![Caviar en Mercadona: Precio, Tipos y Alternativas de Caviar Auténtico [2026] - Bacalalo](http://bacalalo.com/cdn/shop/articles/caviar-en-mercadona-precio-tipos-y-alternativas-de-caviar-autentico-2026-7200428.jpg?v=1772955444&width=480)
Summary: Mercadona offers fish roe products at very affordable prices, but it's important to distinguish between caviar substitutes and authentic caviar (sturgeon roe). In this comparison, we explain what you can find at Mercadona, what real caviar is, and when each option makes sense.
What Mercadona sells as "caviar"
It's important to start with a fundamental clarification: most products marketed as "caviar" in supermarkets are not caviar in the strict sense of the word. According to food regulations, only sturgeon roe (Acipenseridae family) can be called caviar without further qualification.
Mercadona products related to roe
At Mercadona, you can find different products in the fish roe segment:
- Caviar substitute (lumpfish roe): small jars of black or red dyed roe, priced at 2-4 euros. They come from lumpfish (Cyclopterus lumpus), a fish from the North Atlantic. They are crunchy, salty, and visually resemble caviar, but the taste and texture are different.
- Herring roe: similar to lumpfish substitute, dyed and processed. Similar price.
- Trout roe: in some seasons, Mercadona offers trout roe, which are larger and orange in color. Closer in experience to real caviar, with a price of 5-10 euros.
- Caviar substitute in tube: fish roe paste mixed with other ingredients, for spreading. Very economical format (1-3 euros).
Seasonal availability
The supply of these products at Mercadona usually increases during holiday periods (Christmas, New Year), when the demand for gourmet products rises. During the rest of the year, the selection may be more limited.
Indicative price
Substitutes and roe products at Mercadona range from 1 to 10 euros, making them accessible for any budget. This is, without a doubt, one of their main attractions.
What authentic caviar is
Authentic caviar is exclusively the roe of sturgeon, a prehistoric fish that inhabits the waters of the Caspian Sea, the Black Sea, and their tributary rivers, although today most caviar comes from aquaculture.
History and origin
Caviar has been considered a delicacy since ancient times. Iran and Russia have historically been the two major world producers. The roe of the sturgeon inhabiting the Caspian Sea (on its Iranian side) is considered the most valuable in the world due to the unique conditions of these waters.
Current production
Since wild sturgeon fishing was banned (due to the risk of extinction), caviar production has shifted mainly to:
- Iran: maintains a century-old tradition and produces caviar from both Caspian sturgeon (controlled) and high-quality aquaculture.
- China: has become the largest world producer by volume, with extensive fish farms.
- Italy, France, Spain: European aquaculture production (Riofrío in Granada is the best known in Spain).
- United States: production of American sturgeon.
Why it's expensive
Caviar is expensive for objective reasons:
- A sturgeon takes between 7 and 20 years to reach sexual maturity (depending on the species).
- Roe can only be extracted once from the fish.
- The selection, salting, and packaging is a manual and delicate process.
- The cold chain must be impeccable (constant 2-4°C).
- World production is limited compared to demand.
Objective comparative table
| Criterion | Mercadona (substitutes/roe) | Authentic sturgeon caviar |
|---|---|---|
| Species | Lumpfish, herring, trout | Sturgeon (Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga) |
| Price per 50g | €1-5 | €30-200 |
| Flavor | Salty, marine, simple | Complex, buttery, nutty and marine notes |
| Texture | Crunchy, firm | Creamy, bursts in the mouth |
| Roe size | Small (1-2 mm) | Medium to large (2.5-4 mm) |
| Color | Black or red (dyed) | Gray, brown, golden, black (natural) |
| Process | Industrial, pasteurized | Artisanal, fresh (malossol) |
| Preservation | Months (pasteurized) | Weeks (fresh) to months (pasteurized) |
| Availability | All year round in +1,700 stores | Specialized gourmet stores + online |
Note: prices are indicative and may vary depending on season, format, and establishment.
Types of caviar: Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga and others
The world of authentic caviar has a classification based on the sturgeon species:
Beluga (Huso huso)
The king of caviar. Large roe (3-4 mm), light gray to dark gray in color. Smooth, buttery, and elegant flavor. It is the most expensive because the Beluga sturgeon takes up to 20 years to mature. Iranian Beluga from the Caspian Sea is considered the best in the world.
Osetra (Acipenser gueldenstaedtii)
Medium-sized roe (2.5-3 mm), color varying from golden to dark brown. More intense flavor than Beluga, with nutty and marine notes. Osetra sturgeon matures in 10-15 years. Many experts consider it the caviar with the best flavor-price ratio.
Sevruga (Acipenser stellatus)
Small roe (2-2.5 mm), dark gray to black in color. More intense and marine flavor of the three classics. Matures faster (7-10 years), making it more accessible in price, although it is still a luxury product.
Other varieties
- Baeri (Acipenser baerii): Siberian sturgeon, widely cultivated in Europe. Good starter caviar, more economical.
- Schrenki: Amur sturgeon, mainly produced in China.
- Albino/Imperial: roe from albino sturgeon, extremely rare and expensive, pale golden in color.
The difference between substitute and real caviar
The difference between a caviar substitute and authentic caviar is comparable to the difference between surimi and real crab: both are valid products, but they are completely different gastronomic experiences.
In the mouth
Lumpfish substitute has a crunchy texture and a predominantly salty taste. Authentic caviar has a creamy texture: the roe gently bursts on the palate, releasing a complex flavor with notes of sea, nuts, butter, and a long aftertaste.
In cooking
Substitutes work well as a decorative element and to add a salty touch to canapés, sushi, or salads. Authentic caviar is enjoyed alone or with neutral accompaniments (blinis, crème fraîche, crustless sandwich bread) to appreciate its nuances.
In nutrition
Both are rich in protein and omega-3, although sturgeon caviar has a more complete nutritional profile and a higher concentration of beneficial fatty acids.
When Mercadona products are a good option
Mercadona's substitutes and roe have their legitimate place in the kitchen:
- Dish decoration: to add an attractive visual touch to canapés, toasts, or homemade sushi dishes.
- Creative appetizers: caviar substitute works very well in vol-au-vents, deviled eggs, or salads.
- Gastronomic curiosity: if you've never tried anything similar to caviar, starting with an economical product makes perfect sense.
- Parties and informal celebrations: for a Christmas or New Year's table where you want a festive touch without spending a lot.
- Fusion cuisine: in recipes where roe is mixed with other ingredients (rice dishes, pastas, tatakis), a substitute fulfills its function.
- Trout roe: they are an interesting intermediate step, with a flavor closer to real caviar than lumpfish substitutes.
When to choose authentic caviar
Authentic caviar is a gastronomic experience worth having in certain contexts:
- Pure gastronomic experience: if you want to know what real caviar is, a 10-30g tasting is enough for a memorable experience.
- Luxury gift: a tin of caviar is one of the most exclusive and appreciated gastronomic gifts.
- Special celebrations: an important anniversary, a marriage proposal, a New Year's dinner with loved ones.
- Pairing with champagne: the combination of authentic caviar with brut champagne or a good vintage cava is one of the great gastronomic experiences.
- Investment in experience: trying authentic caviar at least once allows you to understand why it has been a prized delicacy for centuries.
How to serve and taste caviar correctly
Whether you choose substitute or authentic caviar, the serving makes a significant difference:
Temperature
Caviar (authentic or substitute) is served cold, between 2 and 4°C. Many experts recommend placing it on crushed ice to maintain the temperature during tasting.
Utensils
Never use metal spoons (especially silver), which can impart a metallic taste. Use mother-of-pearl, bone, wooden, or, failing that, plastic spoons. For substitutes, this detail is less critical, but it is good practice.
Accompaniments
- For authentic caviar: blinis (Russian crepes), crème fraîche, crustless sandwich bread, finely chopped chives. Less is more.
- For substitutes: you can be more creative: bread toasts, cream cheese, cucumber slices, chopped hard-boiled eggs, lemon.
Amount per person
- Authentic caviar: 10-30g per person is enough for a generous tasting
- Substitute: 25-50g per person for appetizers
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Frequently asked questions
Does Mercadona sell authentic caviar?
Mercadona mainly sells caviar substitutes made from lumpfish or herring roe, as well as trout roe in season. These products are not authentic caviar (sturgeon roe) but are a valid economical alternative for culinary use. Mercadona's labeling is usually clear, indicating the species of origin.
How much does caviar cost at Mercadona?
Caviar substitutes at Mercadona range from 1 to 5 euros, depending on the format and species (lumpfish, herring, trout). Trout roe is usually the most expensive in the range. These prices are significantly lower than authentic caviar, which starts at 30 euros for 30 grams in its most accessible varieties.
What is the difference between caviar substitute and real caviar?
The main difference is the fish species. Authentic caviar comes exclusively from sturgeon (Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga). Substitutes use roe from lumpfish, herring, or other fish. In terms of flavor, real caviar has a complexity (nutty, buttery, marine notes) and a creamy texture that substitutes cannot replicate. In terms of price, the difference can be 10x to 100x.
Is it worth trying authentic caviar?
If you are a food lover, trying authentic caviar at least once is a valuable experience. 10-15g is enough for an individual tasting. A 30g jar of Osetra caviar (one of the best value for money) allows for a complete experience for two people without excessive outlay.
How do I know if a caviar is authentic?
Authentic caviar must indicate the sturgeon species on its label and bear the CITES code (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species), which guarantees its traceability and legality. Additionally, the natural color of caviar varies (gray, brown, golden, black) while substitutes are usually dyed uniform black or red.
How long does caviar last once opened?
Fresh authentic caviar (malossol) should be consumed within 2-3 days once opened, always refrigerated between 0 and 4°C. Pasteurized substitutes last longer, up to a week in the refrigerator once opened. In both cases, cover the surface with cling film in direct contact to minimize oxidation.
Conclusion: two different products for different needs
It is essential to understand that Mercadona's caviar substitutes and authentic caviar are, in essence, different products that share a name for commercial reasons. Comparing them directly would be like comparing surimi crab with king crab: both are valid, but they belong to different categories.
Mercadona's products fulfill a practical and accessible function. They allow you to add a touch of fish roe to dishes and appetizers for a minimal price. They are perfect for culinary decoration, creative recipes, and informal occasions. Mercadona does well in offering these products at competitive prices, democratizing access to this type of ingredient.
Authentic caviar is a gastronomic experience of another category. Iranian sturgeon roe (Beluga, Osetra) represents centuries of tradition and a product whose complexity of flavor has no equivalent. It is a justified investment for special moments, exclusive gifts, or simply to satisfy gastronomic curiosity.
There is no universal correct choice: it depends on what you are looking for, how much you want to invest, and for what occasion. The important thing is to know what you are buying and adjust your expectations to the chosen product.
Informative comparison based on public data. Prices and availability may vary.
