Making za’atar at home can be a bit time consuming but, luckily the grocery store usually has it in stock. The article below highlights some of the sections and aisle where you can find za’atar in grocery store. The article moves further to highlight some of the most popular stores that usually sell za’atar so that you don’t have to waste time looking for this information.
Contents
What Is Za’atar
Za’atar is a Middle Eastern spice mixture which is made using toasted sesame seeds, dried sumac, salt and other herbs like oregano, thyme and marjoram. Za’atar is popular spice which is loved by many because it gives dishes a distinct herbal fragrance.
Which Aisle Or Section To Find Za’atar In Grocery Store
The first place where you can find za’atar in grocery store is at the international aisle. In most cases it will be placed close to Mediterranean ingredients in this aisle. This is because za’atar is commonly used in Middle Eastern cuisines.
If you do not find za’atar in the above stated aisle, the next place where you can find za’atar in grocery store is at the spice aisle.
What Grocery Stores Sell Za’atar?
Walmart– at Walmart you can find za’atar at the spice section of the grocery store. You can also use their website to check which brands of za’atar are available. Walmart also offers a delivery option so you can purchase za’atar from the comfort of your house.
Amazon– Amazon also sells za’atar and most of the time you can find a variety of brands to choose from. Buying on Amazon is very easy and convenient since it is an online store, so you can basically buy everything from the comfort of your house.
Meijer– at Meijer you can find za’atar. Meijer also has a delivery option so you can always buy from the comfort of your house and they will deliver to your doorstep.
Publix– if there is a Public store in your area then you can buy za’atar there, they usually have it in store. You can also check their website just to get an idea of the brands that are available.
Safeway– if there is a Safeway store in your area then you can buy za’atar there, they usually have brands like McCormick and Morton and Bassett, but you can always check if they have other brands in store.
Vons– they usually have za’atar available and you can also double check on their website to see if it is still in stock. They usually sell brands like Morton and Basset and McCormick.
H.E.B– you can find za’atar at H.E.B they usually have it in store. If you are looking for a specific brand of za’atar then simply check their online store locater to see which brands are available.
Albertsons– you can find za’atar at Albertson. If you are looking for a specific brand then you can always check their website, they usually display the brands which are available.
Kroger-at Kroger you can find za’atar, they usually have different brands available for you to choose from. Kroger also has an online shopping platform so you can buy everything from the comfort of your house and they will deliver it to you.
Target– at Target you can find za’atar, they usually have it in store. You can also check their website to see which brands are available.
Wegmans– if there is a Wegmans store in your area then you are most likely to find za’atar there. If you are looking for a specific brand then you can always check their website to see which brands are available.
King Soopers– at King Soopers they usually have za’atar in store and if you are looking for a specific brand you can always check their website.
Hannaford– at Hannaford you can find za’atar, they usually have brands like McCormick but you can always check their website to see which other brands available.
Middle Eastern markets– if there are any Middle Eastern markets in your town then that is where you can find za’atar. This is because it is a Middle Eastern spice blend and the chances that they will have it is very high.
What Can I Substitute For Za’atar?
Italian Seasoning
You can substitute za’atar with Italian seasoning. This is because Italian seasoning contains almost similar ingredients with za’atar and it gives dishes a nice herbal fragrance flavor. Italian seasoning can be found in a number of stores and you can purchase it to for use as a substitute for za’atar.
Dukkah
Another ingredient which you can use as a substitute for za’atar is dukkah. This is an Egyptian spice blend which contains sesame seeds, hazelnuts and dried thyme. When dukkah is used as a substitute for za’atar is gives dishes a nice fragrant flavor and a nutty taste which is derived from the hazelnuts. You can find Dukkah at any Mediterranean markets.
Harissa Spice Blend
Harissa spice blend is another good za’atar substitute which can be found as either a powder or a paste. This spice blend is very popular in North Africa and in the Middle East. Harissa spice blend contains smoked chilli peppers, cumin, coriander and mint. When used as a substitute for za’atar, this spice blend adds a lots of flavour to dishes however, you need to use it sparingly at is very potent and has the potential of over powering the flavours in your dish.
Is Za’atar The Same As Thyme?
No za’atar is not the same as thyme, in fact thyme is just one of the ingredients found in Za’atar.
What Does Za’atar Taste Like
Za’atar is made using a number of herbs and spices and as a result it has a tangy, herbal, toasted nutty flavor to it. The tangy taste or flavor found in za’atar is derived from sumac which is one of the main ingredients in za’atar, whilst the herbal flavor is derived from herbs like thyme and oregano that are added to za’atar. The toasted nutty flavor is derived from the sesame seeds that are also incorporated when making za’atar.
Conclusion
Finding za’atar in grocery store is an easy task if you use the store guide above. It is worth highlighting that most of the stores indicated above have online shopping platforms where you can easily check which brands are in store.