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American Paddlefish Caviar

Paddlefish caviar is the roe of the American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) — a sturgeon relative, not a true sturgeon — wild-harvested under managed US conservation rules from the Mississippi River basin. It's the most affordable roe of its kind we carry, and the domestic entry point into fine caviar. In stock now in a 100 g jar for $67, with overnight shipping to all 50 states.

An open tin of dark caviar on crushed ice with a mother-of-pearl spoon.

100 g · 3.5 oz

Paddlefish Caviar Pasteurized — 100 g Jar

American paddlefish roe, related to sturgeon. Nutty and earthy, at about a third the price of sturgeon caviar.

$67.00View

What you’re buying

Taste and Quality

Paddlefish caviar tastes nutty and earthy, softer and less briny than sturgeon caviar — a forgiving first taste on blini, egg, or potato.

  • Colour: steel grey to charcoal
  • Texture: small pearls, gentle pop
  • Flavour: nutty, earthy, softly saline

Price

ProductSizePricePer ounce
Paddlefish Caviar Pasteurized — 100 g Jar100 g (3.5 oz)$67.00$19.14

Paddlefish runs about a third the price of sturgeon caviar (Ossetra/Kaluga Hybrid) per ounce, as of August 2026.

Paddlefish vs Sturgeon Caviar

Paddlefish is wild-harvested rather than farmed to maturity over years, which is why it costs so much less — its flavour is nuttier, earthier, and gentler, while sturgeon roe is brinier and more complex.

Paddlefish Sturgeon (Ossetra/Kaluga)
Species Polyodon spathula A. gueldenstaedtii / Huso hybrid
Source Wild, Mississippi basin Farm-raised
Flavour Nutty, earthy Nutty to buttery, briny
Price per ounce Lowest of the Acipenseriforms Higher

How much to order

Allow 12–15 g per person as an appetiser, or 30 g per person when caviar is the centre of the course. A 100 g jar serves six to eight people as an appetiser, and three to four as a main event.

Paddlefish caviar FAQ

Is american paddlefish caviar pasteurized, and what does that mean for quality?
Yes — pasteurization gently heat-treats the sealed jar, giving it a longer shelf life and lower cold-chain risk than fresh malossol sturgeon tins, at the cost of a slightly firmer pearl and a more settled flavour. It still ships cold and should stay refrigerated.
Is it farm-raised, and is it "real" caviar?
No — it's wild-harvested under US conservation rules from the Mississippi River basin, not farmed. It's genuine cured roe, just from a paddlefish rather than a sturgeon. The order is CITES Appendix II-listed, so every lot is documented for source and harvest. Contains fish (paddlefish roe).
What are the health benefits of caviar?
A 1 oz (28 g) serving of roe delivers about 7 g of protein, about 800 mg EPA and 1,080 mg DHA (omega-3 fatty acids), 236% of the daily value for vitamin B12, plus selenium, iron, and small amounts of vitamins A, D, and E. Omega-3s and B12 support brain, heart, and immune health, though most of the research behind these benefits comes from lab and animal studies rather than large human trials. Roe is also relatively high in sodium, so nutritionists recommend treating it as a garnish (a teaspoon or so at a time) rather than a regular high-volume food.
How should I store it, and how long does it keep?
Keep refrigerated at 28–32°F (−2 to 0°C) — never freeze it, freezing ruptures the pearls. Once opened, use it within 48 hours.
How is it shipped, and how fast will I get it?
Ships to all 50 US states. Orders leave within 3 business days, then travel overnight via UPS in an insulated cooler with gel ice.

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We'll confirm availability and delivery date by phone or email, usually within one business day.

Or call1-888-297-9196· Mon–Fri, 8:00 am–6:00 pm PST

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