A new 2026 national study has revealed America’s best grocery stores so far this year — and once again, H‑E‑B has claimed the No. 1 spot. The annual Retailer Preference Index (RPI), a widely watched ranking that evaluates how well supermarkets deliver on value, quality, and customer experience, shows a clear trend: regional chains are outperforming national giants.
The Top Grocery Stores of 2026
According to the study, the top three grocery retailers in the U.S. this year are:
- H‑E‑B (Texas)
- Market Basket (New England)
- Woodman’s Markets (Midwest)
This marks the fifth time in nine years that H‑E‑B has taken the No. 1 position — and the second consecutive year that Market Basket has landed at No. 2. Woodman’s, a Wisconsin‑based employee‑owned chain, appears in the top three for the first time. Notably, all three leaders are regional chains, a first in the history of the RPI rankings.
Why These Stores Are Winning
The study highlights a major shift in consumer priorities: Americans are increasingly focused on saving money without sacrificing quality. With inflation still shaping household budgets, shoppers are gravitating toward stores that consistently deliver:
- Competitive pricing
- Strong private‑label value
- Reliable in‑stock inventory
- Fast, efficient checkout
- A sense of local loyalty and trust
H‑E‑B and Market Basket, in particular, scored high for value perception, customer loyalty, and overall shopping experience.
How Other Major Chains Ranked
While regional favorites dominated the top of the list, several national chains still performed well:
- Trader Joe’s remained a customer favorite for experience and private‑label innovation, though it ranked lower on price competitiveness.
- Aldi continued to score high for affordability.
- Kroger, one of the country’s largest grocers, landed in the middle of the pack — around the high teens — reflecting strong national presence but mixed customer sentiment on pricing.
- Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods ranked lower due to concerns about cost and inconsistent store performance.
What the Study Says About 2026 Shopping Trends
The 2026 RPI reveals several key insights about how Americans are shopping right now:
- Savings matter more than ever. Value is the No. 1 driver of long‑term customer loyalty.
- Regional chains are thriving. Local trust and consistent pricing are beating national scale.
- Quality still counts. Shoppers want low prices, but not at the expense of fresh produce, good meat, and reliable store brands.
- Convenience is essential. Fast checkout, curbside pickup, and smooth digital ordering remain major differentiators.
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