Where to Find Capers at Walmart and Other Grocery Stores: An Expert Guide
Wondering where to find jarred capers for your next recipe or charcuterie board? As a seasoned ecommerce seller and avid home cook, I‘ve navigated many grocery aisles in search of these briny buds. In this comprehensive guide, I‘ll share insider tips to help you locate capers quickly at popular stores like Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods and more.
An Introduction to Capers
Before we dive into where to buy capers, let‘s start with what they are. Capers are edible flower buds from the Capparis spinosa plant, native to the Mediterranean. They are typically sun-dried, pickled in vinegar or salt brine, and jarred or canned for longevity. Their tangy, salty taste adds a vibrant pop of flavor to dishes like pasta, pizza, salads and dips.
Capers have surged in popularity in recent years. According to Statista, retail sales of capers in the United States have grown from $7.3 million in 2019 to a projected $7.9 million in 2024. As more home cooks experiment with new ingredients, capers have become a must-have pantry staple.
But if you‘re new to capers, finding them on grocery shelves can be confusing. Check out this handy guide to caper buying, including the best places to forage for them at major stores.
Locating Capers at Walmart
With thousands of products lining the aisles, Walmart can be an overwhelming place to shop if you don‘t know exactly what you‘re looking for. Here are some of the top spots to find capers at Walmart:
The Condiment Aisle
This is the most obvious place to browse for capers. At most Walmarts, you‘ll find capers shelved near other canned/jarred goods like:
- Olives
- Pickled vegetables
- Pepperoncini
- Artichoke hearts
- Salsa
They are typically in the same vicinity as olive oil, vinegars, mustard, hot sauce and other bottled dressings and condiments.
The Pasta/Pizza Sauce Section
Some Walmarts also stock capers in the pasta aisle near the jars of marinara sauce, pesto and sundried tomatoes. After all, capers pair deliciously with Italian food! Check this area if you don‘t see capers along the condiments.
Tips for Walmart Caper Shopping
Download the Walmart app to pinpoint caper locations at your chosen store. This saves browsing time!
Ask an employee for help finding capers. They know the store inside and out.
Look high and low on shelves. Capers can be tucked on upper or lower levels.
Buy Walmart‘s Great Value capers to save money. A 2 oz. jar is just $0.82!
Popular Walmart Caper Brands
Brand | Details | Price |
---|---|---|
Roland Caper Berries | Uniquely large caper buds. | $2.58 for 3.5 oz |
Mt. Olive Caper Buds | Brined nonpareil capers. | $1.78 for 2.62 oz |
Vigo Spanish Capers | Imported, robust flavor. | $1.98 for 2 oz |
Ocean‘s Palate Caper Duos | Capers with sundried tomatoes. | $3.47 for 5 oz |
Bazaar Gourmet Capers | Tossed in extra virgin olive oil. | $4.47 for 3.5 oz |
Finding Capers at Other Grocery Retailers
The condiment and/or pasta aisle strategy also works when shopping for capers at Kroger, Publix, Whole Foods, Safeway, Trader Joe‘s, and other leading chains. Here are some store-specific tips:
Kroger: Head to the pickle, olive and relish section. Many Krogers also have an "international food" aisle with European staples like capers.
Publix: Check alongside jarred olives, pickles and jalapenos in the condiment department. Near the vinegar is another prime spot.
Whole Foods: Browse the olive bar or head to the jarred condiments section. Tip: Whole Foods stocks many gourmet, oil-packed caper varieties.
Trader Joe‘s: Find capers in tubes and jars within the condiment aisle. They offer unique flavors like chili, garlic and fennel capers.
Safeway: Look by pickles and olives or sometimes in the Mediterranean/Greek foods section.
Target: Jarred capers are shelved in the condiment or pasta sauce aisles. Their Good & Gather brand is affordable.
Costco: Check near the olives in bulk sized containers. You‘ll get a lot for your money!
Storing Capers Once You Get Home
Once opened, it‘s best to store capers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep for 3-4 weeks after opening when properly stored. You can also freeze unused capers in a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
When cooking with capers, rinse and drain them first to remove excess brine or oil, which can cause dishes to be overtly salty. Add them at the end for the freshest flavor.
Enjoy Your Next Meal with a Burst of Caper Flavor
I hope this guide has taken the guesswork out of where to find capers for your next creation, whether a quick pasta dinner or elaborate cheese board. Let their bright, tangy taste elevate your dishes. And don‘t let their tiny size fool you – these little gems pack a delicious punch!
If you have any other caper shopping tips, I‘d love to hear them. Happy foraging in the grocery aisles!