What’s the best grocery store in California? Check out these 2 chains, USA Today says
Looking for the best grocery store in California?
When it comes to delectable baked goods, fresh produce and ready-to-eat meals, two supermarket chains reign supreme, according to USA Today.
The publication included Trader Joe’s and Gelson’s Markets on its list of the top 10 grocery stores in the United States in 2024, based on “value, selection and great service.”
USA Today readers ranked Hy-Vee at No. 1 due to its friendly employees, locally grown fruits and vegetables and “colossal salad bars,” the publication said.
Hy-Vee, which is headquartered in West Des Moines, Iowa, has more than 280 stores across the Midwest.
The Fresh Market came in second place, and Heinen’s Grocery Store was third.
Here’s where California grocery stores landed on the list:
What makes Trader Joe’s one of best grocery stores in US?
Trader Joe’s was No. 8 on USA Today’s list of the best grocery store chains in the nation.
Headquartered in Monrovia, the company affectionately known as TJ’s has more than 570 locations across the United States. About a third of those stores are in California.
“This chain of grocery stores is known for its meticulously curated selection of unique and interesting items at affordable prices,” USA Today said. “You won’t find a lot of big brands, but you will find cult favorites, like Everything but the Bagel Sesame Seasoning blend, mandarin orange chicken, dark chocolate peanut butter cups, and Unexpected Cheddar.
USA Today ranked Trader Joe’s at No. 10 in its list of the top 10 best grocery stores in the country for prepared foods.
The store offers a variety of ready-to-eat meals ranging from a cheeseburger burrito to tomato feta soup and sesame miso salad with salmon.
What about Gelson’s Markets?
USA Today readers ranked Gelson’s Markets at No. 5 on the list of top U.S. grocery stores.
The Encino-based chain has a total of 28 locations across Southern California, stretching from Santa Barbara to Dana Point.
Gelson’s Markets stores “wow shoppers with spacious aisles and high-quality produce and meat departments in addition to being a celebrity go-to place to shop,” USA Today said.
USA Today readers voted Gelson’s the No. 3 supermarket chain in the United States for baked goods, thanks to its array of gourmet breads, rolls, cookies and custom cakes.
It ranked No. 4 on USA Today’s list of the top 10 grocery stores in the nation for produce, and No. 4 among the best supermarket delis.
Gelson’s came in fifth place on the list of the best grocery stores for prepared foods.
How did other California supermarkets chains fare?
Only one more California-based supermarket chain popped up in USA Today’s rankings.
Safeway, which is based in Pleasanton, was No. 5 on the list of the top 10 grocery stores in the United States for baked goods.
What are the top 10 grocery stores in the nation?
These are the best grocery stores to shop at in the nation, according to USA Today’s 10Best ranking:
- Hy-Vee
- The Fresh Market
Gelson’s Markets
Trader Joe’s
How did USA Today come up with its rankings?
To come up with USA Today’s Best 10 Readers’ Choice Awards for 2024, a panel of experts selected nominees across a number of categories.
The publication’s readers then voted for their favorites.
In addition to showcasing the best grocery stores in the United States, USA Today recently ranked the best butcher shops in the country.
This story was originally published September 18, 2024 at 2:26 PM.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said that Safeway is headquartered in Healdsburg, California. The supermarket chain is based in Pleasanton. The error has been corrected.
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