In a recent shift in consumer preferences, Trader Joe’s has been crowned America’s favorite grocery store, according to a new survey of shoppers nationwide. This development dethrones Publix, which had previously held the top spot.
The report, released by the American Customer Satisfaction Index, places Trader Joe’s at the pinnacle of customer satisfaction in the United States. The data comes from an extensive survey involving around 31,000 shoppers, conducted over the course of 2025. Participants evaluated major grocery chains on a scale from zero to 100, reflecting their most recent shopping experiences.
Trader Joe’s achieved an impressive score of 86, marking a 2% increase from the previous year. This improvement propelled it to the forefront, surpassing Publix, with which it had tied for the first place in 2025.
Despite being edged out, Publix still maintained a strong presence, securing the second spot with a score of 84. This continues to affirm its status as one of the nation’s most highly regarded grocery chains.
Trader Joe’s earned the highest score in the report — an 86 — rising 2% from last year and taking the top spot after tying for first place in 2025 with Publix.
Publix finished just behind this year with a score of 84, remaining one of the highest-rated grocery chains in the country.
Other top grocery stores
Several other chains also ranked highly in the report. H-E-B scored 83, followed by Sam’s Club with 82. Three stores tied with a score of 81: Aldi, Costco and Whole Foods Market.
- Trader Joe’s: 86
- Publix: 84
- H-E-B: 83
- Sam’s Club: 82
- Aldi: 81
- Costco: 81
- Whole Foods: 81
Researchers say stores earn high marks by consistently delivering on key parts of the shopping experience — including product quality, checkout speed, store hours and convenience.
Overall grocery satisfaction slips slightly
Despite strong performances from some chains, overall customer satisfaction with supermarkets dipped slightly.
The national average score dropped 1% this year to 78. Only three of the 19 grocery chains measured improved compared with the previous year.
The index has tracked customer opinions about major companies since 1994 and now measures more than 400 brands across dozens of industries.
Stores with the lowest scores
A few large grocery chains ranked below the national average.
- Walmart received a score of 75.
- Albertsons scored 74.
- Giant Eagle ranked last in the report with a 73.
The ACSI report does not assign specific reasons for each company’s score, but industry trends—including pricing concerns and company changes—can influence how shoppers feel about their experience.
Biggest movers in the rankings
Several grocery chains saw noticeable changes this year.
Save A Lot posted the biggest improvement, rising 4% to a score of 78 after updating stores, reopening locations and improving its app and loyalty offerings.
Meanwhile, Wegmans experienced the largest decline, dropping six points to 78 as the company expanded into new markets.
Because grocery shopping is a regular part of life for most households, researchers say even small frustrations or improvements can significantly affect how customers rate their favorite stores.
11 Alive, a TEGNA station based in Atlanta, contributed to this report.
