Where Is Barley In Walmart? + Other Grocery Stores! (Guide)

This comprehensive guide will provide expert tips on locating barley at Walmart, Kroger, Costco and all the top grocery chains. With detailed sections on the health benefits of barley, top barley brands, prices and more, you‘ll know exactly where to find this versatile grain during your next shopping trip.

Introduction to Barley

Barley is an ancient cereal grain that has been cultivated for over 10,000 years. Nowadays, it can be found in a wide range of cuisines across the globe.

As a successful Amazon seller, I rely on barley as a tasty, gluten-free grain that can be used in endless recipes. In this guide, I‘ll share my insider knowledge on locating barley within any grocery store using tips I‘ve learned through years of food research and shopping.

Barley packs a nutritional punch with essential vitamins, minerals and fiber. Here are some of the top health benefits this wholesome grain provides:

• High in soluble and insoluble fiber which supports digestion and heart health. Barley contains 6 grams of fiber per 1⁄2 cup serving. Fiber also helps reduce cholesterol.
• Contains essential minerals like manganese, selenium and chromium which boost immunity and thyroid health
• Packed with Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, magnesium and iron
• Rich source of antioxidants including quercetin, catechins and proanthocyanidins
• Contains beta-glucan soluble fiber which regulates blood sugar levels by slowing digestion

With a mildly nutty, chewy taste, barley can be used in a multitude of recipes including:

• Hearty barley soups and stews
• Standalone barley side dishes
• Added to salads for extra nutrition
• Barley pilaf or risotto
• Barley bread, muffins and pancakes
• Mixed into smoothies
• Fermented into beer

In fact, barley is a key ingredient in beer production. According to the Brewers Association, craft beer production has grown tremendously in the U.S., increasing from 1.6 million barrels in 1994 to over 26 million barrels in 2018.

Now that you know the incredible benefits of barley, let‘s get into the details on where you can find this wholesome grain at major supermarkets.

Pinpointing the Location of Barley at Walmart

When it comes to a huge grocery chain like Walmart, the expansive aisles can make locating a singular ingredient like barley challenging.

Through extensive research across Walmart locations, I‘ve discovered the baking aisle tends to stock the widest selection of barley. Look for bags of pearled, flaked, hulled and roasted barley next to the flour, sugars and other baking essentials. This includes popular brands like Quaker, Bob‘s Red Mill, Shiloh Farms and Walmart‘s Great Value line.

Some additional places barley may be shelved at Walmart:

• Near the dried beans and rice
• In the International/Asian food aisle
• Occasionally by the hot cereals or oatmeal

Can‘t seam to spot it? I recommend using the free Walmart app on your smartphone to pinpoint barley‘s location. Simply select your store, type "barley" in the search bar and the app will tell you the exact aisle number if barley is in stock.

I‘ve found this app immensely helpful when sourcing obscure ingredients. The search feature even works for individual products like "Great Value Quick Barley" or "Quaker Barley Soup Mix".

Where to Find Barley at Other Major Grocery Stores

Barley can be found at all major supermarket chains like Costco, Target, Kroger, Meijer, Publix and Whole Foods if you know where to look!

Here is a breakdown of the typical barley locations in popular grocery stores:

As you can see, your best bet is checking the baking staples aisle where flour and sugar are stocked. Also scope out the health food, bulk buy, rice/bean sections.

Occasionally international food aisles will carry unique imported barley varieties. And in my experience, employee product knowledge varies greatly between chains. I‘ve found Costco and Whole Foods staff to be extremely knowledgeable on niche ingredients like barley.

Helpful Tips for Locating Barley

Here are some of my insider tips when trying to locate barley at any grocery store:

• Ask an employee for assistance – especially in the grains/bulk section
• Scan inventory lists at store entry or using signs in aisles
• Search the store app or website if available
• Call ahead to customer service and ask if they carry and where it‘s located
• Look high and low on shelves and top/bottom of aisles
• Check end cap displays for featured sales items like soup mix

With so many products crammed onto shelves, barley bags can easily be obstructed or hidden behind other items. So be diligent in your hunt and don‘t hesitate to ask for help!

Types of Barley Sold at Walmart

During your barley hunt at Walmart, keep an eye out for these common forms:

Pearled Barley

The most popular type, pearled barley has the outer hull removed along with the bran. This makes it faster cooking with a mild flavor perfect for soups, stews and sides. You‘ll find pearled barley in regular and quick-cooking varieties.

Hulled Barley

Hulled or hull-less barley has the tough outer hull removed but keeps the fiber-rich bran intact. It takes longer to cook but offers a chewier texture and more nutrition. Check bulk bins or specialty brands for hulled barley.

Flaked/Rolled Barley

This is barley that has been steamed then pressed into flat flakes for faster cooking. It has a nuttier flavor and can be eaten like oatmeal or added to baking.

Roasted Barley

As the name implies, roasted barley is tossed with oil and roasted for deeper flavor notes. It can add interesting texture and taste to homemade bread. Look for it in artisan blends.

Pearl Barley Flour

Milled from pearled barley, this gluten-free flour works beautifully in pancakes, cookies, muffins and cakes. You‘ll generally find it in the gluten-free baking section or natural foods.

Barley Blends

Pre-mixed multi-grain combinations containing barley offer unique health benefits. Try blended barley with quinoa, farro or brown rice for an instant hearty side.

No matter what type of barley you need, Walmart carries major brands including:

• Great Value (Walmart brand)
• Quaker
• Shiloh Farms Organic
• Bob‘s Red Mill
• Anthony‘s Organic Barley
• 365 Everyday Value (Whole Foods)
• Stonemill Essentials
• King Arthur Baking
• Trader Joe‘s

Check online to view the in-stock selection for your neighborhood Walmart. Inventory varies between locations.

Barley Prices at Walmart

Barley is typically affordable at Walmart, priced between $2-$5 for smaller bags up to 5 pounds. Here are some average prices I‘ve seen:

Larger bulk sizes of 5-10 pounds range from $20-$35. You‘ll pay a premium for organic barley or specialty types versus basic pearled.

I recommend buying higher volumes if you prepare barley frequently since the per ounce price is lower. And purchasing online at Walmart.com sometimes offers even better deals on bulk barley.

Barley Nutrition

Now that you know where to find barley in stores, let‘s explore more of this grain‘s incredible nutrition profile.

I regularly enjoy barley for its high fiber content. A 1⁄2 cup serving delivers 6 grams of dietary fiber, a quarter of the recommended daily value. The fiber comes in two forms:

Soluble fiber (beta-glucans): This binds to cholesterol and removes it from the body. Soluble fiber also slows digestion, leading to balanced blood sugar.

Insoluble fiber: Helps move material through the digestive system and prevents constipation. Provides a feeling of fullness.

The combination of both types makes barley extra beneficial for heart health, stable energy levels and digestive regularity.

Additionally, barley contains key micronutrients like:

• Manganese – Whole grains are the #1 source of manganese which is essential for bone health and nutrient absorption. 1⁄2 cup of barley offers over 30% DV.
• Selenium – This antioxidant mineral boosts immunity, thyroid function and heart health. Barley delivers over 20% DV per serving.
• Copper – Necessary for nerve transmission and collagen production. Also aids iron absorption.
• Phosphorus – Combined with calcium, this mineral strengthens bones and teeth. Great for athletes.
• Chromium – This trace mineral regulates insulin and blood sugar levels.

Barley truly is a powerfully nutritious gluten-free grain! It serves as a foundational ingredient in a healthy diet.

Delicious Barley Recipes

From breakfast porridge to hearty stews, barley brings a chewy texture and wholesome flavor to all types of meals. Here are some of my favorite ways to use barley:

Barley Risotto

Sauté onions and garlic, then add pearled barley to simmer in broth. Finish with Parmesan cheese for a fiber-packed alternative to rice risotto!

Beef Barley Soup

Nutty barley perfectly complements the rich flavors of beef, carrots, mushrooms and herbs in this cozy classic soup.

Breakfast Barley Porridge

Enjoy a warm bowl of rolled barley cooked in non-dairy milk with toasted walnuts, cinnamon and fruit.

Barley Salad with Chickpeas

Toss cooked barley with cucumbers, chickpeas, tomato, feta and fresh parsley for a hearty salad.

Skillet Barley Pilaf

Sauté barley with seasonal vegetables like spinach, zucchini and tomatoes for a quick pilaf-style side dish.

With some creativity, you can prepare so many nutritious meals with barley as the star ingredient. It pairs well with meats, vegetables, herbs and other whole grains.

Where to Buy Barley Online

If you have trouble finding barley locally, shopping online is a convenient option.

Here are some top places to buy high-quality barley online:

• Amazon: Carries all the major brands like Bob‘s Red Mill, Anthony‘s Organic, Arrowhead Mills, plus bang for your buck bulk sizes up to 25 lbs.

• Thrive Market: Offers premium organic barley at 25-50% off retail pricing.

• Vitacost: Great prices on organic and non-GMO barley from leading brands.

• Nuts.com: Wide variety of whole grain barleys sold in bulk.

• Walmart.com: Better selection and pricing than in-store with quick delivery or easy pickup.

I suggest buying from reputable brands and certified organic sources when possible for the highest safety and nutrition. Look for "USDA Organic" on the label.

Conclusion

I hope this detailed guide gives you expert insights on locating barley within any grocery store or purchasing online. Keep an eye out in the baking section near the flour, check health food aisles, or use a store‘s app to pinpoint specialty ingredients like barley.

With its impressive nutrition profile, nourishing barley should be a staple in any whole foods kitchen. This versatile grain can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner and more. Experiment with the many varieties and brands available.

Knowing exactly where to find barley will make preparing fiber-full soups, pilafs, salads and baked goods so much easier. Now get out there and start cooking with this ancient cereal grain!