Caviar vs Roe
Understanding the difference: why true sturgeon caviar is in a category of its own.
True Caviar
True caviar comes exclusively from sturgeon fish. The term is legally protected and can only be used for eggs from fish in the Acipenseridae family.
Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga, Kaluga, Siberian, White Sturgeon
Complex, nuanced, buttery, nutty, briny—varies by species
Large to medium eggs with satisfying pop, creamy interior
Premium pricing due to rarity, sustainability concerns, and processing
Fish Roe
Roe refers to fish eggs from any fish species. It encompasses caviar but also includes many other varieties.
Salmon, Trout, Flying Fish, Lumpfish, Tobiko
More intense, fishy, briny—varies widely by species
Smaller eggs, often brighter colors, different mouthfeel
Generally more affordable than sturgeon caviar
Popular Roe Varieties
Salmon Roe (Ikura)
Orange to redLarge, vibrant orange-red eggs with a bold, briny flavor. Popular in Japanese cuisine. Satisfying pop with a richer taste than many caviars.
Uses: Sushi, bagels, appetizers
Trout Roe
Pink-orangeSmaller than salmon roe with a similar but slightly more delicate flavor. Beautiful pink-orange coloring. Excellent for canapés.
Uses: Appetizers, garnishes
Lumpfish Roe
Black (dyed), natural graySmall, firm eggs with a clean, briny taste. Often dyed black for contrast. Very affordable and widely available.
Uses: Appetizers, garnishes, spreads
Flying Fish Roe (Tobiko)
Natural: pink-orange, also dyedTiny eggs with a distinctive smoky flavor and satisfying crunch. Natural pink-orange color. Essential in Japanese cuisine.
Uses: Sushi rolls, garnishes
Masago
OrangeEven smaller than tobiko, from capelin fish. Mild, slightly sweet flavor. Often used as a garnish for texture.
Uses: Sushi, salads, garnishes
Key Takeaways
- •True caviar = sturgeon eggs only
- •Roe = any fish eggs (includes caviar, but is broader)
- •Sturgeon take 8-20 years to mature, driving up cost
- •Salmon/trout roe is delicious but fundamentally different
- •Both can be excellent—just know what you're getting