Finding shea butter in grocery store can prove to be a daunting task. Luckily, this article highlights the different sections and aisles where shea butter is usually kept. A list of popular stores that usually sell shea butter is also included so you can always buy from there.
NB: if you intend to use shea butter for culinary purposes please check the label to make sure that it is food grade shea butter.
Contents
What is shea butter?
Shea butter is a fat that is extracted from the seed of the shea tree that is commonly found in Africa. It can be used for cooking or cosmetic purposes. Food grade shea butter is the one that is commonly used for culinary purposes because it does not have any inedible additives to it.
Which section or aisle to find shea butter in grocery store
The first place where you can find shea butter in grocery store is at the natural foods section. This is because shea butter is regarded as a natural product and it can also be used for culinary purposes.
The next place where you can find shea butter in grocery store is at the personal care and beauty section. This is because shea butter is commonly used for cosmetic or beauty purposes.
The last place where you can check for shea butter in grocery store is at the section where oils are found. Here you will most probably find shea butter placed close to the speciality oils.
What grocery stores sell shea butter?
Amazon– you can find unrefined or pure shea butter on Amazon, they usually have different brands available. Buying on Amazon is very easy and convenient since it as online store.
Walmart– at Walmart you can find shea butter. If you are searching for a specific variety then simply head over to their website to see what’s available in store.
Kroger– at Kroger you can find raw or unrefined shea butter, they usually have it in store. Kroger also has an online store so you can easily buy shea butter from the comfort of your house.
Ethnic markets– if there are any ethnic markets especially those that sell African ingredients then there is a chance that you will find shea butter there. This is because shea butter is commonly used for cooking in Africa.
Target– shea butter can be found at Target so you can always buy from there. Target also has online store so you can always buy shea butter there instead of physically visiting the store.
Whole foods market– shea butter can be found at Whole foods market and they usually have the unscented shea butter.
Thrive market– shea butter can be found at Thrive market so you can always buy from there.
How to use shea butter
Use shea butter on bread
You can use shea butter on bread, it works as a decent substitute of margarine. Furthermore, it will add lots of flavour to the bread. Shea butter is filled with a lot of nutrients and vitamins so adding it to your bread is actually a good thing. The other thing to take note of is that shea butter is vegan friendly so you can add it to your diet if you are vegan.
Use shea butter when baking
Shea butter can also be used when baking. You can use it in place of lard, margarine or even butter. It will add lots of flavour to the baked goods. When using shea butter for baking you need to be mindful of the quantities that you use. This is because shea butter has a more distinct taste as compared to butter or margarine, so for starters you can start by substituting 1 cup of butter or margarine with ½ cup of shea butter.
Use shea butter when cooking meat
When frying meat you can always use shea butter. It will add a wonderful flavour to the meat. When using shea butter to cook meat you need to start by liquefying the shea butter in a skillet that is placed on medium heat. Once the shea butter has heated up you can then add your meat and cook it until its ready to serve.
Use shea butter when cooking vegetables
If you intend on frying your vegetables you can always use shea butter. When using shea butter to fry vegetables, simply heat it up in a skillet that is placed on a stove with medium heat. Once the shea butter has melted you can then add the vegetables and fry until they are done.
Use shea butter on skin
Shea butter is often used on the skin. It helps to keep the skin moisturised and it also has a number of health benefits when applied to the skin. A number of cosmetic products actually contain shea butter as one of the main ingredients.
Nutrition and health benefits of shea butter
Has anti-aging properties
The first health benefit of shea butter is that it has anti-aging properties. This is because it contains vitamins A and E which help to keep the skin nourished and feeling radiant. Furthermore, shea butter contain antioxidants that help to prevent premature aging. So if you are someone who is looking to take good care of their skin then try using shear butter or buying cosmetic products that contain shea butter.
Helps to restore skin elasticity
The other health benefit of using shea butter on skin is that it helps to restore skin elasticity. This is because it contains vitamin F which actually helps to restore skin elasticity. Furthermore, shea butter helps to improve the production of collagen in the skin. So if you apply shea butter on a daily basis your skin is likely to become hydrated and soft.
Conclusion
Product placement differs among grocery stores so make sure you check all the aisles stated in this article. It is worth noting that the majority of stores indicated in this article have online shopping platforms. This means that you can now buy shea butter from the comfort of your house.
