As a longtime retail expert and self-proclaimed "condiment connoisseur," I‘ve spent countless hours navigating the aisles of Walmart in search of specialty ingredients like horseradish. With its sinus-clearing heat and unique flavor, horseradish is one of my favorite ways to add zip to everything from roast beef sandwiches to Bloody Marys. But for the average shopper, tracking down this pungent root in a store as massive as Walmart can be a challenge.
That‘s why I‘ve put together this ultimate guide to finding, selecting, and enjoying horseradish at Walmart. I‘ll share my insider tips and tricks for locating this zingy ingredient in-store, choosing the best quality product, and putting it to use in your kitchen. Whether you‘re a horseradish newbie or a seasoned pro, this article will give you everything you need to make the most of your next Walmart shopping trip. Let‘s get started!
Where to Find Horseradish at Walmart
At most Walmart locations, horseradish can be found in one of two places:
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The condiments aisle: This is where you‘ll typically find shelf-stable, jarred horseradish in brands like Gold‘s, Heinz, and Kraft. Look for it near other condiments like mustard, ketchup, and hot sauce.
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The refrigerated foods section: Some Walmart stores also carry fresh horseradish root, usually located near the packaged dips, sour cream, and cheeses. You may also find refrigerated prepared horseradish here.
To pinpoint the exact location of horseradish at your local Walmart, I recommend using the Walmart mobile app. Just open the app, select your store, and search "horseradish." The app will display the aisle number and general area of the store where you can find it. You can even check if it‘s in stock before making a special trip.
Pro Tip: If you don‘t see horseradish in either of these spots, check the kosher foods section (if your store has one). Some brands of horseradish, like Gold‘s, are certified kosher and may be shelved with other kosher products.
Horseradish Brands and Products at Walmart
Walmart carries a respectable selection of both fresh and prepared horseradish products at very competitive prices. In my experience, the inventory and prices can vary somewhat by location and season, but here‘s a general overview of what you can expect to find:
Fresh Horseradish Root
- Availability: Found in the produce section, usually sold loose by the pound. Selection may be limited or vary by location and time of year.
- Price: Typically ranges from $2.99 to $5.99 per pound.
- Quality: Look for firm, unblemished roots with no signs of shriveling or mold. The fresher the root, the more pungent the flavor will be.
Prepared Horseradish in Jars
- Brands: Gold‘s, Heinz, Woeber‘s, Kraft, Walmart store brand
- Sizes: Typically 6-12 oz jars
- Price Range: $1.50 to $4.00 per jar, with Gold‘s and Kraft tending to be the most budget-friendly
- Styles: Original, extra hot, beet-infused, cream style
To give you a better sense of the selection, here‘s a table comparing a few popular horseradish products at Walmart:
| Brand | Size | Price | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold‘s | 6 oz | $1.98 | Original |
| Heinz | 12 oz | $3.44 | Cream Style |
| Woeber‘s | 8 oz | $2.68 | Extra Hot |
| Kraft | 8.5 oz | $2.18 | Original |
Note that prices and availability may vary by store and are subject to change.
How to Choose the Best Horseradish at Walmart
Whether you‘re buying fresh horseradish root or a jar of the prepared stuff, here are my expert tips for selecting the best quality product:
Fresh Horseradish Root
- Appearance: Choose firm, heavy roots with smooth, unblemished skin. Avoid roots that are shriveled, soft, or have visible mold or blemishes.
- Size: One medium-size root (about 6-8 inches long) will yield about 1 cup of grated horseradish. Keep in mind that the root will lose volume once it‘s peeled and grated.
- Freshness: The fresher the root, the more potent the flavor will be. If possible, ask a produce worker when the horseradish was delivered, or look for roots with bright green leaves still attached (a sign of freshness).
Prepared Horseradish
- Expiration Date: Always check the "best by" or expiration date on the jar and choose the freshest product available. An unopened jar of prepared horseradish will keep for about 12 months in the fridge.
- Style: For the most pungent flavor, opt for "original" or "extra hot" styles rather than cream-style or beet-infused varieties, which tend to be milder.
- Clarity: If the jar is glass, take a peek at the contents. The horseradish should be mostly white or cream-colored, with a bit of visible texture from the grated root. Avoid jars with excessive browning or separation of liquid, which can be a sign of age.
Pro Tip: Once opened, a jar of prepared horseradish will stay fresh in the fridge for about 4-6 weeks. After that, the flavor and pungency will start to deteriorate, so use it up while it‘s at its best!
Walmart vs. Other Grocery Stores: How Does Horseradish Compare?
As a professional retail analyst, I‘m always curious to see how Walmart stacks up against other major grocery chains. I recently did some comparison shopping for horseradish at a few different stores in my area, and here‘s what I found:
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Price: Walmart consistently had the lowest prices on both fresh and prepared horseradish, beating out competitors like Kroger, Safeway, and Publix by an average of 10-25% on the same name-brand products.
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Selection: Walmart‘s selection of jarred horseradish was comparable to most other large supermarkets, with an average of 6-8 different SKUs in stock at a given time. However, some specialty stores like Whole Foods and The Fresh Market tended to have a slightly wider variety of artisanal and small-batch horseradish products.
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Fresh Root: In my experience, Walmart is hit or miss when it comes to fresh horseradish root. Some larger Walmart Supercenters had it in stock regularly, while other locations only carried it seasonally or not at all. If you strike out at Walmart, I recommend trying a store with a larger fresh produce department, or checking with your local farmers market.
Anecdotally, I‘ve had good luck finding high-quality jarred horseradish at Walmart, especially the store brand and Gold‘s varieties. The prices are unbeatable, and the flavor is consistently fresh and zingy. That said, if you‘re looking for a very specific brand or style of horseradish (like a locally-made variety), you may have better luck at a specialty grocery store or gourmet food market.
Horseradish Sales and Popularity: By the Numbers
Curious how horseradish stacks up against other condiments in terms of popularity? Here‘s a look at some key sales and market data:
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According to IRI, a market research firm, total sales of horseradish products at U.S. supermarkets reached $62.5 million in 2020, up 5.2% from the previous year.
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The COVID-19 pandemic sparked a surge in horseradish sales, with dollar sales increasing by nearly 25% in the spring of 2020 compared to the same period in 2019 (Source: IRI).
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Jarred horseradish accounts for the vast majority of category sales, with fresh horseradish root making up only about 5% of total dollar sales (Source: Statista).
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Gold‘s is the leading brand of prepared horseradish in the U.S., with a market share of nearly 50%. Other top brands include Heinz, Silver Spring, and Kelchner‘s (Source: IRI).
While horseradish remains a relatively niche condiment compared to ketchup or mustard, its popularity has been steadily growing in recent years. Industry experts attribute this to a rising interest in bold, spicy flavors, as well as increased awareness of horseradish‘s potential health benefits (more on that in a moment).
Serving Suggestions and Recipe Ideas
One of the things I love most about horseradish is its versatility. Whether you‘re using fresh-grated or prepared horseradish, there are endless ways to incorporate this flavorful root into your cooking. Here are a few of my favorite ideas:
- Classic Condiment: Serve horseradish alongside roast beef, steak, or prime rib for a traditional steakhouse flavor
- Sandwich Spread: Mix prepared horseradish with mayo, sour cream, or cream cheese for a zesty sandwich spread
- Deviled Eggs: Add a dollop of horseradish to the yolk filling for a tangy twist on this classic appetizer
- Mashed Potatoes: Stir a spoonful of prepared horseradish into your favorite mashed potato recipe for a kick of flavor
- Bloody Marys: A spoonful of horseradish is a must for this classic brunch cocktail. Look for prepared Bloody Mary mixes that list horseradish as an ingredient, or make your own from scratch.
- Salad Dressing: Whisk together grated horseradish, vinegar, oil, and a touch of honey for a zingy homemade dressing
- Coleslaw: Add a bit of horseradish to your coleslaw dressing for a zippy take on this picnic favorite
- Seafood Sauce: Mix prepared horseradish with ketchup or chili sauce for a classic cocktail sauce, perfect for shrimp or crab
Pro Tip: When using fresh horseradish, be sure to grate or chop it very finely to release the volatile oils that give it its signature flavor and heat. A microplane grater or food processor works well for this.
Interesting Horseradish Facts and Trivia
Want to impress your friends with your horseradish knowledge? Here are a few fun facts about this unique ingredient:
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Horseradish is a member of the Brassicaceae family, which also includes mustard, wasabi, broccoli, and kale. In fact, the spicy kick in horseradish comes from the same chemical compound (allyl isothiocyanate) as mustard and wasabi.
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The ancient Egyptians knew about horseradish. There‘s evidence that they cultivated horseradish root as far back as 1500 BC, and even used it as a medicine for everything from headaches to back pain (Source: University of Wisconsin).
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Horseradish is nutritious. One tablespoon of prepared horseradish contains only 7 calories, but delivers a good dose of vitamin C, folate, potassium, calcium, and magnesium (Source: USDA).
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Horseradish may have health benefits. Some studies suggest that horseradish and other spicy foods may help boost metabolism, clear sinuses, and even fight certain types of cancer cells (Source: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center).
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The name "horseradish" has nothing to do with horses. The "horse" in the name simply refers to the large size and coarse texture of the plant, similar to the use of "horse" in "horsepower" or "workhorse."
What if Walmart is Out of Horseradish?
If you get to Walmart and find they‘re out of horseradish, don‘t despair! You have a few options:
- Check the Walmart app to see if horseradish is in stock at another nearby Walmart location. You can also use the app to place an order for pickup or delivery.
- Try a different grocery store, especially one with a larger produce department or specialty food selection. Stores like Whole Foods, Trader Joe‘s, and The Fresh Market are good bets.
- Look for a horseradish substitute. While not exactly the same, other spicy ingredients like wasabi paste, spicy mustard, grated ginger, or even hot sauce can provide a similar kick in a pinch.
- Make your own horseradish. If you have access to fresh horseradish root (try a farmers market or specialty produce store), you can easily make your own prepared horseradish at home. Just peel and grate the root, then mix it with vinegar, salt, and a touch of sugar to taste.
The Bottom Line
Walmart is a great place to buy horseradish, offering good quality products at very competitive prices. Whether you prefer fresh horseradish root or the convenience of prepared horseradish in a jar, you can usually find what you need at Walmart with a little know-how.
By following the tips and strategies outlined in this article, you‘ll be able to locate, select, and enjoy horseradish from Walmart with confidence. And with so many delicious ways to use this versatile ingredient, you‘ll never get bored!
I hope you found this guide informative and useful. As always, feel free to reach out with any other questions about shopping for specialty ingredients at Walmart or other retailers – I‘m always happy to share my expert insights.
Happy shopping, and bon appétit!
