This Is the Best Supermarket in America, New Survey Says
You likely have a long list of reasons as to why your go-to grocery store is your favorite. Thanks to new data, we now know which supermarket Americans love the most—and you may not be able to guess the top-ranked store.
USA Today just revealed the 10 winners of the Best Supermarket category in this year's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards. A panel of food experts chose the initial nominees before consumers cast their votes over the course of four weeks.
Below, find out who finished on top, starting with the 10th place winner. For more grocery shopping news, here are the Grocery Shortages to Expect in 2021, According to Experts.
Trader Joe's
Beloved grocery items like Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, Orange Chicken, and Unexpected Cheddar keep shoppers coming back for more. Those barely scratch the surface of the unique offerings available at Trader Joe's, which finished at #10 on the list.
Related: 20 Best Trader Joe's Finds Under $5
Wegmans
Wegmans has been busy expanding along the East Coast as of late. "Each time a Wegmans opens—and there have been a lot of openings in the Northeast in recent years—it has been like the Beatles coming to town," 10Best contributor Eric Grossman says of the grocery chain.
Sprouts
Even though Sprouts has only been in operation since 2002, there are already 340 locations across much of the U.S. The chain's selection of organic, natural, and gluten-free foods is part of why it earned the #8 spot.
And there's about to be even more to love—20 new locations are opening in 2021, half of which are coming to Florida. Other stores are set to open in Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Nevada, and Texas.
Publix
The #7 top grocery store in America is one you'll surely recognize: Publix. Located in seven states, this southern chain isn't only loved by customers but also by those who work there. In fact, it's the largest employee-owned company in the country. Amenities include in-app coupon clipping, online sandwich ordering, free cookies at the bakery, expanded COVID-19 vaccination appointments, and more.
Related: 15 Beloved Publix Foods Fans Want Back
Stew Leonard's
This chain is a staple across New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut for more than just groceries. As a matter of fact, it's known as "the Disneyland of Dairy Stores!"
Because of its costumed characters and scheduled events, USA Today 10Best Supermarket expert Grossman says Stew Leonard's is "a relic of a bygone era, when grocery shopping doubled as family entertainment."
ALDI
Similar to Trader Joe's, ALDI has built a loyal following with its high-quality items and low prices. USA Today says it "simplifies shopping with a wide variety of products, from organic produce and meat, to everyday essentials and seasonal favorites."
Related: Costco and Aldi Are the Top-Ranking Grocery Stores for This
Market Basket
This grocery chain started in 1917, survived the Great Depression, and coined the phrase, "More For Your Dollar." It's now the #4 ranked grocery chain in USA Today's 10Best Supermarkets of 2021.
Lidl
This Europe-based, low-cost chain is currently in the middle of a huge U.S.-expansion. There are more than 3,500 products in stores at all times, many of which are from across the globe.
Related: 8 Budget-Friendly Reasons to Start Shopping at Lidl
Hy-Vee
Shoppers in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin know and love Hy-Vee and the "helpful smile in every aisle." Recently, the second-place chain has been busy with COIVD-19 vaccine distribution and opening up nail salons inside stores.
Fresh Market
When shopping at the #1 grocery store in America, you may actually be reminded of shopping in Europe. The Fresh Market strives to create "a more intimate and personalized shopping experience than the warehouse-type supermarkets popular" now.
"Out of the hundreds of supermarkets in America, we are thrilled to be voted number one," Jason Potter, the chain's president and CEO, said in a statement. "Over the last year, we have immersed ourselves in achieving our goal of becoming one of America's Most Loved Brands. And this award proves that customers are recognizing our improvements, and we greatly appreciate their business and support."
There are currently almost 160 of these markets in 22 states. For more information on what to shop for at these award-winning grocery stores, here are The Frozen Fast Foods to Always Leave on Grocery Store Shelves.
