- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Trader Joe's Overtakes Publix as America's Favorite Grocery Chain
The beloved grocery store now holds the top spot in customer satisfaction, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index.
Published on Feb. 20, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
According to the latest 2026 data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Trader Joe's has surpassed Publix as the No. 1 favorite grocery chain in America, with an overall customer satisfaction rate of 86%. Publix, which previously held the top spot, now ranks second at 84%. H-E-B came in third at 83%, followed by Sam's Club at 82%. Several other chains, including Aldi, Costco, and Whole Foods, tied for fifth place.
Why it matters
Trader Joe's has built a loyal following over the years with its unique product selection, affordable gourmet items, and fun, quirky store experience. This ranking solidifies the company's position as a beloved and trusted grocery brand among American consumers, even as it continues to expand its footprint across the country.
The details
Trader Joe's was founded in 1967 by Joe Coulombe in Pasadena, California, and now has more than 560 locations across 42 states and Washington, D.C. The company does not operate any stores overseas. The largest Trader Joe's is located in New York City, spanning 30,000 square feet across two levels, while the smallest is in South Pasadena, California, at just 4,000 square feet. Some of Trader Joe's most popular year-round items include Everything but the Bagel Seasoning, Speculoos Cookie Butter, Mandarin Orange Chicken, Cauliflower Gnocchi, and a wide selection of affordable wines and frozen snacks. The company also offers seasonal items for holidays like Halloween and Christmas that are highly sought after by loyal customers.
- Trader Joe's was founded in 1967 in Pasadena, California.
- The latest 2026 data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) was released.
The players
Trader Joe's
A beloved grocery store chain with more than 560 locations across 42 states and Washington, D.C., known for its unique product selection, affordable gourmet items, and fun, quirky store experience.
Publix
A grocery store chain that previously held the No. 1 spot as America's favorite grocer, according to the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI).
H-E-B
A grocery store chain that ranked third in customer satisfaction, according to the ACSI data.
Sam's Club
A membership-based warehouse club that ranked fourth in customer satisfaction, according to the ACSI data.
Joe Coulombe
The founder of Trader Joe's, who opened the first store in Pasadena, California, in 1967.
The takeaway
Trader Joe's' rise to the top of the American Customer Satisfaction Index underscores the company's ability to consistently deliver a unique and enjoyable grocery shopping experience that resonates with consumers. This achievement solidifies Trader Joe's position as a beloved and trusted brand in the highly competitive grocery industry.
