How Much Caviar Do You Need Per Person?

Understanding Standard Caviar Serving Sizes

Caviar is rich, delicate, and intensely flavorful, which means a little goes a long way. Most serving guidelines are measured in grams or ounces, and the purpose of the caviar—tasting versus full indulgence—makes all the difference.

Here are the most widely accepted benchmarks:

Tasting portion: 10–15 grams (⅓–½ oz) per person
Appetizer portion: 15–30 grams (½–1 oz) per person
Main feature or indulgent portion: 30–50 grams (1–1.75 oz) per person

If you’ve ever been to a formal caviar tasting, you’ve likely experienced the smaller end of this range. At luxury dinners or celebrations, servings tend to lean higher, especially when caviar is the star.

Caviar for Different Occasions

1. Caviar as a Tasting or Introduction

If you’re introducing guests to caviar or offering it as part of a broader tasting menu, 10–15 grams per person is ideal. This allows everyone to experience the texture, aroma, and flavor without overwhelming the palate. It’s also perfect when multiple caviar varieties are being served side by side.

2. Caviar as an Appetizer

For cocktail parties or seated dinners where caviar is served with blinis, toast points, crème fraîche, or eggs, plan for 15–30 grams per person. This amount feels generous, allows guests to experiment with pairings, and creates a sense of luxury without excess.

3. Caviar as the Star of the Table

When caviar is the main attraction—think anniversaries, milestone birthdays, or holiday celebrations—30–50 grams per person is the sweet spot. At this level, guests can enjoy multiple spoonfuls, savor the experience slowly, and truly indulge.

How Guest Experience Affects Quantity

Not all guests eat caviar the same way. Consider these factors before finalizing your order:

First-time caviar eaters: Lean toward smaller portions. Newcomers often prefer tasting rather than full indulgence.
Caviar enthusiasts: Experienced guests usually appreciate larger servings and may go back for seconds.
Mixed crowd: Aim for the middle ground (around 20–25 grams per person) to satisfy everyone.

Also remember that caviar is often enjoyed slowly. Guests tend to savor it, making even modest portions feel special and intentional.

Pairings Matter More Than You Think

The more accompaniments you serve, the less caviar you’ll need per person. When paired with blinis, potato chips, toast points, eggs, or seafood, caviar naturally stretches further.

On the other hand, if you’re serving caviar with minimal accompaniments—or offering classic “bumps” directly from the hand—portions tend to increase, as there’s nothing else competing for attention.

Planning for Groups: Quick Reference Guide

Here’s a simple rule-of-thumb for group planning:

2 people (romantic evening): 30–50 grams total
4 people (appetizer): 60–100 grams total
6–8 people (party or tasting): 100–200 grams total
10+ people (event): 15–20 grams per guest, depending on style

When in doubt, it’s better to have slightly more than slightly less. Caviar keeps well when properly stored, and leftovers are rarely unwelcome.

Quality Over Quantity

One final note: quality matters more than volume. A smaller amount of high-quality caviar will always deliver a better experience than a larger quantity of mediocre roe. When sourced properly and served at the right temperature with non-metal utensils, even modest servings feel luxurious.

The Bottom Line

So, how much caviar do you need per person?

Light tasting: 10–15 grams
Appetizer: 15–30 grams
Full indulgence: 30–50 grams

By matching the portion to the occasion and your guests’ expectations, you’ll create a memorable experience that feels refined, generous, and perfectly balanced—no guesswork required.