America’s Favorite Grocery Stores in 2026, According to Shoppers

Grocery shopping feels different these days. Prices are higher, trips feel more rushed, and, somehow, we still leave forgetting the one thing we actually needed. 

So, when shoppers were asked which stores they genuinely enjoy shopping at, the answers are especially telling right now.

A new national survey from the American Customer Satisfaction Index is providing us with a snapshot of how people really feel about their grocery stores in 2026. 

It’s based on feedback from tens of thousands of shoppers and focuses on the everyday things that make or break a trip, like store layout, product quality, and how quickly you can get in and out.

The Stores Shoppers Keep Coming Back To

According to the American Customer Satisfaction Index’s grocery store survey, Trader Joe’s landed at the top of the list. 

That probably doesn’t surprise you if you’ve ever popped in “just for snacks” and walked out with a tote full of fun finds. Shoppers consistently say it feels easy, pleasant, and not overwhelming.

Right behind it were Publix and H-E-B, two stores people tend to feel oddly loyal to. 

Clean aisles, dependable produce, and a sense that someone actually thought about how the store flows all go a long way.

Warehouse clubs and value-focused stores also held their own. 

Costco, Sam’s Club, Aldi, and Whole Foods all scored well, even though they offer very different shopping experiences. 

That tells us something important: shoppers are happy as long as a store clearly delivers on what it promises.

Together, these names made up many of what people now consider the best grocery stores in the US.

The Middle Ground Most Of Us Know Well

A big chunk of familiar chains fall squarely in the middle, including Target, Kroger, ShopRite, Meijer, and Wegmans.

These stores aren’t exactly disappointing, but they don’t stand out either. For many shoppers, they’re the reliable option you stop at because it’s nearby, not because you love the experience. The survey suggests this “good enough” category is getting crowded, making it harder for any one brand to shine.

Where Shoppers Feel The Most Frustration

At the lower end of the rankings were a few big-name chains, including Walmart, Albertsons, and Giant Eagle. 

These aren’t the worst grocery stores in the US because they’re still widely used for their pricing or convenience, but shoppers reported lower overall satisfaction.

That gap highlights an important difference: a store can be useful without being enjoyable. In surveys about grocery store customer satisfaction, that distinction really shows.

Why Grocery Satisfaction Is Slipping Overall

One interesting takeaway is that satisfaction across the industry dipped slightly this year. 

Inflation continues to weigh on grocery trips, and shoppers are more sensitive than ever to price hikes, empty shelves, and long checkout lines.

Region matters, too. Shoppers in the Northeast reported lower satisfaction, overall, while people in other parts of the country tended to feel a bit better about their local stores.

The Little Things That Make A Big Difference

Looking at the top grocery chains for 2026, one thing is clear: shoppers want grocery stores to feel simple, predictable, and respectful of their time.

When a store is easy to navigate, keeps its shelves stocked, and doesn’t turn a checkout line into a test of patience, people notice. And, when it doesn’t, they notice that, too.

In a moment when grocery shopping feels more stressful than it used to, the stores that keep things calm, clear, and consistent are the ones earning the most goodwill. 

And, for most of us, that’s really all we’re asking for when we grab a cart and head inside.

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