Only One Rockford Grocery Store Made America’s Top 10

A new list of the 10 best grocery stores in America came out, and only one Rockford store made it. Here's a hint: If you've ever spent time digging around for a quarter in your cupholder, you probably know which grocery store I'm talking about.

Yeah, it's ALDI.

USA Today's 10Best Readers' Choice Awards ranked ALDI at #7 overall, praising its no-frills approach, low prices, and the "Twice as Nice Guarantee," which lets you return anything that doesn't meet expectations to the store. For us in Rockford, it's where you go when you want cheap produce, some random nondescript candy, and maybe some patio furniture you didn't know you needed.

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Illinois Grocery Stores Take Top Spots

Here's the thing, though: America's top three grocery stores are also in Illinois:

• Fresh Thyme Market
• Hy-Vee
• The Fresh Market

What is the difference between the above and ALDI? Some of them are in Rockford, which feels like a mean-spirited joke. We get quarter carts and bag our own groceries, while other towns get colossal salad bars and peanut butter grinders.

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Why ALDI Fans Keep Coming Back

The truth is, though, there's not much to complain about when it comes to ALDI. There's a reason why ALDI fan clubs are a thing, especially when you consider they've managed to keep prices manageable when every other grocery store keeps getting more expensive.

See the Full USA Today 10Best List

Want to see all of USA Today's 10Best list of grocery stores? Check it out here and tell me if you think another local place should have been included.