Trader Joe’s often attracts adventurous eaters and bargain shoppers alike due to its’ novel products, high quality, and low prices. Considered a luxurious but strange food by many, caviar would be right at home on its’ shelves.
However, you will not find caviar at Trader Joe’s. Confusingly, you will instead find Cowboy Caviar, which is a salsa.
I’ll explain what true caviar is, what Cowboy Caviar is, and how Cowboy Caviar got its’ name.
What is Caviar?
Caviar is traditionally Sturgeon Roe. Sturgeon is a type of fresh and saltwater fish which can grow up to ten feet long. Roe is fish eggs. This roe is collected from the fish after it is fished. The roe is cured in salt and canned to make it safe for consumption. Modern caviar can also refer to the roe from other types of fish such as salmon and paddlefish.
Common Types of Caviar
The most popular types of caviar are those from the Beluga, Ossetra, and Sevruga Sturgeon. Beluga is the rarest and most expensive, while Ossetra is the most popular. All of these can come in either black or golden color, which develops during the curing process.
Does Trader Joe’s Sell Caviar?
Trader Joe’s is a market known for carrying high-quality products. Many of these products, such as candy cane Oreos and Aioli garlic mustard sauce have gained a cult following. You’d think that caviar, a luxurious and divisive product, would be right up their alley.
However, Trader Joe’s does not carry caviar. Instead, they carry a product called Cowboy Caviar, which is not unfertilized fish eggs, known as fish roe.
What is Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar?
Cowboy Caviar is the name given to a type of corn, black bean, and pepper salsa you can find for sale at Trader Joe’s. This salsa, despite not being caviar, is rated very highly. It has a creamy taste from the corn and a sharp kick of pepper. It is also high in protein and fiber.
If you want to give trader Joes Cowboy Caviar a go, it is available on Amazon here too!
Why is it Called Cowboy Caviar?
This dish was created by Helen Corbitt, the culinary director at Neiman Marcus in downtown Dallas during the 1940s. The name was meant to appeal to the upper-class clientele at the venue. Presumably, it was also a humorous comparison between the beans and corn in the salsa with true canned caviar.
Is Cowboy Caviar Vegan?
Luckily for the vegans and vegetarians out there, Cowboy Caviar is vegan. It is made with canned beans, corn, tomatoes, peppers, onions, and vinaigrette.
Is Cowboy Caviar the same as Texas Caviar?
Yes, these are two names for the same dish. Cowboy Caviar is more commonly used in commercial products because of its catchiness. The backyard barbecue staple however is more commonly referred to as Texas Caviar.
Where Can I Buy Caviar?
There are a handful of grocery stores that sell caviar, the real stuff, but it’s not common to see on the shelf. A few grocery stores like Costco, Walmart, Whole Foods, and others sell caviar.
But lucky for you, caviar is available to order right to your door and I have done it numerous times for small parties and gatherings at my house. Here are the best caviar options on Amazon to check out:
- American Hackleback Sturgeon Caviar – Black
- OLMA Siberian Osetra Aurora Black Caviar (SUPERIOR OPTION)
- Romanoff Caviar Vodka Red Lumpfish Caviar
- Plaza Osetra Farmed Russian Sturgeon Osetra Caviar
- Tsar Nicoulai, Reserve White Sturgon Caviar
- Salmon Roe Caviar Black Diamond
Final Thoughts
Cowboy Caviar from Trader Joes is a much-loved dip, garnish, and even salad dressing in the American West. Even though it is not caviar, you will be sure to enjoy the experience of eating it. If you hope to find genuine caviar – Sturgeon Roe – you will be disappointed. Trader Joe’s does not sell caviar.
