A new poll just revealed Americans' favorite grocery store, and we have to admit that we're a bit shocked by the one that nabbed the top spot. While some might expect a giant like Costco or fan-favorite like Trader Joe's to be the #1 pick, the Best Grocery Store is far smaller and lesser known.
Is the suspense killing you yet?
According to a survey conducted by USA Today, the Best Grocery Store in the U.S. is Hy-Vee.
If you're not familiar with Hy-Vee, we'll give you a quick intro. The supermarket is employee-owned and is primarily found in the Midwest and South. It was founded in 1930 in Iowa and currently has more than 285 stores, according to their website. Hy-Vee says they take pride in their "quality, variety, convenience, healthy lifestyles, culinary expertise and superior customer service."
Unfortunately for membership card-toting Costco fans, the warehouse did not even make the list. Trader Joe's, on the other hand, made the cut, securing the #8 spot.
TJ's is far from the only small grocery store to be added to the list; among the other smaller picks are the Fresh Market and ALDI. Larger supermarkets also had their moment, with Publix and Wegmans both squeezing their way in.
The full list of USA Today's Best Grocery Stores in the U.S. is as follows:
- Hy-Vee
- The Fresh Market
- Heinen's Grocery Store
- Stew Leonard's
- Gelson's Markets
- ALDI
- Publix Super Markets
- Trader Joe's
- Wegmans Food Markets
- Fresh Thyme Market
Did your favorite make the cut?
Danielle Harling is an Atlanta-based freelance writer with a love for colorfully designed-spaces, craft cocktails and online window shopping (usually for budget-shattering designer heels). Her past work has appeared on Fodor’s, Forbes, MyDomaine, Architectural Digest and more.