you can turn any special dinner into a true white lobster extravaganza sure to awe your guests.

Should You Pay More for a White Lobster?

At the end of the day, whether to pay the massively inflated prices for a white lobster comes down to your personal priorities and budget. Reasonable arguments exist both for and against spending exponentially more.

While their taste is essentially identical, for some, the joy of savoring such a rare ingredient may justify the incredible cost. For others, it may seem unreasonable to spend so lavishly on a novelty.

Either way, indulging in a fresh lobster, whether classic blue or ultra-rare white, makes for an amazing gourmet seafood experience. So let your preferences and wallet guide you, and enjoy this crustacean delicacy in whichever shade it comes.

What Do Blue Lobsters Taste Like?

The color of a lobster is unlikely to impact how it tastes. It’s likely that a blue one would turn red when it’s cooked and taste the same as the others.

Other Rare Lobsters

Most agree that blue lobsters, though rare, are not the rarest form of lobster. Lobster Institute and New England Aquarium estimates say that yellow and calico lobsters make up about one in 30 million of all lobsters. There is one in 50 million chance that you will see a “Halloween” colored lobster that is half black and half orange in the wild.

White—also known as albino or “crystal”—lobsters are said to be even harder to find. The odds of spotting one of them, according to researchers, is thought to be one in 100 million.

There are other rare lobsters. Yellow lobsters are thought to be one in 30 million, while albino or crystal lobsters are thought to be one in 100 million.

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FAQ

How rare is a white lobster?

It is estimated that only one in 100 million lobsters are white or albino.

What are the odds of getting an albino lobster?

It is estimated that only one in 100 million lobsters is albino — lacking in colored pigments. On August 28, 2010, a calico lobster with a mottled orange and black shell was reported to have been caught in Maine. Only albino lobsters are rarer, and orange lobsters such as these are a 1 in 30 million catch.”

How much is blue lobster worth?

How Much Do Blue Lobsters Cost? Blue lobsters are perfectly suitable for consumption. They have been priced as high as $500 on eBay, although the listing failed to attract a single bid, so it’s safe to say the worth of blue lobsters is debatable.

Are there any white lobsters?

It is estimated only one in 100 million lobsters are white or albino. The crustacean was discovered when a beach in the village of Dooagh reappeared after 33 years.

How much does a whole lobster cost?

The average price for a whole live lobster is $8 to $15 per pound. However, lobster prices fluctuate throughout the year and can be higher or lower depending on several variables. Some of the main factors that affect the cost of whole lobsters include: Location – Lobster prices are generally cheapest near major fishing areas like Maine.

How much does Maine lobster cost?

In March 2023, the average price for live Maine lobster was around $13–$15 per pound, with lobster tails falling between $29.99 and $32.99. At one point in history, lobster was considered a commonplace food, and even looked down upon as being a meal for the poor.

Why are lobsters so expensive?

Supply and Demand – When lobster catches are high prices fall. During peak tourist seasons demand rises and pushes up costs. Size – Larger lobsters over 1.5 pounds cost more per pound than smaller lobsters under 1 pound. Source – Lobsters shipped directly from the dock cost less than those sold at grocery stores or restaurants.

Can you buy a whole lobster?

You can buy whole lobsters either live or pre-cooked. Live lobsters tend to be more affordable since you have to do the cooking yourself. Pre-cooked lobsters offer more convenience at a premium price. On average, live lobsters cost $2 to $5 less per pound compared to pre-cooked lobsters sold at supermarkets and seafood restaurants.