Photo by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
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As a proud Floridian, my loyalty to Publix runs deep. I was raised on Pub Subs (check out the seven best Pub Subs ranked), birthday cakes from the freezer, and impromptu chicken tender dinners grabbed five minutes before closing. For many of us, Publix isn’t just a grocery store. It’s a cultural institution. So much so that New Times recently ranked the best Publix Super Markets in Miami. So yes, it stings just a little to report this.
According to the latest American Customer Satisfaction Index report, Trader Joe’s has officially surpassed Florida’s hometown grocery giant as the top supermarket in America. The annual study examines customer satisfaction across industries, and while grocery stores overall took a slight hit in 2026 amid inflation and rising competition, a few chains still shone. “As supermarkets continue to struggle amid inflationary prices and stiff competition, supermarket customer satisfaction declines slightly in 2026, falling 1 percent to an ACSI score of 78,” the report notes.
Photo by Daniella M
Trader Joe’s Is Better than Publix?
Most chains saw little to no year-over-year movement, but one popular chain beloved by cost-savvy shoppers truly took the crown. Last year, Publix and Trader Joe’s were tied for the top spot, each earning an impressive score of 84. This year, Publix held steady at 84, while Trader Joe’s jumped to 86, officially claiming the crown.
“This is especially noteworthy given (Trader Joe’s) continued national expansion efforts, which can often strain operations and jeopardize consistency,” the report reads. “Instead, Trader Joe’s maintains its hallmark customer experience, reinforcing its strong brand loyalty even amid growth.”
The full breakdown tells the story clearly. Trader Joe’s rose from 84 to 86, a 2% increase. Publix stayed flat at 84. H-E-B nudged up from 82 to 83. Notably, in the Southern region specifically, Aldi, H-E-B, and Publix all share the same customer satisfaction score of 83.
Photos by Nicole Lopez-Alvar
Consumers Want Affordable Supermarkets
The shift is particularly interesting given long-standing consumer complaints about Publix’s higher prices compared to chains like Trader Joe’s, Aldi, and even Sam’s Club. In a time when shoppers are watching every dollar, value matters more than ever.
Still, let’s be clear. Falling from first to second place is hardly a failure. Publix remains one of the most beloved grocery chains in the country, and for Floridians, it will always feel like home. Trader Joe’s may have taken the national title, but Publix is still second best in America — and we’re darn proud of it.
