I have to admit—I spent way too long searching for anchovies in the grocery store. I figured they’d be right there next to the canned tuna and salmon. Makes sense, right? Wrong. After wandering around like I was on some sort of grocery game show, I finally discovered where anchovies actually hang out—and spoiler alert: it’s probably not where you think. If you’ve ever found yourself in the aisle with your recipe, asking “Where are the anchovies? you’re definitely not alone. Let me save you some time and hassle by sharing exactly where to locate anchovies in most grocery stores (based on my own shopping adventures), why they’re stocked in those places, and some handy tips to ensure you grab the right kind.
The Truth: Anchovies Are Rarely Found with Canned Fish
One of the most surprising things I discovered is that you won’t typically find anchovies hanging out with the canned tuna. That section is usually filled with more familiar faces like canned pink salmon, sardines, and sometimes even smoked oysters—but anchovies? Not so much. I’ve scoured several stores: Walmart, Kroger, Whole Foods, Trader Joe’s, and a few local shops. In most of them, anchovies were nowhere near the canned tuna. Why is that? Well, anchovies are often seen as a specialty item rather than a pantry staple. So, you’ll usually find them in one of three spots: the international aisle, the Italian foods section, or the refrigerated deli case.
It took me three trips to figure this out. I even asked an employee at one store, and she directed me to the “ethnic aisle” (those were her words, not mine), where I stumbled upon a tiny shelf of jarred anchovies tucked between imported pastas and kalamata olives. Once I knew where to look, it all clicked. Anchovies are primarily used in Mediterranean dishes—think Caesar salad, tapenade, or pasta sauces—which is why they’re grouped with other international ingredients instead of the general canned fish.
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Easy pantry labeling tips for quick access and organization—my simple, practical system that actually works. →
Check the International or Italian Food Aisle First
My top tip? Start in the international aisle. More specifically, make a beeline for the section labeled Italian” or “Mediterranean. “This is where you’ll typically find items like pesto, olive tapenade, capers (yep—just like I mentioned in my post about finding capers), sun-dried tomatoes, and all sorts of oil-packed delights. In many stores, anchovies are stored nearby in small glass jars or flat tins, often perched on the higher or lower shelves.
If you find yourself wandering through a larger supermarket chain, you might notice that the aisle dedicated to these goodies goes by names like “ethnic foods,” world foods,” or “international cuisine. “The name might change, but you can usually spot the anchovies hanging out in that section. Just a heads up—don’t expect a vast selection; often, you’ll only see one or two brands on the shelf.
Check the Refrigerated Deli Section for Fresh Options
In some stores, anchovies are treated more like gourmet toppings rather than your typical shelf-stable items. This is especially true at places like Whole Foods and Sprouts, where you’ll often find premium anchovy products chilling in the refrigerated deli section, right next to olives, artisan cheeses, and specialty meats.
I remember spending a good ten minutes combing through the pasta aisle at Sprouts, only to have a friendly employee point me to a tiny cold case tucked away next to marinated artichoke hearts and olive tapenade. These anchovies usually come in glass jars or vacuum-sealed plastic packs, and they often have a more rustic appearance—like something a chef would use in a high-end kitchen. You can expect a bolder flavor, higher quality fillets, and sometimes a bit of a splurge on the price.
This is also where you’re most likely to stumble upon anchovies packed in salt instead of oil. Salt-packed anchovies are celebrated for their intense umami flavor and are often a staple in traditional Italian cooking. If you’re a culinary enthusiast or planning to whip up a special dish like bagna cauda or anchovy butter, these refrigerated options are definitely worth a look. Just keep in mind—they have a much shorter shelf life once you crack them open, so plan ahead!
What Type of Anchovies Should You Buy?
Not all anchovies are made the same. Before you make a purchase, it’s helpful to know the differences between the types you’ll encounter in the store—and what they’re best suited for. The most common variety is oil-packed anchovy fillets, which come in flat tins or jars. These are perfect if you’re whipping up Caesar dressing, pasta sauces, or just looking to add a salty kick to soups and stews. They’re already filleted, cured, and ready to blend seamlessly into your dishes.
Let’s talk about the gourmet side of things: salt-packed whole anchovies. Sure, they require a bit of prep—cleaning, deboning, and a quick soak before you can use them—but many chefs swear by their incredible flavor. You’ll typically find these in the refrigerated section. They’re perfect for whipping up a traditional dish or adding that rich anchovy depth you crave.
Then we have anchovy pastes, which are a real time-saver for quick meals. These come in handy tubes and mix effortlessly into dressings or sauces, no chopping or mashing required. I always keep one in my fridge for those sudden Caesar salad cravings—it’s a total lifesaver when I don’t want to crack open a whole tin.
Store-by-Store Guide: Where to Find Anchovies
Let me help you out by breaking it down by store:
- Walmart: You’ll usually spot anchovies in the international aisle, close to Italian or Mediterranean products. Sometimes they’re tucked away in the condiments section.
- Whole Foods: Check two spots: the international foods section and the refrigerated gourmet case, right by the cheeses and olives.
- Trader Joe’s: Look for them with the Italian imports—flat tins are usually found near the tomato paste, pasta sauces, or artichokes.
- Kroger (and its affiliates): You’ll want to check both the Italian aisle and the canned fish section, though what you find can vary by location.
- Safeway / Albertsons: They’re often in the international section, near olive oil, capers, or gourmet condiments.
- Local ethnic markets: Middle Eastern or Italian grocery stores often have salt-packed and oil-packed options, and sometimes you can even find them in bulk!
And if you’re having trouble locating them, don’t hesitate to ask an employee. Most store staff are pretty familiar with where these little gems are hidden—it’s a question they get surprisingly often!
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Once you’ve picked up your anchovies, storing them the right way is crucial for maximizing both flavor and shelf life. Unopened tins or jars can hang out in your pantry, preferably in a cool, dark corner. But once you crack them open, it’s best to move the anchovies into a small, sealed container and pop them in the fridge, making sure they’re submerged in their oil or topped off with a splash of fresh olive oil to keep them from drying out. This way, they can last for weeks—sometimes even longer if you use clean utensils and keep them chilled.
For salt-packed anchovies, don’t forget to rinse off the excess salt before stashing them in the fridge. I usually clean and fillet the entire jar at once, then store them in olive oil in a glass jar. It makes them so much easier to use when they’re prepped in advance.
Anchovy paste in a tube is the ultimate convenience—it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for months and is perfect for giving your dishes a quick umami boost.
Why You Shouldn’t Skip Anchovies
I used to have my doubts about anchovies. Their reputation—too salty, too fishy—kept me at bay for years. But once I started tossing just a single fillet into my pasta sauce or salad dressing, everything changed. Anchovies don’t make your food taste “fishy”—they add a rich, savory depth that’s incredibly satisfying. They’ve become the secret ingredient in some of my most praised dishes. And now that you know where to find them, keeping a tin or two on hand for flavor emergencies is a breeze.
Whether you’re cooking for friends, experimenting with new recipes, or just looking to elevate your sauces, anchovies are a small but powerful staple that’s definitely worth seeking out. Now that you know their hiding spots, your next shopping trip will be a piece of cake!
If you’ve ever found yourself wandering the grocery store aisles for what feels like an eternity just to track down capers, then you’ll definitely want to check out my article: 👉 Where to Find Capers in the Grocery Store – It’s Not Where You Think.
For a deeper dive into shopping for ingredients and how to store them, the folks at Serious Eats have put together an amazing guide on anchovies. It’s a must-read if you’re even a little bit curious about these little fish.
Bottom Line: Anchovies don’t hang out with the canned tuna—and they’re perfectly fine with that. You might spot them in the international aisle, the deli section, or even on a fancy refrigerated shelf. Once you know where to look, you’ll save yourself a ton of time. Trust me—your sauces and salads will be all the better for it!
