Where Is Buttermilk Located in Walmart and Other Grocery Stores?
Buttermilk can be found in the refrigerated dairy section of most major grocery stores like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, etc. It‘s typically located near the milk, cream, yogurt, and butter products. Buttermilk powder and pancake/biscuit mixes containing powdered buttermilk are stocked in the baking aisles. This helpful guide will share tips to easily locate buttermilk at Walmart, Kroger, Target, and more!
A Quick Buttermilk Background
Before diving into where to find it, let‘s start with a quick buttermilk primer. This tangy dairy product is made from fermented cow‘s milk. Traditional buttermilk contains lactose and fat while low-fat and nonfat varieties are also available.
Buttermilk offers a creamy texture but with a thick, tangy taste thanks to lactic acid created during fermentation. It provides potassium, calcium, vitamin B12, riboflavin and phosphorus.
This versatile ingredient is used for:
- Baking – pancakes, biscuits, cornbread, cakes, muffins, scones
- Marinades – for meats like chicken, pork, and fish
- Sauces – ranch, blue cheese, tartar sauce, creamy salad dressings
- Smoothies – added to fruit smoothies for thickness
- Soups – chowders and creamy potato soups
Now let‘s explore the best places to find buttermilk when shopping at popular grocery chains.
Locating Buttermilk at Walmart
When shopping at Walmart, begin your buttermilk search in the refrigerated dairy section. Look on the shelves near milk, cream, yogurt, and butter. Here are some tips for tracking it down:
Check the Milk Section
Scan the shelves near the gallons of milk first. Walmart stocks regular milk varieties like 2%, 1%, and nonfat milk. Walk up and down this section and look for buttermilk‘s signature containers. Common brands carried include Great Value, Borden‘s, Organic Valley, and Prairie Farms.
Don‘t Overlook Near Butter
If you didn‘t find buttermilk by the milk, it may be stocked in the butter area. Check nearLand O‘Lakes, Kerrygold, Great Value, and other butter sticks and tubs. Walmart often places buttermilk in the butter section.
By the Eggs
Some Walmarts also stock buttermilk near the refrigerated eggs. So wander over to where egg cartons are sold and scan for buttermilk if needed. This area is kept at cool temperatures perfect for buttermilk storage.
Ask for Help Finding It
Can‘t find buttermilk after checking the likely spots? Don‘t hesitate to ask a friendly Walmart employee for assistance. Explain you‘re looking for refrigerated buttermilk but can‘t seem to locate it in the dairy section. They‘ll gladly point you in the right direction.
Use the Walmart App
For ultimate convenience, use the Walmart website or app to pinpoint exactly where buttermilk is stocked. Just search for your desired store, look up "buttermilk", and it will display the exact aisle location if in stock. No more guessing or searching required!
Check Bottom Shelves
Depending on the Walmart store, you may find buttermilk shelved on lower, harder to spot areas of the dairy fridges. Be sure to scan the top and bottom shelves carefully so you don‘t miss it!
Where to Buy Buttermilk at Other Major Grocery Stores
Buttermilk can also be easily found at Target, Kroger, Publix, Costco, Safeway, Whole Foods, and other leading supermarkets. Here‘s a glance at the best spots to find refrigerated buttermilk:
Target
Head to the refrigerated dairy department and scout end cap displays and shelves around milk, cream, yogurt, and eggs. Good & Gather, Borden‘s, and Organic Valley are commonly sold brands.
Kroger
Browse the dairy/refrigerated section and check near milk, heavy cream, sour cream, yogurt, and cottage cheese varieties. Kroger, Borden‘s, Prairie Farms, and Lucerne buttermilk are often stocked.
Safeway
Safeway stocks buttermilk in the dairy/fridge area near milk, butter, sour cream, and yogurt. Check brands like Lucerne, Organic Valley, and Safeway Select for buttermilk.
Publix
Stroll past refrigerated eggs and milk to find the buttermilk, typically placed near yogurt, heavy cream, and sour cream. Publix and Borden‘s buttermilk are popular options.
Albertsons
Head towards the back dairy refrigerators looking near milk, creamers, sour cream, and butter for buttermilk. Lucerne and Albertsons Select buttermilk are commonly available.
Whole Foods
Buttermilk can be found in the refrigerated dairy section, usually near milk and yogurt alternatives like almond or oat milk. Major organic brands are sold including Organic Valley and Horizon.
Costco
Scan the open refrigerated sections holding milk, eggs, yogurt, and cheese. Buttermilk often sits on lower shelves. Kirkland Signature organic buttermilk is a top choice.
Trader Joe‘s
Trader Joe‘s stocks buttermilk in the dairy case near milk, cream, and butter. Their inexpensive, high-quality store brand buttermilk is typically available.
Aldi
Search Aldi‘s dairy refrigerators for buttermilk sitting near milk, yogurt, and sour cream. Their Friendly Farms and Simply Nature organic buttermilk products are regularly stocked.
Sam‘s Club
Browse the spacious dairy fridges for Member‘s Mark buttermilk sold in bulk. Also check near milk, creamers, yogurt, and butter.
Locating Powdered Buttermilk
In addition to refrigerated buttermilk, Walmart and other grocery stores sell buttermilk powder and pancake/biscuit mixes containing powdered buttermilk. Here‘s where to find these:
Baking Aisle
Check the baking ingredient aisle at stores like Walmart, Target, etc. Buttermilk powder is sold in small jars and bags near flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Top brands include Bob‘s Red Mill, Hoosier Hill, and Anthony‘s.
Breakfast Food Aisle
Visit the breakfast food aisle where pancake mixes and biscuit mixes are stocked. Look for "buttermilk" on the label to identify mixes containing buttermilk powder as an ingredient. Brands like Aunt Jemima, Hungry Jack, White Lily, and Jiffy are common.
Natural Foods Section
Health food stores like Sprouts or Whole Foods sell buttermilk powder in their supplements and natural foods sections. It may be branded as buttermilk calcium powder. NOW Foods, Nature‘s Plus, and Solgar are typical brands.
Bulk Bins
Some natural grocers offer buttermilk powder in bulk bins. Simply scoop desired amounts into bags. This allows you to buy only as much as you need.
Online Stores
Buttermilk powder can easily be purchased online from retailers like Walmart and Amazon. Brands like Anthony‘s and Hoosier Hill ship buttermilk powder directly to your door.
Helpful Tips for Finding Buttermilk
When buttermilk is sold out at your store, try these helpful tips and tricks:
Ask Store Employees
Talk to customer service or the dairy manager to find out the next scheduled delivery day when more buttermilk will be back in stock.
Visit Early Morning
Shop early in the morning right after overnight stocking. Shelves are fullest at this time so you‘re less likely to encounter empty spaces where buttermilk should be.
Try Other Locations
Check availability using the store‘s website or call other locations in your area if possible. A nearby store may have buttermilk in stock.
Grab Powdered Buttermilk
Powdered buttermilk has a longer shelf life compared to refrigerated varieties. Keep some on hand as a back up for when fresh buttermilk is sold out.
Make Your Own
When desperate, make "buttermilk" by mixing 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar with 1 cup milk. Let sit 5 minutes until thickened.
Use Yogurt
Plain yogurt thinned with milk makes an ideal buttermilk substitute. Use a 1:1 ratio to replace buttermilk in recipes.
Omit It
In a pinch, omit buttermilk altogether. Substitute milk, kefir, sour cream, or creme fraiche instead.
Common Buttermilk Brands
No matter where you shop, you‘ll find these reputable, top-selling buttermilk brands:
Organic Valley
Known for their organic, non-GMO buttermilk made from pasture-raised cows. Rich texture with creamy flavor.
Horizon Organic
Their organic buttermilk comes from happy, free-roaming cows. USDA certified and vat pasteurized.
Borden
Classic buttermilk brand sold since 1856. Smooth, creamy, and perfect for baking. Available nationwide.
Prairie Farms
Midwestern dairy cooperative offering small-batch, farm-fresh buttermilk. All natural with no artificial growth hormones.
Great Value
Walmart‘s very affordable buttermilk. High quality and consistently stocked at low prices.
365 Everyday Value
Whole Foods Market‘s creamy, organic buttermilk. Thick texture with nice tangy flavor.
Trader Joe‘s
Their lowfat buttermilk is cultured for old-fashioned flavor. Organic options also available.
Kirkland Signature
Costco‘s buttermilk crafted from organic milk. Available in half gallon sizes for value.
Publix
Smooth, premium buttermilk from Publix‘s dairy farms. Perfectly tangy and commonly on sale.
Buttermilk Uses Beyond Cooking
Besides baking and cooking, buttermilk offers benefits for health, beauty, gardening, and cleaning:
- Facial mask – Hydrates and exfoliates skin, reduces acne
- Hair mask – Softens and strengthens hair, adds shine
- Nail soak – Hardens nails and cuticles, whitens tips
- Digestion aid – Probiotics help improve gut health
- Cleaning agent – Removes stains and odors, deodorizes
- Weed killer – Ph levels attack plant leaves and roots
- Pet relief – Soothes skin irritations on dogs and cats
So buttermilk truly provides more than just cooking and baking functionality!
The Cost of Buttermilk at Walmart
One reason why Walmart is a top destination for buying buttermilk is their low, budget-friendly pricing. Here are the average prices you can expect to pay there:
- Great Value Buttermilk – $1.98 per quart
- Borden‘s Buttermilk – $2.48 per quart
- Organic Valley Buttermilk – $3.98 per quart
- Buttermilk Powder – $3.98 for 8 oz jar
- Buttermilk Baking Mix – $2.98 to $4.58 per bag
These everyday low prices make Walmart a smart choice for affordably stocking up on buttermilk. Sale prices occur frequently too offering even more savings.
The Bottom Line
Finding buttermilk at the grocery store is quick and easy when you know where to look. Focus your search in the refrigerated dairy section near milk, cream, yogurt, and butter products. Ask employees for help locating it or use the store‘s app or website to pinpoint its exact shelf location in advance.
Buttermilk powder offers convenience, longer shelf life, and an emergency backup when refrigerated buttermilk is sold out. With buttermilk‘s amazing uses extending from pancakes to ranch dressing and beyond, having a reliable source for it on hand is a home cook‘s secret weapon!