Quick Summary: Beluga caviar ranges from €120 to €180 per 30g in May 2026, reaching €600/100g for 000 grades. It is the most expensive because the Huso huso sturgeon needs 18-22 years to produce roe, and the species is protected. At Bacalalo: Beluga Imperial 00 at €90 and 000 Premium at €125 — half the price of equivalent stores.
Prices verified on May 10, 2026. Quarterly update.
What is Beluga Caviar and Why is it Different?
Beluga is the commercial name for caviar produced by the Huso huso sturgeon, the largest species in the world (it can exceed 1,000 kg and 5 meters). It is distinguished from Osetra and Sevruga in three aspects:
- Egg size: 3-4 mm in diameter, compared to 2.5 mm for Osetra and 1.5-2 mm for Sevruga.
- Color: light gray to dark gray, almost black, with silver reflections.
- Texture: thin skin that gently pops in the mouth, creamy core.
- Flavor: butter, nuts, deep sea. Long finish.
It is the creamiest and most sought after by haute cuisine. That's why it's also the most imitated and most overpriced by marketing.
Current Beluga Price (May 2026)
| Grade | Sturgeon Age | Price €/30g | Price €/100g | Bacalalo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Beluga | 15-18 years | €110-140 | €360-460 | — |
| Beluga Imperial 00 | 18-20 years | €140-160 | €460-540 | €90 |
| Beluga Imperial 000 | 20-22 years | €160-180 | €540-600 | €125 |
| Beluga Almas (albino) | 25+ years | €800-2.500 | €2.500-7.500 | We don't honestly sell it |
Bacalalo applies the specialist's margin (40-50% over wholesale), not the boutique's (150-200%). That's why a Beluga 00 that appears at €155-180 in El Corte Inglés Gourmet is €90 in our catalog.
Fair price recommendation
Iranian Beluga Imperial Caviar 00 — 30g
Authentic Beluga 00 (00) from Iranian fish farm. The same quality you'd pay €140-180 for in a boutique.
Real comparison with El Corte Inglés and boutique (May 8, 2026)
We conducted a cross-comparison with an equivalent product: Beluga Imperial 00, 30g tin, controlled Iranian aquaculture origin:
| Seller | Price 30g | Markup vs wholesaler | Justification |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bacalalo | €90 | +45% | Physical store + advice |
| Mercabarna wholesaler | €62-65 | — | Market floor |
| El Corte Inglés Gourmet | €155-180 | +170% | Brand + premium location |
| Petrossian boutique | €185-220 | +200% | Historic brand |
| Generic online boutique | €140-200 | +150% | Just packaging |
Why Beluga is the most expensive caviar in the world
- Biological maturity. The Huso huso takes 18-22 years to produce its first spawn. Keeping a sturgeon alive, fed, and protected for 20 years is very expensive.
- Animal size. An adult sturgeon weighs 200-1,000 kg. Complex breeding and enormous tanks.
- Production per female. Each female produces 10-15% of its weight in roe — and is only harvested once.
- CITES protection. Trade of wild Beluga has been prohibited since 2008. All legal global supply passes through a few certified fish farms.
- Global demand. 3-star restaurants in 60 countries compete for the limited supply.
When is Beluga worth it and when to choose Osetra?
Honestly: for 70% of situations, an Imperial Osetra at €75 delivers an experience comparable to Beluga at €120. The difference is nuanced, not categorical. Recommendations:
- Yes Beluga if you're going to eat it alone, at temperature, on a mother-of-pearl spoon, attentive to the flavor. That's where it shines.
- Yes Beluga as a gift to someone who knows how to distinguish and appreciate it: the "Beluga" seal carries symbolic weight.
- No Beluga if you're going to use it on blinis with crème fraîche, egg, and lemon: Osetra does the same job for half the price.
- No Beluga if you intend to "impress" guests who aren't connoisseurs: you pay the price without anyone noticing the difference.
Fair price recommendation
Iranian Beluga Caviar 000 Premium
The superior grade. 22 years of maturation, 3.8-4 mm egg. For occasions where you'll truly savor it.
How to Spot Fake or Overpriced Beluga
The most frequent pitfalls in the Beluga market:
- "Beluga" hybrid (Bester). A cross between Huso huso and Acipenser ruthenus (sterlet). A legitimate product but NOT pure Beluga and should cost 30-40% less.
- No visible CITES certificate. All legal Beluga carries a CITES code on the packaging: country, year, batch, fish farm.
- "Too black" color. Genuine Beluga is light gray to dark gray, not intense black. Intense black is usually Hackleback or American Paddlefish (cheaper, different flavor).
- Price >€250/30g without justifying 000 or fish farm. It's probably about the brand, not the product.
- "Beluga Almas" at normal price. Authentic Almas (albino) costs €1,500-7,500/100g. If you are offered Almas at €300, it's a scam.
Where to Buy Beluga at a Fair Price
Honest recommendations:
- Bacalalo (€90 grade 00, €125 grade 000): specialist margin, Lalo's advice, 24h cold chain.
- Serious importers with their own website (Caviar de Riofrío in Spain, Petrossian if you pay for the brand).
- Mercabarna warehouse if you live in Barcelona and buy >100g: direct wholesale price.
Avoid: Amazon, eBay, AliExpress, generic marketplaces. The cold chain is not maintained with standard logistics.
Fair price recommendation
"The Grand Beluga Gift" Assortment
Gift pack with Beluga 00 + Imperial Osetra + Sevruga for comparison. Box prepared for gifting.
Other price guides from the cluster
Discover our premium selection
Seafood products selected with care since 1990 in Mercat del Ninot, Barcelona. Refrigerated shipping in 24-48h.
Conclusion
Beluga is worth the cost when you understand that you are paying for 20 years of breeding a protected animal. It is NOT worth what some stores charge when the markup is only for packaging and brand. If you want to try Beluga without overspending, start with our Beluga Imperial 00 at €90: it's the same grade you'll see for €155-180 at El Corte Inglés Gourmet. If the occasion calls for it, move up to 000 at €125.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a tin of Beluga caviar cost?
Why is Beluga caviar so expensive?
What is the difference between Beluga and Osetra?
How long does an unopened tin of Beluga last?
How much Beluga do I need for 4 people?
Is it legal to sell wild Beluga caviar?
What is Beluga 00 and 000?
Does white Beluga (Almas) exist?
Does farmed Beluga taste the same as wild?
When is Beluga NOT worth paying for?
About the author — Lalo González Rodríguez
Lalo González Rodríguez has over 30 years of experience selecting cod and seafood at the Mercat del Ninot in Barcelona. He advises professional chefs, trains restaurant teams, and is responsible for Bacalalo's tasting. Every price published in this guide has been verified in wholesale markets (Mercabarna), retail (El Corte Inglés, specialized supermarket), and our own store.
