The 25 Most Expensive Foods in the World in 2025

Are you looking to splurge on the most expensive food in the world? Leave your budget-friendly tendencies aside, and enter the elegant world of wildly expensive dining. From priceless caviar to decadent truffles, there are plenty of expensive dishes that are ready to do a number on both your taste buds and your bank account.

If you’re ready to explore the most expensive foods and the most expensive meals in the world, read on to learn about a sliver of the culinary world that’s packed with over-the-top elegance. 

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• What is the Most Expensive Food in the World? 
• The Most Expensive Foods in the World
• The Most Expensive Meals in the World 

What Is the Most Expensive Food in the World? 

The most expensive food in the world is widely considered to be Almas caviar, which is made from the female beluga sturgeon. Almas caviar has multiple qualities that it must meet in order to be deemed authentic. To be deemed Almas caviar, the product must:

• Come from an albino Iranian beluga sturgeon.
• Be harvested from a specific region in the South Caspian Sea. 
• Be from a beluga sturgeon between 60 and 100 years old (female sturgeons can live to 150 years old).  

These high standards lead to an understandably expensive price tag. Almas caviar can sell for close to $40,000 per kilo. With that kind of price, it’s no surprise that Almas caviar is thought of as the most expensive food in the world. 

The Most Expensive Foods in the World

1.  White Alba Truffle

One of the most expensive truffles in the world, white truffles, also known as Alba truffles, are primarily grown in the Piedmont region of Italy. A single ounce of this expensive food can cost close to $300. 

These pricey truffles require very specific interactions with their environment in order to properly grow, which adds to their scarcity. In terms of taste, Alba truffles are said to have an earthy flavor similar to oak and garlic. 

White Alba Truffle Overview

• Pairs Well With: Fresh pasta, risotto and any other neutral dish that allows the truffle's flavor to shine. You may even see them paired with omelettes or carpaccio. 
• Where To Buy: High-end, luxury food retailers, especially those that specialize in truffles. They may also feature on menus at the most expensive restaurants in the world.  
• Why Is It Expensive?: The truffles can only grow in the wild and thrive in very specific conditions, which are difficult to find. As they can not be farmed, the scarcity of this expensive food is the main reason behind its high price tag. 

2. Kobe Beef

One of the most expensive meats in the world, Kobe beef is a Japanese delicacy that comes from wagyu cattle. In order to be considered authentic Kobe beef, the cattle must be raised in a specific location in Western Japan.

They must also be fed a strict diet, comprising both grasses and grains, that results in the meat having a high fat content. It’s said that some farmers even give these cows beer and daily massages! This luxurious food can cost up to $35 per ounce, which puts most Kobe beef steaks in the $250 to $300 range.

Kobe Beef Overview

• Pairs Well With: Rich flavors, such as red wine sauces. It also pairs well with a glass of well-aged, full-bodied red wine. To go all out, pair this pricey meat with some of the most expensive wine in the world.  
• Where To Buy: High-end food retailers and those that specialize in steaks should sell Kobe beef. It can also be found in high-end restaurants, especially gourmet steakhouses and high-end Japanese restaurants. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Kobe beef is a high-priced food due to there being a limited supply. The cows must be raised in very specific conditions, and there are strict quality guidelines to be met for meat to be sold as Kobe beef. 

3. Wagyu Beef

In the case of Kobe vs. wagyu beef, these two delicacies are often considered to be interchangeable. While both expensive foods are prized for their high-fat content and tender texture, there’s actually a difference between the two. 

Kobe beef is a type of wagyu beef, so while all Kobe beef is wagyu beef, not all wagyu beef is Kobe beef. The main difference lies in where the beef was raised, as well as slight differences in the marbling and the flavor.

While both Kobe beef and wagyu beef are pricey, A5 wagyu, which is considered the most valuable type of wagyu beef, can cost around $50 per ounce at steakhouses. This makes it one of the costliest foods in the world, but most think it's 100% deserving of that title. 

If you're wondering why wagyu beef is so expensive, it's predominantly due to production. The cost of special feed for the cows is high, and there is limited land for them to graze on, which meets the specifications for beef to be wagyu.

This low supply of land and high demand for meat drastically increases the market price. High import costs also add to the final price tag.

Wagyu Beef Overview

• Pairs Well With: Earthy sides, including dishes with wild mushrooms, asparagus, garlic or spinach. Wasabi is a popular accompaniment in Japan, and full-bodied red wines also go well with wagyu beef. Additionally, wagyu burgers are often served with rich toppings like blue cheese. 
• Where To Buy: From certified wagyu beef suppliers. It may additionally be available in some grocery stores and via online meat retailers. High-end restaurants, especially steakhouses and Japanese eateries, will also serve wagyu in various forms. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Because there is a limited supply. This is due to it being challenging and expensive to meet the specific requirements needed to raise cows for wagyu beef. Import fees also play a role in the high price of consuming this expensive food outside of Japan. 

4. Almas Caviar

As mentioned, Almas caviar is often considered the most expensive food in the world, consistently ranking on lists of the top 5 most expensive foods in the world. It's also the most expensive caviar in the world.

Almas caviar comes from a female 60 to 100-year-old beluga sturgeon from a specific region of the South Caspian Sea. Sourcing Almas caviar is nearly impossible, which is why this ingredient can get so pricey. A kilo of this expensive food can cost nearly $40,000 to try.

Almas Caviar Overview

• Pairs Well With: Mild and neutral foods that let the flavor shine, such as blinis. While many eat it as is, some will top it with chives or crème fraîche. It also pairs well with a cold shot of any of the world's most expensive vodkas, with Champagne or dry white wines also being popular beverage pairings. 
• Where To Buy: Online caviar retailers and some high-end grocery stores. A select few expensive restaurants and specialized caviar bars, such as the Almas Caviar Bar at the Ritz-Carlton in Hong Kong, also offer this expensive food. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: The type of fish this caviar comes from is rare, resulting in a low supply, which leads to a high price. 

5. Saffron

When you think of expensive foods and ingredients, saffron probably comes to mind. This pricey spice is primarily harvested in Iran, but it has its roots in Greece. It's an indulgent ingredient that’s typically used as a coloring agent or a seasoning for a variety of cuisines.

Saffron needs to be harvested by hand, which is why it’s so expensive to produce and purchase. Additionally, only a small part of the saffron flower is harvested. According to Silk Road Spices, around 70,000 flowers are needed to make a pound of dried saffron spice. 

This challenging production process creates a high price, with saffron typically selling for between $10 and $20 per gram. This expensive ingredient comes in grades as well, with Grade A being the highest quality and the most expensive. 

Saffron Overview

• Pairs Well With: Neutral grains like rice, honey, other spices like cardamom, seafood and chicken. You may even find it paired with milk or neutral ice cream. 
• Where To Buy: Specialized spice shops, high-end grocery retailers and some other grocery stores. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: The production process contributes to saffron being an expensive food. It is mainly grown in Iran, must be harvested by hand, and takes approximately 70,000 saffron flowers to make 1 pound of saffron spice. 

6. Edible Gold

One of the most opulent food trends in recent years is adding a pinch of edible gold flakes to give dishes a touch of luxury. Because it’s made from real gold, edible gold is one of the most expensive foods around. 

Typically glamming up over-the-top burgers, ice cream sundaes and pizzas, edible gold costs around $70 for a few grams. If you want to really splurge on this expensive food, you can even get edible gold-wrapped steaks! 

Edible Gold Overview

• Pairs Well With: Any dish you want to add a touch of luxury to. Typical dishes garnished with edible gold include baked goods and pâtisserie items, burgers, pizza and ice cream desserts. It has no flavor, though, so it can be used as you please.
• Where To Buy: Via online retailers and specialized culinary stores, especially those that sell custom baking supplies. Some restaurants, like Serendipity 3, a fun restaurant in NYC, serve dishes with edible gold. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Because it is made from real gold. 

7. Matsutake Mushrooms 

One of the most expensive foods in the world, and a worthy competitor to truffles, the Japanese Matsutake mushroom has a high price point because it needs to be foraged instead of grown.

Plus, in recent years, the harvesting of these prized mushrooms has decreased considerably due to a specific type of worm that is damaging the environment where they grow.

Matsutake mushrooms can go for as much as $2,000 per kilogram and are used in dishes like sukiyaki, a type of hot pot, and Matsutake Gohan, a Japanese rice dish.

Matsutake Mushrooms Overview

• Pairs Well With: Often added to clear broths like dashi or Japanese rice dishes, such as Matsutake Gohan. They also work well in hot pot dishes and anything where the earthy flavor of the mushroom can shine. 
• Where To Buy: Specialty retailers and some high-end grocery stores. Dried versions can be found in shops that specialize in spices and dried goods. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Matsutake mushrooms cannot be farmed, only foraged. The conditions they grow in are already rare and natural issues are causing an even smaller amount to grow. This reduced supply increases the price of this expensive food. 

8. Gooseneck Barnacles 

If you’re searching for the most expensive seafood in the world, this one is for you! Gooseneck barnacles are insanely valuable, primarily because they are nearly impossible to harvest. Professional fishermen have to navigate powerful tides and sharp rocks to harvest this pricey seafood. 

This expensive food can cost close to $500 per kilogram. Widely considered a delicacy, they are often eaten alone with lemon juice or garlic butter, with some also adding them to seafood dishes like seafood pastas.

Gooseneck Barnacles Overview

• Pairs Well With: Lemon juice or garlic butter. They may also be served in light seafood pasta dishes. As with most seafood, gooseneck barnacles pair well with a cold glass of white wine. 
• Where To Buy: From specialty fishmongers and at luxury seafood markets. They may also be found at seafood festivals across the U.S. and further afield. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Due to the difficulty and danger involved in harvesting them. Gooseneck barnacles are found in extremely rocky areas that are subject to powerful tides, meaning fishermen have to be very experienced to tackle the challenging conditions and successfully harvest this expensive food. 

9. Aceto Balsamic Vinegar

While you can probably pick up a standard bottle of balsamic vinegar in your grocery store for between $10 and $20, this variety is worth up to and over $200 per 100 milliliter bottle. Aceto (Aceto Balsamico Tradizionale in full) is a label given to the highest quality balsamic vinegars that are produced in the Modena region of Italy.

These bottles of the best balsamic vinegar in the world also come with a Protected Designation of Origin (D.O.P. or Denominazione d' Origine Protetta) as well. This certifies where the vinegar was produced, that it meets certain standards, and how long it was aged for.

Aceto Balsamic Vinegar Overview

• Pairs Well With: Cheeses, meats and even desserts and fruits, such as figs or strawberries. 
• Where To Buy: Specialty food stores and online retailers. Some general grocery stores may also sell it. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Due to the long and complex aging process, which takes a minimum of 12 years. 

10. Kopi Luwak Coffee

A world away from the cup of Joe from your local deli, Kopi Luwak coffee is made from coffee beans that have been eaten and digested by an Asian palm civet, which is a type of wild cat from Indonesia. The beans are then cleaned and brewed into coffee.

Due to this unique, time-consuming process and the rich, bold flavors of the coffee, Kopi Luwak coffee can cost up to $700 for a pound of beans, making it one of the most expensive coffees in the world.

While it may sound odd, to say the least, many believe this process to be a higher-quality way of producing a unique coffee beverage. If you do want to try this out-of-the-box expensive drink, check the source of the beans, as increased demand has led to factory-farm-style operations being linked to some Kopi Luwak coffee.

Kopi Luwak Coffee Overview

• Pairs Well With: Rich flavors like chocolate and cheese. Many also drink it plain without accompaniment or use it in coffee desserts like tiramisù. 
• Where To Buy: Specialty coffee and beverage retailers. Some specialized retailers exclusively trade this expensive coffee. You may also find it at expensive and unique restaurants, even as part of dishes, such as in the sauce for the Golden Boy Burger at de Daltons. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Due to the complex production process and limited availability. 

11. Ruby Roman Grapes

Who knew that a variety of grapes would be one of the most expensive foods in the world? Ruby Roman grapes, which are exclusively grown in Japan, are far bigger and juicier than a grape you would find in the supermarket.

They are also very sweet. To be sold as Ruby Roman grapes, each grape must weigh at least 20 grams, and a minimum of 18% of the grape should be sugar. 

These grapes are carefully grown on specific farms in the Ishikawa Prefecture of Japan and are handpicked when they are at peak freshness. Because of the time and care put into growing these grapes, they can cost anywhere from $100 for ‘superior’ bunches to $1,000 for ‘premium’ varieties. 

Ruby Roman Grapes Overview

• Pairs Well With: These grapes are delicious on their own, but also pair well with cheeses and rich dark chocolate. 
• Where To Buy: Specialist retailers, primarily those that sell luxury fruits or specialize exclusively in the sale of Ruby Roman grapes. Some high-end grocery stores may also sell them if they have a fruit section. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Because the grapes have a complex and time-consuming production process and can only be grown on select farms in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture, resulting in a small harvest each year. This means supply is limited, allowing Ruby Roman grapes to command a high price. 

12. Bird’s Nest Soup 

Known for its healing properties, Bird’s Nest Soup (or Swiftlets Nest Soup) is an expensive food that’s considered a delicacy in China. This soup is exactly what it sounds like — it’s a soup that’s made from the nest of a swiftlet bird, which dissolves in water and adds a gelatinous texture to the soup. These edible nests can cost as much as $2,000 to $10,000. 

Bird's Nest Soup Overview

• Pairs Well With: Eaten on its own or as part of a larger Chinese food meal, but can be sweet or savory, with ingredients like chicken broth or ginger for savory varieties and rock sugar or coconut milk for the sweet version. 
• Where To Buy: Authentic swiftlet nests are not often available to the public to buy, but similar nests can be found at specialized retailers. To taste Swiftlets Nest Soup, you'll most likely have to dine at a high-end Chinese restaurant.
• Why Is It Expensive?: These expensive nests can be challenging to find and difficult to harvest once discovered. This low supply paired with high demand causes the price to skyrocket. 

13. Caciocavallo Podolico

Named after the type of cows the milk comes from (a species of bovine called “podolica”), this Italian cheese is one of the most expensive in the world. It’s aged in special caves and then hand-stretched, resulting in a cheese that is similar to provolone in taste but quite different in price. A kilogram of this handmade cheese will cost around $140 to $200, sometimes more.

Caciocavallo Podolico Overview

• Pairs Well With: Bread, honey, wine (mainly red wines), cured meats and fruits like figs or grapes. 
• Where To Buy: Specialty cheese shops. It may also be served in expensive Italian restaurants. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Due to its unique production methods, lengthy aging process, and use of a rare cow breed. 

14. Bluefin Tuna

One of the most well-known on this list of expensive foods, bluefin tuna is a prized fish that’s particularly popular for use in Japanese cuisine, specifically as an ingredient for sushi and sashimi.

Due to overfishing, bluefin tuna has become an endangered species. This only makes the already-pricey ingredient even more expensive due to the total number of fish being reduced and caps being put on how many can be fished to avoid pushing the species to extinction.

Pieces of quality bluefin tuna can be close to $80 at top-end sushi restaurants. A full fish can sell for around $300,000 at fish markets. 

Bluefin Tuna Overview

• Pairs Well With: Soy sauce, ponzu sauce or citrus fruit, such as yuzu or lemon. It also works well in light dishes like salad and is often used in sushi. The best way to experience the full taste of this expensive food is by eating bluefin tuna sashimi. For beverage pairings, light white wines or sake are good choices. 
• Where To Buy: At high-end fishmongers and fish markets. It will also be served at the most expensive restaurants in the U.S. and beyond, especially at gourmet Japanese restaurants. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Primarily due to the scarcity of the fish, paired with very high demand. 

15. Abalone 

Another of the most expensive types of seafood in the world is abalone, a species of sea snail. The main kind consumed is Australian abalone, from the coast of South Australia, and one mollusk can go for between $100 to $200.

The meat is buttery and rich, with some describing it as a cross between escargot and other sea mollusks like mussels. 

Abalone Overview

• Pairs Well With: This expensive food features in lots of Asian-style dishes, pairing well with mushrooms, ginger, soy sauce, scallions and other types of seafood. A full-bodied white wine goes well as a beverage pairing, with some also enjoying a light-bodied red like a pinot noir. 
• Where To Buy: Fish markets, specialty retailers with seafood offerings, and some grocery stores. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: There is a limited supply of abalone, with the mollusk only being found in certain areas, such as on the South Australian coast. In certain places, it is also illegal to disturb or harvest abalone due to low populations. In addition, the process to harvest this expensive food is intensive, requiring skilled fishermen and divers who must navigate dangerous ocean conditions. 

16. Elvish Honey

Harvested from the depths of a cave in Turkey, Elvish honey is one of the most expensive foods in the world due to the intricate process involved in obtaining it. Elvish honey is made from bees that collect pollen from wildflowers before turning that pollen into liquid in the cave. 

Harvesters collect the honey at nighttime to avoid the overly protective and dangerous black bees, and that, mixed with the tricky terrain and remote location (which is a secret but likely in the Arhavi district of Artvin province), makes the process extremely difficult.

Because of this, in addition to the unique taste of the product, Elvish honey can cost close to $5,500 per kilogram.

Other expensive types of honey to add to any list of the most expensive foods in the world include Centauri honey (with certain estimates ranking this as more expensive than Elvish honey) and Comvita manuka honey.

Elvish Honey Overview

• Pairs Well With: Cheese like Brie or Camembert, nuts and fruits like figs. Some even add it to tea or drizzle it over yogurt. 
• Where To Buy: From a select few specialized sellers and luxury department store Harrods. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Elvish honey is only found in one location, making it incredibly rare. The process of obtaining the honey is also very difficult. These challenging conditions and limited supply give this expensive food its high price tag. 

17. Iberico Ham 

This expensive food is a legendary Spanish delicacy that can set you back thousands of dollars. Made from the Iberico pig, a rare breed of pig that roams freely and feasts on an acorn-heavy diet, Iberico ham is known for its umami, smooth flavor.

Iberico ham is aged for at least three years before it's sold, and a leg of this pricey pig can cost anywhere from $500 to $6,500, depending on the market demand.

Iberico Ham Overview

• Pairs Well With: Cheese, especially manchego cheese, and wine, including sparkling wines, fortified wines and young white wines. 
• Where To Buy: Via specialty food importers and at some gourmet stores, delis and butcher shops. This meat is often served at high-end restaurants as well, especially gourmet Spanish restaurants.
• Why Is It Expensive?: Due to the unique production process, including the use of a rare breed of pig and the need to feed the pigs a specialized diet. The long aging and curing processes also add to the price. 

18. Densuke Watermelon

More commonly known as the “black watermelon,” this expensive food is far pricier than its classic green-skinned counterpart. Black watermelons need to grow on a certain island in Northern Japan where they have access to a specific breed of volcanic soil.

There are only around 10,000 of these fruits grown every year, with the largest ones going for close to $6,000 at auction.

Densuke Watermelon Overview 

• Pairs Well With: The fruit is delicious on its own, but also pairs well with a little sea salt. Some also serve it with cheese, especially soft cheese, and basil. 
• Where To Buy: At specialty retailers in Japan. It isn't very common to find them outside of Japan, but they may be available via high-end, exotic fruit importers. 
• Why Is It Expensive?: Due to the scarcity of the fruit. This scarcity occurs because the fruit needs very specific growing conditions that are only available on one island in Japan.  

The Most Expensive Meals in the World

19. Tacos at Frida’s Restaurant

These tacos are a long way from their humble street food origins. One of the most expensive meals in the world, the decadent tacos from Frida's Restaurant at the Grand Velas Resort in Los Cabos, Mexico, feature a variety of some of the world’s most expensive foods, like Kobe beef, beluga caviar, black truffle, brie cheese and a gold-infused tortilla. Add it all up, and you have a $25,000 taco, plus a unique story to tell about trying it. 

20. Louis XIII Pizza by Renato Viola

Pizza isn’t generally thought to be a particularly expensive food, but the Louis XIII Pizza, created by legendary pizza Chef Renato Viola in Italy, proves to be an exception. This $12,000 pie is topped with opulent ingredients like lobster tails flamed in cognac, three different types of caviar, seven types of cheese and exotic shrimp fresh from the Mediterranean.

It also comes paired with three high-end alcohols, Remy Martin Cognac Louis XIII, Cardenal Mendoza Sanchez Charter Real Romate Finos and one of the world's most expensive Champagnes, Krug Clos Du Mesnil 1995.

21. Stilt Fisherman Indulgence at The Fortress Resort and Spa

Paying tribute to Sri Lanka’s tradition of stilt fishing, The Fortress Resort and Spa in Sri Lanka created a wildly expensive dessert using a variety of expensive ingredients, like gold flakes and Champagne.

But the “cherry” on top is an 80-carat aquamarine stone that rests atop the indulgent dish. A whimsical addition to the expensive food category, this creative dessert will set you back around $14,500. 

22. The Golden Boy Burger at de Daltons

The Golden Boy Burger from de Daltons in the Netherlands is one of the most expensive dishes in the world. Priced at around €5,000 ($5,300), this lavish burger is made from A5 wagyu, king crab, beluga caviar, Iberico ham and smoked duck egg, amongst other pricey accouterments like a barbecue sauce made from Kopi Luwak coffee. It’s essentially a ‘Greatest Hits’ of all the world’s most expensive foods, all rolled up in the most expensive burger in the world. 

23. Almas Caviar at Beluga Restaurant & Lounge

It’s only fitting that the world’s most expensive food is part of one of the world’s most expensive meals. The Almas caviar at Beluga Restaurant & Lounge in Dubai costs close to $14,000 for 250 grams of caviar and comes with a golden cigar.

If that isn’t enough, you can also order a $2,450 King’s Burger with Japanese wagyu beef, white truffle, 30g of Almas caviar, truffle sauce and French fries dusted in 24-carat gold flakes.

24. Chocolate Pudding at Lindeth Howe Country House

If you have a sweet tooth, this is one of the most expensive meals in the world that you’ll be craving even if not splurging on it! This wildly decadent chocolate pudding, which is served at the Lindeth Howe Country House in England, is the pinnacle of luxury. 

This expensive food features ingredients like extremely high-end chocolate and Champagne jelly, and it’s topped with 24-carat edible gold leaf and a 2-carat diamond, all wrapped up in an edible Fabergé egg replica.

If you have $35,000 to spare, this chocolate pudding is sure to provide some lasting memories. Do note that if you want to try this, you need to pre-order at least two weeks in advance. 

25. Billion Dollar Popcorn at Berco’s Popcorn

If you thought movie theater popcorn set you back, you’ll be surprised to learn about a brand that serves a kernel of popcorn for $5. Or, get a 6.5-gallon tin of Berco’s Billion Dollar Popcorn for a hefty $2,500!

One of the most expensive snacks in the world, the Billion Dollar Popcorn features caramel corn dusted with 23-carat gold flakes and difficult-to-come-by Laeso salt. If that’s a little out of your price range, you could splurge on the Way Too Expensive White Truffle option at $150 for a 6.5-gallon tin. 

The world of expensive food is definitely not accessible to everyone, but that doesn’t make it any less fun to read about! From pricey ingredients to the most expensive meals in the world, there are plenty of decadent delicacies that are worth splurging on if you can swing it.

Whether you’re dreaming of snacking on Almas caviar or planning your next trip to England to drop $35,000 on a chocolate pudding, the universe of lavish dining is certainly reliable for providing endless entertainment.

At the very least, you’ll be able to impress your friends with your knowledge of the world’s most expensive foods, which is priceless in itself.

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.