Caviar symbolizes luxury, indulgence and elegance. These salt-cured eggs come from sturgeon and are famous for their health benefits. Wellness enthusiasts may eat them for vitamins, immune health and cognitive function. Here is a guide to roe and the best companies to buy from.
What Are the Different Types of Caviar and Their Flavors?
Caviar is a high-priced delicacy, costing over $1,000 per ounce for higher-end fish. Twenty-eight sturgeon species produce these unfertilized eggs, and fish farmers harvest them in the water. Here are popular caviar types at shops and restaurants.
| Beluga | Beluga caviar originates from the great sturgeon and is famous for its buttery, delicate flavor. |
| Siberian | Siberian sturgeon produces these eggs, renowned for dark gray pearls and a nutty flavor. |
| Kaluga | Kaluga caviar is similar to beluga, though it tastes nuttier and earthier. |
| Sevruga | Starry sturgeon produces this bold, salty caviar found in the Black and Caspian seas. |
| Osetra | Osetra caviar comes from Russian sturgeons and has a buttery profile. |
| Hackleback | Hackleback is among the few from the United States. This caviar has an intensely nutty taste. |
Other Notable Caviar Types
Some caviar stands out over others, though there is a whole world to try. Here are a few other types served worldwide:
- Sterlet
- Starry
- Paddlefish
- White
- Adriatic
- Amur
- Schrenckii
What Is Considered True Caviar?
The definition of caviar has broadened, so it may differ based on whom you ask. Purists may say the unfertilized eggs must come from sturgeon, particularly from the Caspian and Black seas. However, the culinary world has broadened the term to include other sturgeon species, such as beluga. Some enthusiasts say salmon and trout should be included despite being in another fish family.
Sourcing Caviar From Locations Worldwide
Sturgeon species can survive in saltwater or freshwater, so you can find them in multiple water bodies. Caviar brands establish farms on various continents, so your next tin could arrive from anywhere. From Germany to California, the abundant locations make the sturgeon roe more accessible. However, producers must implement sustainable practices to preserve healthy numbers. Experts say nine sturgeon species are threatened or endangered, so protection is essential.
Methodology to Determine the Best Caviar Companies
Selecting the best caviar brands requires a careful evaluation of taste and luxury. Here are eight criteria for judging companies.
| Authenticity | Caviar must come from sturgeon to prove authenticity. |
| Sustainability | The brand should support sustainability practices, such as renewable resources and conservation efforts. |
| Certifications | ASC and Friend of the Sea offer credibility through third-party certifications. |
| Nutritional benefits | Look for nutritional information to see vitamins, minerals and omega-3 content. |
| Freshness | Fresh caviar should have minimal processing and artificial preservatives. |
| Texture | Reputable caviar has a consistent taste and texture. |
| Product range | Check the product range for diverse caviar options. |
| Allergen and dietary information | The brand should clearly label potential allergens and suitability for specific diets. |
What Are the Top Caviar Brands?
Modern caviar brands cater to health and wellness enthusiasts with impressive vitamin and mineral profiles. Which ones are the best for healthy living and luxury? Here are the top 10 companies to consider.
1. Astrea Caviar
Astrea Caviar has changed the roe landscape since its 2019 founding. The California company is the best because it gives the most bang for your buck. You can save money while eating some of the most delicious caviar worldwide. Customers can purchase schrenckii, osetra and kaluga eggs in stylish tins. Try all three with the Astrea Caviar Starter Set.
Astrea Caviar prioritizes redefining the caviar experience through sustainability and precision. The Los Angeles brand partners with sustainable farms worldwide and ensures the sturgeon are mature before harvesting. Caviar enthusiasts enjoy Astrea’s products because it uses a low-salt malossol method. Therefore, you can taste more of the umami flavors with each batch.
Key features:
- Three caviar types
- Premium subscription service for caviar delivery
- Small and party-sized tins
- Boxed gift sets available
2. Sterling Caviar
Sterling Caviar became California’s first commercial sturgeon farm in the 1980s. For four decades, it has dedicated itself to producing caviar from the white sturgeon. Experts laud Sterling Caviar, as the brand has received approval from Michelin and other organizations. In 2022, its Royal Caviar won two awards from the Specialty Food Association.
Sterling’s collection includes numerous white sturgeon products. Customers can select supreme, classic, two-color caviar and other enticing flavors. Each tin has 1.8 ounces of unforgettable sturgeon roe tailored to your taste buds. The brand uses only salt and fish eggs, omitting additives and chemicals. Besides caviar production, Sterling leads research efforts for sturgeon preservation.
Key features:
- Award-winning caviar
- Seafood Watch recognition
- No additives or chemicals
- Produced in the U.S.
3. Petrossian
Petrossian is among the top French caviar brands and sells numerous types of these unfertilized eggs. The company sells six flavorful sturgeon roe, ranging from osetra to persicus. Since 1920, the Petrossian brothers’ legacy has blossomed in Paris and other cities worldwide. While based in France, it has shops in London, New York and Los Angeles.
Petrossian has caviar for all taste buds and preferences. If you have yet to eat this delicacy, try a tin of daurenki with butter and brine. While the white sturgeon tin is bold, these eggs are terrific for all occasions. Longtime caviar enthusiasts may enjoy the league hybrid due to the complex finish and firm texture.
Key features:
- Shops in Europe and the U.S.
- Six caviar types
- Special Reserve caviar for higher-end palates
- Flavors for every occasion
4. Calvisius
Calvisius excels in craftsmanship and sustainability in its Italian farms. From Calvisano to Cassolnovo, the experts foster natural sturgeon habitats so the fish thrive. The company uses natural water sources from Lake Garda and carefully manages each step of roe production. It helps the environment by refilling rivers with previously endangered stocks, so customers can enjoy sustainable caviar with every bite.
While prestigious and sustainable, Calvisius ensures affordable prices. The Tradition Prestige and Siberian Classic are excellent budget-friendly choices for those with luxurious taste buds. If you want a sampler, consider the Seven Stars Collection with the entire Calvisius product lineup. Check the caviar tin to see where your eggs come from because the company has a transparent labeling system.
Key features:
- Produced on sustainable Italian farms
- Malossol method to reduce sodium content
- Discount with newsletter signup
- Labeling systems with CITES standards
5. Caviar Russe
Caviar Russe preserves caviar’s rich history by focusing on quality. It wants your tasting experience to be unforgettable, whether at home or in a restaurant. The brand sources each harvest from its sturgeon farm in Germany. Once packaged, it heads directly to your home via overnight shipping. You can also pick up caviar at the New York and Miami locations.
Caviar Russe focuses on five caviar types with wide price ranges. Budget options include the classic osetra, while the platinum tin offers the highest grade of this fish. If you are looking for gifts, you can get one of its signature assortments. Each set includes different caviar experiences to welcome newcomers and satisfy roe enthusiasts.
Key features:
- Five types of caviar
- Next-day express overnight delivery via FedEx
- Same-day pickup at New York and Miami locations
- Small-batch production from its German farm
6. Caviar de Neuvic
Caviar de Neuvic says it is France’s ethical caviar producer. The brand has B Corp certification, demonstrating its commitment to social and environmental impacts. Its expert producers implement quality and ethics in every step, whether recycling water or preserving the surgeon’s life cycle. Each fish feeding session includes organic feed and excludes processed animal proteins.
The French company offers four types of caviar: Siberian, osetra, sevruga and beluga. Each roe tin takes your taste buds on a luxurious adventure. Try the signature caviar for an affordable introductory meal, then reach for Beluga Reserve for an unparalleled experience. Caviar de Neuvic ensures freshness through Chronofresh’s cold delivery services.
Key features:
- Cold delivery by Chronofresh
- Free delivery in France with an order of 130€
- Ethical caviar producer
- Four caviar types
7. Sasanian Caviar
Sasanian Caviar provides consistent caviar quality at its British Columbia farm. The West Coast operation produces four sturgeon roe types, from osetra to Siberian. Once the caviar is ready, customers get overnight shipping with guaranteed quality. Sasanian’s product selection includes individual tins, though people and businesses can take advantage of wholesale caviar.
Sasanian stands out because of its process. The company fosters pristine sturgeon environments with meticulous oversight and maintenance. Each fish receives tender loving care through a protein-filled, nutritious diet. Sturgeon farmers exclude hormones and antibiotics to help the fish thrive and provide clean flavors. Besides caviar, the brand also sells salmon and trout roe.
Key features:
- No antibiotics, preservatives or hormones
- Wholesale caviar products
- Four caviar types
- Non-sturgeon roe products
8. Tsar Nicoulai
Tsar Nicoulai is a California company with sustainable priorities and quality caviar. The brand has one of the only Ecocert-certified farms in the U.S., as environmental friendliness is a core value. Each sturgeon benefits from a natural, integrated system promoting biodiversity and reducing ecological impact. Team members ensure 24/7 monitoring by optimizing water quality and growing conditions.
Since 1984, Tsar Nicoulai has provided customers with fresh, top-shelf caviar. Elevate your sturgeon roe experience with the Imperial Osetra Caviar, featuring bright yellow grains. This product is excellent for enthusiasts seeking rare fish eggs with simple ingredients. Each container includes only caviar and salt, excluding undesirable preservatives or hormones. Customers can enjoy 1-ounce jars or purchase up to a kilogram.
Key features:
- Ecocert-approved farm
- Delivered straight from the sturgeon farm
- Two-ingredient caviar tins
- Generous rewards program
9. Black River Caviar
Black River Caviar is a famous caviar producer from South America. Since the 1980s, it has farmed osetra sturgeon in the Río Negro to produce roe. The body of water has pristine conditions and low temperatures conducive to sturgeon fishing, so customers benefit from quality caviar. The owners pair optimal conditions with respectful environmental practices, such as minimizing waste.
Black River Caviar sells osetra caviar in varying sizes and quantities. Customers can start with Tradition or upgrade to the Master Selection. The business sells tins under 1 ounce, whereas parties of 50 or more can enjoy the 35-ounce canister. Top chefs and caviar enthusiasts laud the company’s selection, as it is available in five-star resorts and restaurants.
Key features:
- Exclusively sells osetra caviar
- Large and small quantities of caviar
- Transparent traceability of fish
- Strict technical and sanitary controls
10. Royal Belgian Caviar
Royal Belgian Caviar is the premier sturgeon roe producer in Belgium. It started as a fish feed company in the 1980s before producing caviar in 2002. For over 20 years, the European brand has used sturgeon from its farm, sourcing food and carefully monitoring living conditions. Royal Belgian Caviar experts optimize the breeding and feeding processes through constant water quality monitoring.
The company controls each step to produce some of Europe’s best caviar. From osetra to beluga, there are sturgeon eggs for all taste buds. Get variety packs from tasting boxes to see which is your favorite. You can rest assured that the quality is high, considering professional chefs use Royal Belgian Caviar in their restaurants. Maxime Collard, Maarten Camps and other pros attest to the buttery and nutty flavors.
Key features:
- First producer of Belgian caviar
- Trusted by professional chefs worldwide
- Optimized sturgeon breeding and feeding
- Vacuum-packed and sealed container
Comparison Chart of the Top Caviar Companies
| Brand name | Caviar types sold |
| Astrea Caviar | Schrenckii, osetra, kaluga hybrid |
| Sterling Caviar | White sturgeon |
| Petrossian | Osetra, kaluga huso hybrid, persicus, white, beluga hybrid |
| Calvisius | White, Siberian, osetra, sevruga |
| Caviar Russe | Osetra, sevruga, white, Siberian, sterlet |
| Caviar de Neuvic | Siberian, osetra, sevruga, beluga |
| Sasanian Caviar | White, kaluga hybrid, osetra, Siberian |
| Tsar Nicoulai | White, osetra, Siberian |
| Black River Caviar | Osetra |
| Royal Belgian Caviar | Beluga, osetra, Siberian, sterlet |
Sourcing Caviar From the World’s Top Brands
Caviar is synonymous with luxury and unforgettable culinary experiences. The world’s leading producers give customers different types of caviar and their flavors, whether Siberian or sevruga. While taste is essential, these companies stand out for their terrific sustainability commitments. Water monitoring, waste reduction and locally grown food make sturgeon farming more ecologically conscious. Prioritize the companies with ethical practices, wide caviar selections and solid reputations.
Want to unlock greater wellness?
Listen to our friends over at the Wellness + Wisdom Podcast to unlock your best self with Dr. John Lieurance; Founder of MitoZen; creators of the ZEN Spray and Lumetol Blue™ Bars with Methylene Blue.
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.