This Is the Most Popular Grocery Store in America — and It's Probably Not What You Think
A market research and analytics firm released new data featuring grocery stores those living in the U.S. love most. Here's what it found.
Laura Buckman / Bloomberg via Getty Images
We've covered it here a few times, but groceries are quite the hot topic these days. Be it for increasing grocery store prices, helping you find the best deals on groceries across the United States, or for the recalls that have made headlines in the last few months. But there is a little bit of fun news in here, too, that you can debate about with your friends: Which grocery store, exactly, is America's favorite?
You don't need to wonder too hard, as YouGov, a market research and analytics firm, recently released new data showcasing which grocery store those living in the U.S. love most. To come to its conclusion, the researchers interviewed 1,220 people in the U.S. over the months of October, November, and December of 2024 to gather nationally representative data. After breaking down all the responses, it named 7-Eleven as America's favorite grocery store for all adults.
The chain, which we know you could argue is more of a road-trip stop than a grocery store, scored a whopping 97% on the "fame" scale, meaning people have heard of the brand. It also received a 65% popularity rating under the grocery store category, meaning "people who have a positive opinion on a topic." Only 8% of respondents "disliked" it, while 24% remained neutral.
Related: These States Have the Cheapest Grocery Store Prices Right Now, According to a New Report
Trader Joe's, a much more traditional grocery store chain, came in a very close second with a 94% fame rating and a 64% popularity rating and is only "disliked" by 5% of respondents. In fact, 7-Eleven's fame rating is currently trending downward, while TJ's is trending upward, meaning it could soon take over first place. But for now, it's comfortably sitting in second.
Coming in third is Whole Foods, which actually has a higher fame rating at 95%. However, it had a lower popularity rating at 64% and an 8% "dislike" rating. Then, there's Aldi in fourth with a 90% fame rating and a 60% popularity rating, and Kroger rounding out the top five, with a 93% fame rating and a 63% popularity rating (more respondents felt "neutral" about Kroger, thus causing it to fall to fifth).
However, once you start playing around with the generational filter at YouGov, things start to switch. While Millennials still choose 7-Eleven as their top pick, those in the Gen X generation chose Trader Joe's, while Boomers picked Kroger over everyone else.
Still, even with these slight differences, the top five picks all remained the same. So it's nice to know that grocery stores are at least one thing you and your entire family can agree upon at the next family reunion.
30 Most Popular Grocery Stores in America (Q4 2024), Ranked
7-Eleven
Trader Joe's
Whole Foods Market
Aldi
Kroger
Circle K
Publix
Fresh Market
Safeway
Sprouts Farmers Market
Piggly Wiggly
Save-A-Lot
Winn-Dixie
Amazon Fresh
Albertsons
Food Lion
Meijer
IGA
Food 4 Less
Giant
Wegmans
ShopRite
Casey's General Store
Giant Eagle
Shop 'n Save
WinCo Foods
A&P
Stop & Shop
H-E-B
Wild Oats
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