It's not always that grim. It's just that I was raised on Publix which is leaps and bounds better than any other grocer in the country. I've never been into a loser Publix. It is Cartier at mall jewelry store prices. People who have never been to a Publix blissfully think that other chains are just fine.

There are definite "grades" here, too. But there is a wide variation depending on location (Publix excluded here). Here's how I'd rank the places that I have been (there are only regional chains in the US but some have bigger regions than others):


1) Publix (nice with good prices on the whole. Southeast only)

2) The Fresh Market and Whole Foods (upscale but pricey, which is why Publix wins. TFM is in the eastern half of the US. WF is coast to coast but in major markets only)

3) Schnuck's/Hy-Vee (probably the best in the midwest places I've lived)

4) Ralph's/Vons (very hit or miss. Some are out of this world some of dreadful.)

5) Kroger (owns Ralph's/Food 4 Less and others)/Albertson's (both are hardly ever great but also hardly ever terrible)

6) Super Target (some are great but their prices are high unless an item is on sale. It is a great choice in places where there aren't many competitors. For instance, San Antonio where Target and Walmart have driven out all other major chains)

7) Trader Joes (there are almost all the same. I personally hate them but I have friends who think that TJ is the best thing on God's green earth. I don't undertand that )

8) Walmart Supercenters (produce is hit or miss at all locations I've been to. It's a great place for dry goods, if they have what you are looking for. They are universally mediocre but at least they are consistent. They are the McDonald's of mega-stores).

9) Aldi (If they have what you need then they are great. But their produce is only good for a few days. They have a tenth the items that a normal grocery store has so it can't be your only stop)

10) Winn-Dixie (Occasionally you will find a great one. They have the unfortunate task of competing in the same market as Publix. By default they have to target the demographic that Publix won't. When enough affluent people move into an area Publix comes and the Winn-Dixie starts to die. They are a great place to get meat, though).

11) Stater Bros. (It's like a Winn-Dixie but there is no Publix within 2000 miles to save you. I once went to one that was as nice as a Kroger. I was shocked.)

11) Food 4 Less and other ultra low cost scores (they almost look like warehouse stores. I'd only get non-perishables there. The produce can be scary. Just don't go).


There are other very local stores in the US but they aren't wort talking about on a nationwide scale.