Quick Answer
Yes, lemon curd is readily available for purchase in most grocery stores. Lemon curd can typically be found in the jams, jellies and spreads aisle, near other fruit spreads. Many popular brands like Smucker’s, Bonne Maman, and Stonewall Kitchen make lemon curd that is stocked in stores. Lemon curd may also be found in the refrigerator section or bakery section of some grocery stores as well. Overall, lemon curd is a common product that most standard grocery stores carry.
What is Lemon Curd?
Lemon curd is a rich, lemony spread made from lemon juice, eggs, butter, and sugar. It has a bright yellow color and smooth, creamy texture. Lemon curd is tart yet sweet and often has notes of zestiness from lemon rind. It is used as a spread for scones, toast, muffins, or other breads and is sometimes used as a filling for cakes and tarts. Lemon curd has a similar texture to jam but with more body and richness due to the addition of butter and eggs. It provides a vibrant lemon flavor that makes it popular for both sweet and savory applications.
Where is Lemon Curd Located in Stores?
Lemon curd can be found in the following sections at most grocery stores:
Jams and Spreads Aisle
This is the most common place to find lemon curd. It will generally be shelved alongside jams, jellies, marmalades, and fruit spreads like strawberry, grape, and orange. Popular brands like Smucker’s, Bonne Maman, and Stonewall Kitchen are often sold in jars in the spreads section.
Refrigerated Section
Some grocery stores sell fresh lemon curd in the refrigerated dairy case, near yogurts, puddings, and the like. This lemon curd is often sold in small tubs or cups and requires refrigeration. Brands like Stonewall Kitchen, Lake Champlain Chocolates, and others make refrigerated lemon curd.
Bakery Section
Larger grocery stores may also carry lemon curd near the fresh baked goods like cakes, tarts, and pastries. The lemon curd here is usually sold in small plastic containers for single-serving use. Some bakeries even use their own homemade lemon curd as a filling in turnovers, tarts, and other treats.
Specialty Foods Section
Upscale and gourmet grocery stores sometimes sell premium or imported brands of lemon curd in the specialty foods section, where they stock items like flavored oils, vinegars, mustards, and more. This lemon curd is usually jars or tins.
What Brands of Lemon Curd Can You Buy?
There are a variety of brands that make lemon curd that you can find at grocery stores. Some of the most popular and widely available brands include:
Smucker’s
Smucker’s is one of the most common brands carried in mainstream grocery stores. They make a traditional style lemon curd sold in 10 oz glass jars.
Bonne Maman
Bonne Maman is another popular French brand of fruit spreads found in many grocery stores. They offer a classic lemon curd as well as unique seasonal flavors like Meyer lemon.
Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen is known for their high-quality, artisanal fruit spreads, including lemon curd. They sell it in jars, squeeze bottles, and refrigerated tubs.
Mrs. Bector’s
Mrs. Bector’s makes a shelf-stable canned lemon curd that is often sold in international food sections.
Lake Champlain Chocolates
This Vermont chocolatier makes a gourmet Meyer lemon curd sold refrigerated in boutique grocery stores.
Dalmatia
Dalmatia is a specialty foods brand that produces a unique lemon curd made with imported Italian lemons. It is a premium product sold in select gourmet retailers.
Wilkin & Sons
Wilkin & Sons is a British brand that has made marmalades and curds since 1885. Their lemon curd is imported from the UK to some American grocery stores.
Bakery-Made
Many grocery store bakeries also prepare fresh, homemade lemon curd to sell by the cup or container in their bakery case. This allows customers to get a local, fresh-made product.
What Types of Lemon Curd Are There?
There are a few different varieties and styles of lemon curd available:
Classic Smooth Lemon Curd
This is the most common type, made with lemon juice, eggs, butter, and sugar whipped to a smooth, pudding-like texture. Most major brands like Smucker’s sell this style.
Lemon Curd with Zest
Some lemon curds also include shredded lemon zest in the recipe. This adds flecks of citrus and more intense lemon flavor.
Meyer Lemon Curd
Meyer lemons are a sweeter, milder lemon variety. They make a subtler, more floral flavored curd.
Lime Curd
Lime curd follows the same recipe but substitutes lime juice for a tropical twist. Key lime curd is also popular.
Luxury Style Lemon Curd
Some high-end brands make lemon curd with premium ingredients like imported Italian lemons or Madagascar vanilla. These are usually smaller batch and have a higher price point.
Low Sugar or No Sugar Added
Specialty lemon curds are also made for dietary needs, using artificial sweeteners or less sugar.
Other Flavored Curds
While lemon is most common, curds are also made with other citrus like grapefruit or orange as well as berries, mangoes, passionfruit, and more.
Who Makes the Best Store Bought Lemon Curd?
It’s subjective, but some of the best store-bought lemon curd brands include:
Stonewall Kitchen
Stonewall Kitchen is praised for using high-quality ingredients like real butter, fresh lemon juice, and eggs. Their curd is smooth, rich, and bright.
Bonne Maman
Bonne Maman lemon curd is also very popular for its authentic, old-fashioned French recipe. It has a classic flavor preferred by many.
Mrs. Bector’s
This brand is appreciated for a well-balanced sweet yet tart lemon profile. The canning process gives it a nice consistency too.
Dalmatia
Dalmatia’s lemon curd is made with Italian Amalfi coast lemons. It has incredible fresh, sunny flavor.
Bakery-Made
Gourmet grocery store bakery lemon curds tend to be high quality, with great flavor and fresh ingredients.
Smucker’s
For a classic mass-market option, Smucker’s lemon curd is a solid choice appreciated for its nostalgic flavor.
How Long Does Lemon Curd Last When Store Bought?
The shelf life depends on the type:
Jarred Shelf-Stable Lemon Curd
Unopened, this can last 10-12 months stored in a cool, dry pantry. Refrigerate after opening and use within 4-6 weeks.
Refrigerated Lemon Curd
If purchased from the refrigerated section, lemon curd will last about 2-4 weeks past the printed sell by date if continuously refrigerated.
Frozen Lemon Curd
Some companies flash freeze lemon curd. Unopened, it lasts about 1 year frozen. Thaw in the refrigerator and use within 4-5 days.
Always look at the best by date and storage instructions. Discard if mold, smell, or other signs of spoilage. Use clean utensils when taking portions to avoid introducing bacteria.
How to Store Lemon Curd
To get the longest shelf life from store-bought lemon curd:
Unopened
Store sealed jars, cans, or containers of unopened lemon curd in a cool, dark pantry around 60-75°F. Avoid hot spots like beside the oven. Keep refrigerated after opening.
Opened
Refrigerate opened lemon curd in a tightly sealed container. Glass Mason jars work great. Always use clean utensils.
Freeze For Long Term
Lemon curd can be frozen for longer term storage. Freeze in airtight freezer bags or containers, leaving headspace. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
How To Use Lemon Curd
Lemon curd is very versatile! Here are some of the most popular ways to use it:
Tart and Pastry Filling
Use as a filling for tarts, thumbprint cookies, cannolis, profiteroles, etc.
Cake and Cupcake Filling
Fill layered cakes, sheet cakes, or cupcakes with lemon curd.
Topping for Scones or Muffins
Spread lemon curd atop warm scones, biscuits, or muffins.
Pancake or Waffle Topping
Dollop lemon curd on top of pancakes, waffles, or crepes for a fruity treat.
Fruit Tart Filling
Use as the filling in a fresh fruit tart, topped with berries.
Dip for Fruit or Baked Goods
Serve lemon curd as a dip for fresh strawberries, pound cake, or other baked items.
Sandwich Spread
Try lemon curd as a sweet sandwich spread on bread, biscuits, or toast.
Parfait Layer
In parfaits, layer lemon curd with yogurt, granola, whipped cream, or fruit.
Pancake or Waffle Filling
For stuffed pancakes or waffles, put lemon curd between 2 pancake layers.
Lemon Curd Recipes From Scratch
While buying lemon curd is convenient, you can also easily make it from scratch using just a few simple ingredients:
Classic Lemon Curd
| 4 large eggs |
| 2⁄3 cup sugar |
| 1⁄3 cup fresh lemon juice |
| 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter, room temp |
| Pinch of salt |
Whisk eggs with sugar until combined. Whisk in lemon juice, then slowly mix in butter. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Strain curd; chill.
Meyer Lemon Curd
| 1 cup Meyer lemon juice |
| 2 tsp Meyer lemon zest |
| 3 large eggs |
| 3⁄4 cup sugar |
| 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter, cubed |
In a saucepan, whisk together the eggs, sugar, lemon juice and zest until smooth. Add butter; cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened, about 10 minutes. Let curd cool completely before storing.
No-Cook Lemon Curd
| 14 oz sweetened condensed milk |
| 1⁄3 cup fresh lemon juice |
| 1 tsp lemon zest |
Whisk sweetened condensed milk with lemon juice and zest until smooth and uniform in color. Refrigerate lemon curd for at least 1 hour before using to allow it to set.
Tips for Using Lemon Curd
To get the most out of store-bought or homemade lemon curd, follow these tips:
Adjust Consistency if Needed
The thickness depends on ingredients and storage time. You can thin it with milk or cream or thicken with a bit of cornstarch if needed for a recipe.
Strain For Smoother Texture
Passing lemon curd through a mesh strainer helps remove zest or bits, yielding silky texture.
Prevent Curdling
Overheating or using old eggs can cause curdling. Cook gently at low temps and use fresh eggs.
Store Properly
Lemon curd spoils quickly at room temp. Refrigerate and use within 4-6 weeks for safety and quality.
Use Nonreactive Tools
Cook and store lemon curd in glass, stainless steel, ceramic, or enamel cookware instead of aluminum, iron, or copper.
Label Clearly
Always label homemade lemon curd with the date so you know when it was made.
Freeze for Long Term
Freeze excess lemon curd in portions to enjoy later. Thaw overnight before using.
Common Questions
Is lemon curd just like lemon pie filling?
Lemon curd and lemon pie filling are very similar – both are rich, creamy lemon custards made with lemon juice, eggs, butter and sugar. The main difference is that pie filling is usually thicker and made specifically to hold its shape when cut into slices, while lemon curd is looser and more sauce-like. But they can be used interchangeably in many recipes.
Can you substitute lemon curd for lemon juice?
No, lemon curd and lemon juice are not interchangeable. Lemon juice provides tart, citrusy flavor as well as acidity to recipes. Lemon curd contains butter and eggs so it has a rich, silky texture. While lemon curd delivers lemon flavor, it doesn’t replicate the properties of lemon juice in cooking.
Is store bought lemon curd as good as homemade?
Store-bought lemon curd is very convenient, consistent, and can be just as delicious as homemade when you buy a high-quality brand. However, homemade has its perks too – you can customize the flavor, use the freshest ingredients, and avoid preservatives. Both have their place depending on your needs.
Can you freeze lemon curd?
Yes, lemon curd freezes very well. To freeze, portion it into sealed airtight containers or freezer bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. Frozen lemon curd will keep for about 1 year before quality declines.
What can I use if I don’t have lemon curd?
If you don’t have lemon curd, you can substitute equal parts lemon pie filling, lemon marmalade, or lemon jam in many recipes. For more of a citrus kick, orange marmalade can work too. In a pinch, lemon flavored yogurt or pudding can fill in for the creamy texture.
Conclusion
Lemon curd is a bright and delicious lemony spread that can easily be purchased at most standard grocery stores. Major brands like Smucker’s, Bonne Maman, and Stonewall Kitchen manufacture lemon curd that you’ll find on shelves near the jams and jellies. Or for a fresh-made option, check your grocery bakery’s refrigerator case. Lemon curd’s rich, vivid citrus flavor makes it an incredible filling for tarts, cakes, pancakes, parfaits, and more. Add a jar to your pantry so you can enjoy this versatile, tasty treat anytime.