Food & Drink

Here are 7 of the top grocery store chains in the Sacramento area, according to readers

For the last week, Bee readers cast votes for the best grocery store chain (or the chain with the best deals) in the Sacramento area.

One thing was made clear: Sacramentans are passionate about their go-to food market.

And after close to 2,000 responses and 16 grocery chain stores to choose from — the results are in.

Here are your top picks:

RALEY’S

A shopper leaves Raley’s in Village One Plaza on Tuesday morning (10-30-12) in Modesto, Ca. in this Bee file photo.
A shopper leaves Raley’s in Village One Plaza on Tuesday morning (10-30-12) in Modesto, Ca. in this Bee file photo. Joan Barnett Lee Modesto Bee

Raley’s ranked No. 1 and made up almost half of all the votes. Its members are given personalized offers, savings and access to online shopping for same-day store pickup and home delivery in select stores, according to its website.

It gained 810 votes, or 45%.

NUGGET MARKETS

The entrance to the Nugget Market in Davis on Wednesday, February 18, 2015.
The entrance to the Nugget Market in Davis on Wednesday, February 18, 2015. Randall Benton rbenton@sacbee.com

Ranking No. 2, but receiving about half the votes Raley’s did, Nugget Markets offers weekly specials on meats, produce, dairy, frozen and staple items. Just filter your location to review your store’s offers for the week.

It gained 409 votes, or 23%.

TRADER JOE’S

Coming in at No. 3 and receiving less than half the votes Nugget Markets did, Trader Joe’s doesn’t offer a rewards program, according to its website. But this grocery store chain offers everyday prices for products that are submitted through a tasting panel before making it to shelves.

It gained 123 votes or 7%.

BEL AIR

Operating under the same flagship brand as Raley’s, Bel Air receivedffar fewer votes than Raley’s but tied with Trader Joe’s. Bel Air shares the same savings program as Raley’s: personalized offers, food and gas savings and online shopping perks.

It gained 123 votes or 7%.

WINCO FOODS

People wait to shop at WinCo Foods in Kennewick on Monday morning. On Sunday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide lockdown will go into effect this week to address the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the state and nation.
People wait to shop at WinCo Foods in Kennewick on Monday morning. On Sunday, Gov. Jay Inslee announced a statewide lockdown will go into effect this week to address the growing number of COVID-19 cases across the state and nation. Jennifer King jking@tricityherald.com

Ranking No. 4 with less than 10% of the votes, WinCo Foods offers digital coupons, discounted items and weekly specials.

It gained 74 votes or 4%.

COSTCO

Customers head to their vehicles with their purchases recently at Costco in Kennewick. Rumors are swirling on social media and around the Tri-Cities that a Costco will be building a new Pasco store.
Customers head to their vehicles with their purchases recently at Costco in Kennewick. Rumors are swirling on social media and around the Tri-Cities that a Costco will be building a new Pasco store. Jennifer King jking@tricityherald.com

Making the list as the only wholesale warehouse chain, Costco ranked No. 5 and received less than 100 votes. At Costco, shop warehouse prices on name-brand food and household products.

It gained 57 votes or 3%.

SAFEWAY

A San Francisco school held a protest Wednesday for Ja’Mari Oliver, a Black 11-year-old falsely accused of stealing a sandwich at a Safeway store.
A San Francisco school held a protest Wednesday for Ja’Mari Oliver, a Black 11-year-old falsely accused of stealing a sandwich at a Safeway store. Paul Sakuma Associated Press file

Safeway ranked No. 6 in the “Favorite Sacramento-area grocery store chain” poll, receiving less than 5% of the votes. Safeway offers weekly savings, online shopping perks and a rewards program.

It gained 54 votes or 3%.

OTHER FAVORITES

And while you’re at it, vote in the 2 round for the “Best Sacramento area sandwich spot in Sacramento.” Vote in the poll below. If you visit a restaurant, remember to stay safe and follow local COVID-19 guidance. The poll closes on Thursday, March 3. Don’t see your favorite? Kindly email us at utilityteam@sacbee.com

Can’t see it? Try turning off your ad blocker.

This story was originally published March 2, 2022 at 11:15 AM.

Get one year of unlimited digital access for $159.99
#ReadLocal

Only 44¢ per day

SUBSCRIBE NOW