New data from the American Consumer Satisfaction Index shows the most popular grocery stores in the United States, with cult favorite Trader Joe’s coming out on top.
All stores were ranked from zero to 100. Trader Joe’s beat Florida-headquartered supermarket chain Publix by two points. The index gave the supermarket an 86 score, while Publix got an 84 score. In 2025, both supermarkets tied for the top spot.
The index rates the grocery stores on numerous categories, including quality and freshness of meat and produce, speed of checkout process and the layout and cleanliness of stores.
The index has tracked similar data annually since 1994. To determine the most popular supermarkets, the index surveyed 31,000 shoppers. Here’s a look.
Best and worst grocery stores, ranked, according to ACSI
Here’s a look at how grocery stores ranked with its corresponding score out of 100.
- Trader Joe’s – 86
- Publix – 84
- H-E-B – 83
- Sam’s Club – 82
- Aldi – 81
- Costco – 81
- Whole Foods – 81
- All other small grocery stores – 79
- ShopRite – 79
- Target – 79
- Ahold Delhaize – 78
- Kroger – 78
- Meijer – 78
- Save A Lot – 78
- Wegmans – 78
- BJ’s Wholesale Club – 77
- Hy-Vee – 76
- Walmart – 75
- Albertsons Companies – 74
- Giant Eagle – 73
How satisfied are grocery shoppers?
The supermarket industry is currently experiencing a downturn in customer satisfaction as its index score fell 1% to 78, the organization’s 2026 Retail and Consumer Shipping Study found.
Walmart, Albertsons Companies and Giant Eagle fell below consumer satisfaction. Meanwhile, Save A Lot rose 4% to 78 and H-E-B is up 1%. Wegman’s posted the steepest decline, dropping 6%.
Customers in the Northeast were less satisfied with their supermarkets compared to people in other parts of the country, the survey found. The organization claimed supermarkets struggled amid inflationary prices and stiff competition.
The company analyzed 19 reported brands and all other smaller companies.
Why is Trader Joe’s the top supermarket?
According to the study, Trader Joe’s is so popular because it has been continuing its national expansion efforts while maintaining customer experience. Additionally, Save A Lot had a 4% increase to 78, largely due to major operational enhancements, the survey found.
Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected]
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Survey reveals best and worst grocery stores in the US. See list.
Reporting by Michelle Del Rey , USA TODAY / USA TODAY
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