The Best Grocery Store In Every State
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While culling this list, we learned a little something: There are many reasons to love a grocery store. Maybe it’s the market’s exclusive products (ahem, Trader Joe’s). Or perhaps you love to bargain hunt (lookin’ at you, Piggy Wiggly). Or it’s possible you’ll pay anything to hob knob with your neighbors at the store in the fancy part of town (mmmm, Whole “Paycheck” Foods). Whatever your vice, it’s on this list: a round-up of the best grocery store in every state. Find yours and let us know — did we get it right?
It can be hard to find everything you need at a farmers market; not here. Vendors — sometimes up to 200 of them — come out, rain or shine, every Saturday in Birmingham, AL.
This is the most popular chain in remote Alaska. There are 12 outposts in total.
Don’t let the name fool you: This Arizona-based chain is a legit grocery store, with meat and seafood counters and a full-service deli. But it’s produce market roots mean veggies are fresh and organic and dry goods are self-scooped out of giant barrels.
If you coupon, you go here. The stores let you double up on discounts.
As if The Golden State didn’t have enough to brag about, add this to the list: TJ’s started in little ol’ Cali-for-ny-ay.
This Kroger-owned chain is based in Denver, and they. are. proud. More than 150 of the store’s brands are Colorado companies.
Fact: Martha Stewart has shopped here. Another fact: It’s been called the Disneyland of dairy stores (that includes cookie dough-bottomed ice cream cups). One more fact for ya: There are petting zoos here. Need more?
This market caters to people who eat “free” — gluten-free, dairy-free, meat-free. And the grab-and-go Cafe 67 is a must-stop for hungry shoppers.
Publix started in The Sunshine State with one store. Now there are 787. Think people like it?
If you can’t afford to quit your job and travel the world, just head to Atlanta. This market has hard-to-find products from so many countries — plus your standard fresh produce, dry goods, and proteins.
Here, they get beloved classics from nationwide markets (like, ahem, cotton candy grapes) and Hawaii-beloved grub, like poké and shrimp chips.
Regulars call this spot high-priced but worth it: It’s got all the niche products (and Idaho-made ones!) that you can’t find anywhere else.
What’s the best thing about Mariano’s? Glad you asked. Some say it’s the adjoining gas stations. Some say it’s the walk-in beer fridge. Some say it’s the happy hours. Can we say all of the above?
The bread here’s baked four times daily, and there are more than 600 varieties of produce, meat, and seafood. The kicker: You can ship them all home straight from the market.
Hy-Vee (formerly Hyde & Vredenburg) is headquartered in Iowa and has the slogan: “Where there’s a helpful smile in every aisle.” There are 144 locations in Iowa alone — meaning a whole lot of helpful smiles.
The founders’ grandson David still runs the show at Hen House, which has 10 beloved locations in Kansas.
This tiny, four-spot chain calls itself a “local” market — not just for the food it sells but for the way it interacts with the community.
You can get specialty Cajun products here. There’s also a registered dietician at the market who can lead a private tour that teaches you how to shop smarter.
Hannaford first opened as a produce market in Portland, ME, in 1883. 1883! Now, baby’s all grown up as a real supermarket.
This chain’s whole purpose is to protect and restore the environment — hence the all organic goods. They also have recycling centers that accept food wrappers, beauty products, cell phones, and shoes, among other things.
Last year marked this Massachusetts-founded chain’s 100 year anniversary. Even organic, specialty goods are often cheaper than at competitor markets.
If you’re not visiting the Savings Zone — where products go to get deeply discounted — you’re not living life.
There are now 11 branches of this award-winning grocery store. (Seriously, the list of accolades on its site seems never-ending.)
On Facebook, more than 350 people have give this market a 5-star for its great meat selection, great prices, and great customer service … so, uh, everything’s great!
You can take cooking classes — including special ones like for date night or girls night — here!
In 2015, Good Food Store — which has more than 800 bulk foods — opened Nest, their own housewares store right off the market.
For those times when you have to shop with the kiddos, every Fresh Thyme location has a Kids Thyme stand. Your little ones can grab a free snack to munch on while you quickly zip through the aisles.
Last year, Raley’s (which has locations in California and Nevada) launched a Shelf Guide program. If you look on the tags at stores, you’ll see quick nutritional info — like whether or not a product is nutrient dense or gluten free.
The tiny state of New Hampshire has 27 locations. People love it for the flavor exclusives it gets — like Ben and Jerry’s Salted Caramel Almond pint and Oreo’s Waffle & Syrup cookies.
Imagine if Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s had a baby. This would be it.