Buzz
Image: Jayk7/Getty ImagesWe all have our favorite grocery store to fulfill our regular shopping needs, and this year, America has chosen its top pick for 2024.
Every year, USA Today unveils its 10Best Readers' Choice Awards across various categories, including the best grocery stores in the U.S.. A panel of experts makes the nominations, and 10Best editors select the finalists. Then, readers cast their votes, and this year's winner may surprise you.
The Best Grocery Store in the U.S. for 2024
In 2024, USA Today readers voted Hy-Vee as the top grocery store in the United States. This employee-owned chain, mainly located in the Midwest with over 280 stores, is renowned for its slogan, ‘a helpful smile in every aisle.’
As noted by USA Today, Hy-Vee partners with local farmers to offer fresh, locally sourced produce. Many locations also feature expansive food counters with options like salad bars, meatloaf, pizza, Asian cuisine, and fried chicken, making it a favorite among many shoppers.
Complete List of the Leading Grocery Stores
While Hy-Vee secured the top position, here’s a closer look at the entire list of the best grocery stores.
- 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
This year’s runner-up, as well as last year’s champion, is The Fresh Market. It’s known for offering a more intimate and personalized shopping experience, with stores modeled after European-style food markets.
Aldi secured sixth place, attracting a loyal fanbase for its ‘no-frills’ shopping that keeps prices affordable. Trader Joe’s followed in eighth, which may surprise some given its 'cult-favorite' products like the Everything But The Bagel Sesame Seasoning Blend.
At the bottom of the list is Fresh Thyme Market. Despite focusing on sustainable and organic products, it can’t quite match the popularity of Hy-Vee and others, though it does offer a bright, clutter-free shopping environment.
