Caviar is not a product that’s part of our daily diet. As such, people might not be aware of all the different varieties available in the global caviar market. Although caviar is primarily considered a luxury product and associated with fine dining Michelin-starred restaurants, there are also caviar alternatives that are more affordable. In the following paragraphs, we’ll share more about the different types of caviar and roe. If you wish to read more about the similarities and differences between these two products, check out our post on roe vs caviar. Alternatively, you can examine the different types of caviar businesses in this small but profitable niche.
Key takeaway: There are two general categories of caviar – traditional sturgeon caviar and non-sturgeon caviar which is most commonly referred to as roe.
Types of Caviar
It’s important to note that caviar is only the salt-cured roe made of sturgeon fish species. Although some brands market their salmon or trout roe as caviar, these products are not actually caviar. Let’s examine some of the most popular types of caviar.
- Beluga caviar. Its color ranges from light gray to dark charcoal. Beluga caviar has the largest eggs of any caviar variety. It’s also one of the rarest types of caviar because the beluga has been overfished for decades. Wild beluga caviar is illegal to sell and import in the US, but there are sustainable beluga farms that can still harvest and sell beluga caviar.
- Osetra caviar. It has medium-sized eggs and is highly prized for its texture and flavor. It’s more affordable than beluga caviar, but it’s still among the most expensive.
- Sevruga caviar. Its smaller eggs make it a popular ingredient among catering businesses. Sevruga sturgeon is more abundant and this is the reason why its roe has a more affordable price compared to other types of caviar.
- Baikal caviar. With its medium to large eggs and delicate flavor, this is one of the highly prized types of caviar. Its name is derived from Lake Baikal in Russia where several sturgeon species live.
- Hackleback caviar. This product is made from the roe of shovelnose sturgeon (often called hackleback). It is found in the basins of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. It’s much cheaper in price and is among the most traded caviars wholesale and retail in the US.
Types of Caviar by Country
Then looking at the different caviar varieties, we can also divide them by the place of origin. Here are the main types of caviar divided by the different countries and regions where the roe has been harvested.
- Caspian caviar – the term refers to caviar from all sturgeon species (such as beluga, osetra, and sevruga) that originate in the Caspian Sea. Those are among the rarest and most luxurious types of caviar.
- Iranian caviar – thanks to its rich historical knowledge of caviar and its large coast on the Caspian Sea, Iran produces various high-quality types of caviar.
- Chinese caviar – in recent years, China has become a leader in various subcategories of the seafood industry. Caviar is one of them. Kaluga Queen is a Chinese company that produces more than half of the caviar in the world.
- Russian caviar – caviar has played an important role in the country’s history and cuisine.
- American caviar – in the US, caviar is primarily sourced from hackleback and paddlefish. These sturgeon species are farmed in controlled aquaculture farms. Business owners who prioritize sustainability in their company’s operations should consider picking local types of caviar. Not only are they among the most eco-friendly options on the market but they are also suitable for various seasonal seafood dishes.
Types of Roe
Caviar is not the only product made of fish eggs that is used in culinary and restaurant businesses. In fact, the global roe market is much larger thanks to the bigger supply. Roe is often called non-sturgeon caviar. It has similar flavor and texture characteristics but is less expensive. The affordable price of roe has made it a high-demand product and a common ingredient in appetizers, seafood dishes, and cocktail parties. Here are the main types of roe offered by specialty food and seafood distributors.
- Salmon roe. Its large orange eggs make it an excellent option for garnish or topping. Like most non-sturgeon caviar alternatives, it’s also a common ingredient in sushi.
- Trout roe. It’s also orange but has slightly smaller eggs and can be used in salads, canapes, or as garnish.
- Whitefish roe. Its small pearls have a bright yellow color.
- Capelin caviar. It’s often referred to as “masago” and is a common ingredient in sushi. This type of roe has a crunchy texture and much smaller eggs.
- Herring caviar. This type of roe is common in the Scandinavian and Eastern European restaurant industry. It consists of small and dark eggs that have a salty and intense flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Different Types of Caviar and Roe
From guides for seafood restaurants to tips about finding wholesale food distributors, there are multiple valuable resources on our website. Below are some common questions regarding the main types of caviar as well as their answers.
What Are the Cheapest Types of Caviar?
Although caviar is an expensive product, there are some varieties that are more affordable than others. For example, the Hackleback caviar (also known as American sturgeon caviar) comes at a price range between 50 and 200 dollars. When ordered in large quantities or at wholesale prices, it is even more affordable. Although the price of this caviar variety is much lower compared to other types of caviar, it’s still a luxurious product with excellent characteristics. The reason for the lower price is that Hackleback caviar is sourced in the US and from fish species that are more abundant.
What Are the Most Expensive Types of Caviar?
Beluga caviar is among the most expensive food products on the market. Its price per pound can be more than $10,000. As beluga sturgeon is classified as a critically endangered species, the import and sale of caviar from wild-caught Beluga is forbidden in the United States. However, there are Beluga farms across the US that use sustainable practices and controlled aquaculture operations. Sales of sustainably farmed Beluga caviar are permitted in the US. With a price tag of more than 100,000 dollars per kilogram, Strottarga Bianco is one of the most expensive caviar brands. It’s made from Siberian Albino Sturgeon.
Is There a Vegan Caviar Alternative?
Yes. Just like there are vegan meat products, there are also vegan caviar alternatives. These products combine plant-based and seaweed ingredients to achieve similar flavor, texture, and other characteristics. These alternatives are used as ingredients in sushi, as vegan appetizer toppings, and in various vegan caviar recipes.
Seaweed caviar is the most popular product in the vegan niche market. Although it’s not strictly speaking caviar (see our article on what is caviar), it resembles the traditional product in size, color, and flavor. Plant-based caviar alternatives can be made from tapioca starch, beets, and carrots. There are also fruit-based caviar alternatives made of passionfruit or mango.
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