This Is the Best Grocery Store in the US, According to 30,000 Shoppers

We all have our favorite go-to grocery store. Whether we like it because of the great bargains, the friendly staff, or just the general atmosphere, the place where we shop the most can hold a special place in our hearts and bellies. But what's the best one in the U.S.?

According to a report from the American Consumer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Trader Joe’s earned the title of best grocery store in the U.S., with a satisfaction score of 86. Known for its viral totes and frozen finds, the chain surpassed Publix as the top grocery chain this year.

Publix, which snagged the number one spot last year, maintains its rating of 84 out of 100, followed by H-E-B in third with 83. Sam’s Club, Costco, and Aldi round out the top five, with Costco and Aldi tied for the fifth spot.

Related Stories

5 Standout Food Trends From the Winter Specialty Food Association Show

Popular Grocery Items You Can Make Instead of Buy, According to Home Cooks

Scores were based on multiple benchmarks, including convenience of store hours and location, reliability of mobile app, store cleanliness and layout, staff helpfulness, and food quality and freshness. ACSI surveyed more than 31,000 customers to compile its 2026 list.

But depending on where you live, the preferred store differs. Aldi was rated the top grocery store chain in the Midwest and Northeast regions, while Trader Joe’s won over the West, and Sam’s Club scored the top spot in the South.

The store with the largest decline in satisfaction was Wegmans, which dropped 6 percent to a score of 78. According to ACSI data, customers reported being less pleased with their in-store experiences because of factors such as store layout, staff courtesy, and checkout speed.