Publix, Sprouts, Whole Foods: America's No. 1 Grocery Store Is?

Consumer tastes in grocery stores are changing, say researchers, with buyers firmly in the habit of picking up organic foods when they graze the aisles and more shoppers relying on delivery or curbside pickup at stores. Shifting shopping needs and patterns mean grocery stores must revamp their offerings and their display of items.

Easy access to food staples and recipes has fueled the growth of meal kits delivered directly to the home, such as those ordered from Plated, Blue Apron, HelloFresh and Purple Carrot. When you add to that data from a study by Consumer Goods that says a quarter of millennials hit the produce, meat and dairy sections of grocery stores and only venture into the center of stores when they stock-up, you get a new ranking of what stores customers value most.

According to the Daily Meal, Whole Foods Market is No. 1 with consumers. While its higher prices have earned it the nickname "Whole Paycheck," the company is launching 365 lower-priced versions of its store nationwide. The authors say that focus on price, coupled with its quality products, earns it their top spot.

California-based Trader Joe's is runner-up for its wide range of reasonably priced products. Surprisingly given its mega-store home, Walmart comes in at No. 3, based on its low prices and curbside pickup service.

»See the full list of America's Best Grocery Stores 2017 on the Daily Meal.

No. 5 Publix, with 185 locations across Georgia, has more than 1,000 stores across the South, making it one of the country's largest regional chains. It earns high praise for its customer service, its willingness to let customers special-order items not regularly carried, and its own organic line.

Sprouts Farmers Market ranked No. 9 on the list for its "focus on fresh, healthy foods, as well as vitamins and supplements."

»What's your favorite grocery store? Tell other Patch readers in the Comments box below.

Longtime national chain Kroger was last at No. 25, with another giant in the industry, Safeway, at No. 18.

"It is therefore increasingly important to consumers to shop at the right grocery store, one that not only fulfills their needs with well-labeled quality produce but also provides a better, more convenient shopper experience," the authors say.

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