Caviar has been described as the “wealthy man’s” appetizer of choice, but now everyone can order caviar online. This delicacy has become more accessible and available in recent years, changing the price of these once decadent eggs. Then it comes to comparing caviar food price, it is useful to know where your product originates. Plus, buyers should know what to expect from products, including taste and the best ways to store and prepare it. This guide will bring you through everything you need to know to confidently order caviar online.
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How Much Will I Spend When I Order Caviar Online?
Caviar is better known as roe or eggs from the sturgeon, a large, primitive fish. The most popular caviar is found in the beluga and osetra varieties of the sturgeon. Given that Iranian beluga caviar is the rarest, the roe price is also the highest of all the varieties. When you order caviar online, you probably won’t find beluga. Given the lack of availability of this type – the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service banned the import of beluga products from the Caspian Sea in 2005 – the beluga caviar fish eggs price costs between $5,000 and $10,000 per kilogram. You might also find salmon roe, sometimes called “red caviar,” sold under the term “caviar.”
The Price of Caviar
| Company | # Types of Caviar | $/oz Range | Company Rating | Order |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| For The Gourmet | 12 | $12-$50 | 4.7 | browse caviar prices |
| Gourmet Food Store | 13 | $13-$230 | 4.4 | browse caviar prices |
| Global Seafoods | 16 | $50-$185 | 4.8 | browse caviar prices |
| Lummi Island Wild | 3 | $59-$112 | 5 | browse caviar prices |
| OLMA | 14 | $3-$129 | 4.6 | browse caviar prices |
| Vital Choice | 3 | $59-$170 | 4 | browse caviar prices |
| Riviera Seafood Club | 3 | $65-$150 | 4.5 | browse caviar prices |
When you order caviar online, you will find the average price of caviar is about $100 per ounce for a premium variety. However, like with any product, there is a range and, in some cases, you can pay $40 per ounce for Royal Osetra from companies like Imperia Caviar.
Types of Caviar
There are dozens of different options when you order caviar online. Here are some of the most popular.
- Osetra/Ossetra – This is arguably the most famous type of caviar. It is available in every grade and known worldwide for its iconic taste. It comes in a variety of colors and has a bright, nutty flavor.
- Baika – Known as the world’s darkest caviar, Baika is available in a range of dark black to smokey gray. It comes from Lake Baikal in Siberia and has small beads with a bright, fruity taste.
- Kaluga Huso – This is a beluga caviar hybrid. It comes in vibrant olive and bronze and is the closest to beluga most Americans will be able to find.
- Daurenki – These large, green beads are known for their buttery flavor. A true crowd pleaser, Daurenki is a good option for first-time caviar eaters.
How Does Caviar Taste?
While caviar types and prices vary, so do the taste of the products. The most common types of caviar other than beluga and osetra include: sevruga, kaluga and sterlet. Like all products, you will get what you pay for when you purchase any type of caviar. If you are willing to put out the money and pay a higher amount for your caviar price per pound, the production value will rise.
When it comes to identifying cheap products, experts say the caviar will taste soft, salty, and it is often inconsistent. Sometimes salty is OK depending on the variety, but generally you will want your caviar to taste buttery, nutty, and even a little sweet. When you order caviar online, we recommend checking out where the product was sourced.
The type of fish is not the only price influencer. Caviar is graded based on the size, texture and flavor. There are two main grades. Grade 1, which is more expensive, are firm, large eggs. The eggs are intact. Grade 2 is less expensive, and these are less delicate and less perfectly formed than those classified under Grade 1.
How to Order Caviar Online on a Budget
Caviar might still feel like an indulgence, but there are many ways to try it without breaking your budget. Here are a few ways to save money on your purchase.
- Eat caviar at home. Caviar is far more expensive in a restaurant than it is online. Most customers will be able to sample several types of the dish when they order caviar online. Would you rather spend $200 to eat caviar at a fancy restaurant, or does spending $150 on a few different types from an online specialty store sound better? We know our answer.
- Remember that expensive doesn’t always mean better. With caviar, price more closely correlates to scarcity – not quality. Plus, caviar will have a different flavor profile depending on the type you get. If you order caviar online, choose a flavor that sounds good and hunt for the best price.
- Buy caviar in the correct amount. Here’s our rule of thumb: 10 to 15 grams of caviar is the equivalent of a few bites. Unless you’re eating a tin of caviar for dinner, a 60-ounce serving should be more than enough caviar for two people.
- Compare prices. If you choose to order caviar online, you’ll be able to compare the price per ounce. Use this as your guiding metric if you’re worried about cost.
How to Store Caviar
There is an important distinction between storing unpasteurized and pasteurized caviar. To make sure you don’t lose out when you order caviar online, store any unpasteurized products in the coldest area of the refrigerator. A refrigerated, unopened tins will remain safe to eat for around two weeks.
If you already opened the product, store it tightly covered in the refrigerator and wait no longer than two to three days to eat it. As for pasteurized products, these have a shelf life of several months. However, the same rule applies once opened that they should be stored in the fridge for no longer than two to three days.
Common Caviar Vocabulary
Caviar is a jargon-rich type of seafood. Here are some terms to familiarize yourself with if you want to order caviar online like a pro.
- Classic caviar beads are small, dark, and soft. They are often the least expensive caviar grade.
- Royal beads are large and light in color. The large size indicates that the egg was taken from an older fish. This is rare, which means royal caviar will be more expensive than classic.
- Imperial beads are very large and very light in color. They are very rare and very expensive.
Order Caviar Online and Try These Beverage Pairings
Champagne and vodka are the most classic caviar pairings. The crisp acidity of both drinks serves as a perfect contrast to caviar’s richness. But if you’re not a fan of sparkling wine or vodka, here are a few great alternatives. Order caviar online and treat yourself!
- Porter (Beer): Siberian Sturgeon or Russian Osetra
- Pilsner (Beer): Golden Whitefish, Trout, or Salmon Caviar
- Amber Ale (Beer): Karat Osetra or Russian Osetra
- Cabernet Sauvignon (Wine): White Sturgeon
- Sauvignon Blanc (Wine): Trout, Golden Whitefish, or Salmon Caviar
- Rosé (Wine): White Sturgeon, Golden Whitefish, or Black Caviar
How to Serve Caviar
As with many fancier foods, there is a specific way to eat caviar. This helpful video can show you how to it caviar – even if you order caviar online and eat it at home.
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