What Are the Best Brands of Oyster Stew on the Market?
Amazon reviewers gave five stars to the Hancock Gourmet Lobster Company’s Orr’s Island Oyster Stew (frozen) and the Bost Distributing Company’s Patterson’s Brand Hilton Oyster Stew (canned). Canned oyster stews from Chincoteague Seafood and Bookbinders averaged 3.5 and three stars, respectively.
As of February 2015, Amazon reviews of Orr’s Island Oyster Stew are very positive, describing it as hearty and better than homemade and mentioning that it contains whole oysters. The stew was named the 2011 winner for Outstanding Soup, Stew, Bean, or Chili at the International Fancy Food Show. However, it is much more expensive than the canned brands.
Reviewers describe Hilton Oyster Stew as “perfectly seasoned” and the best canned oyster stew to use as a base for stuffing and other oyster-based dishes. Hilton Oyster Stew also contains whole oysters.
A majority of Amazon reviewers also gave ratings of three or more stars to oyster stews from both Chincoteague Seafood and Bookbinders. Common complaints about both were that these brands contained only small pieces of oyster and that they required adding milk. However, reviewers found them easy to prepare and relatively tasty. In both cases, reviewers recommended adding extra ingredients such as minced garlic, black pepper and sherry to enhance the flavor.
