Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a process for preserving frozen seafood such as comminuted crab meat, fish and shellfish without requiring the use of sodium tripolyphosphate, which comprises adding to processed seafood prior to freezing from about 0.001% to about 1.0% by weight, based on the seafood, of a Xanthomonas hydrophilic colloid such as Xanthan gum. The seafood so treated exhibits reduced cold storage deterioration and improved retention of natural moisture.