The difference: sturgeon caviar comes from sturgeon species such as Osetra, Kaluga and Siberian. Paddlefish roe comes from the American paddlefish (Polyodon spathula), a related fish but not a sturgeon. It looks similar and costs less. In our data, paddlefish starts at $18.69/oz, against $27.39/oz for the cheapest sturgeon caviar.
Paddlefish prices
| Seller | Product | Size | Price | Per oz | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoStockUp | Paddlefish caviar tin 250 g | 250 g | $164.85 | $18.69 | 2026-10-14 |
| GoStockUp | Paddlefish caviar jar 100 g | 100 g | $89.94 | $25.50 | 2026-10-14 |
Cheapest 5 sturgeon caviars
| Seller | Product | Size | Price | Per oz | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GoStockUp | Black Caviar Osetra tin 500 g | 500 g | $483 | $27.39 | 2026-10-14 |
| GoStockUp | Black Caviar Osetra tin (medium) 250 g | 250 g | $249.52 | $28.30 | 2026-10-14 |
| USA Black Caviar | Kaluga Hybrid 250 g | 250 g | $251 | $28.46 | 2026-10-14 |
| GoStockUp | Black Caviar Osetra tin 125 g | 125 g | $125.87 | $28.55 | 2026-10-14 |
| USA Black Caviar | Kaluga Hybrid 100 g | 100 g | $110 | $31.19 | 2026-10-14 |
Which to buy
- Paddlefish: for cooking, garnishes and serving a crowd.
- Sturgeon: for eating on its own or for a gift. Start with Kaluga or Osetra.
More: Best caviar under $100 · Roe page
FAQ
Is paddlefish roe real caviar?
Strictly speaking, no. Caviar traditionally means salt-cured sturgeon roe, and the paddlefish (Polyodon spathula) isn't a sturgeon. Serious Eats describes paddlefish roe as an economical, caviar-like option.
How much cheaper is paddlefish than sturgeon caviar?
In our data, the cheapest paddlefish is $18.69/oz and the cheapest sturgeon caviar is $27.39/oz (checked 2026-10-14).
What is paddlefish roe good for?
It's good for cooking, garnishes and bigger gatherings where cost matters. It looks like dark sturgeon caviar at a lower price.
Prices come from sellers' public pages and show the date we checked them. "Per oz" uses 28.35 g per oz. Prices change, so confirm at checkout. Disclosure.