Hy-Vee’s helpful smiles in every aisle made it a contender for the best grocery stores in America. Only this year, it did not take home the gold.
Hy-Vee was among nine other grocery stores across the country in the USA TODAY’S 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. A panel of experts to determine finalists in each category for the awards and turns to readers to vote and make the final selections.
In 2024, the West Moines-based grocery chain ranked No. 1, beating out competitors including Aldi, Trader Joe’s and more. This year, it dropped in the rankings, but still made the top ten in multiple categories.
How did Hy-Vee rank among the best grocery stores in the country?
Hy-Vee only fell one spot in the 10BEST list for best grocery store, taking second to The Fresh Market. Hy-Vee also ranked second in 2025 for best prepared food, best loyalty program and best produce, according to USA TODAY’S 10BEST list.
The first Hy-Vee opened in Beaconsfield, Iowa, in 1930. Now it 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 one of Iowa’s largest employers, with more than 75,000 employees.
The Fresh Market first started in Greensboro, North Carolina, in 1982. In 2024, USA TODAY’s 10BEST list ranked The Fresh Market No. 1 for its bakery, deli and prepared foods.
What other grocery stores in Iowa won 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards?
What are the best grocery stores, according to 10BEST?
What are the best grocery stores for produce?
What are the best grocery store loyalty programs?
What grocery store has the best-prepared foods?
Kate Kealey is a general assignment reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach her at kkealey@registermedia.com or follow her on Twitter at @Kkealey17.
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Hy-Vee won best grocery store in U.S. last year. Did it keep first place for 2025?
Reporting by Kate Kealey, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
