A lengthy period of evolution in American food culture has transformed supermarkets, and often for the better. As Americans become increasingly interested in eating well, the country has better access to higher quality food than at any other time in recent memory.

We love the following American supermarkets for their value and the quality of their products, and we can’t imagine grocery shopping without them. Read on for the best supermarkets in America.

1. H-E-B

2. Wegmans

Wegmans is a popular supermarket chain with a strong reputation for excellence, customer service, and a wide selection of products. It was founded in 1916 and is headquartered in Rochester, New York. Wegmans operates stores in several states in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, including New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Virginia, Maryland, and Massachusetts.

Here are some reasons why Wegmans is highly regarded:

1. Extensive Product Selection: Wegmans offers a vast array of products, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, bakery items, specialty foods, international products, and a variety of organic and natural options.
2. High-Quality Products: The supermarket is known for its focus on providing high-quality products, including fresh and locally sourced items.
3. Customer Service: Wegmans places a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction. The staff is known for being friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful, creating a positive shopping experience for customers.
4. Prepared Foods: Wegmans stores often feature impressive prepared food sections with a wide range of freshly made meals, ready-to-eat options, and specialty dishes.
5. Wegmans Organic: The store offers a dedicated section for organic and natural products, catering to health-conscious shoppers.
6. Wegmans App and Digital Services: The Wegmans app and website offer convenient features like online ordering, curbside pickup, delivery options, and personalized shopping lists.
7. Store Layout and Atmosphere: Wegmans stores are often praised for their clean, organized layout and pleasant shopping atmosphere.
8. Innovation: Wegmans is known for being at the forefront of retail innovation, with a commitment to continuously improving its stores and services.
9. Community Involvement: Like H-E-B, Wegmans is actively involved in supporting local communities through charitable donations and community programs.

Due to its reputation, Wegmans has developed a loyal customer base, and its stores are often ranked among the best supermarkets in the United States. However, it’s important to note that Wegmans’ geographical presence is limited to the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions, so it may not be available in all areas of the country.

There are now more than 100 Wegmans stores, including one very popular New York City location —fans would insist there’s room for at least 100 more, and they’re not wrong.

Hy-Vee is another well-known supermarket chain in the United States, primarily located in the Midwest region. It was founded in 1930 and is currently based in West Des Moines, Iowa. Hy-Vee has grown to become one of the largest employee-owned grocery store chains in the country.

Here are some key features and aspects that make Hy-Vee stand out:

1. Employee Ownership: Hy-Vee is unique as it is an employee-owned company. This ownership structure fosters a sense of pride and commitment among its employees.
2. Full-Service Supermarkets: Hy-Vee stores are typically large, full-service supermarkets that offer a broad range of products, including groceries, fresh produce, meats, seafood, dairy, bakery items, and more.
3. Hy-Vee Aisles Online: Hy-Vee provides an online shopping platform called “Hy-Vee Aisles Online,” which allows customers to shop for groceries online and choose between curbside pickup or delivery options.
4. Hy-Vee Market Grille and Food Court: Many Hy-Vee locations feature in-store dining options, such as the “Hy-Vee Market Grille” restaurant and food court, offering customers a variety of ready-to-eat meals and dining experiences.
5. Health and Wellness Services: Some Hy-Vee stores have health clinics, pharmacies, and dietitians on-site, providing customers with additional health and wellness services.
6. Fuel Stations: Many Hy-Vee stores have fuel stations offering discounts on gas for customers who shop at their supermarkets.
7. Community Involvement: Similar to Wegmans and H-E-B, Hy-Vee is actively engaged in supporting local communities through various charitable initiatives and community programs.
8. Hy-Vee Brands: Hy-Vee offers a range of private-label products under various brand names, providing customers with budget-friendly options.

Due to its expansive presence in the Midwest and its employee-owned status, Hy-Vee has garnered a strong and loyal customer base. The company’s commitment to innovation and community involvement has contributed to its success as a regional supermarket chain. However, like other regional chains, Hy-Vee may not have locations in all areas of the United States.

As of my last update in September 2021, New Seasons Market is a regional supermarket chain primarily based in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It was founded in 1999 in Portland, Oregon, and has since expanded to operate stores in Oregon, Washington, and Northern California.

Here are some key aspects and features of New Seasons Market:

1. Local and Organic Focus: New Seasons Market emphasizes sourcing products locally and offers a wide selection of organic and natural foods. It has strong ties with local farmers and producers, supporting the communities it serves.
2. Sustainable Practices: The supermarket chain is known for its commitment to sustainability. It implements eco-friendly initiatives, such as reducing waste, offering sustainable seafood choices, and promoting environmentally responsible practices.
3. Fresh and Quality Products: New Seasons Market places a significant emphasis on providing fresh, high-quality products, including organic produce, natural meats, and specialty items.
4. Prepared Foods and Deli: New Seasons Market often features a diverse and delicious prepared foods section, offering a variety of ready-to-eat meals, salads, and hot bar options.
5. Community Engagement: Like other community-focused supermarkets, New Seasons Market actively engages with its communities through various charitable and community support programs.
6. Friendly and Knowledgeable Staff: Customers often praise the store’s friendly and knowledgeable staff, who are helpful in assisting shoppers with their needs.
7. New Leaf Community Markets: In addition to New Seasons Market stores, the company also operates New Leaf Community Markets in California, which share similar values and commitments to quality and sustainability.

Please note that the information provided is based on data available up to September 2021, and there may have been changes or developments with New Seasons Market since then. It’s always a good idea to check for the latest information and updates directly from the company’s website or other reliable sources.

5. Market Basket

As of my last update in September 2021, Market Basket is a popular regional supermarket chain primarily located in the New England region of the United States. It was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Tewksbury, Massachusetts. Market Basket operates stores in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine.

Here are some key features and aspects of Market Basket:

1. Affordable Prices: Market Basket is well-regarded for its commitment to offering low prices on a wide range of grocery items, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious shoppers.
2. Fresh Produce and Meats: The supermarket is known for its fresh produce and meat departments, providing customers with a variety of high-quality options.
3. Private-Label Products: Market Basket offers a range of private-label products, including bakery items, canned goods, and more, often at lower prices compared to national brands.
4. Market Basket Circular: The store releases weekly circulars with special deals and discounts, allowing customers to save even more on their grocery shopping.
5. Customer Loyalty: Market Basket has developed a loyal customer base over the years due to its competitive pricing and strong focus on customer service.
6. Family-Owned: Market Basket is a family-owned business, and its ownership structure has contributed to its unique culture and strong ties to the communities it serves.
7. Protests and Employee Relations: In the past, Market Basket has been involved in notable employee protests and demonstrations over management changes, which garnered significant media attention and community support.

It’s important to note that Market Basket’s presence is primarily concentrated in the New England region, and its stores may not be available in other parts of the United States. As always, for the latest information and updates, it’s best to check directly from the company’s website or reliable sources, as developments may have occurred since my last update.

6. Lidl

Lidl is a popular discount supermarket chain originally based in Germany. It was founded in 1973 and has since expanded its operations to become one of the largest and fastest-growing retailers in Europe. Lidl’s stores are known for their no-frills approach and focus on offering high-quality products at competitive prices.

Here are some key aspects and features of Lidl:

1. Discount Pricing: Lidl is known for its aggressive pricing strategy, offering a wide range of products at significantly lower prices compared to many other supermarkets.
2. Private-Label Products: Lidl emphasizes its private-label products, which often include a diverse selection of items, from groceries to household goods. These private-label products are branded as Lidl’s own, helping to keep costs lower for consumers.
3. Limited Assortment: Lidl typically carries a limited range of products, focusing on popular and essential items. This approach helps streamline operations and allows the store to pass on cost savings to customers.
4. Fresh and High-Quality Products: Despite its discount approach, Lidl places importance on providing fresh and high-quality products, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, and bakery items.
5. Rotating Specials: Lidl regularly offers weekly promotions and special deals on various products, including non-food items like electronics and clothing.
6. European Origin: As a German-based company, Lidl brings a European touch to its stores, often featuring imported specialty products and seasonal items from different European countries.
7. Store Layout: Lidl stores typically have a simple and efficient layout, making it easy for customers to navigate and find what they need quickly.
8. Expansion to the United States: Lidl has expanded its operations to the United States, with stores opening in various states across the East Coast and beyond. Its entry into the U.S. market has introduced American shoppers to its discount supermarket concept.

Lidl’s expansion and growing popularity in various countries have made it a significant player in the global retail industry. The supermarket chain’s emphasis on low prices and good quality products has resonated with consumers looking for value without compromising on quality.

Right now, interested shoppers can find the stores everywhere from Northern New Jersey into Georgia. With any luck, they’ll eventually end up nationwide, and then stay that way.

7. WinCo Foods

WinCo Foods is a regional supermarket chain with its headquarters in Boise, Idaho. It operates stores in several states in the western and southwestern regions of the United States, including Washington, Oregon, California, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and Texas. WinCo is known for its employee-owned business model and its focus on providing low prices and value to its customers.

Here are some key features and aspects of WinCo Foods:

1. Employee Ownership: One of the unique aspects of WinCo Foods is that it is an employee-owned company. This means that its employees have a stake in the success of the business and benefit from its profits.
2. Low Prices and Value: WinCo Foods is known for its commitment to offering low prices and value to its customers. It utilizes cost-saving measures, such as bulk buying and limited advertising, to keep prices competitive.
3. Bulk Foods Section: WinCo Foods is famous for its extensive bulk foods section, where customers can buy a wide variety of items in bulk quantities, which can lead to additional savings.
4. No-Frills Approach: The supermarket chain follows a no-frills approach, focusing on efficient store layouts and minimal decorations, which helps pass on cost savings to customers.
5. Large Product Selection: WinCo Foods offers a broad range of products, including fresh produce, meats, dairy, bakery items, and general groceries, as well as household and personal care items.
6. WinCo Pizza: Many WinCo Foods stores feature an in-store pizza station, where customers can order customizable pizzas made fresh in front of them.
7. Customer Loyalty: WinCo has developed a loyal customer base due to its competitive pricing and the convenience of its store locations.
8. Community Engagement: As with other community-focused supermarkets, WinCo Foods is involved in supporting local communities through various charitable initiatives and community programs.

Overall, WinCo Foods has gained popularity among shoppers seeking affordable prices and a wide selection of products. Its employee-owned status and no-frills approach have contributed to its success as a regional supermarket chain. Please note that WinCo’s geographical presence is primarily concentrated in the western and southwestern regions of the United States.

Trader Joe’s is a popular and well-loved American grocery store chain known for its unique products, great value, and friendly atmosphere. It was founded in 1958 and is headquartered in Monrovia, California. Trader Joe’s has grown to become a nationwide chain with stores in many states across the United States.

Here are some key features and aspects of Trader Joe’s:

1. Unique Product Selection: Trader Joe’s is famous for its eclectic and exclusive product offerings. The store carries a variety of specialty and gourmet items, including unique snacks, sauces, frozen meals, and organic products. Many products are sold under the Trader Joe’s private label.
2. High-Quality Products: Despite its relatively low prices, Trader Joe’s maintains a commitment to providing high-quality products. They often work with suppliers to source unique and premium items for their customers.
3. Value Pricing: Trader Joe’s is known for its value pricing, offering competitive prices on a wide range of products. Their focus on private-label products and bulk buying helps keep costs down.
4. No Artificial Additives: The store has a policy of avoiding artificial flavors, preservatives, and genetically modified ingredients in its private-label products.
5. Fearless Flyer: Trader Joe’s publishes a monthly “Fearless Flyer” that showcases new and seasonal products, along with creative recipe ideas for customers.
6. Store Experience: Trader Joe’s stores are designed to be warm and welcoming, with a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Employees, known as “Crew Members,” wear Hawaiian-style shirts and are known for their helpful and friendly customer service.
7. Sampling Stations: Pre-COVID, Trader Joe’s was known for its in-store sampling stations, allowing customers to try out new products before making a purchase.
8. Focus on Sustainability: Trader Joe’s has made efforts to promote sustainability through initiatives like reducing plastic packaging and offering recycling options for various materials.
9. Limited Store Brands: Trader Joe’s intentionally carries a limited selection of products to streamline the shopping experience and ensure a consistent level of quality for their customers.

Trader Joe’s has developed a strong and devoted customer base due to its unique product selection, value pricing, and customer-friendly approach. The “trader” persona, tropical decor, and positive shopping experience add to its appeal, making it a favorite destination for many grocery shoppers across the country.

9. Publix

Publix is a popular supermarket chain based in Lakeland, Florida. It was founded in 1930 and has since grown to become one of the largest employee-owned companies in the United States. Publix operates stores primarily in the Southeastern states, including Florida, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia.

Here are some key features and aspects of Publix:

1. Customer Service: Publix is widely known for its exceptional customer service. The staff, often referred to as “Publix associates,” are friendly, helpful, and knowledgeable, creating a positive shopping experience for customers.
2. Fresh Produce and Quality Products: Publix offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meats, seafood, bakery items, and general groceries. The supermarket places a strong emphasis on providing high-quality and fresh products.
3. Publix Bakery and Deli: Publix stores feature in-house bakeries and delis, offering a variety of freshly baked goods, deli meats, cheeses, and prepared foods.
4. Publix Aprons: Publix Aprons is a program that provides customers with cooking inspiration and recipe ideas through in-store recipe cards and cooking demonstrations.
5. Publix GreenWise: Publix operates a separate concept known as “Publix GreenWise Market,” which focuses on organic, natural, and specialty products.
6. BOGO Deals: One of Publix’s most popular promotions is its “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) deals, where customers can find various items offered at a significant discount when purchasing two.
7. Community Involvement: Publix is actively involved in supporting local communities through charitable donations, sponsorships, and volunteer efforts.
8. Aprons Simple Meals: Publix offers pre-packaged meal kits called “Aprons Simple Meals,” providing customers with an easy and convenient way to prepare a quick dinner at home.
9. Digital Services: Publix provides online ordering, delivery, and curbside pickup services for added convenience.

Publix has earned a reputation for being a customer-friendly supermarket with a strong commitment to quality and community engagement. Its employee-owned structure and emphasis on customer satisfaction have contributed to its success and popularity among shoppers in the Southeastern United States.

Publix is so much more than one of the region’s favorite places for a cheap and quality (Boar’s Head) sub, it is also well-loved (like so many on this list) for its rather superb store brand.

10. Costco