Beluga caviar is the most celebrated — and most coveted — caviar in the world. Harvested from the Beluga sturgeon (Huso huso), its impressively large pearls, silky texture, and incomparably rich flavor have made it the standard against which all other caviars are measured. For those who have experienced it, Beluga caviar is simply in a class of its own.

At Khavyar, we source our Beluga caviar from sustainably managed Italian farms, allowing us to offer this legendary delicacy without contributing to the decline of wild Beluga sturgeon populations. Every tin we sell represents the same extraordinary quality you'd expect from the world's finest purveyors — delivered directly to your door. Shop our Beluga caviar today.

What Makes Beluga Caviar Special?

Beluga sturgeon are among the largest freshwater fish on earth, capable of living over 100 years and growing to extraordinary sizes. They are slow to mature, which is part of what makes their roe so rare and so prized. True Beluga caviar pearls are large — often approaching pea size — and range in color from pale silver-grey to deep charcoal black. The lighter the color, the older and more prized the fish.

On the palate, Beluga caviar is unmistakably luxurious. The flavor is rich, buttery, and clean, with a long, creamy finish and none of the aggressively briny sharpness found in lesser varieties. The pearls burst delicately on the tongue, releasing a complex, ocean-fresh flavor that caviar lovers describe as unlike anything else.

Wild Beluga vs. Farmed Beluga Caviar

Wild Beluga sturgeon from the Caspian Sea region are critically endangered, and the United States has maintained an import ban on wild Caspian Beluga caviar since 2005. The exception is Iran, which maintains some of the most rigorously managed wild sturgeon fisheries in the world — and which produces Almas caviar, harvested from albino Beluga sturgeons over 60 years old, the most expensive caviar on earth.

Khavyar's Beluga caviar is farmed in Italy using sustainable aquaculture practices that replicate the natural conditions of the sturgeon's native habitat. This means no import restrictions, consistent quality, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your purchase supports responsible stewardship of this extraordinary species.

How to Serve Beluga Caviar

Beluga caviar deserves simplicity. Its flavor is so nuanced and refined that heavy accompaniments will only get in the way. The traditional approach — and the right one — is to serve it directly from the tin on a bed of crushed ice, eating it from a mother-of-pearl spoon. Metal spoons impart a metallic taste that competes with the caviar's delicate notes; always use bone, horn, or mother-of-pearl.

If you prefer a base, lightly toasted brioche or blini work beautifully. A small amount of unsalted crème fraîche is acceptable, but keep it minimal. The goal is to let the caviar speak.

For drinks, pair Beluga caviar with a well-chilled Blanc de Blancs Champagne or an ultra-premium, ice-cold vodka. Avoid anything with oak, tannins, or sweetness — they overwhelm the subtlety you're paying for.

How Much Beluga Caviar Do I Need?

For a tasting or amuse-bouche, plan on 15–20 grams per person. For caviar as a primary course or a generous cocktail party spread, 30–50 grams per person is more appropriate. Beluga caviar is rich, and a little goes a long way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Beluga caviar legal to buy in the US? Yes — farmed Beluga caviar is legal to purchase and import in the United States. The US ban applies specifically to wild-caught Caspian Beluga caviar. Khavyar's Beluga is sustainably farmed in Italy and ships freely to US customers. Browse our imported caviar collection.

What does Beluga caviar taste like? Beluga caviar has a rich, buttery, clean flavor with a long, creamy finish. It is less briny than many other varieties and has a silky, smooth texture. The flavor is complex but not aggressive — widely considered the most refined of all caviars.

How should I store Beluga caviar? Keep it in the coldest part of your refrigerator (28–32°F) in its sealed tin. Unopened, it will keep for three to four weeks. Once opened, consume within two to three days.

Why is Beluga caviar so expensive? Beluga sturgeons take 15–20 years to reach maturity, produce roe infrequently, and are critically endangered in the wild. The scarcity of supply, the cost of sustainable farming, and the unmatched quality of the roe all contribute to its premium price.