How long does caviar last? Unopened caviar typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks in the fridge if kept at 0–3°C. Once opened, it should be eaten within 24 to 48 hours.
Real caviar is Malossol (lightly salted) and never cooked. That means shelf life is short. Safety and quality depend on two things only: cold temperature and limited air exposure.
The expiry date on your tin is a "best before" guide. If the tin is opened or stored too warm, caviar can spoil long before the date on the label.
Quick Answers (Unopened, Opened, Fridge, and Shelf Life)
- How long does caviar last unopened? Usually 4–6 weeks at 0–3°C (fresh Malossol tins).
- How long does caviar last once opened? Best within 24 hours, max 48 hours at 0–3°C.
- How long does caviar last in the fridge? Unopened: weeks. Opened: 24–48 hours.
- Does caviar expire? Yes. The label is “best before”, but bad storage can spoil it earlier.
- How long can caviar sit out? Serve on ice. Discard after 2 hours (sooner in hot weather).
Caviar Shelf Life Chart (Unopened vs Opened)
| Situation | Temperature | How long is it good for? |
|---|---|---|
| Unopened fresh caviar (Malossol) | Fridge (0–3°C) | 4–6 weeks from packing (check tin date) |
| Opened fresh caviar | Fridge (0–3°C) | Best: 24 hours | Safe limit: 48 hours |
| Serving (tin/jar open) | On ice | Keep cold while serving, discard after 2 hours total |
*If the tin is bulging, swollen, leaking, or makes a hiss when opened, do not eat it.
How Long Does Unopened Caviar Last?
The shelf life of unopened caviar depends on the type and how cold your fridge stays. If the seal is tight and the temperature is stable at 0–3°C, here is the typical shelf life:
| Type of caviar | Condition | Shelf Life (Unopened) |
|---|---|---|
| Fresh Sturgeon (Malossol) | Vacuum sealed tin | 4–6 weeks from packing |
| Pasteurised Caviar | Glass jar (heat treated) | 3–6 months |
| Pressed Caviar | Concentrated / salty | 2–3 months |
Important: Always follow the date printed on the tin. Storage temperature matters more than anything.
How Long Does Caviar Last Once Opened?
Once you open the tin or jar, oxygen and bacteria exposure increases. That is why “how long does caviar last after opening” is always a short answer: 24 hours for best taste, and 48 hours as a maximum safe limit (kept at 0–3°C).
| Status | Storage Method | Eat Within |
|---|---|---|
| Best flavor | Fridge (0–3°C) | 24 hours |
| Safe limit | Fridge (0–3°C) | 48 hours (2 days) |
The “Cling Film” trick: Smooth the surface flat. Press plastic cling film directly onto the eggs to block air, then close the lid and keep it very cold. This helps it last closer to the full 48 hours.
How Long Does Caviar Last in the Fridge?
If you searched “how long does caviar last in the fridge”, here is the simple rule: unopened caviar lasts weeks, and opened caviar lasts 24–48 hours. The closer you keep it to 0°C (without freezing), the longer it stays fresh.
Store it in the coldest part of your fridge (usually the bottom drawer) and avoid frequent door opening. Temperature swings shorten shelf life.
Does Unopened Caviar Need to Be Refrigerated?
Yes. Unopened caviar must be refrigerated. Caviar is a chilled seafood product and should be kept at 0–3°C. Storing unopened caviar at room temperature can spoil it quickly, even if the tin looks fine.
Is Caviar Shelf Stable?
No, fresh caviar is not shelf stable. “Shelf stable” would mean safe at room temperature, and fresh Malossol caviar is not. Some pasteurised jars last longer, but they still require proper storage and should be kept cold after opening.
How to Store Caviar Correctly
Your kitchen fridge is usually set to 4°C, which is slightly too warm for long-term caviar storage. Aim for 0–3°C.
How to keep it colder: Place your caviar tin in a small bowl and surround it with crushed ice. Put this bowl in the bottom drawer of your fridge (the coldest spot). Change the ice when it melts.
- Keep it cold: Never leave the tin on the counter for more than 10–20 minutes.
- Keep it horizontal: Do not store the tin on its side, or the oil will shift.
- Use clean spoons: Use mother-of-pearl or plastic spoons. Metal spoons can oxidize the eggs and change the taste.
How Long Can Caviar Sit Out?
If you are serving caviar, keep it on ice. In warm climates (like Oman), caviar warms faster. Follow the 2-hour rule for safety.
- 0–1 hour: Safe if kept chilled on ice.
- 1–2 hours: Quality drops fast. Eat now, do not save.
- Over 2 hours: Discard.
Can You Freeze Caviar?
We do not recommend freezing premium sturgeon caviar (like Beluga or Oscietra).
Freezing forms ice crystals inside the eggs. After thawing, eggs can break and the texture becomes mushy. You lose the “pop”.
If you must freeze it to prevent spoilage:
- Seal the tin tightly.
- Thaw slowly in the fridge over 24 hours (never at room temperature).
- Use it for cooking or sauces, not for eating straight.
How to Tell If Caviar is Bad
If you searched “how to tell if caviar is bad” or “how to know if caviar is bad”, use these checks. Do not rely only on the date. Spoilage signs matter more.
- Smell: Fresh, clean, mild. Spoiled: sour, ammonia, or strong “fishy”.
- Look: Eggs should be separate and glossy. Spoiled: white film/mold or thick soupy liquid.
- Taste: Buttery and nutty. Spoiled: sour, sharp, bitter, or fizzy. Spit it out.
- Tin warning: Bulging/swollen lid or leaking tin = discard immediately.
When in doubt, throw it out. It is not worth the risk.
What Happens If You Eat Expired Caviar?
Eating expired or spoiled caviar can cause food poisoning symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, or diarrhea. If caviar smells sour/ammonia, has a bulging tin, or tastes “off”, do not eat it. If you feel unwell after eating seafood, seek medical advice promptly.
FAQ
How long is caviar good for once opened?
Opened caviar is best within 24 hours and should be finished within 48 hours if kept at 0–3°C.
How long does an open jar of caviar last?
An open jar of caviar lasts up to 48 hours in the fridge at 0–3°C, but the best taste is within 24 hours.
How long does unopened caviar last?
Unopened fresh Malossol caviar typically lasts 4–6 weeks at 0–3°C. Always follow the date on the tin.
Does unopened caviar expire?
Yes. Unopened caviar has a best before date. If it was stored too warm or the tin is bulging/leaking, it can spoil earlier.
Does caviar go bad?
Yes. Caviar can go bad quickly if it is not kept cold. Spoiled caviar often smells sour/ammonia and may look soupy or show a white film.
How long can you keep caviar in the fridge after opening?
Keep caviar in the fridge at 0–3°C and finish it within 24–48 hours after opening.
Caviar expiration date: should I trust it?
The date is a guide, not a guarantee. Temperature and air exposure can spoil caviar before the printed date.
Why This Storage Advice is Reliable
This guide is written for real-world use in Oman, where heat can break the cold chain faster than most people expect. We handle caviar as a chilled seafood product and focus on what actually changes shelf life: temperature stability and air exposure. For best results, store at 0–3°C, keep the tin sealed until serving, and finish opened caviar within 48 hours.
Food safety note: This page provides general storage guidance. If you are pregnant, immunocompromised, or unsure about seafood safety, consult a medical professional.
Caviar Date Labels at Thamin
At Thamin Caviar, we ship our tins in chilled packaging to keep the cold chain stable.
Always check the Best Before date on the bottom. For best flavour, order close to your event and finish the tin as soon as you open it.
Bottom line: Unopened caviar lasts weeks; opened caviar lasts 24–48 hours. Keep it at 0–3°C, serve it cold on ice, and enjoy it fresh.
