Where to Buy Caviar Online

While caviar (the salted, cured, unfertilized egg of a sturgeon) isn’t something people buy oodles of (unless perhaps you’re a restaurant serving caviar bumps), maybe you want to amp up the fanciness of a dinner party, and serving caviar (and some good wine) is one way to do it. But where can you get it? Not everyone has a specialty store or fishmonger nearby, after all. 

Turns out that, like much stuff these days, you can buy it online. While we already have an article that dives deep into caviar’s nuances, we wanted to round up a few of the top online stores where you can buy an ounce (or two) of the briny stuff after you’ve done your research. 

One thing to note: it ain’t cheap. But then again, that’s sort of the point.

Tips for Buying Caviar Online

Look For Sellers That Repack and Age Caviar Themselves

Since caviar is an investment, you probably want to make sure you’re getting a quality product. “The number of caviar brands has proliferated exponentially over the last 10 years because it's as simple as taking a tin and putting a sticker on it,” says Chris Sherman, CEO of Island Creek Oysters in Duxbury, Massachusetts. He explains that at Island Creek Oyster, they actually re-package the caviar they buy (and age it), to ensure the product is up to par. 

“So much of the quality has to do with how it's actually repacked from the original tins into the tins that you buy as a consumer,” he says. “That process is really critical and it takes years to perfect.” So, when you’re buying caviar online, if you can find a place that repacks and ages the caviar, that’s a good place to start. While this information isn’t always readily available, most reliable brands (including some in our list below) go this route. 

Sturgeon Species (and Where the Caviar Comes From) Affects Price

Another factor to consider when purchasing caviar is the breed of sturgeon and where it’s from.

Caviar from certain breeds, like osetra and Siberian, can be more expensive because it’s often imported from other countries, which adds to the price. When you’re shopping for caviar online, you’ll also probably notice a lack of one of the most famous breeds: beluga. Beluga sturgeon, which are native to the Caspian Sea, were fished to dangerously low populations (they are still critically endangered), leading the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to ban Beluga caviar importation in 2005. The good news is that there’s great caviar being produced sustainably from other breeds of sturgeon (as well as a few select U.S.-based fisheries that raise Beluga and Beluga hybrids), and you can buy it online. 

Sherman explains that when it comes to locally produced caviar, white sturgeon, which is native to California, is a great option. “The vast majority of North American production is white sturgeon. It's a really incredible product and because it's grown locally, it doesn't have to be shipped from overseas and imported,” he says. This often makes it less expensive than other (rarer) and imported varieties (since shipping and handling add to the cost). Flavor-wise, Sherman says white sturgeon has the typical briny, ocean taste of caviar, but is followed by a “buttery, creamy note,” and “parmesan cheese” flavor. 

Make Sure the Caviar Is From Sturgeon 

Another thing to consider when you’re buying caviar is to make sure you are buying sturgeon caviar. Oftentimes other roes are sold under the banner of “caviar,” but only eggs from sturgeons are the real thing. “There's paddlefish roe and some people do market that as caviar even though it's not technically caviar. It's roe because caviar has to come from sturgeon,” says Sherman. While fish roe has its merits and tastes delicious, it’s not caviar. 

When Picking a Tin, Consider Serving Size 

If it’s just you and your significant other, Sherman suggests going for a 30-gram tin, while a larger group warrants a 100- or 250-gram tin (for people who can’t get enough of the briny stuff). “If you're gonna just have a date night, 30 grams is perfectly sufficient,” he says. “If you're having a larger gathering, I think 100 grams or 250 grams is plenty for a group of six to eight people.” Also, it’s important to note that caviar is best served within a few days of opening the tin. Any longer, and it starts to degrade. 

The Best Online Caviar Delivery Services

Island Creek Oysters

Island Creek Oysters Sterling Farms White Sturgeon Caviar

View on Islandcreekoysters.com

Island Creek Oysters Date Night Flight Package

View on Islandcreekoysters.com

While the brand name has the word "oyster" in it, this Duxbury, Massachusetts-located monger sells more than just bivalves—it also sells tinned fish, lobster, and, pertinent to this article, caviar. The caviar collection includes more affordable options, like white sturgeon caviar, and pricier picks like osetra. It also offers so-called caviar flights if you want to do an at-home, side-by-side tasting (fun!), as well as caviar/oyster bundles (you could use the caviar as an ultra-luxe oyster topper). 

• What You Can Buy: White sturgeon caviar from Italy, Idaho, or California; Siberian caviar from Italy; Osetra caviar from North Carolina; caviar flights; caviar and oyster pairings
• Shipping Info: Island Creek gives you the option to customize your shipping (to a point), which means you can have your caviar delivered close to the date you want to serve it. 

The Caviar Company

The Caviar Company Osetra Caviar

View on Thecaviarco.com

The Caviar Co. Intimate Caviar Cooler Gift Set

View on Thecaviarco.com

The Caviar Company sells all kinds of caviar, including Osetra, Kaluga Hybrid, and Siberian sturgeon; every tin is packed to order, which bodes well for a quality product. They also sell non-sturgeon fish roes, like trout and paddlefish (which are a fraction of the price of sturgeon ca, along with various accompaniments like blinis and pearl spoons. If you really want to indulge, they offer a variety of club memberships (for a pretty penny; the cheapest is $500) so you can enjoy caviar in quarterly shipments throughout the year.

• What You Can Buy: Caviar Co sells individual tins (Imperial Golden Osetra, Siberian sturgeon, and white sturgeon, to name a few) as well as gift bundles and even caviar club memberships.
• Shipping Info: The company offers $20 white glove shipping which includes insulation, ice packs, and delivery in one to two business days.

Fulton Fish Market

Fulton Fish Market California White Sturgeon Caviar

View on Fultonfishmarket.com

Fulton Fish Market Imported Caviar Assortment Package

View on Fultonfishmarket.com

With an expansive range of frutti di mare in general, Fulton’s selection of caviar is similarly varied. It offers white sturgeon caviar, Osetra caviar, and more. You can also purchase a “domestic caviar assortment package,” which includes a sampler of various locally produced varietals (though be warned: a good portion of the fish eggs included are not *technically* caviar, they are roe), as well as blini, creme fraiche, and a mother of pearl spoon for serving.

• What You Can Buy: Osetra caviar, white sturgeon caviar, sampler packs, caviar gear (mother-of-pearl spoon and bowl), caviar accompaniments (blini, creme fraiche). Other roes (from paddlefish, salmon, and trout), as well as bottarga, wild shad roe, and uni, are also available.
• Shipping Info: You can choose a shipping date and delivery instructions, as well as allow for substitutions should something be out of stock. The company also offers the opportunity to write a gift message.

Regiis Ova Caviar

Regiis Ova Golden Kaluga Hybrid

View on Regiisova.com

Regiis Ova Reigning Supreme Caviar Gift Box

View on Regiisova.com

This fancy online store was founded by chef Thomas Keller and Shaoching Bishop, the former CEO of Sterling Caviar and Tsar Nicoulai Caviar. In addition to selling caviar online, they also run the Regiis Ova Caviar and Champagne Lounge in Yountville, California, where you can eat caviar IRL in fancy digs, a glass of champagne in hand. 

• What You Can Buy: Not only can you buy sturgeon caviar (Osetra, Kaluga, Siberian), Regiis Ova also sells various roes, sampler sets, gift boxes (one goes for $1,000—what a gift!), accouterments, and even gift cards.
• Shipping Info: Upon checking out you can choose your delivery date. Note that all orders arrive via FedEx priority overnight, Tuesday through Friday. Friday orders will deliver the following Tuesday.

Marky’s 

Marky's Beluga (Huso Huso)

$870 at Amazon View on Markys.com

Marky's American White Sturgeon

View on Markys.com

Marky’s is one of the few caviar producers in the U.S. to sell Beluga caviar (its U.S.-based producer was granted an exception by the FDA for local production). As such, you can get a taste of this famous fish’s eggs—but you’ll pay a pretty penny for it. If that’s too mind-boggling a number for you, it also offers other caviar at lower prices, like American white sturgeon caviar.

• What You Can Buy: Marky’s offers Beluga (Huso Huso) and Beluga hybrid caviar, as well as Kaluga, osetra, sevruga, sterlet, Siberian, and white sturgeon caviar—take your pick! In addition to caviar, it also sells a variety of roes, gift sets, and accessories. And not only can you buy caviar—you can go lush and indulge in foie gras and truffles, too.
• Shipping Info: The company offers overnight shipping to ensure the caviar stays fresh.

Caviar Russe

Caviar Russe Classic Osetra

View on Caviarrusse.com

Caviar Russe Essential Collection For 1-2

View on Caviarrusse.com

Despite its name, Caviar Russe doesn’t source its caviar from Russia. Instead, it is based in New York City and offers a wide variety of caviar styles (including pressed caviar, which is more like a spread), most imported from sustainable fisheries in Germany. It also packs its caviar to order, which is a good sign of quality.

• What You Can Buy: Caviar Russe offers a wide array of caviar, including osetra, sevruga, sterlet, Siberian, Pacific, and pressed. It also sells caviar collections, which tailor a tasting setup, and salmon and trout roe. As with many other sellers, you can also purchase accompaniments, like blini and creme fraiche, or go luxe with foie gras and truffles, too.
• Shipping Info: You can choose your delivery date, and next-day delivery is available. 

Petrossian

Petrossian Royal Ossetra Caviar

View on Petrossian.com $201 at Saks Fifth Avenue

Petrossian Royal Beluga Hybrid Caviar

View on Petrossian.com

Founded in 1920, French-brand Petrossian has long been a purveyor of fine food items, including caviar. Each caviar’s description notes the species, origin (many are imported), farming method, and shipping options. It even offers a Beluga-Sevruga hybrid sturgeon caviar, giving you a taste of this famed, briny roe. 

• What You Can Buy: There are a ton of options to choose from, including Osetra, Kaluga, Beluga hybrid, Sevruga, Alverta, and much more (accompanied by tasting notes, origin and farming information, and some very cute illustrations). Petrossian also sells some “special reserve” options, which are more exclusive for one reason or another. These fetch a far higher price than other caviars; for example, a 125-gram serving (serves two to four people) of “Special Reserve Alverta Caviar” costs more than $1,500. In addition to caviar, Petrossian also sells smoked fish, truffles, sweets, and more.
• Shipping Info: Caviar ships FedEx Overnight.

FAQs

What is sustainable caviar?

Sustainable caviar refers to the process by which the sturgeon are raised. According to Chris Sherman, this usually refers to one of two types of production. “One is a closed system, a land-based aquaculture system where they're recirculating much of the water they use many times before it gets discharged,” he says. “And that's really ideal because it creates the least amount of effluent and waste.” The second production method is raising sturgeon in a river or waterway, which requires a little more finesse. “They create containment pens that divert water from the river,” says Sherman. They have to monitor the water going in and out of the pens and ensure that sturgeon don’t escape and breed with the local population; doing a proper job of this counts as sustainable fishery production. 

Why is caviar so expensive?

Caviar is pricey because sturgeon are rare, fisheries take a lot of labor to manage, they have to dispatch the fish when they harvest the eggs, and a lot of fisheries are in other countries, meaning a lot of caviar is imported. All of these factors add up to a pricey tin of fish eggs. 

What is the difference between caviar and roe?

All caviar is roe, but not all roe is caviar (confusing, right?). Basically, caviar is defined as the cured, unfertilized eggs of the sturgeon, while roe (which is also cured) can be from any fish. You can’t call salmon eggs caviar! 

Is caviar actually fish eggs?

Yes, caviar is the unfertilized fish eggs of the sturgeon fish.

Why We're the Experts

• Grace Kelly is the commerce editor at Serious Eats.
• Before this, she tested equipment and ingredients for America’s Test Kitchen. She also worked as an environmental reporter and as a prep cook and bartender.
• For this article, Grace spoke to Chris Sherman, CEO of Island Creek Oysters, to learn more about caviar and what to look for when buying it.