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Best supermarkets in the USA: Where to go grocery shopping?
Discover the best supermarkets in the United States and organise your daily, weekly and monthly shopping in this vast and diverse country.
Moving to the United States, or spending a season there, means you adapt to a new lifestyle. It also means you adopt new shopping habits. At this point, knowing the best supermarkets in USA becomes essential. You organise your daily routine better and avoid overspending or wasting time searching for basic items.
The country offers many options, from huge hypermarkets on the outskirts to small convenience stores open 24 hours. The shopping experience changes a lot depending on the state and city: In New York, medium supermarkets and neighbourhood shops dominate. However, in places like Texas or California, giant hypermarkets with endless aisles and huge car parks feel very common.
Moreover, the cost of living also changes: Filling the trolley in San Francisco doesn’t feel the same as shopping in Midwestern cities. Therefore, choosing where you shop matters a lot if you want to protect your budget and adapt to the American lifestyle.
What Types of Supermarkets and Shops Exist in the United States?
The United States covers a huge territory and that size reflects in the variety of supermarkets and shops across cities and towns. You find giant hypermarkets where you buy almost everything in one place. However, you also find small convenience stores open 24 hours. In the end, the shopping experience depends a lot on the city or state where you live.
Even so, in general terms, these are the main types of shops and supermarkets in the United States that you’ll see everywhere in the country:
1- Discount Supermarkets
Discount supermarkets offer the best option for anyone who wants to save money on the weekly shop. They work very well for students or digital nomads with tighter budgets, and they also serve whole families.
Aldi ranks among the most popular chains, with a strong presence in the Midwest and states like Illinois, Ohio, or Michigan. Its model focuses on own brands and low prices, with essentials such as milk, bread, and fruit at very attractive prices. Save-A-Lot also appears frequently in small towns and suburban areas. You find basic products there at very competitive prices, although the range feels more limited.
2- Standard Supermarkets
In this category, you find chains such as Kroger and Safeway, very common in states like California, Arizona, Colorado, or Georgia. Kroger ranks among the country’s giants, with stores that include a bakery, butcher, and international products section.
Safeway, meanwhile, enjoys high popularity on the West Coast and in the Washington D.C. area. You normally find a good range of fresh produce and well known brands. These supermarkets usually provide a balance between price, quality, and proximity.
3- Premium Supermarkets
If you prefer quality and special products and you don’t mind paying a bit more, Whole Foods Market sets the standard. Amazon owns the chain and you find its stores in almost every big city, from New York to Los Angeles. The focus stays on organic, natural, and gourmet products, although prices sit above the national average.
Another example is Trader Joe’s, which built a loyal community thanks to its exclusive range and original vibe. Many items feel healthy and different. Trader Joe’s appears very often in California and New York. You also find shops in university cities and young urban neighbourhoods.
4- Hypermarkets and Membership Warehouses
Hypermarkets form part of the American identity. Walmart holds the crown, with stores in almost every state, from huge cities to very small towns. There, you buy everything: Food, clothes, electronics, and even gardening products, with very low prices on many essentials.
Costco, meanwhile, works with a membership model and attracts families who buy large quantities. Its warehouses concentrate mainly in suburban areas and cities like Houston, Seattle, or Las Vegas. Shopping at Costco usually means you get very competitive prices, but almost always in bulk format.
5- 24-Hour Convenience Stores
Finally, in almost every neighbourhood in big cities, you’ll find shops such as 7-Eleven, a true classic, open 24 hours and perfect for emergency shopping. They sell snacks, drinks, dairy products, bread, and basic items, although prices sit higher than in a traditional supermarket.
Convenience stores appear very often in New York, Chicago, Dallas, and Los Angeles. In rural areas or along highways, petrol station shops play the same role. They offer basic products at any time of day or night.
What Are the Best Supermarkets in the United States?
Now that you know the main types of shops and supermarkets in the country, it’s time to introduce five major players and two extra options that broaden the list. Each one offers clear strengths and specific differentiators, as well as drawbacks that you should consider when you choose where to shop.
1- Walmart
When you talk about supermarkets in the United States, you inevitably talk about Walmart, the undisputed retail giant. Its stores appear across almost the entire country: From huge cities like New York or Los Angeles to small Midwestern towns where it often provides the only large-format option.
The shopping experience at Walmart feels massive: You walk along endless aisles and see shelves packed with fresh food, clothes, toys, electronics, and gardening items. Many people go there not only for the weekly shop, but also to solve almost any household need.
One key point relates to Walmart’s prices, which usually stay very competitive and often beat Kroger or Safeway. For example, a gallon of milk costs around €3.15 ($3.50), sliced sandwich bread starts at about €1.80 ($2.00), and a dozen eggs sits close to €2.70 ($3.00). Its own brands also stand out, because they offer cheaper alternatives compared with famous national brands.
Walmart’s huge advantage comes from its coverage: You almost always have a store nearby, and many branches open 24 hours, something unthinkable in several other countries. However, the store size can feel overwhelming: Shopping there often takes a long time and the quality of fresh items like meat and fruit doesn’t always match that of more specialised supermarkets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Presence across the country, including small towns | Fresh produce quality doesn’t always reach the best level |
| Low, competitive prices on essentials | Stores feel very large and sometimes overwhelming |
| Huge variety: From food to clothes and electronics | Fewer gourmet or premium options |
| Many branches open 24 hours | More impersonal experience than in local chains |
Pros and cons of Walmart supermarkets in the United States
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2- Costco
Costco is the most famous membership supermarket in the United States and a real institution for bulk buyers. It works with an annual subscription that gives access to very competitive prices, especially on pantry products and everyday household items.
Its warehouses usually sit in suburban areas and cities such as Houston, Seattle, Las Vegas, or Atlanta. The spaces feel enormous and include fresh and frozen food, clothes, furniture, televisions, and electronics.
What really sets Costco apart is its focus on bulk shopping: Almost everything comes in large formats, which suits big families or anyone who prefers one big monthly shop. For example, a pack of 24 water bottles costs around €3.60 ($4.00), a large cereal box sits near €6.75 ($7.50), and family trays of fresh chicken start at about €18.00 ($20.00). In addition, its own brand, Kirkland Signature, built a reputation for quality at lower prices than many big brands.
The shopping experience at Costco feels unique: Many customers not only fill their trolleys, but also enjoy the popular food courts. You see iconic menus there, such as the hot dog with a drink for about €1.35 ($1.50). The downside appears when you live alone or in a small flat, because the huge formats often feel excessive. Moreover, as most warehouses sit on the outskirts, you normally need a car.
A tip: If you study or work as a digital nomad, you can organise a shared shop with flatmates or coliving partners. You buy in bulk and you split the bill.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Very competitive prices on bulk purchases | Annual membership required for access |
| Ideal for families and large shops | Large formats feel impractical for one person |
| Huge variety: From food to furniture and electronics | Warehouses usually sit in suburban areas, you need a car |
| High quality Kirkland own brand | Shopping experience feels less convenient for small top-up trips |
Advantages and disadvantages of Costco
3- Supermarkets in the United States: Kroger
Kroger ranks among the largest and most traditional supermarket chains in the United States, with a strong presence in Midwestern and Southern states like Ohio, Michigan, Georgia, and Texas. For many American families, Kroger means the classic weekly shop: Medium to large stores with good fresh sections, national and international brands, and a wide range of services.
In the aisles, you find fruit, vegetables, and meat alongside bakery products, deli counters, and international sections. Kroger also stands out thanks to own brands like Simple Truth, which offers natural and organic products at lower prices than premium brands. In terms of pricing, Kroger usually sits in the mid range: A gallon of milk costs around €3.42 ($3.80), a loaf of bread stays close to €2.25 ($2.50), and a kilo of apples sits near €3.60 ($4.00).
Many customers appreciate Kroger because it combines good quality fresh produce with frequent promotions on pantry items. Moreover, several stores include pharmacies, petrol stations, and click-and-collect services for online orders, so the space becomes a multifunctional hub.
The downside comes with pricing: You often pay more than in Walmart or Aldi, and the experience changes from one branch to another. Urban stores usually feel more modern, while small-town shops sometimes look a bit more basic.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong presence in the Midwest and Southern United States. | Higher prices than Walmart or Aldi |
| Good quality fresh produce and bakery | Experience varies a lot between branches |
| Own brands like Simple Truth with accessible organic products | Fewer premium choices than Whole Foods |
| Extra services: Pharmacy, petrol station, and online shopping | Doesn’t always work well for very tight budgets |
Advantages and disadvantages of shopping at Kroger
4- Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market acts as the premium supermarket chain par excellence in the United States and many shoppers see it as the reference for organic, natural, and high quality products. You find stores in almost every major city, such as New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Austin. Whole Foods offers a very polished shopping experience, with wide aisles, gourmet corners, and a big range of organic, vegan, and gluten-free options.
Prices sit significantly higher than at Walmart or Kroger, although quality usually justifies the difference. A gallon of organic milk costs around €5.40 ($6.00), a dozen free-range eggs sits near €4.95 ($5.50), and an artisan loaf of bread starts at about €3.60 ($4.00).
The fruit and vegetable displays, fish counters, and deli sections include products that you rarely find in cheaper chains. Since Amazon acquired the company, Whole Foods expanded its reach and now lets you place online orders with fast home delivery in many cities.
The main drawback lies in the prices: It doesn’t usually work for very limited budgets or for a huge monthly shop. However, for people who prioritise healthy eating and exclusive products, Whole Foods feels unbeatable.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong presence in major cities | Higher prices than the national average |
| Specialists in organic, bio, and gourmet products | Not ideal for low budget weekly shops |
| Online shopping available through Amazon | Limited presence in rural or very suburban areas |
| Wide range of vegan and gluten-free choices |
Advantages and disadvantages of Whole Foods Market
5- Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s stands out as one of the most distinctive supermarkets in the United States and it built a loyal community thanks to its unique concept. Unlike Walmart or Kroger, it doesn’t try to act as a huge hypermarket with everything. Instead, it offers a smaller, relaxed space with a carefully curated catalogue.
Its stores appear very often in California, New York, and university cities such as Boulder or Ann Arbor. Therefore, it attracts many young people, urban professionals, and small families.
Trader Joe’s really stands out for its exclusive products, many under its own brand. You’ll find original ready meals, healthy snacks, good value wines, and international items that rarely appear in other chains. For example, a bottle of the famous ‘Two-Buck Chuck’ (Charles Shaw wine) costs around €3.15 ($3.50), a box of own-brand cereal sits near €2.69 ($2.99), and frozen ready meals usually start at about €3.60 ($4.00).
Prices generally feel more accessible than at Whole Foods and some essentials even compete with Kroger. However, the main drawback lies in the limited range: You don’t choose between 20 milk or detergent brands; instead, you get two or three options selected by the chain. Moreover, the shops often feel small and very crowded, so the experience can become chaotic during peak hours.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exclusive, high quality products under own brand | Smaller range than Kroger or Walmart |
| More accessible prices compared with Whole Foods | Small, busy stores, especially at peak times |
| Very popular in major and university cities | No presence in several states |
| Unique atmosphere, different from traditional supermarkets |
Advantages and disadvantages of Whole Foods
Supermarkets in the United States: Other Popular Options
Besides the big national chains, you’ll also find strong regional supermarkets that matter if you move to specific parts of the country.
Publix, for example, counts as a true institution in the Southeastern United States, especially in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina. Locals value its customer service, cleanliness, and fresh product quality. Publix combines moderate prices with a more polished environment than Walmart. The bakery and deli sections enjoy great popularity among regular shoppers. The main drawback comes from its geographic limit: Publix focuses on the Southeast, so you won’t find it in other regions.
Safeway, on the other hand, dominates the West Coast and the Washington D.C. area. The chain spreads across California, Arizona, and Colorado, with medium-sized supermarkets and a solid range of fresh products and national brands. Prices sit slightly higher than Kroger’s, although Safeway often runs promotions. Its greatest strength lies in West Coast coverage; the drawback is the lack of price competitiveness against Walmart or Costco.
What Other Notable Shops Exist in the United States?
Besides large supermarkets, the United States offers many other shops that form part of everyday life and that you should know if you plan to move there. Some of them act as alternatives to traditional supermarkets, while others complement them very well. Let’s look at several options:
1- Target
Target goes far beyond a simple supermarket: It’s a large department store that sells everything from food and clothes to furniture, electronics, and home décor items. You’ll find branches in most big cities and suburbs, and the stores usually feel huge and well organised.
Its big strength lies in variety and the possibility of solving many needs in one visit. However, food prices don’t always compete with Walmart, and fresh produce quality usually doesn’t beat specialised chains.
3- Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club, owned by Walmart, follows the same membership model as Costco. Its warehouses extend across the country, with strong presence in Southern and Midwestern states. As with Costco, you get low prices on bulk purchases, although the overall range feels slightly more limited.
The advantage comes from cheaper memberships, although the shopping experience doesn’t enjoy the same reputation as its main competitor.
3- 7-Eleven
7-Eleven ranks as the most popular convenience store chain in the United States. You see branches in almost every big city and many suburbs. The shops open 24 hours and work perfectly for emergencies or very quick purchases: Drinks, snacks, basic pantry products, and even hot takeaway meals.
However, convenience always comes at a price: Products usually cost more than in a supermarket and the range stays quite limited. Even so, if you live in an urban area, you’ll probably have a 7-Eleven very close.
4- Old Navy: A Shop for Buying Clothes in the United States
Old Navy counts as one of the most accessible and widespread fashion chains in the United States. It belongs to the same group as Gap and Banana Republic, but with a much more budget-friendly focus. You’ll find shops in almost every state, from large shopping centres in New York and Los Angeles to smaller Midwestern suburbs.
At Old Navy, you can often buy jeans from about €22.50 ($25.00) and basic T-shirts for under €9.00 ($10.00). You also find seasonal clothes for the whole family. Its main advantage comes from the mix of good prices, wide size ranges, and many styles. The downside is a more basic quality level than mid-range brands, so many items suit everyday use rather than long-term wear.
Final Tips for Shopping in Supermarkets in the United States
Navigating supermarkets in the United States can feel overwhelming at first, especially if you come from a country with smaller shops. Everything feels big there: Trolleys, aisles, packaging, and even promotions. Therefore, a smart idea is to plan your shopping according to each type of store.
If you live alone or as a couple, chains like Trader Joe’s or Kroger usually feel more practical because they don’t force you to buy huge quantities. However, if you belong to a large family, Costco or Sam’s Club can help you save money with bulk purchases.
Opening hours also play an important role. Many supermarkets like Walmart open 24 hours, while premium chains such as Whole Foods normally close between 21:00 and 22:00. You can use these differences to make everyday life easier.
Loyalty cards and mobile apps also deserve attention: Kroger, Safeway, and Publix offer personalised discounts that accumulate with each purchase. Finally, remember that in cities like New York or San Francisco, plastic bags carry an extra charge. Therefore, bringing your own reusable bags helps you save money and also supports a more sustainable habit.
Supermarkets in the United States: Frequently Asked Questions
Generally speaking, Walmart and Aldi usually offer the lowest prices. At Walmart, you can buy a gallon of milk for about €3.15 ($3.50), bread from around €1.80 ($2.00), and seasonal fruit at very competitive prices. Aldi, mainly present in the Midwest and along the East Coast, focuses on own brands and often beats Walmart on some essentials, although with a smaller range.
Most large chains offer this service. Walmart, Kroger, and Whole Foods, through Amazon, let you place online orders with home delivery or click-and-collect. Costco also sells online, although many products still require membership. In big cities, you can also turn to apps like Instacart, which connects several supermarkets and delivers within a few hours.
If you want to solve several needs in one trip, Walmart and Target work very well. They sell basic clothes at accessible prices alongside food and household goods. For more fashion variety, Old Navy stands out as the most popular choice and you’ll find it in most states.
Both chains work with a membership model and offer low prices on bulk shopping. Costco usually enjoys a stronger reputation for product quality and its own brand, Kirkland, while Sam’s Club often offers cheaper memberships and strong presence in Southern states. Your choice depends on where you live and how large your typical monthly shop looks.
In several states and cities, such as New York, California, and Oregon, plastic bags carry an extra fee, so people usually bring reusable bags. In addition, supermarkets like Costco and Sam’s Club often provide cardboard boxes to help you carry your shopping.
