In healthy-eating heaven, grocery stores would get you as psyched about fruits and veggies as the latest flavor of Ben & Jerry’s. I mean, let’s be real, where you shop matters when you’re trying to focus on good-for-you food.
“Walking into a supermarket with beautiful, fresh, vibrantly colored produce is the most inspiring way to encourage healthy eating and increased consumption of fruits and veggies,” says New York-based culinary nutrition expert and author of 52-Week Meal Planner, Jessica Levinson, RDN, CDN.
That’s why Levinson looks for stores that offer a wide variety of fresh produce (including local and seasonal options), fresh meat and fish departments, a variety of whole grains, a robust dairy aisle, and a frozen food section stocked with frozen fruit and vegetables, better-for-you frozen meals, whole-grain waffles, and veggie burgers.
Other surefire signs that a grocery store gives a hoot about keeping you healthy: designated areas for healthy or organic food products, labels that make products’ nutritional value clear, and even in-store dietitians, Levinson says.
The following 10 grocery stores really go the extra mile in helping you be your healthiest self.
1
Trader Joe's
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Nearly 500 stores in 41 states
“Trader Joe’s in one of my go-to healthy grocery stops,” says dietitian Jess Cording, RD, author of the upcoming book, The Little Book Of Game Changers.
“Cost is one of the main barriers to buying and preparing healthy food, and, as an RD, I love that they have great prices on fresh and frozen produce. It makes a big difference when you want to purchase organic on a budget,” she says.
Cording heads to TJ’s to stock up on produce and healthy staples like wild sardines, chia seeds, apple cider vinegar, and organic whole-milk Greek yogurt.
Levinson also loves TJ’s for their variety of convenient produce, like bags of shredded Brussels sprouts and cauliflower rice, which makes cooking healthy quicker and easier. Plus, “the frozen food aisle at Trader Joe's is also a great place to find hidden treasures like sweet potato fries and cauliflower crust pizza,” she says.
Another perk of Trader Joe’s: It’s currently upping its commitment to sustainability. “I was pleasantly surprised to learn that they've made big changes to remove over 4 million pounds of plastic from their stores per year,” says dietitian Brynn McDowell, RDN.
2
Sprouts
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300+ stores in 19 states
If you like the feeling of shopping at a farmers market, head to Sprouts. The company’s goal: to offer fresh, local product at a good price.
“Their produce section is often the largest part of the store, and I think that's a great way to encourage people to build their meals around fresh fruits and vegetables,” says McDowell. “Plus, their weekly ads always showcase great deals on seasonal produce and their prices are often the best around.”
Dietitian Lindsey Janeiro, RDN, LDN, meanwhile, likes how easy Sprouts makes shopping with food allergies or dietary restrictions, especially because they carry everything from healthy basics to specialty and local brands.
Plus, “with their Food Rescue program, Sprouts works to eliminate food waste and donate produce to places like food banks,” she says.
3
Whole Foods
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500+ stores across the US and UK
Whole Foods has built its reputation around being the healthy grocery store. After all, all products sold in Whole Foods stores must pass the company’s rigorous quality standards, you won’t find ingredients like hydrogenated oils, high-fructose corn syrup, or artificial colors and flavors within their walls.
Whole Foods is also great for grab-and-go food. “They have a variety of fresh, ready-to-eat options with their hot and salad bars. For single women on-the-go or working moms with busy schedules, having healthy, quick, nutrient-rich options is essential for staying well-fueled,” says dietitian Amy Goodson, RD.
4
Raley's
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128 stores in Northern California and Nevada
“In the past few years, I have seen Raley's make a big shift towards wellness, education, and sharing health information with their customers,” says McDowell. One example: regular newsletters that showcase seasonal produce, healthy recipes, and other helpful info.
Look out for Raley’s Shelf Guide Tags, too. “These tags let a shopper know when a product is lower in sugar than some of the other brand choices surrounding it,” says McDowell. Icons on shelf tags also indicate when products are vegan, plant-based, heart-healthy, gluten-free, or whole-grain. A huge help to consumers trying to navigate all the choices available in large chain stores today!
And, good to know if you’re shopping with your kids: Raley’s hands out free fruit to little ones, instead of the cookies or sweets other grocery stores offer.
5
Aldi
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Nearly 2,000 stores in 36 states
Janeiro always finds great quality produce at a good price at Aldi. “I also enjoy shopping their exclusive brands like Simply Nature, LiveGFree (for gluten-free options), and their Little Journey line for my kids,” she says.
Aldi has also focused on improving how and where they source their products. “They work to be transparent about sustainability and sourcing, and even employ a dietitian in their supply chain to manage this,” says dietitian Cara Harbstreet, RD, LD, of Street Smart Nutrition.
The one downside? Many of their fresh produce items are individually packaged or bagged, which means more plastic waste, she says.
6
H-E-B
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400 stores in Texas and Mexico
If you live in Texas, stock up at H-E-B. “H-E-B tells a story about their product. They like consumers to know where their food came from and support the farmers they source their food from,” says Goodson.
Not only does H-E-B offer high-quality food at very affordable prices, but they also offer healthy on-the-go options called Meal Simple. “The meals contain protein and vegetables, or protein, vegetables, and a carb,” says Goodson. “They’re all affordably priced, nutrient-rich, and convenient.”
Another perk? H-E-B also offers their customers nutrition counseling services with registered dietitians.
7
Costco
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527 stores in the U.S. and Puerto Rico
For those working to feed a crowd and keep it healthy, nothing beats Costco. “Costco has a wide selection of fresh and frozen produce, as well as dairy, proteins, and prepared foods,” says Harbstreet.
Another nice-to-have: “Costco occasionally features items such as microwavable, pre-seasoned rice packets, grab-and-go lunches, and canned foods that can make prepping meals at home easier,” Harbstreet says.
Just be wary of buying too much in bulk. “Be mindful about how much you and your family realistically use so you don’t contribute to food waste,” she says.
8
HyVee
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240+ stores in the Midwest
Midwest-based retailer HyVee works with local farmers and sources fresh fruits and vegetables from within 200 miles of their stores. (Look for the ‘HyVee Homegrown’ logo!)
Another unique feature: The seafood sold in HyVee stores is harvested or raised in a manner that minimizes environmental damage and promotes sustainability, thanks to the company’s seafood procurement policy.
Most stores have a registered dietitian in-house, too! “You can attend a cooking class, taste a demo of a new recipe, go on a store tour, or receive nutrition counseling and coaching,” says Harbstreet. “It’s great for anyone interested in making healthier choices or learning new skills.”
9
Kroger
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2,100+ stores in 35 states
You might not expect huge supermarket chains to top the list of healthy grocery stores, but Cording is a fan of Kroger’s.
“Aside from offering a wide variety of healthy produce, pantry staples, and products suitable for various dietary needs (gluten-free, non-dairy, vegetarian, etc), they also partner with dietitians and other healthcare providers,” she says. Select stores contain ‘The Little Clinic,’ which provides health and wellness education to shoppers and the community.
Oh, and another minor detail: The company has set the goal of rolling out zero-waste processes by 2020 and eliminating all of their food waste by 2025.
10
Shop Rite
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Approximately 300 stores in the Northeast
“ShopRite is high on my list for a mainstream supermarket that also carries many new, on-trend, and healthy products,” says Levinson. Yep, you’ll find store-brand tomato sauce and that cool new chickpea pasta in the same aisle.
“They also highlight local produce and have great prices for in-season produce,” she adds.
In fact, in the summer of 2019, Shop Rite expanded partnerships with local farmers and emphasized their in-store dietitians to provide customers with healthy recipes, cooking demonstrations, and education.
Christine YuChristine Yu is a freelance writer, yoga teacher, and avid runner who regularly covers health, fitness, nutrition, and wellness for outlets like Well + Good, Women’s Health, Runner’s World, and Outside.
FAQs
Is Trader Joe's healthier than other grocery stores? ›
Because Trader Joe's offers a wide selection of healthy items it's easy to assume that it's a health food store. It's not. They do a great job of offering a wide variety of food, from healthy, minimally processed choices to super-processed junk food.
What is the cleanest grocery store? ›The six grocers that got the highest marks included regional stores such as Central Market, Wegmans (which was recently voted America's favorite grocery store), Heinen's, Gelson's, Market Basket, and one of our favorite places, Trader Joe's.
What's so great about Trader Joe's? ›Key points. Trader Joe's is the place to go if you love food and trying new products (and saving money in the process). You can try any product for free and return things you don't like for a refund. The store locations have a fun atmosphere and there are no coupons to clip or membership cards to sign up for.
Is Trader Joe's cheaper than regular grocery store? ›Trader Joe's is definitely cheaper than the average grocery store, but you might have to wait in a longer checkout line to take advantage of them.
What is America's healthiest grocery store? ›- Central Market (Texas)
- Wegmans (Mid-Atlantic Region)
- Heinen's (Ohio and the Chicago)
- New Seasons Market (Oregon, Washington, and Northern California)
- Fresh Thyme Farmers Market (Midwest, Kentucky, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania)
- Natural Grocers (Colorado-based)
Trader Joe's is THE mecca for healthy, affordable food products, which is why dietitians (like me) love it. However, finding them while navigating the narrow aisles and sifting through millions of food products can be a bit overwhelming.
What is the number 1 grocery store in the world? ›Walmart is by far the largest and most well-known food retailer in the world, consuming over a fourth of the entire grocery industry's annual sales.
How do I pick a healthy grocery store? ›Choose the item with the lowest amounts of sodium, saturated fat and added sugars. You can also search for products bearing the Heart-Check mark; they're certified to meet our nutritional requirements for a heart-healthy food. Spend some time exploring the produce section.
What are Trader Joe's weaknesses? ›- Product recalls. Trader Joe's has had some product recalls in the past that hurt its brand image. ...
- Geographical limitation. Trader Joe's has heavily invested in the American market and has about 560 stores across U.S. states. ...
- Lack of deliveries. ...
- Discouraging customer reviews.
In 1979, Coulombe sold Trader Joe's to Theo Albrecht, a German grocery mogul, for a price he claims he can't remember. Since then, the company's day-to-day operations have been shrouded in secrecy. "They don't want to talk about who is supplying them," Kowitt said.
Is Aldi's owned by Trader Joe's? ›
They've both owned by the same people. According to Reader's Digest, Trader Joe's founder Joe Coulombe sold his business to Theo Albrecht in 1979, officially making the Albrecht family the proud owners of both prosperous markets.
Who is Trader Joe's biggest competitor? ›Trader Joe's competitors include Whole Foods Market, Fairway Market, Walmart, Meijer and NatureBox. Trader Joe's ranks 1st in Overall Culture Score on Comparably vs its competitors.
Is there a senior discount at Trader Joe's? ›Trader Joe's
The whimsical store offers a wide range of unique products. But that is not accompanied by a senior discount.
Almost all of their products are private label, which means 80% of what you buy will be labeled with “Trader Joe's.” While other grocery chains end up paying extra for brand-name products from mass-market suppliers, TJ's cuts out the middleman by buying foods directly from the source and doing all of the packaging ...
What is the number 1 healthiest food in the world and why? ›Lemons. Lemons have been widely regarded in the health industry as the world's healthiest food. The sour fruit is an alkalising powerfood; they have strong anti-inflammatory qualities and can even help to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.
What is the number 1 grocery store in America? ›According to Amy Shapiro MS, RD, and member of our Medical Expert Board, the healthiest fast-food restaurant you can visit is Chipotle Mexican Grill.
Is Trader Joe's middle class? ›Trader Joe's offers affordable options, but mostly to well-off neighborhoods. A recent study focused on Southern California found that the grocery chain had more locations “in regions of upper-middle class income as opposed to lower and upper-class incomes.”
What is the oldest grocery store chain? ›The first-ever shop approximating what we think of today as a grocery store was Memphis, Tennessee's Piggly Wiggly in 1916.
What is the oldest grocery store in the world? ›Piggly Wiggly was the first self-service grocery store. It was founded on September 6, 1916 (although it did not open until five days later due to delays in construction), at 79 Jefferson Avenue in Memphis, Tennessee, by Clarence Saunders.
What is America's largest grocery chain? ›
Kroger is the largest supermarket operator in the U.S., with 420,000 employees and more than 2,700 stores, including Ralphs, Harris Teeter, Fred Meyer, and King Soopers.
What is the dirtiest place in the house? ›According to the 2011 NSF International Household Germ Study, the kitchen is the dirtiest area in the entire home. A family of bacteria that includes salmonella and E. coli was found in more than 75% of dish sponges and rags.
What's the germiest thing in your house? ›- Kitchen rags, towels and sponges are notorious for bacterial contamination.
- The sink drain, sink and countertops are also frequently contaminated.
Your mouth is undoubtedly the dirtiest part of your body. It has the largest amount of bacteria because it comes into contact with so many different germs each day. In fact, Dutch researchers actually conducted a study about kissing.
Can I buy meat with my healthy food card? ›You may use your Healthy Food Card to buy fruit and vegetables, meats and seafood, dairy products, soups, healthy grains, pantry staples and more.
How can I shop healthy but cheap? ›- Avoid processed foods. ...
- Look at the unit price. ...
- Buy less meat. ...
- Buy produce that is in-season. ...
- Know the dirty dozen. ...
- Frozen and canned vegetables can cut down on waste. ...
- Unhealthy beverages can be a drain on your budget. ...
- Healthy foods are worth it.
- Beans. Whether you buy them canned or dried, all three dietitians say beans are an excellent, low-cost pantry staple — they're filling and loaded with protein and minerals, like iron and zinc. ...
- Whole grains. ...
- Oats. ...
- Frozen fruits and vegetables. ...
- Eggs. ...
- Potatoes. ...
- Canned tomatoes. ...
- Nuts.
Sometimes during your TJ's visit, you'll hear the bells ringing — either once, twice, or three times. The bells act as a "Trader Joe's Morse code," according to the store. There isn't a PA system in place, so the bell is the way the team members communicate with one another across the large space.
What makes Trader Joe's different from other stores? ›At Trader Joe's, you won't find a lot of branded items. Instead, you'll discover a store full of unique and interesting products, along with everyday basics, in the Trader Joe's label. Our buyers travel the world searching for products we think are exceptional and will find a following among our customers.
Why are Trader Joe's prices so good? ›Today, 80% of the products carried by Trader Joe's are store brands, a company spokesperson told Kiplinger. The grocer says the heavy emphasis on store brands helps keep costs low because it buys direct from suppliers whenever possible (no middleman markup) and then passes the savings on to its customers.
Does Trader Joe's source from China? ›
Phasing out unsustainable foods
In October 2007, amid customer concerns, Trader Joe's began to phase out foods imported from China, and from February to April 2008, Trader Joe's phased out single-ingredient products from China because of customer concerns.
Key points. The average Trader Joe's shopper spends $371 per year. Among Trader Joe's shoppers, the most common demographic is Caucasian women who are aged 41 to 57 and earn more than $80,000 per year. Most Trader Joe's shoppers buy 10 or fewer items per trip.
What does Trader Joe's do with unsold food? ›As a national chain of neighborhood grocery stores, we are proud to donate 100% of products that go unsold but remain fit to be enjoyed to local food recovery organizations, in addition to a wide-range of community-based non-profit partners, seven days a week.
Who is the parent company of Trader Joe's? › What grocery chain owns Trader Joe's? ›Trader Joe's, although it may be based in Southern California, is actually owned by Albrecht Discounts. The company was purchased back in 1979, long before it hit the cultural mainstream.
What is the busiest Trader Joe's in the US? ›Situated in Manhattan's Upper West Side, a mere two city blocks from Central Park, our 72nd & Broadway store is hands down the busiest Trader Joe's in the world.
What are some weaknesses of Trader Joe's? ›- Product recalls. Trader Joe's has had some product recalls in the past that hurt its brand image. ...
- Geographical limitation. Trader Joe's has heavily invested in the American market and has about 560 stores across U.S. states. ...
- Lack of deliveries. ...
- Discouraging customer reviews.
At Trader Joe's, you won't find a lot of branded items. Instead, you'll discover a store full of unique and interesting products, along with everyday basics, in the Trader Joe's label. Our buyers travel the world searching for products we think are exceptional and will find a following among our customers.
Why does Trader Joe's have stronger performance than their competitors? ›Their limited-selection, high-turnover model allows for a competitive advantage over their peers since they source and stock fewer SKUs, and keep most of their inventory on their shelves or in their distribution centers, strategies that decrease their costs and allow them to offer lower prices.
What's the difference between Trader Joes and Whole Foods? ›Trader Joe's is widely seen as a neighborhood store and has cultivated a fun-loving vibe that focuses on discounted natural foods. Whole Foods is the grocery industry's flagship organic foods store with a reputation for expensive, niche brands.
What is Trader Joe's threat? ›
Threats. Increase in labor costs: The increasing labor costs can hugely affect the profit margins. Also, there has been a steep rise in the cost of running a business in recent years. Substitute products: The wide availability of substitute products can hinder the demand for quality merchandise from Trader Joe's.
Is Trader Joe owned by Aldi? ›They've both owned by the same people. According to Reader's Digest, Trader Joe's founder Joe Coulombe sold his business to Theo Albrecht in 1979, officially making the Albrecht family the proud owners of both prosperous markets.
Why did Trader Joes discontinue popular? ›“If you don't have high volume or growing volume, the costs of producing and handling a slow-selling product are such that it doesn't make business sense,” Trader Joe's vice president of marketing Matt Sloan said in a company podcast earlier this year.
Are Trader Joe's employees trained to flirt with you? ›The answer? While cashiers aren't trained to flirt with customers, they are encouraged to be amicable. “They do remind you that part of Trader Joe's appeal is its famously friendly atmosphere and ask that you do what you can to maintain that,” Philip, a former Trader Joe's employee, told Glamour.
Does Trader Joe's treat their employees well? ›Employees receive a competitive benefits package covering health, dental and vision care. Employees pay only a small premium with Trader Joe's paying the rest. Employees also receive paid time off and there's also nothing like a good discount to keep your employees motivated.
Why are Trader Joe's employees happy? ›Start with engaged employees.
It's easy to tell that Trader Joe's employees love their jobs, and a large reason for that is because the company invests in employee experience. Trader Joe's pays its employees competitive wages and offers health care benefits to even part-time employees.
Trader Joe's will no longer carry foods imported from China in order to satisfy customer concerns about the quality and safety of the countryâ?? s products.
Is Aldi as good as Trader Joe's? ›Aldi is for customers looking for major savings and the absolute lowest grocery prices, and Trader Joe's is for customers willing to pay a premium for specialized products. Both chains use their private-label brands in pursuit of these distinct groups of shoppers.
Is Trader Joe's cheaper than Walmart? ›Trader Joe's is more expensive than Aldi and Walmart for nearly every grocery item, with a few notable exceptions.