The Finest Grocery Retailer in America, In accordance with Buyer Rankings

Grocery buying has change into a check of endurance and priorities, and customers are intently watching which shops go muster. New findings from the American Buyer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) reveal the place Individuals really feel finest about their grocery runs — and for the primary time, cult-favorite grocer Dealer Joe’s has taken the highest spot, surging forward after tying with Southern chain Publix final yr.

The ACSI has tracked Individuals’ emotions in regards to the firms they store at since 1994, overlaying greater than 400 manufacturers throughout 40 industries. This yr’s grocery report surveyed roughly 31,000 randomly chosen customers all through 2025 and requested them to charge their current experiences at main chains on a scale from zero to 100.

Total, many chains confronted challenges in contrast with final yr, with their scores both staying the identical or slipping, however the few that pulled forward set themselves aside by getting the main points proper on each go to.

How the ACSI measures grocery retailer satisfaction

The index is among the longest-running client benchmarks within the nation, and its methodology hasn’t modified considerably since launch, so year-over-year comparisons carry actual which means. American satisfaction with supermarkets dipped 1% this yr to a mean rating of 78, and solely three of the 19 chains tracked improved their scores in contrast with 2025.

To offer particular person scores for every chain, the ACSI asks customers for suggestions on a wide range of benchmarks, together with the comfort of retailer hours, the reliability of a retailer’s cell app, the power to determine manufacturers, the standard of meat and produce, and the pace of the checkout course of, to call only a few components. The supermarkets that got here out on prime delivered on these essential elements of the client expertise.

Which grocery shops do Individuals love probably the most?

This yr’s prime grocery retailer, based on the ACSI, is Dealer Joe’s, adopted by Publix, H-E-B, and Sam’s Membership, with a three-way tie amongst Aldi, Costco, and Entire Meals. Primarily based on Publix and H-E-B’s scores, regional chains might have a leg up on buyer loyalty, however Dealer Joe’s success demonstrates {that a} nationwide operation can nonetheless compete if it pays cautious consideration to what clients need.

The nautical-themed grocer earned the very best rating within the report, 86, rising its score by 2% from final yr and edging previous Publix for the primary time. Publix remained at 84, the identical score it obtained in 2025, and remains to be one of many strongest performers within the nation. Whereas each the Southern grocery store and Dealer Joe’s are recognized for accessible costs and fan-favorite gadgets just like the Pub Sub or TJ’s many signature snacks, the nationwide chain distinguishes itself with its sheer variety of private-label gadgets, frequent rotation of seasonal merchandise, and array of premade meals.