Real vs. Fake Caviar: How to Tell the Difference

Caviar is one of the most well-known products on the market for a luxury palette, whether tasted solo or on a latke base. However, there are many fakes available for purchase, which can ruin your caviar experience. It’s valuable to tell the difference between authentic and imitation products.

The more you know about quality caviar, the easier to make a choice for your next gathering or caviar-tasting experience. Read on to learn more about what sets real and fake caviar apart, as well as other valuable details. 

How Can You Tell the Difference Between Real and Fake Caviar?

If you don’t know very much about caviar, it can be tricky to determine the difference between the fake and real thing. However, there are several traits to search for that make it obvious when you’re dealing with the authentic thing or something trying to be as good as the original. Let’s go over some of the most significant traits to keep your eyes peeled for.

Texture

Texture is one of the biggest giveaways when checking which products are real and which are faux. It’s clearer once you’re able to touch and taste each caviar product, which isn’t the best situation since it requires you to buy the product before you know for certain. 

Most of the time, fake caviar pearls are much firmer in appearance. They also tend to be grittier than real caviar pearls, which isn’t as desirable to many individuals.

If you’re dealing with real caviar pearls, they will have more give than their fake counterparts. They are also smoother in texture, which will be revealed when chewing the product itself if you are unsure. 

Source

The source of real and fake caviar pearls also tend to differ. Fake caviar typically comes from varying types of seafood and can even come from farmed sources. It is easier to locate and doesn’t cost as much as the real alternative.

If you want to buy real caviar, know that it typically comes from wild sturgeon and other similar fish species. Typically, harvesting these eggs requires more skill and expertise than purchasing fake caviar. It must be handled with care in transportation and will only come from prestigious and well-known caviar companies. 

Price

Thanks to factors like the accessibility of the products, harvesting process, and rarity, the price varies between fake and real caviar. Some may not be able to afford the more expensive real version.

Since fake caviar isn’t as complex in flavor, is easier to harvest, and isn’t as of high quality, it’s more affordable than real caviar. You can get it in many locations, including most grocery stores.

On the other hand, real caviar is far more expensive than the affordable version. There is a high demand for the product, especially among high-quality restaurants, and it takes much longer to prepare the caviar for consumption. 

Taste 

The taste differs dramatically between real and fake caviar. If you’re a connoisseur, you’ll easily be able to differentiate the flavor of real versus faux pearls. 

Fake caviar is sweeter than real caviar. The flavor profile also doesn’t have as much depth as traditional caviar, which those who often eat the product will be able to discern.

Real caviar is saltier and has a fishier profile than other selections. The taste is also more complex, which works well with other food selections and side dishes. Different types of caviar offer differing layers of complexity in a meal. 

Appearance

Finally, the appearance of caviar varies if it’s real or fake. Once you know what you’re looking for, there is a definite distinction between actual and faux versions. 

Fake caviar is dull and more opaque than other selections. It isn’t as shiny, which doesn’t make the product appealing when used for garnish dishes. On the other hand, real caviar is far shinier. It’s glossy and silvery, which proves it’s high quality in any meal.

How Can You Recognize Fake Caviar?

If you care about what you’re eating, it’s valuable to know how to sniff out fake caviar. We listed several distinct features, but several stand out as the most obvious without eating the caviar. The more caviar you enjoy, the easier it is to determine the faux selections.

Look for a shine on the caviar, a slight fishy smell, and a higher price point to determine if caviar is real or fake. If you still can’t tell, the grainy texture and slightly sweeter taste should give it away.

What Are Different Types of Fake Caviar?

Like traditional caviar, fake caviar comes from the sea. Each provides a different texture, taste, appearance, and more. Salmon is one of the more popular selections, but other fish produce similar products for eager investors. 

Some of the most common types of caviar are from the following fish:

• Salmon

• Trout

• Bowfin

• Tobiko

• Mackerel

• Herring

• Masago

Most fake caviar will come from one of these fish. Although the product isn’t the same as traditional caviar, they are still tasty if you want something salty. They’re ideal for those on a budget.

Is It Worth Saving Money on Fake Caviar?

Many purchase fake caviar because it’s far cheaper than the authentic version. However, imitation products are far from the same. The taste isn’t as complex, the texture isn’t as desirable, and it doesn’t look as pretty. Plus, many farming practices for imitation products are less than ideal.

If you would prefer a more affordable product, ensure you do your research to determine the ethics behind certain fake caviar products. Know who you buy from, how they raise their fish, and other critical components. 

Where Can You Purchase Authentic Caviar?

You can find an abundance of caviar, whether online or in the grocery store. Unfortunately, most products are imitations from sources that don’t care about quality. Invest in a quality source if you want top-notch authentic caviar.

For quality caviar delivered to your front door, consider investing in Kolikof Caviar & Gourmet. You can find everything from Premium Sturgeon Caviar to serving tools like a Roll Top Caviar Server. There are also impeccable accompaniments, such as French Blinis and Potato Latkes.