Which Caviar to Buy: The Guide for Every Enthusiast

Caviar is the ultimate delicacy, but with so many types and suppliers, many gourmets can’t see the forest for the trees. Which caviar should you buy? As a beginner, you might feel overwhelmed by terms like Beluga, Oscietra, or classifications such as malossol. As an experienced connoisseur, you want to guarantee quality without overpaying. In this guide, we unravel all the types of caviar, their origins and taste differences, and explain how to make the perfect choice. This way, you’ll know exactly which caviar suits your taste and budget. We discuss both the traditionally famous caviar from Iran and caviar from Russia/China, as well as the sustainable approach of Carbon Caviar. Read on and discover which caviar you should buy. In this article, you’ll find step by step which caviar to buy is the right choice for your taste and budget.

What exactly is caviar?

Before diving deeper into which caviar to buy, it’s important to know what caviar actually is. Caviar is not just fish roe, but exclusively comes from the sturgeon. For centuries, this “black gold” was reserved for tsars and shahs. The eggs are lightly salted (at malossol level) to enhance their delicate buttery and nutty flavors. In our detailed blog “What Exactly is Caviar?” you can read more about its history, origins, serving techniques, and many healthy nutrients such as omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A, D, and B12, but above all, it remains a luxurious indulgence.

Which caviar should beginners buy?

For those wondering which caviar to buy as a beginner, the rare Beluga Huso Huso is not the best option right away. Start with a relatively mild, accessible variety. For example, Acipenser Classic from our collection, sourced from Acipenser transmontanus. It is specifically selected for its large, refined eggs and soft, fresh taste. This way, you experience the luxury without being overwhelmed by intense nutty or marine tones.

Gentle taste: The Classic has a pure, lightly nutty finish and little sharp saltiness. Ideal for getting used to the texture and the malossol phenomenon.
Affordability: This caviar offers the largest pearls at a sharp price. You taste the refinement of true sturgeon caviar without immediately paying top prices.
Healthy benefits: Even in small portions, caviar provides a lot of omega-3 and vitamins (B12, A, D). Fun fact: 100g of caviar contains about 24g of protein and many essential nutrients, making it a nutritious delicacy.

Tip for beginners: Taste caviar preferably pure (on the hand or with a mother-of-pearl spoon) and without too much garnish, so you learn to appreciate its subtle buttery flavor. After a first experience, you can gradually move on to more exclusive varieties.

Types of caviar and origin

The world of caviar has many names and qualities. The main distinction lies in the sturgeon species and origin, as these determine taste, color, and price.

Beluga Huso Huso

Beluga Huso Huso caviar is known as the king of caviar. This very rare sturgeon produces extra-large creamy eggs (3.5–4 mm). Our Beluga comes from the deep, mineral waters of the Caspian Sea. The mild, salty water and rich food supply create a creamy, velvety flavor full of complex notes and cream. Each pearl softly bursts in the mouth. Beluga caviar was traditionally the status symbol of Russian tsars and Persian shahs.

Note: The name Beluga is protected; only caviar from this Caspian sturgeon may be called so. Our “Beluga Iran Huso Huso” is extremely exclusive: sourced directly from Iran’s Caspian Sea.

Oscietra (Ossetra)

Our Oscietra Royal is renowned for its refined nutty taste. This roe comes from the Amur River (on Russia’s border with China), where cool, clean waters let the grains mature slowly. Our Oscietra Royal has medium-sized golden-green eggs (approx. 3–3.5 mm) and tastes subtly fruity and nutty. The result is a full, salty flavor with creamy depth, beloved by true gourmets. Historically, Oscietra was the favorite of Russian aristocracy because of its rich nutty tones.

Kaluga Royal Amur

Kaluga Royal Amur is a close relative of Beluga, also from the Amur River. The amber to light green pearls (3–4 mm) provide a creamy, full flavor with a distinctly buttery and nutty finish. Kaluga is often called the “river Beluga.” Thanks to its soft character, it’s an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want a rich taste without the highest Beluga price.

Impérial Gold

Impérial Gold is a hybrid caviar from the Amur (Huso dauricus × Huso schrenckii). These light-golden pearls offer an extremely soft, buttery mouthfeel. Thanks to the combination of both sturgeons, this is an exceptionally smooth, almost velvety caviar that adds an extra luxurious touch to any dish.

Acipenser Royal

Acipenser Royal is a premium hybrid Siberian sturgeon caviar from the Amur River. This sturgeon offers medium-sized grains in dark-green shades, with a refined maritime taste and distinct nutty notes. Thanks to its natural habitat, the eggs capture a fresh sea breeze. An excellent price-quality option for those seeking true depth.

Almas caviar

Almas caviar is without doubt the most exclusive and rare caviar in the world. It comes exclusively from the albino Beluga Huso Huso sturgeon of the Caspian Sea, in the depths of Iran. The pearls are light gold to white in color and have a sublimely soft, buttery taste with refined notes that even surprise seasoned connoisseurs. Almas is often offered in very small amounts due to its rarity. It is the choice for those seeking ultimate luxury and a truly unique experience.

Acipenser Classic

Acipenser Classic is our accessible caviar for both beginners and enthusiasts who want a refined but not too heavy taste. This caviar comes from the Acipenser transmontanus sturgeon and is known for its large, glossy pearls with a fresh, lightly nutty finish. The flavor is elegant and balanced, without the intensity of Beluga or Oscietra, making it the perfect choice for a first introduction to caviar. Thanks to its attractive price-quality ratio, Classic lets you enjoy pure luxury without stepping straight into the highest segment.

Caviar from Iran

Iran, located on the southern edge of the Caspian Sea, has a centuries-old caviar tradition. The strength of Iranian caviar lies in the unique mineral composition and the pure quality of the water. This exceptionally clean environment allows the sturgeon to grow peacefully and produce larger, more flavorful eggs. The result is a caviar with unparalleled depth and creaminess, widely regarded as the global standard for luxury. Every bite carries the essence of this special sea. Read more in our blog about Iranian caviar for history and serving tips.

Caviar from Russia and China

Along the border of Russia and China flows the majestic Amur River, one of the cleanest and most pristine rivers in the world. Its crystal-clear water and constant current create a natural filtration effect, allowing sturgeon to grow up in a stress-free and healthy environment. These conditions give the caviar a distinctly fresh, nutty, and creamy flavor, distinguishing it from caviar from other regions. For generations, Russian and Chinese gourmets have chosen caviar from the Amur region precisely for this unique water quality. Want to read more? Check our blog about caviar from Russia and China for background and advice.

How to choose the best caviar: which caviar to buy for your situation?

When deciding which caviar to buy, pay attention to several points to ensure top quality:

Type and origin: For premium, choose caviar from the Caspian Sea or the Amur River. As mentioned, Beluga Huso Huso offers the most exclusive grains. Our Russian Oscietra Royal and Kaluga Royal Amur provide rich flavors at slightly lower prices. For starters or budget-friendly options, consider Acipenser transmontanus (e.g., our Acipenser Classic).
Salt content (malossol): The finest caviars are lightly salted (malossol). This preserves their natural flavor. Look for words like “mildly salted” or “<6% salt.” Because caviar is naturally omega-3 rich, it doesn’t need much salt for flavor.
Texture & color: Good caviar has glossy, firm grains that softly burst in the mouth. The color varies by type (black, gray, golden green, amber, white gold), but should be uniform without lumps or many empty shells.
Origin guarantee: Choose caviar with certification or clear origin. Our Beluga Huso Huso comes exclusively from Iran/Caspian Sea. Our Russian Oscietra Royal is Russian and from a pure line (not crossed with Baerii, keeping the flavor intact).
Storage temperature: Pay attention to the cold chain, caviar must stay refrigerated (between 0°C and 4°C) during shipping and storage. Buy from reliable suppliers like Carbon Caviar with guaranteed chilled delivery.

Caviar from Carbon Caviar

Besides taste, choosing caviar is also about quality and origin. At Carbon Caviar, we believe in ecologically responsible farming and sustainability. Our selections come directly from the pure waters of the Amur River and the Caspian Sea, where sturgeon grow in a natural environment. Because the fish live stress-free and have plenty of space, they reach an older age than in conventional farming. This means the eggs are larger, fuller, and richer in taste. This principle, often described as “wild-farmed” because it mimics nature as closely as possible, results in an authentic, complex flavor you rarely find elsewhere.

Moreover, we work exclusively with certified farms, making our caviar fully traceable and ecologically responsible. Thanks to this careful approach, we deliver only Grade 1 quality caviar. It is no coincidence that Carbon Caviar is served in top restaurants such as Ventuno Sky Lounge and Gaia Marbella, and is even featured in international media like the Netflix series Dubai Bling. Worldwide, chefs, experts, and enthusiasts trust our caviar for its consistent quality, pure taste, and the sustainable philosophy behind every jar.

Want to experience for yourself why top chefs and international connoisseurs choose our caviar? Browse our full collection and order your favorite caviar today. Soon you’ll be enjoying at home the same exclusive taste experience served in the world’s best restaurants.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the difference between real and imitation caviar?

Real caviar comes exclusively from unfertilized sturgeon eggs. Other fish roe (salmon, redfish, plankton) may not officially be called ‘caviar’ and lacks the complex taste of sturgeon caviar.

Which types of caviar taste the best?

That depends on your taste. Beluga caviar is known for its buttery, velvety flavor. Oscietra (Amur) has a refined nutty and sometimes fruity flavor. Kaluga Royal Amur tastes full and creamy with nutty tones. Our Acipenser Classic offers a pure, fresh taste at a gentle price.

What is the best caviar for beginners?

Try a milder variety first, such as Acipenser Classic or our Russian Oscietra Royal. These are less intense than Beluga but still have a beautiful texture.

How healthy is caviar?

Caviar is very rich in omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality proteins, and vitamins (A, D, B12), plus minerals like selenium and magnesium. This supports heart and brain health and provides energy and recovery. However, caviar is also high in salt, so enjoy in moderation. Want to read more? Check our blog post: “Is Caviar Healthy?”

Can I eat caviar when pregnant?

As a precaution, experts usually advise against raw fish products during pregnancy (including caviar) due to possible bacterial risks. Pregnant women often choose pasteurized fish alternatives.

How much caviar can you eat?

Think of caviar as a luxury condiment: 10–30 grams per person is enough to enjoy its flavor and nutrients. Because of its salt and calorie content, large daily amounts are unnecessary.