Naan bread can be found in different aisles depending on the store. The most common places to find naan bread are in the bread aisle, international aisle, or frozen food aisle. Knowing where to look can save time when searching for this type of flatbread.
Check the Bread Aisle
One of the first places to check when looking for naan is the main bread aisle. Since naan is a type of bread, many stores stock it alongside other specialty breads like focaccia, challah, and pita. The bread aisle is where you’ll typically find:
- Fresh naan – These may be located near pitas or flatbreads.
- Naan bread mixes – Look on shelves near other bread mixes or pizza crust mixes.
Brands like Franz, Flatout, Toufayan, and Stonefire all produce fresh and frozen naan that could be stocked in the main bread section. Be sure to check both the refrigerated sections and regular shelves when browsing the bread aisle.
Check the International Food Aisle
Since naan originates from India, many grocery stores stock it in the international foods section. This is a good spot to browse when looking for:
- Frozen naan – Brands like Deep Indian, Ashoka, and Tandoor Chef often sell frozen naan in boxes here.
- Naan chips or dips – You may find naan crackers, chips or specialty dips and sauces in the Indian foods area.
- Naan ingredients – Flours like chapati atta used to make naan may be sold here.
Be sure to check ethnic sections like ‘Indian,’ ‘Mediterranean,’ ‘Middle Eastern,’ or ‘Asian’ when searching the international aisle. Shelves containing Indian foods like chutneys, curries, and spices will typically stock related breads like naan nearby.
Check the Frozen Section
Many stores also keep naan in the frozen food aisles. Check these freezer sections when looking for:
- Pre-made frozen naan – Plain or flavored naan that is precooked and frozen.
- Naan dough – Frozen disks or balls of naan dough ready to be thawed and baked.
Brands like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods 365, and Aldi sell their own frozen naan varieties. Be sure to check any special ‘bread’ freezer sections in addition to the main frozen aisles.
Tips for Finding Naan
Here are some additional tips to help locate naan quickly:
- Ask store employees for help finding naan if you are still unsure of where it’s located.
- Look for signs or category labels like ‘Indian foods,’ ‘breads,’ or ‘flatbreads’ when searching different aisles.
- Check the store’s app or website under ‘shop by category’ to see what aisle naan is listed under.
- Search the store’s full product list or do an online search for ‘naan at [store name]’ to see where it’s typically stocked.
- Call the store ahead of time to ask what aisle sells naan bread.
Naan can be stocked in unexpected places, so don’t be afraid to ask for assistance finding it. With a few checks around the store, you should be able to locate fresh, frozen or mix-style naan options.
Types of Naan
There are many different varieties of naan bread found in stores:
Plain Naan
The most common type is plain, soft, white naan. It has a slightly elastic chew and mild flavor suitable for dipping or wrapping foods. Plain naan can be found fresh, frozen or in mixes.
Garlic Naan
Garlic naan has the standard white naan shape but is topped with minced garlic and parsley for an aromatic flavor. It pairs well with curries and kebabs.
Onion Naan
Onion naan is another popular variation with minced onion baked into the dough. It has a more robust flavor profile.
Whole Wheat Naan
Whole wheat naan has a darker brown color and nuttier taste from the whole grain flour. It has a healthier fiber content than white naan.
Peshawari Naan
Peshawari naan contains a sweet filling of coconut, raisins and nuts baked inside the bread. It is made specially for dipping in curries and sauces.
Keema Naan
Keema naan is stuffed with a spiced lamb and potato filling. The minced meat filling gives it a savory flavor.
Cheese Naan
Cheese naan can be topped or filled with cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella or paneer. The melted cheese gives it a delicious richness.
Roti
Roti is an unleavened flatbread that has some similarities to naan. It is thinner than naan and made without yeast. Many stores stock roti near the naan bread.
Naan Brands
Popular store brands selling naan include:
- Trader Joe’s – Offers garlic, original, whole wheat and chili cheese naan.
- Stonefire – Makes all-natural, kosher naan and flatbreads in flavors like Asiago, multi-grain and honey.
- Deep – A leading Indian brand selling frozen stuffed and plain naan, roti and paratha.
- Flatout – Sells naan and other flatbreads in white, multigrain, garden herb and more varieties.
- Toufayan – Specializes in pita and naan like original, whole wheat and garlic.
- Franz – Produces white and whole grain gluten-free naan and pita bread products.
- Pitaza – Offers pizza-flavored naan breads in unique options like margherita and chicken alfredo.
Trying different brands can help you find your favorites for taste and quality. Many specialty markets and international stores also carry their own house-made fresh naan.
Price
Naan bread prices often range from:
- Fresh naan – $1.99 to $3.99 for a 2-4 pack
- Frozen naan – $3.49 to $7.99 for a box of 4-8 naan
- Naan bread mix – $2.49 to $4.49 for a pouch to make 4-8 naan
Pricing can vary based on brand, flavor, and whether the naan is baked locally or imported. On average, fresh naan costs a little more than frozen or mix naan options. Buying larger packs typically provides a lower per-item price overall.
How to Store Naan
To maintain freshness and texture, store naan bread:
- Fresh naan can be kept at room temperature for 2-3 days. After opening, store in a bread bag or airtight container.
- Leftover fresh naan can be refrigerated in a sealed container for 3-5 days.
- Freeze extra fresh naan for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.
- Unopened frozen naan will keep for about 6 months in the freezer. After thawing, use within 5-7 days.
- Naan bread mixes last for 6-12 months when stored in a cool, dry pantry.
Proper storage helps retain the texture and flavor of naan. Keeping naan in the fridge or freezer prevents early drying or molding.
Where to Buy Naan
Nearly any grocery store that sells breads or international foods carries some form of naan. Some of the best places to find naan include:
- Mainstream grocery stores like Safeway, Kroger, Publix, Aldi, etc.
- Natural food stores such as Whole Foods, Sprouts, Earth Fare
- Ethnic food stores or markets – Indian, Mediterranean, Halal
- Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club
- Discount stores like Walmart, Target, Dollar General
- Restaurant supply stores may sell large packages of naan
Naan can be found fresh or frozen in the bread aisle, with specialty flatbreads, or alongside other Indian foods. Using the ‘international aisle’ search on a grocery store’s website is a handy way to track down where naan is stocked. With so many retailers carrying naan, finding a convenient source for regular shopping should be easy.
Uses for Naan Bread
Naan is highly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Dipping – It’s ideal for scooping up curries, chutneys, soups or dips.
- Wraps – Stuff naan with meats, veggies and cheese for a quick sandwich.
- Pizzas – Top naan with sauce and toppings and bake for fun personal pizzas.
- Chips – Bake or fry wedges of naan into crispy snack chips.
- Pot pies – Use naan as the topping crust for pot pies or casseroles.
- Desserts – Fry seasoned naan into sweet chips or serve fresh with honey butter.
Both plain and flavored naan can be incorporated into appetizers, main dishes, snacks or desserts. Its soft texture and ability to absorb flavors make naan a versatile bread.
How to Bake Fresh Naan at Home
Making fresh naan dough from scratch is easy with just a few pantry ingredients:
Ingredients
- 3 cups all-purpose or bread flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
- 1 tablespoon oil or ghee
- 1 package active dry yeast
- 3/4 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup plain yogurt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, mix the flour, salt, sugar, oil and yeast.
- Make a well in the center and add the water and yogurt.
- Mix and knead into a smooth, elastic dough, about 5 minutes.
- Cover and let rise 1 hour until puffed up.
- Divide into 8 balls and roll out into oval naan shapes.
- Cook each naan for 2-3 minutes per side on a hot skillet.
For garlic naan, brush with garlic butter after cooking. Sprinkle sesame seeds, onion or herbs on the dough before baking for other flavored naan.
Common Questions
Is naan bread gluten free?
Most naan contains gluten since it is traditionally made with wheat flour. However, some brands sell gluten-free naan made with alternate flours and starch.
How is naan different than pita?
While both are soft flatbreads, naan is made with yeast, baked at high heat, and has a thicker teardrop shape. Pita has a thinner round pocket shape and uses no yeast.
Is naan vegan?
Plain naan is usually vegan, but some recipes add milk, yogurt or ghee (clarified butter). Check ingredients lists if purchasing vegan naan.
Can you freeze naan bread?
Yes, homemade or store-bought naan can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before using.
How long does fresh naan last?
Fresh naan will stay fresh at room temperature for about 2-3 days. For maximum freshness, store leftovers in the fridge and use within 3-5 days.
Conclusion
Naan can be an easy-to-find staple once you know where to look in most stores. Check the bread aisle, international section or freezer section to find fresh, frozen or mix naan options from top brands. With its soft baked texture and versatility, naan is worth keeping stocked in your kitchen.