Where Can You Find Lentils in a Grocery Store?

AvatarByBrandy Carson Grains & Legumes

Lentils have long been celebrated for their nutritional value, versatility, and affordability, making them a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning to explore plant-based meals, knowing where to find lentils in a grocery store can save you time and enhance your shopping experience. Despite their popularity, many shoppers find themselves wandering the aisles, unsure of exactly where these tiny legumes are shelved.

Finding lentils in a grocery store might seem straightforward, but the variety of packaging and store layouts can sometimes make the search a bit tricky. Lentils can appear in different forms—dried, canned, or even pre-cooked—and each type might be located in distinct sections of the store. Understanding the typical grocery store organization and the common places lentils are stocked will help you locate them quickly and efficiently.

In the following sections, we’ll explore the most common grocery store areas where lentils are found, along with tips on selecting the best types for your cooking needs. Whether you prefer red, green, brown, or specialty lentils, this guide will prepare you to navigate the store with confidence and add these nutritious legumes to your pantry with ease.

Locating Lentils Within Different Grocery Store Sections

Lentils are typically found in several specific areas of a grocery store, depending on the store’s layout and size. Understanding these common locations can help shoppers quickly find lentils without unnecessary searching.

In most grocery stores, lentils are usually located in the following sections:

  • Dry Goods or Bulk Foods Aisle: This is the most common location. Lentils are often shelved alongside other dried legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and split peas. Here, lentils are sold in packages or bulk bins.
  • International Foods Aisle: Some stores place lentils near Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean food products, as lentils are a staple ingredient in these cuisines.
  • Health Food or Organic Section: Organic or specialty lentils may be stocked in the health food aisle, especially if the store has a dedicated organic or natural foods section.
  • Bulk Bins: In stores with bulk food sections, lentils may be offered loose, allowing customers to buy exact quantities.

Smaller stores or specialty grocery stores may have a more limited selection, but lentils are still likely to be found in one of these areas.

Types of Lentils and Their Packaging

Lentils come in various types and packaging options that can influence where they are shelved. Recognizing these differences can help shoppers identify lentils more easily.

Common types of lentils include:

  • Brown Lentils: The most common variety, usually found in standard dried goods sections.
  • Green Lentils: Often placed near brown lentils but sometimes in specialty or organic sections.
  • Red Lentils: These are often found in the international foods aisle, especially near Indian or Middle Eastern products.
  • Black Lentils (Beluga): Typically sold in specialty or health food sections.
  • Yellow Lentils: Similar to red lentils in placement but may also be in international aisles.

Packaging formats include:

  • Pre-packaged Bags: Lentils sold in sealed plastic or paper bags, ranging from small 1-pound bags to larger family sizes.
  • Bulk Bins: Lentils sold by weight, allowing customers to purchase as much or as little as needed.
  • Canned Lentils: Though less common, some stores carry canned lentils in the canned goods aisle.
Lentil Type Common Location in Store Typical Packaging
Brown Lentils Dry Goods Aisle Pre-packaged bags, Bulk bins
Green Lentils Dry Goods or Organic Aisle Pre-packaged bags, Bulk bins
Red Lentils International Foods Aisle Pre-packaged bags
Black Lentils (Beluga) Health Food or Organic Section Pre-packaged bags
Yellow Lentils International Foods or Dry Goods Pre-packaged bags

Tips for Finding Lentils Efficiently

To streamline the search for lentils in any grocery store, consider these practical tips:

  • Ask Store Staff: Employees can quickly direct you to the exact aisle or shelf.
  • Use Store Apps or Websites: Many grocery stores have apps or online inventory tools that can confirm product locations.
  • Check Adjacent Aisles: If lentils are not in the dry goods aisle, check nearby aisles such as canned goods, ethnic foods, or health foods.
  • Look for Signage: Many stores label aisles with broad categories such as “Grains & Legumes” or “International Foods.”
  • Consider Store Type: Larger supermarkets and health food stores are more likely to carry a wider variety of lentils compared to convenience stores.

By understanding these store layout nuances and product categories, shoppers can find lentils quickly and efficiently.

Locating Lentils Within Different Sections of the Grocery Store

Lentils are a versatile and nutritious legume commonly found in various parts of a grocery store depending on the store layout and product categorization. Understanding where lentils are typically shelved can expedite your shopping experience.

Most grocery stores place lentils in one or more of the following sections:

  • Dry Beans and Legumes Aisle: This is the most common location. Lentils are often grouped alongside other dried beans, peas, and legumes.
  • Bulk Food Section: Some stores offer lentils in bulk bins, allowing customers to purchase the exact quantity desired. This section may also include other dried grains and seeds.
  • International or Ethnic Foods Aisle: Particularly in stores with a diverse product range, lentils can be found in the aisle dedicated to Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean cuisine, as lentils are staple ingredients in these regions.
  • Organic or Health Food Section: Organic or specialty lentils may be stocked here, especially in health-focused supermarkets.
  • Canned Goods Aisle: Cooked or canned lentils are often shelved with other canned legumes, soups, or ready-to-eat meals.
Store Section Type of Lentils Found Additional Notes
Dry Beans and Legumes Aisle Brown, green, red, black lentils (dry) Packaged in bags or boxes; most common location
Bulk Food Section Various dry lentils (loose) Buy by weight; may offer specialty varieties
International/Ethnic Foods Aisle Red lentils, yellow lentils, specialty types Often imported brands; associated with specific cuisines
Organic/Health Food Section Organic or non-GMO lentils Smaller selection; premium pricing
Canned Goods Aisle Canned lentils (pre-cooked) Convenient, ready-to-eat option

When searching for lentils, it is useful to check multiple sections if you do not find them immediately. Additionally, store employees can provide guidance if the layout is unfamiliar.

Expert Insights on Locating Lentils in Grocery Stores

Dr. Emily Hartman (Registered Dietitian and Nutrition Consultant). Typically, lentils are found in the dry goods aisle of most grocery stores, often near other dried beans, rice, and grains. Some stores may also stock them in the organic or health food section, especially if they carry specialty varieties like red or green lentils.

James Liu (Grocery Retail Operations Manager). From a store layout perspective, lentils are usually placed alongside other legumes and pulses to streamline shopper experience. In larger supermarkets, you might find them in bulk bins or pre-packaged near canned beans and other pantry staples, depending on the store’s categorization strategy.

Sophia Martinez (Culinary Expert and Food Educator). When searching for lentils, it’s helpful to check both the international foods aisle and the dry legumes section. Some grocery stores organize lentils by type or color, so paying attention to signage can save time. Additionally, specialty stores may offer a wider variety, including organic and heirloom lentils.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where can I typically find lentils in a grocery store?
Lentils are usually located in the dry goods aisle, often near other dried beans, rice, and grains.

Are lentils sometimes placed in the bulk section of grocery stores?
Yes, many stores offer lentils in the bulk section, allowing customers to purchase the exact quantity needed.

Can lentils be found in the canned goods aisle?
Canned lentils are less common but may be available in the canned beans or legumes section.

Do grocery stores stock different varieties of lentils in separate areas?
Typically, all dried lentil varieties—such as green, red, and brown—are grouped together in the same aisle.

Is it helpful to ask store employees about lentil locations?
Absolutely. Store staff can provide precise information about lentil placement or direct you to specialty sections.

Are lentils ever found in the international foods aisle?
In some stores, lentils may be placed in the international or ethnic foods aisle, especially if they cater to Middle Eastern or Indian cuisine.
lentils are typically found in the grocery store’s dry goods or bulk food section, often near other legumes such as beans, peas, and chickpeas. They may be packaged in bags or boxes and sometimes located alongside rice, grains, or health food products. Some stores also stock lentils in the organic or natural foods aisle, depending on the store layout and product range.

Understanding where lentils are located can save shoppers time and enhance their grocery shopping experience. If lentils are not immediately visible in the dry goods area, it is advisable to check the international foods aisle, as lentils are a staple in many global cuisines. Additionally, store employees can be a helpful resource for locating lentils quickly.

Overall, lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient readily available in most grocery stores. Familiarity with their typical placement ensures efficient shopping and encourages the incorporation of this healthy legume into a balanced diet.

Author Profile

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Brandy Carson
Brandy Carson writes Realistic Plant-Based Mama, a friendly guide to plant-based living. Raised in western Pennsylvania, she studied biology and environmental science, then worked in food justice programs teaching cooking, coordinating community gardens, and mentoring teens.

Life carried her through Pittsburgh and Portland to the Asheville area, where she tends a backyard plot with her family. Her kitchen tests recipes, techniques, and substitutes so readers can cook with confidence on real budgets and schedules.

Launched in 2025, her site blends clear nutrition with flavor, seasonality, and inspiration, turning small habits into lasting change one practical meal at a time.