Where Can I Buy Bell & Evans Chicken? Top Retailers and Tips for Finding Premium Poultry

Let’s face it—finding quality chicken shouldn’t feel like a wild goose chase! If you’re wondering who sells Bell & Evans chicken, you’ve already made a smart choice in seeking out one of the most respected premium poultry brands on the market. I’ve done the legwork to help you track down this sought-after chicken that’s known for being raised without antibiotics and air-chilled for better flavor.

Why Bell & Evans Chicken Stands Out from the Flock

Before I dive into where to buy it let’s talk about why so many home cooks and chefs are specifically looking for Bell & Evans

• Raised without antibiotics (ALL their chickens, not just select product lines)
• 100% air-chilled processing (not water-dunked like conventional brands)
• Higher animal welfare standards with more space for birds
• Vegetarian-fed chickens
• Simply tastes better than conventional chicken (seriously, the difference is noticeable!)

The company’s been around since 1894, and they’ve perfected their approach to raising chickens that are both ethically treated and delicious. No wonder you’re trying to find them!

Major Retailers That Carry Bell & Evans Chicken

Good news! Several major grocery chains regularly stock Bell & Evans products. Here are the most reliable places to check first:

Whole Foods Market

Whole Foods is probably the most consistent nationwide carrier of Bell & Evans. Their commitment to quality products makes them a natural partner for the brand. You’ll typically find a wide selection of cuts here from whole birds to boneless breasts and prepared items.

Sprouts Farmers Market

Another health-focused chain that frequently stocks Bell & Evans. Their meat departments usually carry several Bell & Evans options.

Natural Grocers

This chain focuses on natural and organic foods, making it another reliable source for finding Bell & Evans chicken.

Regional Grocery Chains

Many regional grocery stores also carry Bell & Evans, including:

• Wegmans (Northeast/Mid-Atlantic)
• Central Market (Texas)
• Bristol Farms (California)
• And many others depending on your region

Specialty Food Markets Worth Checking

Don’t overlook smaller specialty shops! These places often pride themselves on carrying premium products like Bell & Evans:

• Local butcher shops
• Gourmet grocery stores
• Food co-ops
• Farmers markets (though less common)

These smaller retailers might even have better relationships with distributors and more consistent stock than bigger chains.

Using the Official Bell & Evans Store Locator (Your Best Tool!)

The absolute EASIEST way to find Bell & Evans near you is to use their official product locator tool. I’ve used it multiple times and it’s super straightforward:

1. Visit the Bell & Evans website at bellandevans.com/product-locator
2. Enter your zip code or city/state
3. View a list of nearby retailers that carry their products

The locator will show you the closest stores first, making it simple to plan your shopping trip. Sometimes it even shows which specific Bell & Evans products each store carries!

What If My Store Isn’t Listed?

If your favorite store isn’t showing up on the locator but you think they should carry Bell & Evans, there’s a solution! Bell & Evans actually provides a retailer request form on their website for exactly this situation.

You can point your local store manager to this form, or complete it yourself. Many stores respond to customer requests, especially for premium products with a devoted following.

The Full Range of Bell & Evans Products to Look For

When you do find a retailer, keep in mind that Bell & Evans offers a wide variety of chicken products:

• Whole chickens
• Boneless, skinless breasts
• Bone-in breasts
• Thighs (boneless and bone-in)
• Drumsticks
• Wings
• Ground chicken
• Pre-cooked options (tenders, nuggets, etc.)
• Chicken sausages
• Organic chicken (look for the USDA Organic seal)

I’ve found that even stores that carry the brand might not stock every product, so don’t get discouraged if you can’t find a specific cut on your first try.

Tips for Ensuring You’re Getting Genuine Bell & Evans

With premium products, there’s always the possibility of confusion. Here’s how to make sure you’re getting the real deal:

• Look for the distinctive Bell & Evans logo on packaging
• Check for phrases like “Raised Without Antibiotics” and “Air Chilled”
• Inspect the color (their chicken often has a more natural, slightly yellow tint compared to the stark white of conventional water-chilled chicken)
• Verify the pricing (let’s be honest, it will be more expensive than conventional chicken—quality costs more!)

Is Bell & Evans Chicken Available Online?

Bell & Evans doesn’t typically offer direct-to-consumer delivery through their website. However, you might be able to get their products delivered through:

• Your local grocery store’s delivery service
• Specialty online meat retailers (though this can be expensive due to shipping costs)
• Meal kit services (occasionally feature Bell & Evans as their chicken source)

Just be careful with perishable items ordered online—make sure the retailer has proper cold chain management!

Why Bell & Evans Might Be Worth the Extra Cost

Let’s talk money for a sec. Yes, Bell & Evans is definitely pricier than conventional chicken. You might be wondering if it’s worth it. Here’s my take after using their products for years:

1. The flavor is noticeably better (the air-chilling really makes a difference)
2. You’re not paying for added water weight like with conventional water-chilled chicken
3. The ethical standards mean your food dollars support better farming practices
4. The no-antibiotics policy is better for public health in the long run

For special meals or when chicken is the star of your dish, I definitely think the splurge is justified. For everyday cooking where the chicken flavor might be masked by strong sauces or spices, you might decide to save a few bucks.

FAQs About Buying Bell & Evans Chicken

Is Bell & Evans chicken available at discount grocery stores?

Probably not. Discount grocery chains typically focus on lower-priced products, while Bell & Evans is positioned as a premium brand. You’ll have better luck at conventional or specialty grocers.

Are all Bell & Evans chickens organic?

Nope! While they do offer an organic line (look for the USDA Organic seal), not all their products are certified organic. However, ALL their chicken is raised without antibiotics and fed a vegetarian diet.

How can I tell if the chicken I’m buying is genuinely Bell & Evans?

Check for their logo and branding on the packaging. Their packages typically highlight features like “Raised Without Antibiotics” and mention their air-chilled process.

What’s the difference between air-chilled and water-chilled chicken?

Air-chilling cools chicken with cold air, while water-chilling dunks birds in communal water tanks. Air-chilled birds don’t absorb excess water, resulting in better flavor and texture. It’s one of the main reasons Bell & Evans tastes different!

What if my local store doesn’t carry Bell & Evans?

Speak up! Talk to the store manager or customer service department. Consumer demand drives product selection, so your request might actually make a difference, especially if multiple customers ask.

Our Final Thoughts on Finding Bell & Evans Chicken

Hunting down specific brands can sometimes be frustrating, but Bell & Evans has grown its distribution significantly in recent years. Between their store locator tool and the major retailers that carry their products, you’ve got a good chance of finding it near you.

Remember that availability can vary based on your location, the size of the store, and even the time of year. Don’t hesitate to call ahead if you’re making a special trip just for Bell & Evans chicken.

Have you tried Bell & Evans chicken before? What differences have you noticed compared to conventional brands? We’d love to hear your experiences in the comments!

And if you’re planning a special chicken dinner, check out our favorite recipes that really showcase the quality of Bell & Evans chicken. Sometimes the simplest preparations let great ingredients shine the brightest!

Happy chicken hunting!