Buying caviar and fish roe in the UK: product checks and delivery
Katerina Galkina · EN · 07/10/2026
Читать на русскомIdentify the product
Salmon roe, sturgeon caviar and coloured substitutes differ in species, ingredients and price. Search for salmon roe, trout roe or the specific caviar name, then read the label. A dark colour does not establish that a product is sturgeon caviar.
Decide whether you want a small tasting portion, roe for pancakes or an expensive gift. Fortnum & Mason's small Sevruga Caviar pack ↗ is one product example, not evidence that a higher price always means a flavour you will prefer.
Check the seller and label
Request the fish species, origin, weight, ingredients, storage conditions and instructions after opening. Compare prices per 100 grams and servings rather than per tin. Establish whether the product is pasteurised, chilled or requires another storage arrangement.
GOV.UK food labelling guidance ↗ helps identify information to look for. With an unfamiliar seller, a photograph of the lid is insufficient: obtain a readable label and identify the business handling problems.
Delivery and receipt
For chilled roe, agree on packaging, arrival day and action for delays. Be available to receive it and check integrity immediately. Photograph damage and contact the shop before eating a questionable product.
Follow that container's instructions after opening rather than assuming one period suits every type. For a gift, make sure the recipient can receive and refrigerate it. Choose a different gift for someone with a fish allergy; a small portion does not remove that concern.
UK purchase and personal import are different
Before bringing roe from abroad, check food restrictions and requirements for the species. GOV.UK specifically flags CITES requirements for certain foods including caviar ↗. Buying from a British shop does not automatically permit carrying the same product across every border.
Do not rely on advice that a small tin is always allowed; check route, quantity and documents. Establish the rules before paying for an expensive order. Keep the receipt and origin information.