Have you ever been puzzled about where to find orzo in the grocery store? You’re not alone. Orzo is a versatile ingredient, but its unique qualities can sometimes make it difficult to locate in the store. With its rice-like shape and pasta origins, orzo might be in a few different places, and this article will clarify where to look for it during your next shopping trip.
First, it’s essential to know that orzo is a type of pasta made from durum wheat semolina, and it’s shaped like a grain of rice. Keeping this in mind, the most likely location to find orzo in your grocery store is in the pasta aisle. Many stores organize their pasta products together, so search near the specialty pasta for the best chance of discovering it.
If you don’t manage to find orzo in the pasta section, don’t worry – there are some alternative spots where you might encounter it. Check the bulk food section, as some stores keep orzo along with dried grains and rice. Additionally, you can look in the Italian or international foods aisle, where it might be stocked with other unique pasta varieties.
Locating Orzo in a Grocery Store
Orzo is a popular pasta that can sometimes be challenging to locate in a grocery store. This section will guide you through various aisles and sections where orzo is likely to be found.
Pasta Aisle
Your first stop when looking for orzo in a grocery store should be the pasta aisle. As orzo is technically a pasta, it will typically be found among other pasta products. Look for it next to other types of dry pasta, such as spaghetti, macaroni, or penne.
Rice Aisle
Although orzo is not rice, it behaves like rice or grain when cooked. Consequently, it may sometimes be found in the rice aisle alongside other rice and grain products. While searching the rice aisle, keep an eye out for boxes or bags labeled with “orzo” or “rice-shaped pasta.”
Specialty Pasta Section
If you are unable to locate orzo in the pasta or rice aisles, check out the specialty pasta section. This section often contains unique or uncommon pasta varieties, such as gluten-free or artisanal options. Since orzo is less frequently used than other pasta types, it may be displayed in this section instead.
International or Ethnic Aisle
Lastly, if all else fails, visit the international or ethnic aisle of your grocery store. Orzo is a staple in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine. Therefore, it may be placed among other Mediterranean or Italian products in this part of the store.
In summary, when searching for orzo in a grocery store, explore the pasta aisle, rice aisle, specialty pasta section, and international or ethnic aisle. This will greatly increase your chances of finding and adding this versatile pasta to your pantry.
Popular Orzo Brands
If you are looking for quality orzo in the grocery store, there are several popular brands to keep an eye out for. These brands are known for their quality and taste, ensuring that your dishes turn out delicious.
Barilla is one of the most well-known pasta brands and offers a wide variety of orzo products. They use high-quality wheat to create their orzo, ensuring a consistently great texture and taste.
DeLallo is another brand that offers orzo pasta made from high-quality durum wheat semolina. DeLallo’s orzo is known for its authentic flavor that brings out the best in your culinary creations.
De Cecco also produces a quality orzo option that is made from 100% durum wheat semolina, giving you a delicious and versatile ingredient for your pantry.
Riceselect focuses on providing top-quality rice alternatives, including their orzo pasta. Made with a blend of durum wheat and rice flour, Riceselect orzo offers a unique flavor and texture.
Signature Orzo by Good & Gather™ is an imported Italian pasta made with 100% durum wheat semolina. Its bronze cut creates a slightly coarser texture that helps sauces cling, providing a rich flavor in each bite.
Each of these brands offers quality orzo for your meal preparation needs. Look for them in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store, and enjoy experimenting with this versatile ingredient in your favorite recipes.
Orzo at Major Retailers
Walmart
At Walmart, you can find orzo in the pasta aisle. It is usually located near the other pasta varieties, possibly near specialty pasta. Brands you may find at Walmart include Barilla, De Cecco, and Great Value.
Target
When shopping at Target, look for orzo in the pasta section. Brands such as Barilla and Good & Gather can be found there. You might also find orzo in the bulk section if available, but it’s primarily in the pasta aisle.
Safeway
At Safeway stores, orzo is typically found in the pasta aisle, close to other specialty pasta types. You may find brands like Barilla, Safeway’s Signature Select, and De Cecco.
Kroger
In Kroger supermarkets, orzo is located in the pasta aisle. Some common brands to look for include Kroger’s Private Selection, Barilla, and De Cecco.
Whole Foods Market
When shopping at Whole Foods Market, head to the pasta aisle to find orzo. You may find brands like 365 Everyday Value, DeLallo, and Jovial.
Publix
At Publix, orzo is usually found in the pasta aisle. Some brands available at Publix include Barilla, De Cecco, and their store brand GreenWise.
Wegmans
In Wegmans grocery stores, you’ll find orzo in the pasta section, typically near specialty pasta. Brands carried by Wegmans include their store brand and Barilla.
Vons
Lastly, at Vons supermarkets, orzo can be found in the pasta aisle near other specialty pasta types. Expect to find brands like Barilla, Signature Select, and De Cecco.
Orzo Alternatives
If you’re unable to find orzo in your local grocery store or simply want to try something different, there are several alternatives that can be used in its place. These substitutes include couscous, acini de pepe, and risoni. Each of these options has its own unique properties and can offer a new twist on your favorite dishes.
Couscous
Couscous is an excellent substitute for orzo as it has a similar texture and cooking time. It is a type of pasta made from semolina flour and water, and can be found in both regular and whole wheat varieties. To use couscous in place of orzo, simply follow the same cooking instructions and use a 1:1 substitution ratio.
Acini de Pepe
Another potential orzo alternative is acini de pepe, which are small, round pasta shapes that resemble tiny beads. They hold up well in soups and salads, and can also be used in place of orzo in various recipes. When substituting acini de pepe for orzo, use the same amount as called for in your recipe and adjust cooking times as necessary.
Risoni
Risoni, also known as rice-shaped pasta or pastina, is another option you can consider. It is similar in size and shape to orzo, but with a slightly different texture. Like orzo, risoni can be used in soups, salads, and main dishes. To substitute risoni for orzo, use a 1:1 ratio.
In summary, if you’re unable to find orzo or simply want to experiment with a new ingredient, couscous, acini de pepe, and risoni are all viable alternatives. Each offers a unique twist on your usual recipes, allowing you to explore new flavors and textures without sacrificing the overall quality of your dish.
Types of Orzo
Gluten-Free Orzo
For those who follow a gluten-free diet, finding a suitable alternative to traditional pasta can be a challenge. Fortunately, gluten-free orzo is now available in many grocery stores. This type of orzo is made from alternative grains such as rice, corn, or quinoa, which are naturally free from gluten. To find gluten-free orzo, look for specialty pasta brands in the pasta aisle or the gluten-free section of your grocery store. Some popular gluten-free orzo brands include:
- DeLallo Gluten-Free Orzo
- Jovial Gluten-Free Orzo
- Le Veneziane Gluten-Free Rice Orzo
Remember that, when cooking gluten-free orzo, you might need to adjust the cooking times slightly compared to traditional orzo, as gluten-free pasta can have a different texture.
Enriched Macaroni Orzo
Enriched macaroni orzo is a type of orzo made from refined grains, in which some of the essential vitamins and minerals that are lost during the refining process are added back. Usually, these nutrients include niacin, thiamine, folate, magnesium, zinc, and manganese.
The following table lists some popular enriched macaroni orzo brands and their qualities:
| Brand | Attributes |
|---|---|
| Barilla | Made from durum wheat semolina, enriched with iron and B-vitamins |
| De Cecco | Enriched with vitamins and minerals, made from high-quality durum wheat |
| Colavita | Made from 100% durum wheat, enriched with vitamins and minerals |
Keep an eye out for enriched macaroni orzo in the pasta aisle of your local grocery store and remember that it can provide added nutritional benefits to your meals compared to orzo made from unenriched refined grains.
Additional Information
Orzo is a versatile pasta and can be found in the pasta aisle of most grocery stores, near specialty pastas. The price of orzo varies, but it is usually affordable and competitive with other pasta types. When choosing orzo, you may come across different brands, such as DeLallo, COLAVITA, De Cecco, Jovial, and Barilla. It’s a good idea to compare their prices and read customer reviews to find the best option for your needs.
Orzo is also sometimes found in the bulk section of grocery stores, where you can purchase the amount you need, potentially saving money and reducing packaging waste. This allows you to try various amounts of orzo without committing to a whole package.
In terms of pasta shapes, orzo resembles a grain of rice, making it unique when compared to other varieties such as elbow macaroni or bucatini. This difference in shape makes orzo suitable for various dishes and a popular choice for side dishes, salads, or soups.
When cooking orzo, pay attention to the cooking time to achieve the desired al dente texture. Since it has a small size, orzo tends to cook quickly and can easily become overcooked if not monitored closely. Following the suggested cooking times on the package should yield an al dente result. However, you can always taste-test to ensure optimal results.
Remember, finding orzo in your local grocery store should be an easy task. Just look for it in the pasta aisle or the bulk section, take note of the various brands and prices, and always keep an eye on the cooking time for the perfect al dente orzo dish. Happy cooking!