Everyone needs their fair share of decent food while traveling. It may sometimes be hard to find the best grocery stores in an unfamiliar place.
Heading to Target would be great, but it would be fascinating to explore a bit. There are some great grocery stores out there with unique selection—in fact, some even have their own restaurants. We put together this list of the best grocery store in every state so you know exactly where to go when you need something ASAP.
Alabama: Aldi
Aldi is the leading supermarket discount chain. Low prices, unique brands, what more could you ask for? Alabama has branches in many convienient locations, including one near the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!).
Alaska: New Sagaya City Market
This Alaska-based market brings you fresh seafood, baked goods, and a complete Asian deli. You really can't beat their low-priced salad bar.
Arizona: Bashas'
Bashas' is a family-owned grocery store chain with locations throughout Arizona. They have low prices on fresh quality products (like sushi) that are great for entertaining guests.
Arkansas: Stratton's Market
At this exciting place in downtown Little Rock, pick up the everyday eggs and bread, but enjoy hot sandwiches as well. Not to mention they have their own restaurant, Skye's Little Bistro, where a European-style bistro meets Arkansas Southern comfort.
California: Erewhon Natural Foods
Erewhon is an upscale health foods market in Los Angeles complete with cold-pressed juices and incredibly fresh produce. Erewhon is not for everyone though, as it can get a bit pricey.
Colorado: City Market
City Market is one of Colorado's largest, full-service grocery chains. They help the organization "Bringing Hope to the Table" by donating meals to local food banks every year.
Connecticut: Stew Leonard's
Deemed one of the "100 Best Companies to Work For," Stew Leonard's is a chain of five supermarkets in Connecticut and New York. It's a colorful and happy place to shop for fresh baked goods, gift baskets, and they even sell fresh dairy from local farms.
Delaware: Janssen's Market
Janssen's is a family-owned market that is over 60 years old. They have the freshest produce and the best cheese in town.
Florida: Publix
Publix is one of the most popular stores in the Southeast. It literally smells like fresh-baked bread. I guess that's what makes them No. 1 in Temkin’s Customer Experience rating.
Georgia: Sevananda Natural Food Market
Sevananda is Atlanta's only vegetarian and natural foods co-op market. It keeps the community eating and living healthier. They have local produce, natural snacks, and vitamins.
Hawaii: Don Quijote Honolulu
This is not your average neighborhood convenience store. It is full of tropical fruit, fresh crab from the sea, and all types of sushi rolls. It really captures Hawaiian culture.
Idaho: Natural Grocers
And by natural, they mean natural. Natural Grocers has high standards for their dairy, meat, and eggs. Everything is organic. Not to mention they have free events for foodies everywhere.
Illinois: Mariano's
As an Illinois girl, this store is near and dear to my heart. It has the best bakery, deli, and ready-made meal selection. I'm always welcomed with the live piano music and the smell of my favorite croissants and I love the freshly-squeezed orange juice.
Indiana: One World Market of Indiana
One World is a unique place that gives you a taste of Japan. In addition to Japanese groceries, they have a full-time staff of master sushi chefs that prepare all sorts of delicacies.
Iowa: Fresh Thyme
Fresh Thyme isn't just known for the cute name. It has the spirit of a farmers market, the convenience of a neighborhood store, and the nutritious offerings of a natural food marketplace combined to create a new approach to shopping.
Kansas: Price Chopper
Price Chopper is the #1 place to shop well and save. They have tons of fresh produce, special gifts for that special someone, and tons of benefits for members.
Kansas City, MO: Cosentino's Market
Located in a downtown area, Consentino's offers their fine foods to all. In addition to their wide array of sushi, gelato, and coffee drinks, they have a ton of family recipes on their site.
Kentucky: Lucky's Market
Foodies luck out at this super cool market full of sales. Lucky loves local, and you can never go wrong with supporting local farms and having the best produce.
Louisiana: Rouses
Rouses Supermarkets are Louisiana's best. In addition to a fresh seafood selection and a wide array of deli items, they have Cajun Specialties unique to The Pelican State.
Maine: The Farm Stand
The Farm Stand focuses on Maine products raised by small family farms. All prepared foods are made entirely with Maine-raised meats and local produce.
Maryland: MOMs Organic Market
MOMs is a top retail power for green power purchasing. All the produce is 100% organic. On their website, they have a list of banned ingredients. And believe me, it's a long list.
Massachusetts: BFresh
At BFresh, they're all about convenience, super fresh food, and smart values. This is not your typical overpriced organic foods market—they love to make you smile.. BFresh helps you buy organic without breaking the bank.
Michigan: Meijer
Pronounced like meyer, this grocery store is located throughout the Midwest. They also have a rewards program called mPerks. And there are definitely perks, as you can save over $200 a year on groceries.
Minnesota: Seward Community Co-Op
All are welcome at this co-op. There are always new, seasonal products available. There are also a bunch of cooking and DIY classes held every month.
Mississippi: Keesler AFB Commissary
Keesler AFB Commissary helps military families. The renewed program offers consistent, quality, everyday low-cost pricing on name-brand products.
Missouri: Dierberg's
Dierberg's sells hassle-free holiday party foods, organic produce, and cooking classes for all ages. Interestingly, kids love to have birthday parties there.
Montana: Orange Street Food Farm
This place does not just sell oranges. They have Montana-made products, the freshest fruits and vegetables, and a great wine selection. Plus, they get points for creativity.
Nebraska: Jacobo's Grocery
Jacobo's is an authentic Mexican grocery, bakery, and tortilleria. They sell handmade tortillas. Also, they have three ultra-popular salsas: Salsa with Cilantro, Salsa Verde, and Spicy Tomatillo.
Nevada: WinCo Foods
With low prices in every aisle, everyone wins at WinCo. They offer 24-hour service so you can get your organic produce, pizza, and cake at 2 am if you really want to.
New Hampshire: Fadden's General Store and Maple Sugarhouse
The Fadden family holds the title for the Best Maple Syrup in the State. They sell a bunch of maple products in their general store and you can check out how maple syrup is made.
New Jersey: Dean's Natural Food Market
Dean's offers the best 100% organic produce selection in NJ. They have an award-winning smoothie and juice bar. You can even grab a quick healthy snack in their grab-and-go foods section
New Mexico: Keller's Farm Stores
Keller's has been selling fine natural foods since 1946. They have New Mexico’s largest selection of fresh, smoked, and roasted meats. It is some of the freshest food you can buy.
New York: Wegmans
Wegmans is the food heaven of New York. There are restaurants located inside a store already full of ready-made meals, holiday appetizers, and fancy drinks.
North Carolina: The Butcher's Market
The Butcher Market is a super fun place to shop. They offer great hospitality, premium meats, and local products. There is even an online ordering system to order a sandwich tray for that next party.
North Dakota: Hornbacher's Express
Hornbacher's believes in freshness and quality. They have tons of savings on fresh seafood, produce, and baked goods. Plus, their website is full of interesting recipes to try.
Ohio: Jungle Jim's
Jungle Jim's International Market is more than a grocery store. It’s a destination for all foodies with over 150,000 products from all over the world. They also have cooking classes and fun activities for the whole family to enjoy.
Oklahoma: Bill Kamp's Meat Market
Bill Kamp's has a wide selection of chicken, pork, and sausage products. They also have a menu full of BBQ goodies and shelves full of Dijon mustards and sauces.
Oregon: New Seasons Market
Known as Grocery Goodness, this place is the best place to buy fresh-cut flowers, dry goods sold in bulk, and artisan breads. They have events every month such as Beauty and the Feast and Game Night.
Pennsylvania: GIANT Food Stores
They've got a giant selection of ready-made meals, tons of kid-friendly treats, and Peapod delivery. On their website, they even have seasonal recipes to try. As an added bonus, the stores have free WiFi.
Rhode Island: Eastside Marketplace
Eastside's mission is to keep their customers living healthy lifestyles. That starts with eating healthy, of course. The aisles are full of artisan cheeses, kosher options, and gourmet snacks.
South Carolina: BI-LO
This is the home of the Lip-Lickin' Chicken and award-winning pies. This market has got you covered for all of those cravings. More importantly, BI-LO gives back to the community through Feeding America.
South Dakota: Pomegranate Market
Pomegranate Market is a natural and organic grocery store and Bistro in Sioux Falls. They work with local vendors to get the freshest produce. They also have a wide selection of special diet and allergen-friendly foods. Everyone is welcome.
Tennessee: Puckett's Grocery and Restaurant
Puckett's is a Southern bar that has an old general store feel and a large stage for live music acts. They have a full-service menu with brunch, burgers, and barbecue. The store's also got shelves of marinades, sauces, and spices.
Texas: H-E-B
H-E-B has more than 350 stores throughout Texas and northeast Mexico. They are known for their great prices and gift selection. Plus, the hippo is cute.
Utah: Tony Caputo's Market and Deli
Tony Caputo’s Market and Deli has Salt Lake City’s best Regional Italian and Southern European foods. They age their cheese to perfection in a state of the art cheese cave—and they have over 14 types of salami.
Vermont: Woodstock Farmers Market
The year-round farmers market is always crazy busy. They serve the community everything from take-out prepared dinners and lunches to regular stuff like milk and eggs to fresh organic produce to fresh meats and everything in between.
Virginia: Harris Teeter
They've got you covered for your next party. You can choose pick-up or deliver and order holiday trays and other groceries. Harris Teeter also helps the community by donating to local schools.
Washington: PCC Markets
PCC (Puget Consumers Co-op) Natural Markets is a food cooperative based in Seattle. They sell the highest-quality meats and produce. The Walk, Talk, and Taste classes are also pretty popular.
West Virginia: Giant Eagle
They have a Giant selection of wine, produce, and bakery items. Plus, their website has a list full of perfect wine and cheese pairings.
Wisconsin: Willy Street Co-Op
Willy Street is located in Madison, and Middleton, WI. Everything is local, accessible, and sustainable. Check out their wide selection of hot dishes, coffee, and Wisconsin cheeses
Wyoming: Creekside Market
Creekside has a long standing reputation amongst locals and visitors to have the best sandwiches in town. They also have a full service market, liquor store and deli.
Why try one top grocery store in the US when you can try them all?