The Most Popular Grocery Store in America Was Just Revealed—And It's Definitely Not What You Think

Choosing the perfect grocery store can feel a bit like going on a dating show. You’ve got the flashy, expensive one that only carries bespoke goods and has catered to more than a few celebrities (looking at you, Erewhon). There are the reliable and always consistent ones like Walmart or Kroger that make grocery shopping a cinch, even if you do end up leaving with more than you bargained for. Aldi, Trader Joe’s, Harris Teeter, H.E.B—the list could go on. But with all those promising prospects, which one is actually our perfect match?

Although the answer might seem simple enough depending on your personal grocery shopping preferences (it’s obviously Trader Joe’s, right?!), you might be surprised to find out that the number one grocery store in America isn’t exactly what you think. In fact, you might not even consider the winner a grocery store at all.

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Sure, you can grab a few pantry staples and toiletries here and there, but when we’re on the hunt for the final ingredients for that viral taco ring recipe, we’re looking for more substance (and cilantro) than a passing flight of fancy. Who knew the grocery store dating scene would be so contentious?

So, what mystery grocery destination has captured our hearts? According to a survey conducted by market analytics firm YouGov, it's none other than the ultimate road trip one-stop shop, 7-Eleven. That’s right folks, the fan-favorite gas station landed the top spot in YouGov’s market survey of over 1,200 people during Q4 (October, November and December) of 2024.

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When it comes to the numbers, the retail chain scored a whopping 97-percent on the fame scale, which is hard to argue with considering Beyoncé made an entire song that repeatedly uses the famous convenience store’s iconic moniker. Additionally, the survey measured the brand’s popularity which clocked in at a healthy 65-percent.

Trader Joe’s came in second on the charts by a razor thin margin scoring a 94-percent in the fame category and a hefty 64-percent in popularity. Other honorable mentions include Whole Foods in third and Aldi in fourth, with Kroger rounding out the top five.

Surprisingly, Walmart, Costco and Sam’s Club didn’t make the cut despite their sizable fan bases and their litany of historical contributions to the entire grocery landscape as we know it today. At the end of the day, beauty is in the eye of the beholder—and apparently, so is your favorite grocery store.

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