If you’re looking for a last-minute idea to wow your New Year’s Eve crowd, a tin of caviar is sure to do the trick. These fish eggs are salty and briny, which makes them perfect to enjoy solo or on crackers, tiny pancakes called blinis or potato chips. (TikTok has plenty of caviar pairing ideas that will get your taste buds watering!) You may think high-quality caviar will set you back hundreds, but there are some affordable options that come in at under $100. Also, trying it out for the first time doesn’t have to be daunting as long as you keep a few expert tips in mind. Read on for a simple guide on how to eat caviar as the ultimate treat to you and your guests.
What is caviar?
The small pearls that we know as caviar are essentially salted fish eggs (also called roe). It’s worth noting that while any fish roe can be called caviar, real caviar comes from sturgeon roe. The origins of caviar are believed to have originated in the 1200s, when it was eaten in Iran (then named Persia) and Russia. This fishy delight maintains its reputation as a luxurious treat since it’s often eaten during New Year’s and other special occasions. However, recent viral trends have showcased caviar’s ability to spruce up everyday snacks like cucumber boats and potato chips. (You might want to make eating more caviar one of your 2025 New Year’s resolutions!)
What does caviar taste like?
For the highly anticipated question about caviar’s flavor, the simple answer is that it depends on the variety. Below, the experts at Black Caviar U.S.A describe the textures and flavors of four common caviar varieties.
- Beluga: Large pearls with a creamy, nutty flavor
- Ossetra: Pearls are medium-sized and boast a rich and buttery taste
- Sevruga: Smaller pearls with a salty, intense flavor
- Kalgula: Mild, nutty tasting pearls that are medium-sized
For under $100 caviar picks, try The Caviar Co.’s Classic White Sturgeon (starting at $75) or Imperia Caviar’s Royal Ossetra Starter Set (starting at $90).
How to eat caviar for the first time
So, you’ve selected the caviar variety, opened the tin and placed it on ice to stay chilled throughout serving. Now, comes the fun part: tasting it. To do this, try a caviar “bump” which involves placing a tiny scoop of caviar onto your hand and licking it so you can crush the pearls in your mouth. This is a great way to get familiar with the caviar’s taste, and from there you can decide what foods and accoutrements you’ll savor it with. For pointers on how to do a caviar bump, watch this video from La Patiala’s YouTube channel.
Why can’t you eat caviar with a metal spoon?
Placing a spoon in the caviar tin makes scooping it a breeze. However, Petra Bergstein-Higby, CEO and co-founder of The Caviar Co., notes that metal spoons should be avoided as they can change the caviar’s flavor. “We recommend using Mother of Pearl, glass, wood, horn or gold [spoons] for serving,” she says via the company’s blog.
Best tips for storing an opened tin of caviar
To ensure the caviar maintains its freshness, Bergstein-Higby suggests wrapping the opened tin or jar with plastic wrap to minimize oxygen exposure before storing it in the coldest part of your fridge. Consume the caviar within three to four days by going the classic route and dolloping it on top of blinis with smoked salmon, or getting creative and spooning it onto scrambled eggs, creamy pasta and even fried chicken!
