From the freshest produce sections to the best-stocked snack aisles, every American has a preference for what makes a top-tier supermarket. The great grocery debate rolls on, raising the question of which chains really offer the best bang for your buck and which might leave your pantry feeling a little lackluster.
In this roundup, we bring you the good, the bad, and the tasty of American grocery store brands based on findings from a recent Solitaired study.
The Best Grocery Stores to Shop at
In a country with as many grocery stores as our tongues have taste buds, Trader Joe’s (#1) is the undisputed favorite.
Making up a whopping 90% of the top-rated spots, the laid-back Hawaiian shirt ethos of this company clearly resonates with customers who flock to its aisles for the wonderfully quirky variety of items and uncompromisingly friendly service. From their “Two-Buck Chuck” wine to the coveted “Everything But The Bagel” seasoning, it seems we just can’t get enough of their budget-friendly gourmet offerings.
The trend for high-quality yet affordable shopping doesn’t stop at Trader Joe’s. In fact, at least two more of the top ten slots are taken up by stores with a similar ethos.
Costco (#2), the magic wonderland of bulk buying, secures the second spot on the list. Aldi (#9) also makes an appearance in the top 10, another nod to the rising trend of savvy shopping, where customers are less interested in frills and more concerned with value for money and quality.
Other stores that crack the list are Wegmans (#3), Publix (#4), Central Market (#5), H-E-B (#6), WinCo Foods (#7), Lidl (#8), and The Fresh Market (#10).
The Overall Worst Grocery Stores to Shop at
At the other end of the supermarket spectrum, we find some brands that don’t fare quite as well with shoppers. King Soopers (#1), Save A Lot (#2), and Kroger (#2) have the distinction of being America’s least favorite major grocery chains. Whether it’s due to their selection, pricing, customer service, or a combination of issues, these chains are the ones shoppers tend to steer their carts clear of.
Creating an unwanted ripple in the grocery pond is a name that may come as a surprise to some: Walmart (#4). Despite being a major player in the retail industry, this titan of commerce makes up a considerable 38% of the worst grocery stores in America. Seems like the thrifty prices and one-stop-shop convenience aren’t enough to make up for other aspects, such as subpar fresh produce and less-than-stellar customer service.
And let’s not forget other names getting a cold shoulder from shoppers, including Giant Eagle (#5), ACME (#6), Safeway (#7), Piggly Wiggly (#8), Jewel-Osco (#9), and Fred Meyer (#10). While these chains may still have their regulars, it’s clear there’s a need for them to step up their game to win over the hearts and wallets of more Americans.
What Categories Matter
What makes a grocery store the best or worst isn’t just about what goes in your basket—it’s about the overall shopping experience, from walking in to checking out.
Prices, food quality, customer service, and wait times at the register often make all the difference in whether a customer’s experience is enjoyable or frustrating. And being strong in one category doesn’t make up for lacking in the others. Even the most budget-friendly prices might lose their allure if the food quality is mediocre, the service is underwhelming, and the queues are longer than a Sunday afternoon at the DMV.
Of all the stores in the U.S., Kroger appears on the most “worst” lists across the board, ranking first for Worst Customer Service and Worst Lines—with King Soopers not far behind—and second for Worst Food Quality.
Not to be outdone, Sprouts Farmers Market takes first prize for stores with the Worst Food Quality. Price-wise, shoppers should brace themselves for sticker shock at Raley’s, which tops the list of grocery stores with the uncomfortable honor of highest prices, followed closely by Foodie’s Markets and Morton Williams Supermarkets.
Top-rated Stores to shop Steroids Online(Opens in a new browser tab)
Shop Smart
If your go-to chain is treating you right and keeping your pantry—and wallet—filled, then by all means, keep dancing to that tune. But if your weekly shopping trip is becoming a test of patience with never-ending lines, pitiful produce, or surging prices, perhaps it’s time to roll your cart down a different path.
This study looks at major chains, so don’t discount the potential benefits of shopping small. Local grocers, farmers markets, and community co-ops often mean fresher goods, unique products, and competitive prices while helping you invest back into your community. Who knows? Your new favorite grocery spot might be just around the corner.
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