We asked registered dietitians where they shop — they named 5 grocery stores for quality ingredients

Whether you're looking for affordable produce or ingredient transparency, one of these chains will deliver.

Building a well-stocked kitchen starts with knowing where to find quality ingredients, affordable staples, and foods that fit the way you actually eat. But with so many grocery stores offering different prices, products, and shopping experiences, deciding where to spend your time and money can feel overwhelming.

To take the guesswork out of grocery shopping, we asked registered dietitians to share the stores they love most and explain why they recommend them. Their top picks range from budget-friendly chains with a wide selection of nutritious options to specialty markets known for unique ingredients, fresh finds, and convenient prepared foods.

Whether you're planning a week of nutrient-dense meals for one, need to feed an entire family, or want to try new snacks you feel good about, these are the chains to visit.

Aldi

If you're hoping to eat better without breaking the bank, Aldi is an excellent resource. "Aldi is one of the best examples of how nutritious eating can fit almost any budget," says registered dietitian Alyssa Northrop, MPH, RD. "I regularly recommend Aldi to my clients because its produce, dairy products, canned beans, frozen vegetables, and whole grains are consistently affordable."

According to Maryann Walsh, RD, a registered dietitian and founder of Walsh Nutrition Consulting, the European chain uses cost-cutting strategies such as a smaller inventory and a focus on private label products to keep prices low while still offering nutritious options. She also appreciates Aldi’s impressive selections of organic and gluten-free foods, which give people with different dietary needs or preferences more options.

Whole Foods Market

"Whole Foods is where I go when I want to feel confident about ingredient quality without having to read every label myself," says Katharine Rosenthal, RDN, a registered dietitian and founder of Be Well Table. "The produce is consistently beautiful, and the meat counter is one of the best I've found for grass-fed and pasture-raised options."

The Amazon-owned chain outlines its quality standards online, stating that over 300 ingredients are banned from its stores, that none of its meat is raised with antibiotics, and that all of its farmed seafood is traceable, among other quality benchmarks. While it may come with a higher price tag, Walsh says the store's transparency and product selection make it worth the extra cost. Plus, she notes that Amazon's grocery delivery offers a convenient way to restock your fridge with fresh ingredients if you’re short on time.

Kowalski's Markets

Northrop reports that "Kowalski's Markets is my favorite grocery store when I'm looking for high-quality ingredients, excellent meats and cheeses, delicious prepared foods, and fresh bakery items.” All of Kowalski’s 12 locations are in Minnesota, and if you’re in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, you might want to make a pit stop. The regional chain notes on its website that it partners with local producers whenever possible; for example, Fireside Orchard and Rob’s Gourmet Greens are just two of the farms it sources produce from.

Related: The Best Store-Bought Granolas, According to Dietitians

In addition to fresh, high-caliber ingredients, Kowalski’s offers prepared foods that you won’t often find at other supermarkets. "One of my favorite features at my neighborhood Kowalski's is the self-serve pho and ramen bar, which offers choices of noodles, protein, plenty of fresh veggies, and four unique broths for a quick, healthy meal," Northrop says.

Costco

When you want to stock up on nutritious staples, Costco is hard to beat. The bulk savings you’ll score here — which apply to fresh ingredients like produce, eggs, and seafood, as well as pantry staples such as nuts — make eating well more affordable for large households.

Rosenthal calls Costco her "secret weapon" for feeding a family of five without blowing her grocery budget. She loves the wide array of organic options, great prices on everyday favorites like berries and rotisserie chicken, and freezer finds like wild-caught fish and pre-portioned proteins. Buying in bulk takes a little more planning and enough storage space to hold all your ingredients, but if you’re trying to feed five people fresh vegetables all week, the extra effort pays off.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's makes health-conscious eating feel fun and approachable. Here, looking for new snacks in the supermarket aisles feels like a treasure hunt. Rosenthal says, "I love that so much of their packaged food skips the ingredients I try to avoid, like artificial dyes, flavors, and preservatives, while still being genuinely delicious.”

Related: The 7 Best Groceries to Buy for Your Gut Health, According to Dietitians

Trader Joe’s is also among the least expensive places to buy fruits and vegetables, making healthy eating more accessible for shoppers. (For example, organic strawberries at Whole Foods in New York City cost around $8 per pound, whereas at Trader Joe’s they’re just $5 per pound.) Northrop swears by the store's creative nut selection — featuring flavors like Garlic Butter Nut Mix and Ranch Seasoned Cashews — which add an boost of flavor and a touch more protein to snack spreads, salads, and charcuterie boards.

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