Trader Joe's Overtakes Publix as US Favorite Grocery Store

Regional preferences still vary, with Trader Joe's leading in the West and Aldi, ShopRite, and Walmart tied in the Northeast.

Jan. 30, 2026 at 8:07am

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According to the latest data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI), Trader Joe's has surpassed Publix as the top-ranked grocery store in the United States. Trader Joe's scored an 86 out of 100, a 2% increase from the previous year, while Publix's score of 84 remained unchanged. However, regional preferences still vary, with Trader Joe's leading in the West and Aldi, ShopRite, and Walmart tied in the Northeast.

Why it matters

The ACSI rankings provide valuable insights into customer satisfaction and preferences in the highly competitive grocery industry. As consumer preferences shift, retailers must adapt to maintain their market share and appeal to evolving customer demands.

The details

The ACSI rankings take into account several aspects of the customer shopping experience, including the speed of the checkout process, the convenience of store hours and location, the quality and freshness of meat and produce, and the general layout and cleanliness of the stores. In 2025, Publix and Trader Joe's were tied for the top spot, but this year Trader Joe's pulled ahead with its score of 86 out of 100.

  • The latest ACSI data was released on January 30, 2026.
  • In 2025, Publix and Trader Joe's were tied for the top spot in the ACSI rankings.

The players

Trader Joe's

A popular grocery store chain known for its Hawaiian-themed decor and unique product offerings.

Publix

A Florida-based grocery store chain that was previously the top-ranked grocer in the US according to the ACSI.

American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI)

An organization that conducts surveys to measure customer satisfaction across various industries, including the grocery sector.

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The takeaway

The shift in customer preferences highlights the importance for grocery retailers to continuously adapt and innovate to meet the evolving needs and expectations of their customers. As regional preferences continue to vary, retailers must also tailor their strategies to cater to the unique demands of different markets.