How Long Does Caviar Keep Once I Receive It?

Caviar is one of the most perishable foods in existence. Stored correctly, an unopened tin will keep for a minimum of 90 days from dispatch. Stored incorrectly, it can deteriorate in hours. Getting the storage right is not complicated, but it is non-negotiable if you want to experience caviar at its best.

The Golden Rule — Refrigerate Immediately

The single most important rule: refrigerate your caviar the moment it arrives. Do not leave it on the counter while you unpack your other shopping. Place it directly in the refrigerator as soon as you receive it.

All orders are dispatched in insulated packaging with ice packs that maintain the correct temperature during transit. But once delivered, the responsibility passes to you.

Where to Store It

Store your caviar in the coldest part of your fridge — the bottom shelf, towards the back. This is the most consistently cold area in most domestic refrigerators.

Do not store caviar in the door of the refrigerator, which is the warmest part and subject to repeated temperature fluctuations every time the door opens. Do not freeze caviar — freezing destroys both texture and flavour completely.

How Long Does Unopened Caviar Last?

Stored correctly in the coldest part of your fridge, an unopened tin keeps for a minimum of 90 days from dispatch. The best before date is printed on the base of each tin. This applies to all our caviars — from Royal Baerii through to Royal Beluga.

How Long Does Opened Caviar Last?

Once opened, consume within 24 to 48 hours. Cover the tin tightly with cling film or the original lid and return it to the coldest part of the refrigerator immediately after serving. Do not be tempted to keep opened caviar longer than 48 hours.

How to Tell if Caviar Has Gone Off

Fresh caviar should smell clean and of the sea — briny, slightly mineral, with no off notes. Any smell of ammonia, sulphur, or staleness indicates deterioration. Mushy or broken-down eggs mean the caviar should not be consumed.

Serving from Cold

Remove caviar from the refrigerator no more than five to ten minutes before serving. Place the tin on a bed of crushed ice — this keeps it at serving temperature throughout. Always use a mother-of-pearl spoon; metal reacts with caviar and ruins the flavour. Our Caviar Serving Plate is designed to hold a tin over ice elegantly.

Travelling with Caviar

Keep caviar in a cool bag with ice packs. For air travel, solid ice packs are generally permitted by UK airport security in hand luggage. Check with your airline and destination country regarding restrictions on food items.

Shop Caviar

Royal Baerii from £29.10 →
Oscietra from £36.90 →
Royal Beluga from £74.40 →