Shoppers named Hy-Vee the best chain in the country. See the list.

[cigaretteman]

Iowa is home to the No. 1 grocery store in America according to shoppers.

Hy-Vee was voted the best grocery store in the country in USA TODAY 10Best Readers' Choice Awards, beating out Aldi and Trader Joe's. Hy-Vee moved up a spot in the rankings after finishing second in 2023.

The first Hy-Vee opened in Beaconsfield, Iowa in 1930. Now the company has more than 570 stores across nine Midwestern states with sales of more than $13 billion each year, according to the company.

Hy-Vee is also Iowa's largest employer, hiring around 88,000 people, according to Statista.


USA TODAY 10Best uses a panel of experts to determine finalists in each category and turns to readers to vote and make the final selections.

What areas does Hy-Vee rank better than other grocery stores?​

In addition to winning best overall grocery store, Hy-Vee placed in two specific categories from USA TODAY 10Best.

Hy-Vee was voted as the grocery store with the best produce by shoppers. The West Des Moines-based grocery chain just missed ranking first in best-prepared foods, coming in second to The Fresh Market.

Shoppers named this Iowa-based grocery store the best chain in the country. See the list.

An Iowa-based grocery store secured the top spot on USA TODAY 10Best's annual ranking, but several chains with locations in Iowa ranked highly.

www.press-citizen.com

 

[DooBi]

Noice!

 

[OrlandNole]

They're building a store near me. I'll have to check it out to see what the hype is all about.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

They're building a store near me. I'll have to check it out to see what the hype is all about.

Where is this store going to be located?

My preference for Iowa is Fareway with great meat and produce at lower prices.

 

[OrlandNole]

Where is this store going to be located?

My preference for Iowa is Fareway with great meat and produce at lower prices.

A new mixed use development about 45 minutes south of Nashville.

https://www.tennessean.com/story/mo...ring-hill-tennessee-set-open-2023/7172473001/

 

[QChawks]

barf

I cannot stand HV anymore, their prices are terrible and their quality has fallen the last few years

Aldi and Fareway are my preference

 

[StormHawk42]

barf

I cannot stand HV anymore, their prices are terrible and their quality has fallen the last few years

Aldi and Fareway are my preference

+1

HyVee sucks and is crazy expensive. They do have a damn good and affordable hibachi at mine though. $10 for fresh made to order stir fry. Not exactly groceries though.

 

[NDallasRuss]

Seems like a weird vote. If most all grocery chains are regional, how can they know if this chain has better produce than other chains that they've likely never been to?

 

[Tenacious E]

barf

I cannot stand HV anymore, their prices are terrible and their quality has fallen the last few years

Aldi and Fareway are my preference

I've tried I just can't do Aldi and Fareway. I get 90% of my stuff from Costco/Sam's, and fill in the gaps at HyVee, as they have tremendous selection. It is too expensive but they have what I want and I know where to find it, and I can get in and out in no time.

 

[onlyTheObvious]

Their prices are insane. Seems like even their store branded merchandise is too high.

We are ALDIs, Costco, and Walmart (last resort)

 

[StormHawk42]

. It is too expensive but they have what I want and I know where to find it, and I can get in and out in no time.

Lucky you. The Waukee one is one giant traffic jam from the parking lot to the checkout.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Seems like a weird vote. If most all grocery chains are regional, how can they know if this chain has better produce than other chains that they've likely never been to?

In living in the SE and traveling across the country on vacations using grocery stores, I’d say Hy Vee has better selections and much cleaner compared to Pubix’s, Kroger, Winn Dixie, etc.

 

[Tenacious E]

Lucky you. The Waukee one is one giant traffic jam from the parking lot to the checkout.

We have two in Ankeny and I go to the older junkier one which I assume is less busy. For me, limit my trip to a handheld basket for a surgical strike and the self-checkout.

 

[OrlandNole]

OP's mom is a fan of Aldi's.*






* All deez nuts on her chin!

 

[Tenacious E]

In living in the SE and traveling across the country on vacations using grocery stores, I’d say Hy Vee has better selections and much cleaner compared to Pubix’s, Kroger, Winn Dixie, etc.

In my travels, I would say Publix and HyVee are basically the same thing.

 

[NDallasRuss]

In living in the SE and traveling across the country on vacations using grocery stores, I’d say Hy Vee has better selections and much cleaner compared to Pubix’s, Kroger, Winn Dixie, etc.

See, there you go! That's what I like! I've never seen a Hy-Vee before. I've been to a Winn Dixie (worked at one in high school), and it's not hard to imagine other chains beating it in a vote. I've been to Publix - I'm certain they'd win a vote for best grocery story sandwiches!

Now that I'm back in Texas, we have HEB and Central Market. I do wonder how either of those would compare to a Hy-Vee? I know they're better than Albertsons, which is better than Kroger, which is better than Winn Dixie, which is better than the dollar store.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

Hey Vee sux, but it is pretty good for Iowa. Tallest midget kinda deal.

The best grocery store chain is called HEB, and their high end branded ‘Central Market’ is the greatest grocery store ever created. It is a perfect blend of value and premium products; everything Whole Foods tried to be back in the day and more, but executed to perfection by virtue of its micro scale.

 

[LuciousBDragon]

I’m all for chains like Hy-Vee growing in scale because that is one more step in the right direction to keep Kroger from taking over the country.

Kroger is the lowest common denominator of grocers. If 1960’s East Germany built grocery stores in America it would be Kroger. Kroger is the Amanda Seyfried of grocers (popular but not that attractive and low energy). Kroger employees are the spawn of accountants and risk analysts who have 2 minutes of missionary secks after a night out at California Pizza Kitchen. Kroger’s mission statement is for all Americans to make school hot-lunch quality meals at a price-point shareholders can be proud of.

 

[St. Louis Hawk]

See, there you go! That's what I like! I've never seen a Hy-Vee before. I've been to a Winn Dixie (worked at one in high school), and it's not hard to imagine other chains beating it in a vote. I've been to Publix - I'm certain they'd win a vote for best grocery story sandwiches!

Now that I'm back in Texas, we have HEB and Central Market. I do wonder how either of those would compare to a Hy-Vee? I know they're better than Albertsons, which is better than Kroger, which is better than Winn Dixie, which is better than the dollar store.

I have family in the Georgetown TX area. Went shopping at HEB around the holidays. Packed, but very good store.

 

[Tenacious E]

See, there you go! That's what I like! I've never seen a Hy-Vee before. I've been to a Winn Dixie (worked at one in high school), and it's not hard to imagine other chains beating it in a vote. I've been to Publix - I'm certain they'd win a vote for best grocery story sandwiches!

Now that I'm back in Texas, we have HEB and Central Market. I do wonder how either of those would compare to a Hy-Vee? I know they're better than Albertsons, which is better than Kroger, which is better than Winn Dixie, which is better than the dollar store.

I would be curious as well. From what I read, HEB is supposed to be the best "normal" (i.e., not like Whole Foods) grocery store, but I have never been in one.

 

[Dr. Phil Seuss]

I’m all for chains like Hy-Vee growing in scale because that is one more step in the right direction to keep Kroger from taking over the country.

Kroger is the lowest common denominator of grocers. If 1960’s East Germany built grocery stores in America it would be Kroger. Kroger is the Amanda Seyfried of grocers (popular but not that attractive and low energy). Kroger employees are the spawn of accountants and risk analysts who have 2 minutes of missionary secks after a night out at California Pizza Kitchen. Kroger’s mission statement is for all Americans to make school hot-lunch quality meals at a price-point shareholders can be proud of.

Kroger Signature is fantastic for produce and non perishables. Often massive cheese departments too. There are usually a few prime cuts of meat for good prices.

Their delis and bakery are terrible.

 

[OutbackBowl2017]

Hey Vee sux, but it is pretty good for Iowa. Tallest midget kinda deal.

The best grocery store chain is called HEB, and their high end branded ‘Central Market’ is the greatest grocery store ever created. It is a perfect blend of value and premium products; everything Whole Foods tried to be back in the day and more, but executed to perfection by virtue of its micro scale.

The best grocery store I’ve ever experienced was Ukrop’s in Richmond, VA as it was a family owned chain that had the best deli and bakery I’ve ever experienced out of all the chains out there. They eventually sold to Kroger and immediately went to crap. Ugh.

Will say, we liked Harris Teeter when we vacation in North Carolina too. Very similar to Hy Vee, possibly even better with higher prices. Shop there and Public’s when in OBX.

 

[St. Louis Hawk]

I’m all for chains like Hy-Vee growing in scale because that is one more step in the right direction to keep Kroger from taking over the country.

Kroger is the lowest common denominator of grocers. If 1960’s East Germany built grocery stores in America it would be Kroger. Kroger is the Amanda Seyfried of grocers (popular but not that attractive and low energy). Kroger employees are the spawn of accountants and risk analysts who have 2 minutes of missionary secks after a night out at California Pizza Kitchen. Kroger’s mission statement is for all Americans to make school hot-lunch quality meals at a price-point shareholders can be proud of.

How do you really feel about Kroger?

 

[Tenacious E]

The best grocery store I’ve ever experienced was Ukrop’s in Richmond, VA as it was a family owned chain that had the best deli and bakery I’ve ever experienced out of all the chains out there. They eventually sold to Kroger and immediately went to crap. Ugh.

Will say, we liked Harris Teeter when we vacation in North Carolina too. Very similar to Hy Vee, possibly even better with higher prices. Shop there and Public’s when in OBX.

Harris Teeter is right in that same vein as HyVee and Publix, in my opinion. When in NC, Fresh Market was interesting to visit. It's like Whole Foods with some pretty good pre-made things you can put on the grill and such.

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

I've tried I just can't do Aldi and Fareway. I get 90% of my stuff from Costco/Sam's, and fill in the gaps at HyVee, as they have tremendous selection. It is too expensive but they have what I want and I know where to find it, and I can get in and out in no time.

Not sure the aldi complaint. They are pretty good. Would rather shop Trader Joe.

 

[IIowaFarmBoy]

Costco, Sams, Trader Joe, Aldi and a local food coop ...and my big garden

 

[cigaretteman]

1. Hy-Vee
2. The Fresh Market
3. Heinen's Grocery Store
4. Stew Leonard's
5. Gelson's Markets
6. ALDI
7. Publix Super Markets
8. Trader Joe's
9. Wegmans Food Markets
10. Fresh Thyme Market

 

[BubsFinn]

HEB > HyVee > Publix

 

[RicoSuave102954]

My bitch about Hy-Vee besides the high prices is they contribute heavily to the plastic pollution problem in Iowa. They should be forced by the buying public to switch back to paper sacks instead of plastic bags.

 

[McLovin32]

Hy Vee can suck a fat one. Their prices are absolutely absurd.

A few months ago I went in there and back in the seafood section they had a repackaged fillet of salmon that they smoked. It was just over 1 pound in weight, and they had it marked at $61. So they cooked it, repackaged it, and marked it up that much. At that point, the salmon is leftovers. It's not a take n bake type thing...its been cooked and it's been sitting in a refrigerator for lord knows how long basically. Just so stupid/rant

 

[95Hawk]

A new mixed use development about 45 minutes south of Nashville.

https://www.tennessean.com/story/mo...ring-hill-tennessee-set-open-2023/7172473001/

I am in Franklin but am not going to drive 15 minutes to experience this store. No matter how many times Caitlin Clark tells me.

 

[bhawk24bob]

I think all of the big ones suck with the exception of whole foods and sprouts, and we buy everything that we can at farmers markets for 8 months a year. We get fish overnighted from Florida and Maine and wheat from Pennsylvania

 

[OrlandNole]

I am in Franklin but am not going to drive 15 minutes to experience this store. No matter how many times Caitlin Clark tells me.

In your opinion, what's better, Publix or Hy-Vee.

 

[Tenacious E]

Hy Vee can suck a fat one. Their prices are absolutely absurd.

A few months ago I went in there and back in the seafood section they had a repackaged fillet of salmon that they smoked. It was just over 1 pound in weight, and they had it marked at $61. So they cooked it, repackaged it, and marked it up that much. At that point, the salmon is leftovers. It's not a take n bake type thing...its been cooked and it's been sitting in a refrigerator for lord knows how long basically. Just so stupid/rant

Dayum, that is nuts. The worst I've personally seen is them selling a jar of Rao's marinara for almost $11, when you get at 2-pack of literally the same jar at costco or Sam's for the same price. So it is a 100% markup over other retailers. You get a cart full of stuff marked up 25% to 100%, and it is outrageous. Add to this all of the aisles clogged with workers with carts picking online orders, and it is like why would I do major shopping there? That's why I stick to a basket I can carry and weave through the obstacles and people to quickly get what I need.

 

[95Hawk]

In your opinion, what's better, Publix or Hy-Vee.

I haven’t spent a lot of time in Publix - largely because their pricing is insane. If the Hy-Vee is set up right, I feel like HV does a better job with prepared food options - aside from a Pub Sub.

Both retailers have high prices and I won’t spend a lot of time (or $) in either.

 

[StormHawk42]

Despite what I just said about HyVee sucking and it’s true, this thread has also reminded me that they’re at least clean. One thing the Midwest does have that the rest of the country lacks are clean and quality gas stations and clean grocery stores.

They’re definitely a step up here. Especially vs the south.

 

[OrlandNole]

I haven’t spent a lot of time in Publix - largely because their pricing is insane. If the Hy-Vee is set up right, I feel like HV does a better job with prepared food options - aside from a Pub Sub.

Both retailers have high prices and I won’t spend a lot of time (or $) in either.

Where do you shop? There's a Kroger in my neighborhood (Westhaven), but I still go to Publix.

 

[Tenacious E]

Despite what I just said about HyVee sucking and it’s true, this thread has also reminded me that they’re at least clean. One thing the Midwest does have that the rest of the country lacks are clean and quality gas stations and clean grocery stores.

They’re definitely a step up here. Especially vs the south.

And on a loose tangent, one thing Iowa does better than other states I have been is rest areas on the interstates. The are mostly modern, clean, and quite pleasant.

 

[Tom Paris]

I’m all for chains like Hy-Vee growing in scale because that is one more step in the right direction to keep Kroger from taking over the country.

Kroger is the lowest common denominator of grocers. If 1960’s East Germany built grocery stores in America it would be Kroger. Kroger is the Amanda Seyfried of grocers (popular but not that attractive and low energy). Kroger employees are the spawn of accountants and risk analysts who have 2 minutes of missionary secks after a night out at California Pizza Kitchen. Kroger’s mission statement is for all Americans to make school hot-lunch quality meals at a price-point shareholders can be proud of.

Her face may not be for everyone but her body is a hard 10.

 

[DooBi]

HyVee and Fareway have literally the same prices. If you buy a random cart of groceries they will be the same or very close. HyVee has done it several times over the years as a promotion to prove they are the same.

Fareway does have much better meat though. That's what I go in there for. HyVee also has great ads so if you stock up you can save a lot of money. Plus fuel saver is a big bonus.

No one is competing with Walmart or Sam's on price.