How Much Does a Rare White Lobster Cost?

White lobsters are an extremely rare find in the wild, making them a prized delicacy for lobster lovers. But how much does one of these elusive crustaceans actually cost compared to regular lobsters? Let’s dive deep and find out

The Rarity of White Lobsters

Lobsters typically show up in a range of colors like blue, yellow, red, and orange. But every 1 in 100 million lobsters is born with a genetic mutation that makes it completely white They lack the carotenoid pigments that give regular lobsters their iconic reddish-brown hue.

This anomaly happens due to leucism, which causes a partial loss of pigmentation. White lobsters are still relatively normal beneath their pale exterior, except for their vision can be impaired by the lack of pigment in their eyes.

Some statistics on the rarity of white lobsters:

• The odds of catching one are estimated to be 1 in 100 million.

• On average, only 1-2 white lobsters are caught annually in the U.S. and Canada combined.

• Between 1947 to 2021, only around 100 white lobsters have been documented in history.

Typical Cost of Regular Lobsters

To understand how much more valuable white lobsters are, we first need to establish a baseline cost for regular lobsters. Here are some typical price ranges:

• Live lobsters cost $10 to $15 per pound on average.

• Lobster tails cost $25 to $30 per pound.

• Lobster meat costs $35 to $40 per pound.

• Whole cooked lobsters cost $15 to $30 each depending on weight.

• Lobster rolls cost $15 to $25 in restaurants.

These are general ballpark figures that fluctuate based on factors like lobster supply, season, and location. But it provides context on regular pricing before looking at the exorbitant costs of white lobsters.

Premium Pricing of White Lobsters

Due to their ultra-rare nature, white lobsters garner a huge premium over regular lobsters when offered for sale. Some examples of the astronomical pricing:

• In 2016, a 2 lb white lobster was sold for $2,000 at an auction in Maine.

• In 2019, a Canadian fisherman caught a 7 lb white lobster and sold it for $6,000 to a Maine lobster company.

• In 2021, a fish market in New York bought a 2 lb white lobster for $10,000 from a local fisherman.

• Rare white lobster specimens have fetched anywhere from $500 to over $10,000 generally.

• On average, white lobsters tend to be priced at $500 to $1,000 per pound.

This puts them at a roughly 15-100 times higher price tag than regular lobsters per pound. At several thousand dollars each, white lobsters are clearly an ultra-luxury seafood item.

Factors Impacting White Lobster Prices

Some key factors that influence the pricing of these rare lobsters:

• Size – Larger white lobsters over 2 lbs fetch higher premiums due to having more edible meat. Smaller ones under 1 lb can sell for a few hundred dollars.

• Season – Off-season white lobster catches attract more media buzz, boosting demand. Peak season catches blend in with regular lobsters.

• Buyer – Private collectors, casinos, restaurants, and fish markets pay different premiums based on lobster quality and perceived resale value.

• Location – Seller location factors into shipping costs and availability. New England white lobster prices are generally higher.

• Market conditions – Low supply and high publicity of each catch creates bidding wars in some cases.

Are White Lobsters Safe to Eat?

Some people wonder if it’s even safe to eat white lobsters, since they look so abnormal. But food safety experts confirm they are just as edible as regular red lobsters. The lack of pigments has no impact on the actual meat. In fact, some white lobster connoisseurs claim their flesh can taste slightly sweeter.

Regardless of color anomalies, as long as the lobster is fresh and meets food safety standards, it is perfectly fine to cook and consume. That is, if you can get your hands on one or afford the astronomical price tags.