Selecting the right clams is crucial for any seafood dish, impacting both flavor and texture. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook, understanding the different types and their best uses will elevate your culinary creations. This guide will help you navigate the options available to ensure you choose the perfect clams for your next meal.
- AMERICA'S #1 CLAM BRAND: Snow's has been a New England classic since 1920, trusted by chefs and home cooks alike for its superior quality and authentic flavor.
- CHOPPED CLAMS: High quality, double-cleaned, chopped ocean clams canned in their own juices to preserve flavor and texture. Use the clams and the juice in your favorite recipes.
- GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN: This 51-ounce can of Snow's Chopped Ocean Clams contains 7 grams of lean protein per serving.
- CONVENIENT PANTRY INGREDIENT: Enjoy a can of chopped clams as a great-tasting, protein addition to any pasta or seafood recipe.
- FOODSERVICE SIZE PERFECT FOR SEAFOOD RECIPES: Snow's Canned Clams are the perfect choice for all your favorite family or restaurant seafood recipes and food prep for those on a ketogenic (keto) diet.
- BRING THE TASTE OF NEW ENGLAND HOME: Snow's high quality wild caught clams in clam juice are hearty and delicious in any seafood recipe.
- CHOPPED CLAMS: Our mouthwatering chopped clams are double cleaned and carefully canned in their own juice to preserve flavor and texture. Use the clams and the juice in your favorite recipes.
- GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN: Each serving contains 5g of lean protein; about two servings per can. Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, and 99% Fat Free.
- CONVENIENT PANTRY INGREDIENT: Pre-chopped canned clams are ready for chowders, dips, sauces, pasta dishes, soups, stews, and more!
- SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD: Our clams are wild caught and all clams in our clam juices, chopped and minced clams, clam sauces, and chowders have met MSC's global standard for sustainability.
- Clams seasoend with real butter, garlic and seasoning. Ready to cook.
- BRING THE TASTE OF NEW ENGLAND HOME: Snow's high quality wild caught clams in clam juice are hearty and delicious in any seafood recipe.
- CHOPPED CLAMS: Our mouthwatering chopped clams are double cleaned and carefully canned in their own juice to preserve flavor and texture. Use the clams and the juice in your favorite recipes.
- GOOD SOURCE OF PROTEIN: Each serving contains 5g of lean protein; about two servings per can. Gluten Free, Keto Friendly, and 99% Fat Free. Pack contains six 6.5 ounce cans.
- CONVENIENT PANTRY INGREDIENT: Pre-chopped canned clams are ready for chowders, dips, sauces, pasta dishes, soups, stews, and more!
- SUSTAINABLE SEAFOOD: Our clams are wild caught and all clams in our clam juices, chopped and minced clams, clam sauces, and chowders have met MSC's global standard for sustainability.
- SeaPak Clam Strips are great as frozen appetizers & snacks; our hand-shucked clams in oven crunchy breading can be used as part of any frozen meal
- SeaPak Clam Strips are a quick and convenient frozen seafood, suitable for busy lifestyles and anyone who enjoys the convenience of frozen food
- These wild caught clam strips can be prepared a number of ways without kitchen tools and gadgets for your convenience, including with an oven, air fryer, fryer, or toaster oven
- SeaPak offers a variety of frozen foods and seafood sourced only from suppliers who work to limit environmental impact, working exclusively with those who follow the most responsible harvesting practices
- SeaPak Clam Strips are great for a quick frozen dinner or frozen lunch; cooking times vary depending on the heating method you choose
- Premium, all-natural chopped clams, No artificial preservatives or MSG - ever, Simple, understandable ingredients, Hand-sorted & hand-packed from the cold North Atlantic
- Large-cut surf clams
- The information below is per-pack only
- BUMBLE BEE CANNED CLAMS: Our Bumble Bee Whole Baby Clams are ideal for making your favorite pasta sauces, dips chowders; Each can typically contains 200-300 clams (yellow clam species)
- WHOLE BABY CLAMS: This 10 ounce can of Bumble Bee Whole Baby Clams will satisfy you and your family whenever you want a tasty and healthy snack or meal; Great for your favorite seafood recipes too
- HIGH IN PROTEIN & GLUTEN FREE: Bumble Bee clams are gluten free and high in protein-they're a great keto food and keto snack for individuals following a keto or paleo diet
- CONVENIENT & VERSATILE: Enjoy Bumble Bee canned clams as a great-tasting, protein-packed snack or a quick meal-easily prepare a delicious lunch or dinner with premium Bumble Bee clams
- BUMBLE BEE CLAMS: Bumble Bee Whole Baby Clams are perfect for hors d'oeuvres, snacks or party food
- Quality You Can See
- ALL NATURAL | 100% Chemical Free
- FARM RAISED | Sourced in PEI, Canada 🇨🇦
- WHOLE COOKED | Option to Boil in Bag
- MICROWAVEABLE | Ready to Reheat
- SUSTAINABLE | Best Aquaculture Practices Certified
This article is part of our complete guide Grocery & Gourmet — browse all our comparisons and buying guides.
Last update on 2026-07-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
How to Choose the Best Clams
Understanding Clam Varieties
Clams come in various types, each with distinct characteristics. Littleneck clams are small and tender, ideal for steaming or eating raw. Cherrystone clams are larger and firmer, excellent for baking or chowders. Quahogs are the largest and toughest, best suited for chowders and stews where they can be cooked down. Manila clams are known for their sweet flavor and are great for steaming.
Freshness Indicators
When purchasing fresh clams, look for shells that are tightly closed. If any are slightly open, they should close immediately when tapped. Avoid clams with cracked or broken shells, or those that smell strongly of ammonia or fishiness. They should have a mild, briny aroma. Store fresh clams in the refrigerator in a breathable bag or bowl, covered with a damp cloth.
Canned vs. Fresh Clams
Canned clams offer convenience and a longer shelf life, making them suitable for pantry staples. They are often pre-cooked and chopped, ready to be added to dishes like pasta sauces, dips, or clam chowder. However, they may have a slightly different texture and a less intense flavor compared to fresh clams. Fresh clams provide the best taste and texture for dishes where the clam is a primary ingredient, such as steamed clams or raw bar preparations.
Preparation Tips
Before cooking, it's essential to purge clams to remove any grit. Place them in a bowl of cold, salted water (about 1/4 cup salt per gallon of water) and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least 20-30 minutes, or up to a few hours. Discard any clams that do not open after cooking, as they are not safe to eat. Rinse purged clams under cold water before using them in your recipes.
Choosing for Your Recipe
Consider the cooking method when selecting your clams. Smaller, tender varieties like littlenecks are best for quick cooking methods such as steaming or sautéing. Larger, firmer clams like quahogs are more forgiving for longer cooking times in stews or chowders. For raw consumption, always choose the freshest, smallest varieties available.
