Why Your New Year's Red Caviar Habit Could Be Riskier Than You Think

Red caviar is a staple in Russian New Year celebrations, often served on open sandwiches, tartlets, and stuffed eggs. But nutrition experts warn that overindulging in this festive treat could pose health risks. Dietitians now recommend strict limits on how much should be eaten—and how often.

Three main types of red caviar are commonly used in holiday dishes: pressed caviar (prezhaliy), grainy caviar (zernisty), and lightly salted caviar (malkosolony). These varieties usually come from rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss), chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta), and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha).

A single caviar sandwich, containing around 50 grams, delivers roughly 150–200 calories. Despite its small serving size, the dish is energy-dense. Lyudmila Denisenko, a dietitian, advises capping daily intake at 40–50 grams—equivalent to 2–3 tablespoons. Maria Vysotskaya, an expert from Roskachestvo, goes further. She suggests restricting consumption to just 1–2 tablespoons, twice a week, due to the high salt content. Those with gastrointestinal conditions, especially pancreatic disorders, should avoid caviar entirely, she warns.

The recommendations highlight the need for moderation, even with traditional holiday foods. A single sandwich can exceed daily salt and calorie limits if eaten in large quantities. Experts stress that small portions, spaced out over time, are the safest way to enjoy red caviar.