Where to Find Barley at Walmart and Other Grocery Stores: The Ultimate Guide
Barley is rapidly gaining popularity as a nutritious whole grain full of fiber, protein and essential vitamins and minerals. This hearty cereal grain has a delicious nutty flavor and pleasant chewy texture that enhances soups, stews, salads and more. But if you‘re new to cooking with barley, you may be wondering: where can I find barley at my local Walmart or grocery store?
As a seasoned shopper who regularly stocks up on barley for everything from risotto to homemade bread, let me share the inside scoop on locating barley at Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods and other leading supermarkets.
Locating Barley at Your Neighborhood Walmart
With over 4,700 retail locations across the U.S., Walmart is the first stop for millions of shoppers weekly. The good news is that their stores carry a wide selection of barley types and brands. Based on my experience, here are the top places to find barley on your next Walmart run:
Check the Baking Aisle
At most Walmart locations, you‘ll locate barley on the baking aisle near the flour, sugar and other dry baking ingredients. Barley flakes and flour are often used in bread recipes, so this section is a good starting point. I always find at least a few varieties here like Quaker pearled barley or Bob‘s Red Mill flaked barley.
Scan the Rice and Grains Area
If it‘s not in baking, be sure to also browse the rice offerings and other whole grain selections. The bags of barley may be stashed near rice varieties, quinoa, bulgur wheat and other healthy whole grains. This is actually where my neighborhood Walmart stocks its assortment of barley.
Don‘t Overlook the Dried Beans Section
Another prime location for barley at Walmart is next to the dried beans, peas and lentils. I‘ve noticed some stores position barley offerings among these other nourishing plant-based foods. It makes sense since barley has a similar vibe and cooking time.
Check for Bulk Options
Some Walmarts have large bins of food sold in bulk by the pound. If your store has a self-serve bulk section, scope it out for big bags of pearled, whole grain or even organic barley. This lets you buy just what you need.
| Barley Variety | Typical Price |
|---|---|
| Great Value Pearled Barley, 32 oz | $2.98 |
| Quaker Quick Barley, 18 oz | $3.98 |
| Bob‘s Red Mill Flaked Barley, 24 oz | $4.44 |
*Prices as of 1/2023 at Walmart.com
Use the Walmart Grocery App
If you‘re still not spotting barley, use the Walmart Grocery app to pinpoint its location in your specific store. Download the app and search for barley – it will show exactly what aisle to find it in. This aisle finder has been a huge time saver for me.
Price Comparing Walmart vs. Other Retailers
Here‘s a pricing comparison on some popular barley products at Walmart versus Kroger and Whole Foods:
| Product | Walmart | Kroger | Whole Foods |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quaker Pearled Barley, 32 oz | $2.98 | $3.19 | $3.29 |
| Planetary Organic Barley Flakes, 16 oz | $4.44 | $4.99 | $4.69 |
| Bob‘s Red Mill Pearl Barley, 4 lbs | $14.98 | $15.99 | $16.49 |
As you can see, Walmart tends to offer very competitive pricing on barley, making it easy to stock up on a budget. Their everyday low prices definitely beat out premium chains like Whole Foods.
Finding Barley at Other Grocery Retailers
Beyond Walmart, you can find high-quality barley offerings at most major supermarkets. Here are the key areas I scope out when barley shopping at other stores:
- Kroger – Baking aisle and rice/grains section. Also check the natural foods area.
- Safeway – Near baking goods or bulk bins.
- Publix – Usually stocked in the rice/grains section.
- Whole Foods – Bulk foods section and grains area. Also the organic aisle.
- Trader Joe‘s – With all other grains and flours.
- Sprouts – Bulk section has many specialty barley varieties.
The selection and exact placement varies by retailer, but fortunately barley is easy to spot on shelves since it‘s sold in distinctive packs and jars. Ask an associate if you need help locating it.
A Quick Intro to Barley Types and Uses
Before stocking up on barley, it helps to understand the different forms and how they’re used:
- Pearled barley – Most common type, with bran removed. Fluffy texture when cooked.
- Hulled barley – Still has nutritious outer bran layer. Chewier texture.
- Barley flakes – Rolled flakes cook faster. Great for baking.
- Barley flour – Gluten-free flour milled from pearled or hulled barley.
Barley makes a nutrient-packed substitution for rice, oats or other grains in soups, stews, pilafs and salads. And it can be incorporated into homemade bread, muffins and pancakes.
"Barley‘s high fiber content helps regulate blood sugar levels while its antioxidants support heart health," says Dana Angelo White, registered dietitian. "It packs a big nutritional punch."
How to Store Barley
When stored properly in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, most types of barley will keep for up to a year. Whole grain hulled barley stores even longer – around 18 months.
To extend freshness after opening, store barley in the refrigerator or freezer. Many people prefer freezing a portion of the package, then keeping the rest in the pantry.
So next time your recipe calls for nutritious, protein-rich barley, you‘ll know exactly where to find it! Let me know if you have any other questions on locating barley at your grocery store of choice.
