Blue Point vs Malpeque
This is a battle of Atlantic salt: two medium, shallow-cupped Eastern oysters (both Crassostrea virginica) that anchor raw bars on either side of the US-Canada border. The Blue Point, from the US East Coast, rates a brininess of 4 with briny and mineral primary flavors and a sharp, clean, refreshing finish. The Malpeque, from Malpeque Bay on Prince Edward Island, goes one further — the maximum brininess of 5, with briny and crisp primary flavors and a sharp, lingering brine on the finish. Neither is sweet (the Blue Point rates 2, the Malpeque just 1), and both keep creaminess low at 2. The real question is how much salt you want: the Blue Point is bracing but balanced by mineral notes, while the Malpeque is among the briniest oysters in North America, its intensity offset by firm, plump meat and a clean finish.
| Attribute | Blue Point | Malpeque |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Crassostrea virginica | Crassostrea virginica |
| Region | US East Coast | Canada East Coast |
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Brininess | 4/5 | 5/5 |
| Sweetness | 2/5 | 1/5 |
| Minerality | 3/5 | 3/5 |
| Creaminess | 2/5 | 2/5 |
| Finish | Sharp, clean, refreshing | Sharp, lingering brine |
| Primary flavors | Briny, Mineral | Briny, Crisp |
The oysters compared
Blue Point
US East CoastThe classic Atlantic oyster. Crisp, briny, with mineral notes and a sharp, clean finish.
Malpeque
Canada East CoastCanadian icon. Bright salinity, plump meat, crisp and clean.
Which should you choose?
Both are classic, brisk Atlantic oysters for people who like their oysters salty. Pick the Blue Point for a slightly more tempered brine (4 out of 5) with mineral backbone and a refreshing finish. Pick the Malpeque if you want the full hit — a maximum 5 out of 5 brininess with a sharp, lingering salt. Neither is aimed at beginners; both are aimed at brine-lovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is saltier, a Blue Point or a Malpeque?
The Malpeque, which rates the maximum 5 out of 5 on our brininess scale — among the briniest oysters in North America — compared with the Blue Point’s 4 out of 5.
Are Blue Point and Malpeque oysters the same species?
Yes, both are the Eastern oyster, Crassostrea virginica. The Blue Point is grown on the US East Coast (Long Island Sound and Connecticut), while the Malpeque comes from Malpeque Bay, Prince Edward Island, Canada.