You’ve probably noticed the same thing…
There are some grocery stores that just seem to be perennially crowded.
The parking lot is always packed, there’s always a line on the way out, etc.
(Meanwhile, others can often feel a little…well…empty.)
If you’ve felt the same way, you’re not alone.
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Fact is, some grocery stores are rapidly expanding, while others are holding the line…and still others are gradually sliding.
But how to know, objectively, which is which?
Fortunately, there’s new data from YouGov that really gets to the heart of the matter by measuring what proportion of Americans have heard of various grocery store brands…
And what proportion of Americans have a positive view of them, too.
And the results were, let’s face it, pretty surprising.
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If you thought specialty stores like Wegmans, or Trader Joe’s…
Or organic grocers with a “halo effect” around them like Fresh Market, or Whole Foods…
Or just regular grocery stores like Safeway and Kroger and Food Lion would top the list…
Well, you’d be sadly mistaken.
The #1 grocery store isn’t any of these, according to YouGov’s data.
So let’s dive right in with the top 10 – did any grocery stores you love make it?
Starting with #10:
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 66%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 46%
My take: I think of Sprouts as pretty much your classic organic grocery store. Lots of food is locally-sourced, sustainably grown, tasty, and expensive. You’ll pay extra, but it’s good stuff for sure.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 82%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 49%
My take: Safeway is my local supermarket, and while it lacks the pizzazz and excitement of specialty grocery stores (Trader Joe’s, Wegmans), it’s a good, solid choice. That’s especially true for its meat deals – you can routinely get good cuts of beef at a reasonable price – get excited for grilling season! Safeway is where I do a lot of my baseline, brand-agnostic shopping if I don’t have a big enough list for Costco.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 73%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 50%
My take: Fresh Market has long had a reputation for being expensive – and it is – but they’ve done a good job of trying to find affordable options to get people in the door. Two of my favorites are their $5 pizza deal and their $5 sushi deal. And while you’re there picking up a very inexpensive meal…maybe you end up grabbing one or two other things, right?
Their desserts and baked goods are second to none, and their cheese selection is second only to Wegmans – so they’ve got a lot going for them.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 85%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 53%
My take: I haven’t spent much time at Publix, and the fact that a couple of Ukrop’s (a beloved grocery store chain in Richmond) were replaced by Publix hasn’t endeared them to me or to many locals. That said, even I’ll acknowledge that their hot bar is good and their bakery has some great cakes.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 89%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 54%
My take: That Americans would classify Circle K as a grocery store tells you all you need to know about the state of nutrition in this country. Circle K certainly does have some groceries – and a lot of junk food, since it’s essentially a convenience store attached to a gas station.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 93%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 60%
My take: I like Kroger – the selection is solid, they do a good job with prices, etc. Their store-made food leaves something to be desired, but so long as you aren’t expecting gourmet dining, they’ll do just fine.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 90%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 60%
My take: I think there’s an ongoing fight between people who think Aldi is the cheapest option and people who think you’ll get better prices at Costco, BJ’s, etc.
They’re probably both right, just for different foods. Aldi is a genuinely no-frills experience, but the food is good, cheap, and there’s plenty of it. (I’ve mostly experienced Aldi in Europe, but the few times I’ve been to one in the states, the experience has matched up.)
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 95%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 61%
My take: Whole Foods has gotten quite a bit more popular over the years, due I think in no small part to the fact that the Amazon takeover has really helped them get away from the old “Whole Paycheck” complaint. Prices seem to keep improving, and the food quality is obviously fantastic. It’s a differentiated experience that keeps it firmly in a similar class to Fresh Market and Sprouts.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 94%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 64%
My take: That Trader Joe’s is only #2 and not #1 is hugely disappointing to me. TJ’s has amazing food for amazing prices, especially their cheese (try the Manchego or the Port Salut) and especially their frozen foods. Their chicken tikka masala, orange chicken, beef & broccoli, and chicken teriyaki are all as good as or better than the equivalent takeout options you’ll pay more for. Also their wine is fantastic and inexpensive.
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Proportion of Americans who know it: 97%
Proportion of Americans who like it: 65%
My take: Honestly, I’m stumped. I do not understand how more people like 7-Eleven than Trader Joe’s, Aldi, Fresh Market…
It is, of course, very convenient – but you just can’t get the kind of selection, organic options, healthy food, or interesting new treats that you can get at most grocery stores! And the roller dogs aren’t even all that good.
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The people have spoken!
7-Eleven is America’s #1 favorite grocery store, according to YouGov‘s data.
It’s disappointing to me for sure, especially given that Wegmans didn’t even make the top 10!
But the data don’t lie.
So here’s the big question…
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What do you think?
Which grocery store SHOULD have been ranked #1? Wegmans? Trader Joe’s? Whole Foods? H-E-B?
Let us know in the comments!
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