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Tamarind paste used to mean a sticky block and a strainer. Most UK supermarkets now stock a ready-made jar instead, once you know which shelf to check.
Which aisle is tamarind paste in?
Tamarind paste sits in the world food aisle of UK supermarkets, usually near the curry pastes and Thai ingredients rather than the chutneys. Look for a small jar or squeeze bottle labelled paste or concentrate. Larger stores sometimes shelve a second version, the dried block, with the Indian and Caribbean ingredients instead.
Where to look, supermarket by supermarket
The pattern repeats across Tesco, Sainsbury’s, Asda, Morrisons and Waitrose. Work through these in order.
- World food aisle, Thai or South East Asian section. The jar sits with the curry pastes, fish sauce and coconut milk. This is where most stores keep it.
- World food aisle, Indian section. A second brand, or the dried block, sometimes sits here instead among the chutneys and pickles.
- Baking or specialist ingredients. A few stores file tamarind with unusual baking extracts rather than either world food section.
- Online grocery only. Some smaller branches list tamarind paste for delivery without stocking it on the physical shelf.
Aisle numbers vary between branches of the same chain, so treat the section name as the reliable clue, not a number.
Where tamarind paste is in Sainsbury’s
Sainsbury’s stocks its own Inspired to Cook tamarind paste in the world food aisle, filed with the Thai curry pastes rather than the Indian range. Larger branches also carry a Bart’s or Cooks’ Ingredients version nearby. Check both ends of the world food bay if the own brand jar is out of stock.
How to find the exact aisle in your store
Use the supermarket’s own app before travelling. The Tesco Grocery and Clubcard app and the Sainsbury’s app both show product location and live stock for the branch you pick, so searching tamarind paste at home saves a wasted trip.
Paste, concentrate or block: which to buy
| Form | What it is | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Paste or concentrate (jar) | Ready to use, no soaking | Weeknight cooking, pad thai, curries |
| Block | Compressed pulp with seeds and fibre | Deeper flavour, worth the extra step for a big batch |
| Powder | Dried and ground | Rare in UK shops, mainly for spice blends |
Buy the jar first. It skips the soaking, mashing and straining a block needs, and it keeps in the fridge for months once opened.
What to ask a member of staff
Say tamarind paste rather than just tamarind, and mention Thai or Indian cooking. Tamarind on its own sometimes gets confused with tamarind sweets or drinks, which sit in a completely different part of the store.
Asian and Indian grocers
A Thai, Indian or Chinese grocer stocks a wider range than any UK supermarket, including the dried block at a much lower price per use. This is the better trip if tamarind is a regular ingredient rather than a one-off buy.
Buying tamarind paste online
Tamarind paste keeps for a long time unopened, so it posts well. Supermarket delivery is the simplest route for a single jar. Specialist South East Asian and Indian grocers ship the block and larger jars at a better price for regular cooks.
Storing it
Keep an opened jar in the fridge, where it lasts for months thanks to the natural acidity. An unopened block stores in a cool cupboard for a year or more. Once opened, a block also keeps in the fridge, wrapped tightly so it does not dry out.
Frequently asked questions
Which aisle is tamarind paste in at Tesco?
The world food aisle, with the Thai curry pastes and coconut milk. A second, Indian-labelled jar sometimes sits with the chutneys and pickles instead. Check both sections if the first is empty.
Is tamarind paste the same as tamarind concentrate?
Close enough for most recipes. Concentrate is usually a little thicker and more intense, so start with slightly less and taste before adding more. Both work as a straight swap for the dried block once you have soaked and strained it.
Do all supermarkets sell tamarind paste?
Larger branches of the main chains do. Convenience format stores rarely carry it. A big branch, the supermarket’s own app, or an Asian or Indian grocer is the safer bet.
What can I use instead of tamarind paste?
Lime juice with a little brown sugar gets close for sourness and a touch of sweetness, though it misses the fruity depth. A mix of Worcestershire sauce and lime juice is a common stand-in for Southeast Asian cooking specifically.
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- Tamarind paste jar. A ready made paste. No soaking or straining needed.
- Tamarind concentrate block. The whole block. Cheaper if you cook with tamarind a lot.
