Summary: What Mercadona, Lidl, and Aldi label as "caviar" are mostly substitutes (dyed lumpfish or capelin roe) — different roe, different species, different products. Real caviar only comes from sturgeon (Acipenseridae family): Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga, Imperial. The substitute costs 30-60 €/kg; real caviar starts at 150 €/kg (Sevruga) and goes up to 10,000 €/kg (Imperial Beluga). They are not different grades of the same product — they are distinct categories. For an introduction to real caviar, starter packs (40-80 €) are the honest option.
What real caviar is (and what it isn't)
Technical definition: caviar is salted sturgeon roe (Acipenseridae family), with no processing other than salting. CITES regulations (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) govern what can legally be called caviar. Roe from other fish are "roe of [species]" or "caviar substitute."
Sturgeon species that produce real caviar:
- Huso huso (Beluga): the largest, biggest pearls (up to 3.5 mm), smooth and elegant.
- Acipenser gueldenstaedtii (Osetra): medium-large pearls, amber to brown color. Hazelnut and butter flavor.
- Acipenser stellatus (Sevruga): small pearls, dark gray color. Intense marine flavor.
- Acipenser baerii (Russian/Chinese Sevruga): more economical aquaculture variety, the basis of "entry-level caviar."
- Acipenser persicus (Persian): Iranian variety from the Caspian Sea.
What is NOT caviar even if the label says so:
- Lumpfish roe (Cyclopterus lumpus): dyed black or red. The most common "caviar imitation" in supermarkets.
- Capelin roe (Mallotus villosus): small, dyed. Common in sushi.
- Salmon / trout roe (Ikura, Keta): large orange, distinct flavor.
- Herring or ling roe: occasionally in substitutes.
What Mercadona sells with the word "caviar"
Hacendado products labeled as "caviar" or "caviar-style roe" are mostly substitutes:
- "Caviar substitute" / "Caviar-style roe": dyed lumpfish or capelin. ~2-4 € per 50-100 g jar.
- Salmon roe (Ikura type): large orange, ~5-8 € per 100 g jar.
- Grey mullet roe (Bottarga): traditional Mediterranean product, not caviar.
Mercadona clearly states "substitute" on many labels — which is honest. The problem is when consumers assume "caviar = real caviar." By European law, "caviar" alone should refer to sturgeon; in practice, labeling is often lax.
Lidl, Aldi, and others: what they call caviar
During Christmas campaigns, both chains usually offer:
- Lumpfish and capelin substitutes (most of the year).
- "Premium" sturgeon caviar (Christmas campaign, 10-30 g formats) — generally Acipenser baerii (economical aquaculture Sevruga), ~10-30 €. This is real but entry-level caviar.
- Ikura salmon roe: a different but relatively good quality product.
If Lidl/Aldi indicate "Acipenser" on the label, it is real caviar. If not, it's a substitute. Check before buying for an event.
What real premium caviar is: Beluga, Osetra, Sevruga
Premium caviar meets these criteria:
- Verifiable species: Huso huso, Acipenser gueldenstaedtii, A. stellatus, A. persicus, A. baerii.
- CITES label: origin code + batch + production date.
- Traceability: identified farm or fishing ground.
- Sturgeon age: 8-20 years depending on species (which explains the price).
- "Malossol" process: low salt (3-5%), preserves flavor.
- Storage 0-4 °C: never frozen.
Sturgeon species and their roe
| Species | Pearl size | Color | Flavor | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beluga (Huso huso) | 3-3.5 mm | Light gray to black | Buttery, smooth, elegant | 5,000-10,000 €/kg |
| Imperial Beluga | 3-3.5 mm | Golden to light gray | Limited edition, refined | 8,000-15,000 €/kg |
| Imperial Osetra | 2.5-3 mm | Golden amber | Hazelnut, buttery, marine | 1,000-2,500 €/kg |
| Osetra (regular) | 2-2.5 mm | Amber brown | Hazelnut, complex | 500-1,200 €/kg |
| Sevruga | 1.5-2 mm | Dark gray | Intense marine, saline | 300-700 €/kg |
| Baerii (aquaculture Sevruga) | 1.5-2 mm | Black to gray | Entry-level real caviar | 150-400 €/kg |
| Persian (Iranian Caspian caviar) | 2-2.5 mm | Variable | Traditional Iranian | 500-2,000 €/kg |
Indicative prices as of May 2026. Variable by season, origin, and cannery.
Real price per gram: supermarket vs. premium
| Product | Format price | €/g |
|---|---|---|
| Mercadona lumpfish substitute | ~3 €/100g | 0.030 €/g |
| Capelin substitute | ~4 €/100g | 0.040 €/g |
| Lidl Christmas Baerii Caviar 30g | ~15-25 € | 0.500-0.830 €/g |
| Iranian premium Sevruga 30g | ~30-45 € | 1.000-1.500 €/g |
| Iranian Imperial Osetra 30g | ~50-100 € | 1.700-3.300 €/g |
| Iranian Beluga 30g | ~150-300 € | 5.000-10.000 €/g |
Real caviar vs. substitute: 10-100x difference. They are not comparable products.
Comparative table: species, origin, and price
| Product | Scientific species | Origin | Production type | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lumpfish substitute | Cyclopterus lumpus | North Atlantic (mostly Iceland) | Industrial | 30-50 €/kg |
| Capelin substitute | Mallotus villosus | North Atlantic | Industrial | 40-60 €/kg |
| Aquaculture Baerii Caviar | Acipenser baerii | China / Italy / France | Controlled aquaculture | 150-400 €/kg |
| Iranian premium Sevruga | A. stellatus | Caspian Sea Iran | Traditional + aquaculture | 300-700 €/kg |
| Imperial Osetra | A. gueldenstaedtii | Caspian Sea (Iran/Russia) | Premium aquaculture | 1,000-2,500 €/kg |
| Beluga | Huso huso | Caspian Sea (primarily Iran) | Regulated wild + aquaculture | 5,000-10,000 €/kg |
Common fraud with the word "caviar"
Four common frauds:
- "Salmon caviar": salmon roe (Ikura). This is a correct product but NOT sturgeon caviar.
- "Black caviar": dyed lumpfish. If it doesn't specify a sturgeon species, it's a substitute.
- "Beluga Caviar" without a CITES label: illegal. Real Beluga always carries CITES.
- "Premium caviar 50g for 30 €": impossible. Real Sevruga starts at 0.80-1.50 €/g. If it's too cheap, it's a substitute or fake.
When to choose real caviar
Real caviar makes sense for:
- Important anniversary / special occasion.
- Formal dinner with appreciative guests.
- High-value gastronomic gift.
- Christmas / New Year's appetizer.
- Exceptional spread / weddings / events.
- Introduction to the product (starter packs 40-80 €).
Hacendado substitute works for:
- Volume canapés for an informal party.
- Blini decoration without an event budget.
- Curiosity / first taste without commitment.
- Salad or pasta where the roe is an ingredient.
5 mistakes when buying supermarket caviar
Mistake 1: Confusing imitation with real caviar
The most common. "Hacendado Caviar €2.50" is not sturgeon caviar. It's a fine product in its category, but not comparable to Beluga or Osetra.
Mistake 2: Buying "premium caviar" without a CITES label
Real caviar always has CITES (origin code + species + lot). Without CITES, be wary. In supermarkets, serious brands display it; dubious ones don't.
Mistake 3: Serving with a metal spoon
Metal oxidizes caviar, altering its flavor. Use a mother-of-pearl, bone, or plastic spoon. With imitation, it matters less, but it's professional practice.
Mistake 4: Pairing with strong flavors
Premium caviar has subtle nuances. Chopped onion, intense aged cheese, excessive lemon: they overpower. Classic accompaniments: warm blini, neutral sour cream, butter, toast, ice-cold vodka.
Mistake 5: Storing outside the refrigerator
Caviar needs constant 0-4 °C. An hour at room temperature can begin degradation. Take it out of the refrigerator 10 minutes before serving, no more.
Conclusion: a word not used lightly
"Caviar" has a strict technical meaning that many labels soften. Honest recommendation:
- If buying from a supermarket, assume it's imitation unless the label states "Acipenser" or "Huso" + CITES.
- To get started with real caviar, Sevruga or Baerii starter packs (€40-€80) are accessible.
- For an important event or gift, upgrade to Osetra or Beluga.
- Always look for a CITES label — without it, don't buy.
- Respectful storage, spoon, and accompaniment: the product deserves it.
In our caviar collection, we work exclusively with Iranian caviar with verified CITES labels: Sevruga, Imperial Osetra, Beluga 000, and Imperial. To discover the product without a large investment, starter packs are a reasonable option. If you already know caviar, premium formats for events are available by request.
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