Where Can You Find Lentils in the Grocery Store?

AvatarByBrandy Carson Grains & Legumes

Lentils have become a staple ingredient in kitchens around the world, celebrated for their versatility, nutritional benefits, and ease of cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just beginning to explore plant-based meals, knowing where to find lentils in the grocery store can save you time and enhance your culinary adventures. But with so many varieties and store layouts, locating this humble legume might not always be straightforward.

In many grocery stores, lentils are tucked away in specific aisles or sections that cater to dried goods, legumes, or international foods. Their placement can vary depending on the store’s size, organization, and product range. Understanding where lentils are typically stocked can help you navigate the aisles more efficiently and discover other complementary ingredients along the way.

Beyond just finding lentils, becoming familiar with their different types and packaging options can enrich your shopping experience and inspire new recipes. As you delve deeper, you’ll uncover tips on spotting the freshest lentils and choosing the right variety for your cooking needs—all of which will be explored in the sections ahead.

Locating Lentils in Different Grocery Store Sections

Lentils can be found in various sections of a grocery store depending on the store’s layout and how they categorize dry goods. Typically, lentils are stocked in one or more of the following locations:

  • Dry Beans and Legumes Aisle: This is the most common place to find lentils. They are usually shelved alongside other dried beans, peas, and lentils in bulk or packaged form. Look for bags or boxes labeled as lentils, which may be sorted by type such as green, brown, red, or black lentils.
  • Bulk Food Section: Some stores offer lentils in bulk bins, where you can scoop the exact amount you need. This section may also include other grains and pulses, allowing for easy comparison and selection.
  • International Foods Aisle: In larger or more ethnically diverse grocery stores, lentils are sometimes placed in the international foods aisle, especially near Indian, Middle Eastern, or Mediterranean ingredients.
  • Natural or Organic Foods Section: Health-focused or organic stores often place lentils in the natural foods area, along with other organic grains, seeds, and legumes.
  • Canned Goods Aisle: While not the same as dried lentils, canned lentils are available in the canned beans or canned vegetables section and can be a convenient alternative.

Types of Lentils Commonly Available

Understanding the types of lentils available can help when searching and selecting the right variety for your culinary needs. Below is a table summarizing common lentil types and their typical uses:

Lentil Type Color Typical Uses Cooking Time
Brown Lentils Light to dark brown Soups, stews, salads 20-30 minutes
Green Lentils Greenish-brown to mottled Salads, side dishes, casseroles 30-45 minutes
Red Lentils Orange to red Purees, Indian dals, soups 15-20 minutes
Black (Beluga) Lentils Black and shiny Salads, gourmet dishes 25-30 minutes
Yellow Lentils Yellow Indian dals, soups 15-20 minutes

Tips for Selecting and Storing Lentils

When choosing lentils, consider the following factors to ensure quality and freshness:

  • Check Packaging: Lentils should be in airtight, sealed packaging to prevent moisture and contamination. Avoid packages with holes or tears.
  • Examine Appearance: Lentils should be whole, uniform in size and color, and free from debris or stones.
  • Purchase Quantity: Lentils have a long shelf life but are best used within a year for optimal flavor and nutrition. Buy quantities that match your consumption rate.

For storage, keep lentils in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. If repackaged, use airtight containers to maintain freshness and prevent infestation by pantry pests.

Using Lentils in Cooking: Preparation and Soaking

Unlike some beans, lentils do not require soaking before cooking, making them a convenient ingredient for quick meals. However, rinsing them under cold water to remove dust or debris is recommended. Certain varieties, such as larger green or brown lentils, benefit from a brief soak to reduce cooking time and improve digestibility.

Additional tips include:

  • Rinse thoroughly to remove dust and small stones.
  • Sort through lentils to eliminate any foreign particles.
  • Adjust cooking times based on the lentil type and desired texture.
  • Use flavorful cooking liquids such as broth or stock to enhance taste.

By understanding where lentils are located in the grocery store and how to select and prepare them, you can easily incorporate this nutritious legume into your diet.

Locating Lentils in the Grocery Store

Lentils are a staple in many cuisines and can be found in various sections of a grocery store depending on the store’s layout and product organization. Understanding where to locate lentils can save time and ensure you select the right type and packaging for your cooking needs.

Common Sections to Find Lentils

  • Dry Goods or Bulk Aisle: Lentils are most commonly found in the dry goods aisle alongside other dried legumes such as beans, chickpeas, and peas. They are often stocked in bags or boxes near rice, pasta, and grains.
  • Bulk Bins: Many grocery stores offer lentils in bulk bins where customers can scoop the desired quantity. This option allows for purchasing in exact amounts and often includes different varieties such as green, red, brown, and black lentils.
  • International or Ethnic Food Aisle: Some stores place lentils in the ethnic foods section, particularly if they carry varieties common in Middle Eastern, Indian, or Mediterranean cooking. Here, lentils may be packaged alongside spices, rice, and specialty grains.
  • Organic or Health Food Section: Organic lentils or specialty varieties may be found in the health food aisle, where organic, gluten-free, and natural products are grouped together.
  • Refrigerated Section (Pre-cooked or Fresh Lentils): Occasionally, pre-cooked or fresh lentils are available in refrigerated sections, often packaged for convenience or ready-to-eat meals.

Types of Lentils and Packaging Options

Lentil Type Common Packaging Typical Location Usage Notes
Brown Lentils Bags (1-5 lb), Bulk Bins Dry Goods Aisle, Bulk Section Versatile; holds shape well in soups and stews
Green Lentils Bags, Bulk Bins Dry Goods or Bulk Firm texture; good for salads and side dishes
Red Lentils Bags, Boxes Dry Goods or Ethnic Aisle Cook quickly; often used in Indian dals and purees
Black Beluga Lentils Smaller Bags, Bulk Organic or Specialty Aisle Hold shape; great for upscale salads and plating
Pre-cooked Lentils Refrigerated Packs or Cans Refrigerated Section or Canned Goods Convenient for quick meals; no soaking required

Tips for Finding Lentils Efficiently

  • Ask Store Staff: If lentils are not immediately visible, store employees can quickly direct you to the correct aisle or section.
  • Check Store Maps or Apps: Many grocery stores provide aisle maps or product locators via their websites or mobile apps that can pinpoint the lentil location.
  • Look Near Complementary Products: Lentils are often placed near rice, beans, or spices, so scanning these sections can help locate them.
  • Consider Specialty Stores: Health food stores, bulk food stores, and ethnic markets often have a wider variety of lentils if standard grocery stores carry limited options.

Expert Guidance on Locating Lentils in Grocery Stores

Dr. Emily Carter (Registered Dietitian and Food Systems Specialist). Typically, lentils are found in the dry goods aisle of grocery stores, often near other legumes such as beans and chickpeas. In some stores, they may also be located in the bulk bins section, allowing customers to purchase the exact quantity they need.

James Nguyen (Grocery Retail Consultant and Supply Chain Analyst). From a retail layout perspective, lentils are usually stocked alongside rice, grains, and other pantry staples. Specialty or organic varieties might be placed in a dedicated health food aisle or near gluten-free products, depending on the store’s organization.

Sophia Martinez (Culinary Instructor and Food Product Developer). When searching for lentils, shoppers should check both the packaged dry goods shelves and the international foods aisle, as lentils are a staple in many global cuisines. Store employees can also be a reliable resource to quickly direct customers to the correct location.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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

Are lentils available in both packaged and bulk formats?
Yes, many stores offer lentils in pre-packaged bags as well as in bulk bins where you can scoop the desired amount.

Can lentils be found in the organic or health food section?
Organic lentils are often stocked in the natural or organic foods section, which may be separate from the main dry goods aisle.

Do grocery stores carry different types of lentils in the same area?
Typically, various types such as green, red, brown, and black lentils are displayed together in the dry goods section.

Is it possible to find lentils in the canned goods aisle?
While dried lentils are in the dry goods aisle, canned lentils or lentil soups may be found in the canned beans or soups section.

What should I look for on the packaging to ensure quality lentils?
Choose lentils that are free from discoloration, debris, and moisture, and check the expiration date for freshness.
lentils are typically found in the grocery store’s dry goods or bulk foods section, often near other legumes such as beans and peas. They may also be located in the aisle dedicated to rice, grains, and dried pasta. Some stores offer lentils in pre-packaged bags, while others provide them in bulk bins where customers can scoop the desired quantity. Additionally, specialty or health food stores might stock a wider variety of lentils, including red, green, brown, and French lentils.

Understanding the layout of your local grocery store can significantly streamline the process of locating lentils. Checking signage for the dry goods aisle or asking store employees can save time and effort. Furthermore, lentils are a versatile and nutritious ingredient, making it worthwhile to explore different types and varieties available in the store to suit various culinary needs.

Ultimately, knowing where to find lentils in the grocery store enhances your shopping efficiency and supports healthier meal planning. Whether purchasing in bulk or packaged form, lentils are an accessible and affordable source of protein and fiber, making them a valuable addition to any pantry.

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.