Pepper jelly is a sweet and spicy condiment made from peppers, sugar, vinegar, and pectin. It has a jam-like texture and is popular spread on crackers, mixed into dips, or used to glaze meat. Pepper jelly comes in many varieties, with jalapeño, habanero, and red bell peppers being some of the most common types. As one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, many shoppers wonder: does Kroger have pepper jelly?
Quick answer
Yes, Kroger does carry pepper jelly. However, selection varies by location. Some Kroger stores have a wide assortment of pepper jelly flavors and brands to choose from, while others may just stock one or two varieties.
Pepper jelly at Kroger
Here are some more details on finding pepper jelly at Kroger grocery stores:
- Pepper jelly can be found in the condiments or jams/jellies aisle.
- Popular national brands like Reese and Nash’s are commonly stocked.
- Kroger’s private label Simple Truth also offers pepper jelly.
- Flavors may include habanero, jalapeño, red bell pepper, and more.
- Some stores have pepper jelly sold in the deli department or antipasti bar.
- Selection and availability varies by location and region.
- Pepper jelly is more likely to be in stock around major holidays when entertaining increases.
- If a specific flavor is not found in-store, the deli/bakery department may be able to special order it.
- Pepper jelly can also be purchased online through Kroger’s Clicklist platform for in-store pickup or delivery.
Ways to use pepper jelly
Pepper jelly is a versatile condiment that can be used in both sweet and savory preparations. Here are some popular ways to use pepper jelly:
- Spread on crackers, bread, or biscuits
- Stir into cream cheese or goat cheese for a dip or spread
- Top baked brie en croute before baking
- Swirl into softened butter for a compound butter
- Glaze over pork, chicken, or fish while cooking
- Mix with mayonnaise for a spicy sandwich spread
- Stir into vinaigrettes, barbecue sauce, or other condiments
- Dollop on cornbread, scones, or muffins
- Serve with cheese and charcuterie boards
- Fill into phyllo cups as an appetizer
Pepper jelly recipes
Here are a few popular recipes that feature pepper jelly:
Pepper Jelly Cream Cheese Dip
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup pepper jelly
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Crackers, pretzels, or bagel chips, for serving
Instructions:
- In a medium bowl, beat together the cream cheese, pepper jelly, and lemon juice until fully incorporated and smooth.
- Transfer dip to a serving bowl and serve immediately with crackers, pretzels, or bagel chips.
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Pepper Jelly Glazed Pork Chops
Ingredients:
- 4 bone-in pork chops
- Kosher salt and black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/3 cup pepper jelly
- 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
Instructions:
- Season pork chops generously with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add pork chops and cook until browned, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Whisk together pepper jelly and mustard. Pour mixture over pork chops.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until pork chops are glazed and cooked through, about 5 more minutes.
- Serve pork chops drizzled with extra glaze.
Jalapeño Pepper Jelly
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups finely diced jalapeño peppers (about 8 large peppers)
- 1 1/2 cups apple cider vinegar
- 5 cups white sugar
- 1 (6 ounce) package liquid pectin
- 1/4 teaspoon butter or margarine
- A few drops green food coloring (optional)
Instructions:
- Sterilize 4 half-pint jars and lids.
- In a saucepot, combine the jalapeños, vinegar, and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat, stirring to dissolve sugar. Once boiling, continue to boil hard for 5 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from heat and gradually stir in the pectin until dissolved. Add butter and food coloring if using.
- Ladle jelly into sterilized jars, leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Seal jars and process in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes.
- Allow to cool undisturbed for 12 hours. Check seals, then store in a cool, dark place for up to 1 year.
Where to find pepper jelly at Kroger
The availability of pepper jelly can vary across Kroger’s wide chain of grocery stores. Here are some tips on where to find it:
- Check the jams, jellies, and condiments aisle – this is the most likely spot.
- Look in the deli department near the cheese and antipasti selections.
- Some stores stock it in the produce section near the peppers and chilies.
- Ask customer service if you’re still unable to locate it.
- Call ahead to your local store’s deli or specialty foods department to check if they carry it.
- Visit Kroger’s website and search for pepper jelly – you can then enter your zip code to see if any nearby locations have it in stock.
- Consider ordering through Kroger Clicklist for easy pick up or delivery if you can’t find it in-store.
Kroger pepper jelly selection
The specific brands and types of pepper jelly stocked at Kroger locations can vary, but may include:
| Brand | Pepper Jelly Types |
|---|---|
| Reese | Jalapeño, Habanero, Chipotle, Ghost Pepper |
| Nash’s | Jalapeño, Red Bell Pepper, Chipotle |
| Stonewall Kitchen | Jalapeño, Habanero |
| Mrs. Renfro’s | Jalapeño, Green Chile Pepper |
| Simple Truth | Jalapeño, Habanero |
Availability and selection may be greater around holidays like Christmas and Thanksgiving when entertaining is popular.
Pepper jelly brands comparison
When browsing the pepper jelly selection at Kroger, you may wonder which brand is the best choice. Here is a comparison of some top pepper jelly brands you may come across:
| Brand | Flavors | Packaging | Price Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Reese | Jalapeño, habanero, more | Squeeze bottles | $3.50-$5 per 10 oz | Classic flavor, medium spice level |
| Nash’s | Jalapeño, red pepper, more | Jars | $4-$6 per 8 oz | Chunky texture, versatile |
| Stonewall Kitchen | Jalapeño, habanero | Jars | $6-$8 per 10 oz | Premium, artisanal flavor |
| Mrs. Renfro’s | Jalapeño, green chile | Jars, squeeze bottles | $3-$4 per 12 oz | Texas-style, very spicy |
| Simple Truth | Jalapeño, habanero | Jars | $3-$4 per 10 oz | Kroger brand, affordable price |
Nutrition information
One serving (1 tablespoon or 15g) of pepper jelly contains approximately:
- 45-60 calories
- 10-15g sugar
- 0g fat
- 0g protein
- 10-15mg sodium
- 1-2g carbohydrates
Keep in mind that spicier jellies like habanero will have minimal calories and carbs. Sweeter red pepper or jalapeño jellies may have slightly more sugar. Pepper jelly has no fat, protein, or significant vitamins and minerals.
Substitutions
Don’t have pepper jelly on hand or need a quick substitute? Try one of these alternatives:
- Any fruit jam or jelly
- Hot pepper sauce or chili sauce
- Honey mixed with chili powder or red pepper flakes
- Chutney
- Fruit chutney mixed with red pepper flakes
The flavor won’t be exactly the same, but these substitutes can work in a pinch in either sweet or savory recipes calling for pepper jelly.
Storing pepper jelly
Like other jellies and jams, pepper jelly has a good shelf life when stored properly. Here are some tips for storing pepper jelly:
- Unopened pepper jelly jars or bottles can be stored in a cool, dry pantry for up to 1 year.
- Once opened, transfer to the refrigerator.
- Use within 3 months for best quality and flavor.
- If jelly develops any mold, bubbles, or odd textures, discard it.
- For optimal freshness, buy pepper jellies with farther away best by dates.
- Properly sealed, homemade pepper jelly keeps for up to 1 year in the refrigerator.
- Pepper jelly can be frozen for up to 6 months to extend its shelf life.
Conclusion
Pepper jelly is a fun and versatile condiment that most Kroger locations carry. Selection varies by store, but popular national brands like Reese and Nash’s are readily available. Kroger also offers their Simple Truth house brand. Pepper jelly can be used in both sweet and savory recipes and contributions a nice spicy-sweet kick of flavor. With proper storage, pepper jelly keeps for up to a year unopened or several months once opened. So next time you’re browsing the jams and jellies aisle at Kroger, consider grabbing a jar of pepper jelly to try.