How to Store Caviar and How Long It Lasts

Caviar is a fresh, delicate product, so storing it correctly makes a real difference. The rules are simple.

How long does caviar last?

• Unopened: 4 to 6 weeks when kept sealed and refrigerated.
• Opened: enjoy within 48 to 72 hours for the best pop and flavor.

The right way to store caviar

Keep caviar in the coldest part of your refrigerator, ideally between 28 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The back of the bottom shelf is usually coldest, and the door is the worst spot because it runs several degrees warmer. Keep the tin sealed until you are ready to serve.

Should you freeze caviar?

Freezing is not recommended for fine caviar or for smoked trout roe, as it ruptures the delicate pearls and permanently changes the texture. Buy the size you will use and store it chilled.

Delivery day matters most

The most common way caviar gets ruined is sitting on a doorstep. Time your delivery for a day someone is home, and refrigerate within the hour. If you are transporting a tin, never put it in a car trunk, and use an insulated bag with a gel pack. Our Insulated Cavière Bag ($28) is sized for tins.

Serving tips

Take caviar out of the fridge only a few minutes before serving, and use a mother-of-pearl, bone, or glass spoon rather than metal, which can affect the taste. Serve over ice to keep it cold throughout the meal. A Gold-Plated Tin Opener makes opening vacuum-sealed tins clean and easy. The full walkthrough is in how to serve caviar at home.

Buying the right amount to store well

The best way to avoid waste is to match the size to the occasion. A 30g tin is ideal for one sitting, while tasting sets such as The Caviar Starter Kit and The Reserve Tasting Set let you sample several caviars in right-sized portions. For a group, The Host Set is built to be opened and finished in one evening. Our per-person guide has the full sizing chart.

How Cavière keeps it fresh

We pack every order to order and ship it cold so it arrives ready to refrigerate. For the freshest experience, plan to open your tin within a few weeks and finish it within a few days of opening.