Trader Joe’s, Publix at top of Consumer Reports list of best grocery stores in America

Consumer Reports readers weighed in on America’s best supermarkets, and Trader Joe’s, Costco and Publix are near the top of the list in the magazine’s 2019 annual subscriber survey.

The magazine’s readers rated 96 national and regional supermarkets, supercenters and warehouse clubs. Trader Joe’s ranked No. 5, Costco No. 10 and Publix No. 11.

Texas grocer Central Market took the No. 1 spot and Wegman’s was No. 2.

Ratings, published in the April issue and at ConsumerReports.com, were based on more than 75,000 responses on cleanliness, price, food quality and variety, checkout speed and staff helpfulness, selection of healthy options and locally produced foods, among 13 criteria.

Regional grocers Heinen’s, serving Ohio and Chicago, and Southern California-based Gelson’s Markets, and Market Basket, serving the Northeast, also were highly ranked.

Trader Joe’s was the only national chain to earn the top overall score. The Fresh Market was No. 15, Sprouts Farmer’s Market was No. 20, Aldi was No. 26 and Whole Foods Market was No. 54.

Ranking at the bottom of the list: Key Food, Walmart Supercenter and Jacksonville-based Winn-Dixie.

The new CR survey mirrored the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index survey ranking the best and worst retailers of 2018. More than 62,000 consumers choose their favorite department and discount stores, specialty retailers, supermarkets and e-retailers, among others.