Where to Find Bean Sprouts in the Grocery Store

Bean sprouts are a crunchy, healthy addition to many Asian-inspired dishes. But finding them in the grocery store can be hit or miss if you don’t know where to look. This guide will walk you through all the places you can find bean sprouts at the grocery store.

Check the Produce Section

Your best bet for finding fresh bean sprouts is to head straight to the produce section. Since they are perishable and need to be kept chilled, most stores stock fresh bean sprouts right alongside other refrigerated produce like salad greens and fresh herbs

Look for the bean sprouts packaged in clear plastic clamshell containers near other veggies They are usually found in the section with specialty greens like watercress and microgreens

If your regular grocery store doesn’t carry fresh bean sprouts, you may have better luck at an Asian market or natural foods store. Due to their short shelf life, large chain grocers don’t always stock them.

Know What to Look For

With fresh sprouts, quality is key. Here are some tips for picking out the best bean sprouts:

• Avoid Wet or Slimy Sprouts – Bean sprouts last only 3-5 days refrigerated so wet, slimy sprouts past their prime. Choose crisp, dry sprouts.

• Inspect the Roots – Roots should look white and firm, not brown or mushy.

• Sniff Test – Fresh sprouts will smell fresh and neutral, not musty.

• Check Sell-By Date – Consume sprouts within 3 days of the sell-by date for best quality.

• Buy Smaller Quantities – Since they don’t keep long, buy just what you need for a few days.

Canned Bean Sprouts – Where to Find Them

If fresh bean sprouts aren’t available, most grocery stores also carry canned sprouts. They won’t have quite the same delicate crunch but work well for cooked dishes.

Canned sprouts are often stocked in the Asian foods section or international aisle, rather than with other canned veggies. Look for brands like LaChoy, Hsu’s, and Roland among the Asian sauces and pastes.

If your store doesn’t have an ethnic foods section, check the canned vegetable aisles. Canned sprouts may be shelved near water chestnuts and bamboo shoots.

Make sure to check expiration dates, as turnover can be lower on niche canned products. Unopened canned sprouts keep 1 to 2 years.

Try Different Sprout Varieties

While mung bean sprouts are the most common, you can also find sprouts from other beans and seeds:

• Soybean Sprouts – Bigger and crunchier than mung bean sprouts with a stronger “beany” flavor.

• Alfalfa Sprouts – Tiny sprouts with a mild nutty flavor, used more for salads than cooking.

• Broccoli Sprouts – Dense sprouts with a slight broccoli taste, rich in sulforaphane.

• Pea Shoots – Whole young pea plant sprouts including leaves and tendrils.

• Sunflower Sprouts – Nutty, crunchy sunflower seed sprouts.

Try different sprouts to add variety. Just steer clear of raw alfalfa sprouts, which pose a higher risk of bacterial contamination.

Grow Your Own Sprouts

Another option is to easily grow sprouts at home from seeds and beans. Home sprouting kits are inexpensive and let you have access to ultra-fresh sprouts any time.

Mung beans, lentils, radish seeds, and alfalfa seeds all sprout well with just water and a jar. Grow batches of the sprouts you like best.

Plus you can be sure of the source and freshness. Be aware home sprouts still carry some risk of bacterial contamination and should not be served to vulnerable populations.

Storing Bean Sprouts

To help bean sprouts stay fresh longer:

• Store fresh sprouts loosely packed in a clean paper towel in a zip top bag or container. Don’t crowd them.

• Rinse sprouts just before using them, not when you bring them home. Excess moisture speeds up spoilage.

• Keep sprouts chilled at 32-40°F – in the refrigerator, not on the counter.

• Wash hands before handling raw sprouts to prevent cross contamination.

• Use fresh sprouts within 3 days and canned varieties within 3-5 days of opening. Discard any slimy looking sprouts.

How to Use Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are very versatile in Asian recipes like:

• Pad Thai
• Spring rolls
• Ramen noodle bowls
• Stir fries
• Fried rice dishes
• Egg drop soup
• Sprout salads

They add crunch and texture contrast. Buy sprouts fresh, store them properly, and use within a few days for the best quality.

While bean sprouts aren’t the easiest produce to spot at first glance, they are indispensable for many Asian dishes. Now that you know where to look at the grocery store – in the produce section for fresh and canned versions in the Asian aisle – you can easily grab sprouts during your regular shopping trips.