Hy-Vee’s Reign as Best Grocery Store Comes to an End

In 2024, Hy-Vee took home the crown in USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards for the best grocery store chain in America. And while it finished very high again in 2025, it did not take home the gold. Who beat our Hy-Vee?

Hy-Vee Falls to #2 in 2025 Rankings

So who replaced Hy-Vee at the number one spot? ALDI? Trader Joe's? The Des Moines Register reports that the new top grocery store chain in America, according to USA Today, is The Fresh Market. The chain is primarily found along the East Coast, but there are several locations in Illinois. The Register reports that Hy-Vee fell to #2 overall, and also finished second in best prepared food, best produce, and best rewards program.

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What Other Grocery Stores With Iowa Locations Made the Top 10?

The Register reports that these are the other chains that were ranked in the top 10, that have Iowa locations.

• Fresh Thyme Market - Fresh Thyme Market finished third in 2025, up from 10th last year. They have two Iowa locations.
• Natural Grocer - The Colorado-based company came in fourth this year. They have 160 stores nationwide, and six in the state of Iowa.
• Aldi - Aldi dropped one spot, down to number seven in 2025. They opened two more Iowa stores in 2024, bringing the total of Iowa stores to 41.

The 2025 Best Grocery Store Chains in America

The Register reports that these are the top 10 grocery store chains in America according to USA Today.

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