Types of Caviar Explained – Varieties & Differences

Beluga, Kaluga Hybrid, Oscietra, Sterlet, Sevruga, Siberian and White Sturgeon are seven popular types of caviar.

Each differs in flavour, pearl size, texture and price. Understanding these differences can make it easier to choose a caviar that suits your taste, budget and occasion.

Caviar Indonesia specialises in sturgeon caviar from international producers. This guide draws on that experience to explain what distinguishes the seven types.

7 Popular Types of Caviar

1. Beluga Caviar

Beluga has large, soft pearls and a delicate, buttery flavour. The pearls range from light to dark grey and are less strongly briny than other varieties. Beluga takes many years to mature, which is one reason its caviar is rare and expensive.

Choose it if: You prefer large, soft pearls and a mild, buttery flavour.

2. Kaluga Hybrid Caviar

Kaluga Hybrid has large pearls and a mild, creamy flavour. Its pearls are generally firm, giving them a noticeable pop in the mouth. It is produced by crossing two sturgeon species and is often considered an alternative to Beluga.

Choose it if: You like large pearls and a mild flavour but a firmer texture.

3. Oscietra Caviar

Oscietra is known for its nutty flavour, often with a buttery finish. Its firm pearls range from grey and olive to brown and gold.

Choose it if: You prefer a nutty taste over a strongly briny one.

4. Sterlet Caviar

Sterlet has small pearls with a mild flavour. It comes from the smallest species of sturgeon.

Choose it if: You want to try some offbeat caviar.

5. Sevruga Caviar 

Sevruga has small, firm pearls and a bold, briny flavour.

Choose it if: You like a stronger, saltier caviar. 

6. Siberian Caviar 

Siberian caviar has medium-sized pearls in shades of black, grey and brown. It has a rich flavour, though the taste can differ by producer. Siberian sturgeon is widely farmed, so its caviar is generally more affordable than many luxury varieties. 

Choose it if: You are trying caviar for the first time. 

7. White Sturgeon Caviar 

White Sturgeon has medium to large, dark pearls and a clean, mild flavour. The White Sturgeon is North America’s largest fresh water fish and its firm pearls have a noticeable pop, without the stronger taste of varieties, like Sevruga. 

Choose it if: You want larger, firm pearls at a more affordable price.

Caviar Types at a Glance

Note: Price positions are general comparisons rather than fixed price bands. Prices vary by producer, quality, pearl characteristics and availability.

Why Is Some Caviar More Expensive Than Others?

• Maturation time: Different sturgeon take different periods of time to produce roe. During these years, the farm must feed and care for the fish. The longer this takes, the more it costs the farm – and that can make the caviar more expensive.

• Pearl properties: The size, colour, firmness and consistency of caviar pearls make caviar valuable. Larger pearls or more uniform pearls may cost more.

• Production: Producers raise the fish differently. Some of them may choose eggs for their caviar. The choices affect the quality and price of the caviar. A known producer can also sell at a premium because of its reputation.

• Availability: Some caviar is produced in smaller amounts than other caviar. When demand is high, but supply is low, prices can go up.

Buy Caviar in Indonesia from Caviar Indonesia

Caviar Indonesia offers genuine sturgeon caviar from renowned aquaculture producers throughout the world. The collection includes Beluga, Russian Sturgeon, Siberian Sturgeon and Sterlet.

You can also choose from internationally respected brands, like Antonius Caviar, Kaluga Queen, Aquatir Caviar, D&A Imperial Caviar and Russian Caviar House, with nationwide delivery for home, restaurant and wholesale customers.

Shop the caviar collection or speak with the team for help choosing a caviar that suits your taste, occasion and budget.

FAQs

1. What is the difference between a caviar type and a caviar grade?

A caviar type refers to the sturgeon it comes from (for example, Beluga or Oscietra). A grade describes characteristics, like pearl size and colour, used to assess the caviar.

2. Is a larger caviar pearl of better quality?

No. Pearl size is one characteristic of caviar, but quality also depends on texture, consistency and flavour.

3. Does the colour of caviar indicate its quality?

Not by itself. Caviar naturally comes in black, grey, brown, olive, amber and gold. Colour can vary depending on the type of caviar.

4. Can the same type of caviar taste different?

Yes. That depends on the producer and the batch you get.

5. Is any type of caviar considered the best?

There is no single type that everyone will prefer. The best choice is up to your taste.