What Grocery Stores Sell Quail Eggs? Your Guide to Finding These Tiny, Nutritious Eggs

Quail eggs are growing in popularity, but many people wonder – what grocery stores actually sell them? These tiny eggs pack a nutritional punch, with plenty of protein, vitamins and minerals Compared to chicken eggs, quail eggs have more amino acids, antioxidants and healthy fats. They have a mild, creamy flavor that works well in both sweet and savory dishes Fortunately, as the quail egg trend grows, more stores are stocking them. Read on to learn where you can find quail eggs and what to look for when buying them.

Major Grocery Store Chains That Sell Quail Eggs

Several major grocery store chains now sell quail eggs, making them easier to find Here are some of the biggest stores where you can find quail eggs

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods Market carries quail eggs at many locations You can find them in the refrigerated egg section, near the other types of eggs Whole Foods carries quail eggs from brands like The Farmstand. A 12-pack of Farmstand quail eggs at Whole Foods contains about 9 grams per egg and provides 14 calories, 1 gram of fat and 1 gram of protein each.

Kroger

Look for quail eggs in the egg aisle at Kroger grocery stores. Kroger has started stocking them at many supermarket locations across the U.S. You may find national brands or locally sourced quail eggs. The availability can vary by location and season.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Natural grocer Sprouts Farmers Market sells quail eggs at some stores. Check the refrigerated egg case to see if your local Sprouts carries them. The quail eggs may be loose in a carton or packaged in a small container.

Publix

Publix supermarkets in the southeastern United States have started selling quail eggs. Shop their egg section to find quail eggs packaged under the Publix brand. Like other grocery stores, supply depends on the location and can vary.

Wegmans

Wegmans grocery stores in the mid-Atlantic and northeast carry quail eggs, usually packaged under their own Wegmans brand. Refrigerated quail egg cartons can be found with the wide selection of chicken eggs. Availability varies by store.

H-E-B

The Texas and Mexico grocery chain H-E-B sells quail eggs at many locations. Look for them in the refrigerated egg case alongside chicken eggs. You may spot national brands or H-E-B’s own line of quail eggs.

Albertsons

Major supermarket company Albertsons offers quail eggs at some of its grocery banners, like Albertsons, Safeway, Vons and Tom Thumb. Check your local store’s egg selection – if they carry quail eggs, they will be refrigerated in the egg aisle.

Smaller Chains and Independent Grocery Stores

In addition to the major chains above, many smaller regional supermarket chains sell quail eggs. Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, New Seasons Market, Metropolitan Market and Oliver’s Markets are just a few. Local co-ops and independent natural food stores also may carry quail eggs from local farms or specialty distributors. Check out the egg aisle at your neighborhood food store to see if they stock quail eggs.

What to Look for When Buying Quail Eggs

Now that you know which grocery stores to find them in, here are a few tips for selecting fresh, high-quality quail eggs:

• Check the date – Look for quail eggs with a far-off sell by or best by date. This gives you more time to enjoy them.

• Inspect the shell – Choose quail eggs with clean, uncracked shells. Avoid any with cracks that could allow bacteria inside.

• Look for coloring – Quail egg shells should have a nice brown speckled pattern. Avoid any that appear overly white or solid brown.

• Give them a sniff – Raw quail eggs should have little odor. Pass on any with an off or sulfury smell, a sign they may be old.

• Buy from refrigerated cartons – Since quail eggs need refrigeration, don’t buy any kept at room temperature. Refrigerated quail eggs stay fresher longer.

• Look for Grade A or Grade AA – While grading isn’t mandatory, Grade AA quail eggs are of the highest quality, with thick shells and firm yolks. Grade A are good quality too.

• Check for certification – Look for quail eggs certified organic, humane or biodynamic if these are important to you.

Following these tips will help you select the freshest, tastiest quail eggs possible from the grocery store.

How Are Quail Eggs Packaged and Sold?

Once rare, quail eggs are now sold at many grocers. But their small size means they require different packaging than chicken eggs. Here’s how quail eggs are usually packaged and sold:

• Cardboard cartons – The most common packaging, usually containing 12-24 eggs
• Clamshell containers – Holds 6-12 eggs individually placed in molded plastic spots
• Plastic tubs – Typically used for pickled quail eggs, with a dozen or more eggs in brine
• Vacuum sealed bags – Allows easy storage in fridge or freezer; contains 8-12 eggs

Quail egg cartons are small, typically 5-6 inches wide. They often have spots molded into the bottom to hold each tiny egg in place. While the number varies, a carton usually contains one to two dozen eggs.

Quail eggs are sold:

• As loose eggs in a carton or container
• Pre-boiled in the shell
• Pickled in jars

You’ll also see value packs with multiple cartons or containers holding 50 or more raw quail eggs. Due to their shorter lifespan compared to chicken eggs, most retailers don’t sell quail eggs individually. Purchasing a smaller carton ensures you can enjoy the eggs before they expire.

How Much Do Quail Eggs Cost?

Due to their labor intensive production and smaller size, quail eggs tend to cost more per egg than chicken eggs. Here are some average prices:

• Loose quail eggs – $3 to $8 per dozen
• Pickled quail eggs – $7 to $12 per 16-ounce jar
• Boiled quail eggs – $1 to $2 per half dozen

Of course, prices vary between grocery stores and brands. Pasture-raised quail eggs from small farms will be pricier than mass-produced eggs. But the higher cost reflects the premium production. For those new to quail eggs, buying a smaller quantity to start can lessen the cost impact.

Are Quail Eggs a Specialty Item?

While once hard to find, quail eggs are going mainstream. The major stores now carrying them prove their appeal continues to grow. But compared to ubiquitous chicken eggs, specialty grocers and ethnic markets still provide the largest selection and stock them more consistently.

Independent natural food stores and co-ops often sell local or organic quail eggs not found in bigger chains. And Asian, Middle Eastern and other ethnic markets frequently carry pickled and boiled quail eggs that make delicious snacks. So while becoming less “specialty,” quail eggs do remain a unique grocery item carried by stores focused on diversity and specialty foods.

In Summary

Quail eggs offer huge nutrition and loads of culinary potential. As these tiny eggs increase in popularity, they become easier to find. Major chains like Whole Foods, Kroger and Albertsons now sell them coast to coast alongside chicken eggs. Smaller natural food stores and ethnic grocers also carry quail eggs, sometimes with even more variety.

Now that you know where to buy quail eggs and what to look for, it’s easy to incorporate this tasty superfood into your meals and snacks. Try making mini quiche bites, pickle your own eggs for a protein-packed snack or enjoy sunny side up over toast. With their incredible versatility and nutrition, quail eggs are an egg-citing grocery store find!