If you’re looking for the elusive tamarind paste in the grocery store, brace yourself for a long scavenger hunt!
While it’s certainly the best condiment to bring add a bit of sweetness there, a little sourness there, and a whole lot of deliciousness everywhere, it’s not a common item in groceries.
Because of this, you might have to spend hours searching for it in the store.
Don’t want to waste a huge amount of time wondering where is tamarind paste in grocery stores?
We’ve got you covered!
Short Answer:
If it isn’t there, we have other recommended aisles that you should check.
Keep on reading to know which other sections it may potentially be in!
Where is Tamarind Paste in Grocery Stores?
The answer depends on what type of grocery store you’re shopping at. If you’re buying from major grocery stores, you can find it in the International Foods section. You might be able to find it on the shelves where the Indian, Thai, and Latin food items are.
On the other hand, you may want to check out the condiments section if you’re shopping at an Asian store.
If you can’t find the items in these areas, the next best section to look at is the refrigerator or freezer area because tamarind pastes with shorter shelf life are best stored frozen. Check out the frozen fruits and vegetables area as you may find tamarind paste packets there.
Which Stores Sell Tamarind Paste Near Me? (Plus the Brands They Offer)
Tamarind paste is not a common condiment, but thankfully, there are now plenty of stores that sell it. To save time, check out the list we’ve prepared for you.
- Local Asian store – Since this condiment is often used in Asian cuisine, there’s a high chance that you can find one in these stores.
- Walmart – If you want the organic variant, you can find Aunt Patty’s Organic Tamarind Paste here. Make sure to visit their website or mobile application to check the availability of stocks and the location of the item.
- Safeway
- Whole Foods– Here, you may find high-quality brands like Tamicon and Neera’s. You should call the store ahead of time to know if they have it in stock.
- Kroger
- Publix
- Albertson’s – You can find the Goya Fruta Tamarind Pulp in their frozen fruits and vegetables section.
- Wegman’s – They often stock Laxmi Tamarind in their International Foods aisle.
- Amazon – This online marketplace offers the most extensive range of brands and types. Some of the best brands we’ve found here are Tamicon Tamarind Paste for a budget-friendly option and GloryBee Organic Tamarind Puree for a Kosher-friendly and organic choice.
What Does Tamarind Paste Look Like in Grocery Stores?
Another way to make the search easier is to know what the item that you’re looking for actually looks like.
Keep in mind that what the product looks like may vary depending on the brand makers, but they often have the same type of packaging.
For example, you should look for a glass bottle or jar packaging that contains a dark to light brown paste. On the other hand, you should look for small to big vacuum-packed plastic packaging if you’re in the freezer aisles.
Fun Fact: Is Tamarind Paste The Same as Tamarind Puree?
If you want to get that amazing flavor into your dish without adding too much liquid, then tamarind paste is definitely the way to go!
What Do You Need to Do When Buying Tamarind Paste?
Here are some of the tips to keep in mind when buying this product:
Check the ingredients list.
If you wish to enjoy the true taste of tamarind, you need to make sure that the product you’re buying is free from preservatives and other seasonings like salt and sugar.
To ensure this, it’s best that you check out its ingredients list. It should only contain tamarind and water—nothing else.
Avoid the products labeled with tamarind concentrate from India.
As compared to the paste form, the concentrate is much more potent, so it’s extra stickier and a lot sourer. Because of this, you shouldn’t use it in the same way you use tamarind paste.
How to Use Tamarind Paste?
If you already have this condiment on hand, then it’s time that we learn how we can make the most out of it. Here are some of the ways you can use it:
- Add it to soups and salad dressings for a sour punch.
- Thanks to its acidity, you can also use this as a meat tenderizer.
- You can use it, together with other ingredients, to make homemade Worcestershire sauce.
- You can use it to whip up spicy curry dishes where it’s often mixed with coconut milk.
- Mix it with vinegar, fish sauce, and sugar to make homemade Pad Thai sauce.
What to Use in Place of Tamarind Paste?
Here are some of the best alternatives that you have if you can’t find a tamarind paste in any of the stores near you:
Homemade Paste
Good news– you can always make one at home using the tamarind pods you can find in the fresh produce section.
Lucky for you, this is quite simple. You can simply pour the boiling water all over the peeled tamarind and let it sit for a few minutes. After that, separate the fruit from the seeds using a fork.
Mix everything until you produce a thick and pulpy mixture.
Any Type of Acid + Brown Sugar
You can use a mixture of any acid (lime juice or vinegar) with brown sugar. The lime juice brings the sourness of tamarind paste while the sugar delivers the desired sweetness.
Use a 1:1 ratio when using this as your tamarind paste alternative.
Pomegranate Molasses
This offers the same texture as tamarind paste which makes it a great substitute. When using this, follow a one-to-one ratio.
Final Words:
S, where is tamarind paste in grocery stores? You’ll likely find it in the following areas:
- International Foods section,
- Condiments area,
- and Frozen Vegetables and Fruits aisle.
Please keep in mind that not all stores and locations always have this elusive condiment in stock.
To avoid wasting time and effort, it’s best that you check out the stores that we’ve shared with you. Not only that, but you can also call or email the store to inquire about stock availability.
Up Next: Where is Lemon Juice in the Grocery Store? Which Aisle to Check?
