Fondant is a smooth, pliable icing used to cover cakes and create detailed decorations for weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations. Made from powdered sugar, corn syrup, and gelatin, this sugar paste rolls out flat and drapes over layered cakes for a polished, professional finish. Vegan versions replace gelatin with plant-based glycerine. You can buy it in pre-tinted colors or start with a white base and mix in gel or paste food coloring to match any theme.
Where to Buy Fondant at Local Stores
Several brick-and-mortar retailers carry this cake covering, though availability depends on the chain and your region. The sections below cover the most reliable local sources so you can pick some up the same day you need it.
Grocery Stores and Supermarkets
Many grocery stores stock fondant in the cake decorating aisle alongside sprinkles, writing gels, and birthday candles. Chains like Kroger, Publix, Safeway, and H-E-B typically carry the Wilton-brand rolled variety in white and a few basic colors. If the decorating section comes up empty, check the general baking aisle near cocoa powder and cornstarch. Stock levels vary by season, with larger selections around the winter holidays and graduation months.
Warehouse Clubs
Sam’s Club, Costco, and BJ’s Wholesale Club sometimes carry decorating kits that bundle a tub of rolled icing with cutters and rolling tools. These kits appear most reliably during holiday baking season, so call your local warehouse club ahead of time if you need this product outside of that window.
Arts, Crafts, and Party Supply Stores
Craft retailers are among the best places to buy fondant because their baking and confectionery sections are far deeper than a typical grocery store. Michaels, JOANN, and Hobby Lobby stock the rolled variety in sizes from 1.5 pounds up to 5 pounds, plus modeling tools, silicone molds, and impression mats. Party City focuses more on pre-made decorations but also carries small packs of this icing.
Walmart
Walmart sells fondant both in-store and online. Search the baking aisle for Wilton and Satin Ice brands in multiple sizes. The website lets you filter by your local store’s inventory, which is helpful when you need this icing for a last-minute cake project. Walmart also carries rollers, smoothers, and shape cutters in the same section.
Target
Target’s selection of this product is limited. Most locations stock sculpting and cutting tools rather than the icing itself. Check the Target website or call ahead before making a trip specifically for it.
Where to Buy Fondant Online
Online retailers offer the widest variety of brands, colors, and quantities. Ordering from a website is especially useful when you need specialty shades or large bulk amounts that local stores rarely keep in stock.
Amazon
Amazon carries dozens of brands, including Wilton, Satin Ice, FondX, and Renshaw. You can order individual tubs, multi-color packs, and complete toolkits. Prime members often get next-day delivery on popular sizes, which is useful when a cake deadline is approaching fast.
eBay
eBay lists this icing under the “Icing and Fondant for Cake Decorating” category. Beyond standard rolled options, you can find pre-made cake toppers, hard-to-find colors, and discontinued products from international sellers.
Specialty Baking Websites
Wilton.com sells its products directly along with tutorials that show how to cover a cake, create flowers, and build 3D figures. Satin Ice does not sell directly from its site but provides a store locator so you can find authorized retailers near you. Other dedicated cake supply shops like Global Sugar Art and CK Products stock professional-grade options favored by bakeries.
How to Choose the Right Fondant
Not every type works the same way. The marshmallow variety, which you can make at home with marshmallows and powdered sugar, tastes sweeter and is softer to handle. Commercial rolled versions from brands like Wilton or Satin Ice hold their shape better for sculpted figures and sharp edges. Chocolate varieties add cocoa flavor and a slightly darker base color. For covering a standard two-tier cake, plan on roughly two pounds.
Tips for Working With Fondant
Keep this icing wrapped tightly in plastic when not in use because it dries out quickly. Knead it until pliable before rolling, and dust your work surface with powdered sugar or cornstarch to prevent sticking. If cracks appear while draping, smooth them with a smoother tool and a tiny amount of vegetable shortening. Store decorated cakes at room temperature rather than in the refrigerator, since condensation can make the surface sticky or cause colors to bleed. For more baking project ideas, check out our guide on where to buy tres leches cake.
Storage and Shelf Life
Unopened commercial fondant lasts up to two years when stored in a cool, dry place. Once opened, wrap the remainder tightly in plastic wrap and seal it inside an airtight container or zip-lock bag. Properly stored leftovers stay workable for about two months. Homemade marshmallow versions have a shorter window of roughly one to two weeks in the refrigerator. If the icing feels stiff after storage, microwave it for five to ten seconds and knead until soft again.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fondant
Does fondant taste good?
Commercial versions have a mild vanilla sweetness. Many people peel the covering off before eating the cake underneath. Marshmallow-based recipes generally taste better because of the marshmallow base. If taste matters, look for brands that specifically advertise improved flavor, such as Satin Ice vanilla.
Can you eat fondant?
Yes, it is completely edible. The ingredients are sugar-based with food-safe coloring. Some decorators use non-edible supports inside sculpted figures, so remove any toothpicks or wires before eating a decorated piece.
How much do I need to cover a cake?
A general rule is one pound for a single 8-inch round layer and about two pounds for a two-layer 8-inch cake. Taller cakes or those with sharp corners require extra material. Many packaging labels include coverage charts, so check before buying. If you enjoy other baking ingredients, see our guides on where to buy ricotta cheese and where to buy fresh pasta for related kitchen staples.
Is fondant the same as gum paste?
No. Gum paste dries harder and is used for delicate flowers and thin decorations that need to hold their shape. This icing stays softer and is designed for covering entire cakes. Some decorators blend the two together for pieces that need moderate firmness without becoming brittle.