By Beleaev Family | London Caviar Specialists | beleaev.com
The quick answer: 30 to 50 grams per person from Beleaev collection!
That's the sweet spot for most occasions. Enough to taste properly, generous enough to feel special, and not so much that your wallet stages a rebellion. But the real answer depends on why you're serving caviar, how many people are eating, and whether it's the star of the table or a supporting act.
Key Takeaways
- 30g per person is the standard generous serving for a dedicated caviar course
- 10 to 15g works for a tasting or when caviar is one of several appetisers
- For parties, plan 20 to 30g per guest as a circulated canape
- Buy one tin size up from your calculation to avoid running short
- A 125g tin comfortably serves 4 people for a proper caviar moment
What's the Right Portion Size?
The standard caviar serving at fine dining restaurants is 30 grams. That's roughly one ounce, about two tablespoons. It's enough to fill a small mother of pearl spoon three or four times, which translates to three or four proper bites.
For context, most luxury restaurants in London serve between 10g and 30g per cover depending on the course structure, according to data from the UK Restaurant Association's 2024 fine dining survey.
30g lets you do caviar properly. You get a first bite plain, to taste the eggs on their own. Then two or three bites with accompaniments. That's a complete experience. You've tasted the range of flavour, enjoyed the texture, and you're satisfied without feeling like you missed out.
Can you serve less? Absolutely. Ten to fifteen grams works as an amuse-bouche or a tasting portion. It's one or two bites, just enough to introduce the flavour. This is smart when caviar is part of a larger menu and not the main event.
Can you serve more? Of course. Fifty grams per person is a truly generous portion, the kind you'd serve at a celebration where caviar is the centrepiece. Some enthusiasts eat 100g in a sitting, straight from the tin with a spoon and nothing else. No judgement here.
How Much Do You Need by Occasion?
Different events call for different quantities. This breakdown covers the most common scenarios.
For an intimate dinner (2 to 4 guests), where caviar is a dedicated first course: plan 30 to 50g per person. A 125g tin handles four people comfortably. Two people sharing a 50g tin works beautifully for a romantic evening.
For a dinner party (6 to 10 guests), where caviar is one of several starters: 15 to 25g per person is appropriate. A 125g tin will cover six guests at this level. For ten guests, grab two.
For a cocktail party or reception (10 to 30 guests), where caviar is served on blinis or toast points passed on trays: 10 to 20g per person. This is canape-level portioning, one or two bites each. For 20 guests, a 250g tin gives you plenty of room.
For a large event or wedding (30 or more guests) with caviar as one of many canape options: 10 to 15g per person. At this scale, you're providing a taste, not a course. A 500g tin covers roughly 35 to 50 guests.
The golden rule: always buy one tin size up from your calculation. Running out of caviar at a dinner party is significantly worse than having a little left over. Leftover caviar keeps for two to three days in the fridge when properly sealed and stored between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius.
Which Tin Size Should You Buy?
Matching tin sizes to your guest count saves both money and waste.
For 1 person: 30g tin. This is the classic single serving. Perfect for a solo treat or a gift.
For 2 people: 50g tin. A generous split, roughly 25g each, which is plenty for a tasting with accompaniments.
For 4 people: 125g tin. The most popular size for dinner parties. It portions out to just over 30g each, exactly right.
For 6 to 8 people: 250g tin. Smart for larger gatherings. Buying one 250g tin is almost always cheaper per gram than buying multiple smaller tins.
For 10 or more: 500g tin or multiple 250g tins. At this volume, talk to your supplier. Most premium caviar retailers, including Beleaev, offer guidance on bulk orders for events and often provide better pricing.
Price per gram drops as tin size increases. According to industry pricing data from 2024, a 10g tin of Oscietra typically costs 30 to 50% more per gram than a 250g tin of the same product. Buying larger is almost always the better value if you have enough mouths to justify it.
FAQ
Is 10g of caviar enough for one person?
As a tasting, yes. Ten grams gives you one or two bites, enough to appreciate the flavour. As a course or the main event, it's too little. Aim for 30g if caviar is the focus.
How many blinis does 50g of caviar cover?
Roughly 7 to 10 blinis, assuming 5 to 7 grams per blini. That comfortably serves 3 to 4 people at a dinner or 7 to 10 guests as a single canape each.
Should I buy multiple small tins or one large one?
One large tin, almost always. You'll pay less per gram, and a single tin is easier to manage and serve from. The only exception is when you want to offer guests a choice between two different varieties.
How long does an open tin last?
Two to three days in the fridge, tightly sealed with cling film pressed directly onto the surface of the eggs, stored between 0 and 4 degrees Celsius. After that, quality drops noticeably. Best to plan your portions so nothing goes to waste.
Confident about quantities now? Good. Whether it's 30g for a quiet evening or 500g for a celebration, the right amount of caviar is the amount that makes everyone at the table feel looked after. Find the right tin for your occasion at Beleaev.
Beleaev is a London-based caviar company specialising in responsibly farmed caviar. Next-day fresh delivery across the United Kingdom & Europe!
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