Where Can You Find Anchovy Paste in a Grocery Store?

AvatarByNora Gaines Food Storage & Preservation

If you’ve ever tried a recipe calling for anchovy paste, you know it adds a rich, savory depth that’s hard to replicate. But when it comes to finding this unique ingredient in the grocery store, many shoppers find themselves puzzled. Anchovy paste isn’t always front and center, and its distinctive flavor means it’s often tucked away among other specialty items. Understanding where to look can save you time and ensure your culinary creations turn out just right.

Navigating the grocery store aisles can sometimes feel like a treasure hunt, especially when you’re searching for less common ingredients like anchovy paste. While it’s a staple in Mediterranean and Italian cooking, anchovy paste isn’t as widely stocked as everyday condiments, which can make it tricky to locate. Its placement varies depending on the store’s layout and product organization, often leaving shoppers wondering which aisle or section to explore.

Before diving into the specifics of where anchovy paste is typically found, it’s helpful to consider the different forms it can take and the types of stores that are more likely to carry it. Whether you’re shopping at a large supermarket, a specialty food store, or an international market, knowing what to expect can streamline your search. This guide will illuminate the common spots where anchovy paste hides, so

Common Grocery Store Sections to Find Anchovy Paste

Anchovy paste is typically located in specific sections of a grocery store that specialize in international or specialty ingredients. Knowing where to look can save time and effort when searching for this flavorful ingredient.

Most commonly, anchovy paste can be found in:

  • Canned Goods Aisle: Often near other canned seafood such as sardines, tuna, and anchovies in jars or tins.
  • International Foods Section: Particularly in Mediterranean or Italian food aisles, where anchovy products are commonly used in regional recipes.
  • Condiments and Sauces Aisle: Sometimes placed alongside mustards, chutneys, or specialty sauces due to its use as a flavor enhancer.
  • Refrigerated Specialty Items: Less frequently, some stores may stock anchovy paste in refrigerated sections with gourmet or fresh sauces.
  • Seafood Department: In larger supermarkets or specialty stores, the seafood counter may carry anchovy paste or whole anchovies.

Tips for Locating Anchovy Paste Efficiently

If you are unable to find anchovy paste immediately, consider the following strategies:

  • Ask Store Staff: Employees can quickly direct you to the exact aisle or product location.
  • Check Store Website or App: Many grocery chains provide aisle information for specific products online.
  • Look for Alternative Anchovy Products: Sometimes anchovy fillets or whole anchovies in oil can be substituted if paste is unavailable.
  • Visit Specialty or Gourmet Stores: Stores focusing on Mediterranean, Italian, or gourmet foods often carry anchovy paste more reliably.

Comparison of Anchovy Paste Placement in Various Grocery Store Types

The location of anchovy paste may vary depending on the store format and regional shopping habits. The table below outlines typical placement across different grocery store types:

Store Type Common Location for Anchovy Paste Additional Notes
Large Supermarket Chains International Foods or Canned Goods Aisle Often clearly labeled in Mediterranean or Italian sections
Specialty/Gourmet Stores Condiments or Refrigerated Gourmet Section May offer artisanal or organic varieties
Ethnic Markets Seafood or International Foods Aisle Focus on Mediterranean or European ingredients
Online Grocery Retailers Searchable by product name, delivered to home Convenient option if local stores lack availability

Locating Anchovy Paste in the Grocery Store

Anchovy paste is a concentrated, flavorful ingredient derived from finely ground anchovies mixed with oil, salt, and sometimes other seasonings. Its unique taste is commonly used in Mediterranean and Italian cooking, especially in sauces, dressings, and marinades. Knowing where to find anchovy paste in a grocery store can save time and ensure you get the right product.

Typically, anchovy paste is not found in the fresh seafood section, but rather in areas dedicated to condiments, sauces, or international foods. The exact location may vary depending on the store’s layout, but the following are the most common places to check:

  • Condiment Aisle: Many grocery stores stock anchovy paste alongside other strong-flavored condiments such as mustard, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, and specialty mustards.
  • International or Mediterranean Foods Section: Some stores have dedicated aisles or shelves for Mediterranean, Italian, or Asian ingredients. Anchovy paste may be found here near anchovy fillets, capers, olives, and specialty oils.
  • Seafood or Canned Fish Aisle: Anchovy paste is sometimes placed near canned anchovies, sardines, and other preserved seafood products.
  • Refrigerated Specialty Items: In select stores, particularly those with a focus on gourmet or fresh products, anchovy paste may be kept in the refrigerated section near fresh sauces, pesto, or prepared seafood products.

How to Identify Anchovy Paste Packaging

Anchovy paste typically comes in small tubes, similar to toothpaste packaging, or small jars. The packaging is designed to preserve the paste and allow for easy dispensing, given its potent flavor.

Packaging Type Description Common Store Placement
Small Metal or Plastic Tube Typically 1 to 2 ounce tubes, squeezable, labeled as anchovy paste or anchovy puree. Condiment aisle or international foods section.
Small Glass Jar Often 2 to 4 ounces, resealable jar containing a thicker paste or blend with olive oil. Refrigerated specialty section or near canned fish.

Look for labels indicating “anchovy paste,” “anchovy puree,” or sometimes “anchovy butter” if blended with butter or oil. The packaging will usually emphasize the intense umami flavor suitable for enhancing sauces and dressings.

Tips for Finding Anchovy Paste Efficiently

  • Ask Store Staff: Grocery employees can quickly direct you to the exact aisle or section where anchovy paste is stocked.
  • Check the Store’s Online Inventory: Many grocery stores provide online catalogs or apps that list product availability and aisle location.
  • Visit Specialty or Gourmet Stores: If your local supermarket does not carry anchovy paste, gourmet food stores, Italian markets, or specialty food shops often have a wider selection.
  • Look for Substitutes: If anchovy paste is unavailable, consider whole anchovy fillets in jars or cans, which can be mashed or blended to a paste-like consistency.

Expert Guidance on Locating Anchovy Paste in Grocery Stores

Dr. Emily Hartman (Culinary Scientist, Food Ingredient Research Institute). Anchovy paste is typically found in the condiment or international foods aisle of most grocery stores. Due to its concentrated flavor and use in Mediterranean and Italian cooking, stores often place it near other savory pastes like tomato paste or in the section with canned seafood products.

James Liu (Grocery Retail Consultant, Market Insights Group). From a retail layout perspective, anchovy paste is usually stocked alongside specialty cooking ingredients such as capers, olives, and anchovies in jars. It is common for grocery stores to group these items together to cater to customers seeking Mediterranean or gourmet cooking essentials.

Sophia Martinez (Registered Dietitian and Culinary Educator). When searching for anchovy paste, shoppers should check the refrigerated section near fresh herbs and sauces in some stores, especially if the product is marketed as a fresh or artisanal item. Otherwise, it is most often located in the aisle with canned fish or near the spices and seasoning blends.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where is anchovy paste typically located in a grocery store?
Anchovy paste is usually found in the condiment aisle near other seafood products, sauces, or international foods.

Can anchovy paste be found near canned fish or seafood?
Yes, many stores place anchovy paste close to canned anchovies, sardines, or other preserved seafood items.

Is anchovy paste available in the refrigerated section?
Anchovy paste is generally shelf-stable and does not require refrigeration until opened, so it is commonly stocked at room temperature.

Are there specific grocery store sections that specialize in anchovy paste?
Stores with a Mediterranean or Italian foods section often stock anchovy paste there due to its frequent use in those cuisines.

Can I find anchovy paste in the spice or seasoning aisle?
Occasionally, anchovy paste may be located near spices or seasoning pastes, but it is more commonly found with condiments or international foods.

What should I do if I cannot locate anchovy paste in the store?
Ask a store employee for assistance or check the store’s online inventory to confirm the exact aisle and availability.
Anchovy paste is typically found in the grocery store near other condiments and specialty ingredients. Common locations include the aisle with canned fish, seafood products, or international foods. It may also be stocked alongside mustards, sauces, or in the refrigerated section near fresh pasta or cheese, depending on the store’s layout.

When searching for anchovy paste, it is helpful to check both the condiment aisle and the seafood section, as placement can vary by retailer. If it is not immediately visible, store employees can often provide guidance. Additionally, some stores offer anchovy paste in the refrigerated gourmet or deli section to maintain freshness.

Understanding where anchovy paste is located can save time and enhance the shopping experience, especially for those seeking this ingredient for recipes requiring its distinctive umami flavor. Being aware of its typical placement and asking for assistance when needed ensures efficient retrieval of this specialty item.

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Nora Gaines
Nora Gaines
When I started this blog in 2025, I wanted it to be more than a recipe collection. Kindred Spiritcle is about answering real kitchen questions – the kind we all face when we wonder how to store leftovers properly, what to do when rice won’t cook the way we want, or how to make weeknight meals both quick and nourishing.

It’s also about exploring the joy that comes with trying new flavors, learning simple techniques, and discovering that the kitchen doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Every article here is written to feel like a conversation with a friend. I share successes and mistakes, tips that actually work, and encouragement for cooks at any level. Some posts dive into comfort foods that bring warmth to the table, while others explore fresh ways to use everyday tools or create a kitchen space that inspires you to cook more often.