Michigan-based Meijer was the third-most trusted supermarket chain in the Midwest, according to a 2026 survey of American shoppers.
Kroger, Walmart and Meijer ranked 1-3 in the BrandSpark and Newsweek Conventional Supermarket (non-discount) award category that was released earlier this year.
Newsweek and BrandSpark International announced winners of 2026 BrandSpark Most Trusted Awards, that celebrate “brands that have earned the trust of U.S. shoppers.”
This year’s 13th annual awards were based on a consumer survey of 35,215 U.S. shoppers, encompassing 182,000 brand evaluations across 359 categories, BrandSpark said.
“In today’s marketplace, shoppers are navigating a wider range of choices and greater uncertainty about which brands to trust, even as expectations are higher than ever. Trust serves as a powerful decision shortcut, helping consumers narrow their options and choose with greater confidence,” the company said.
The awards for grocery stores encompassed more than two dozen sub-categories.
Meijer ranked second behind Walmart in the Midwest superstore/hypermarket category.
Walmart placed first in 12 categories nationally (one tie) while Aldi was first in eight. Other chains with first-place wins included Shop Rite, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
Here’s more on the BrandSpark/Newsweek awards.
What is the most trusted grocery store in the U.S.?
Arkansas-based Walmart was the best-performing grocer with 12 top spots, including the best conventional grocery store in the South. Aldi followed behind with eight top spots.
Other chains with first-place wins included Shop Rite, Safeway, Grocery Outlet, Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s.
Where did Meijer rank?
Meijer ranked third in Midwest conventional non-discount supermarkets and second in Midwest superstore/hypermarkets.
What other categories does BrandSpark/Newsweek rank?
The 2026 rankings include 11 categories. In addition to grocery, respondents ranked baby and kids, beauty, food and beverage, food and beverage (dairy), health and OTC, home goods, household and cleaning, pet care, retail and restaurants and services.
Where is Meijer based?
Mejier started in Greenville, Michigan. In 1934, Hendrik Meijer opened his first grocery store during the Great Depression. The chain is currently based in Walker, Michigan, near Grand Rapids.
The privately-held and family operated company as it has grown to more than 500 supercenters, grocery stores, neighborhood markets, and express locations across six states and employs more than 70,000 people.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: What’s most-trusted grocery story in U.S.? Where did Meijer rank?
Reporting by Dan Basso, USA TODAY NETWORK / Lansing State Journal
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
