Three Topeka Grocery Stores on List of 10 Best in US

If you live in Topeka, your weekly grocery run just got a bit of national validation.

A newly released rankings list of the 10 best grocery stores in the United States for 2026 includes three chains that have locations in Topeka, according to reporting from the Topeka Capital-Journal and USA TODAY.

The rankings, which were determined through a combination of expert nominations and reader voting, highlight a range of shopping experiences—from the expansive, one-stop convenience of regional powerhouses to the lean, cost-conscious efficiency of discount retailers.

For Topeka residents, this means that whether you are hunting for a specific house brand or trying to balance a tight budget, your local options are currently being held up as some of the best in the country.

Taking the No. 2 spot on the list is Hy-Vee, an employee-owned chain that has become a staple of the Midwest grocery landscape. The ranking specifically pointed to the company’s commitment to local partnerships, noting that the stores work directly with farmers to supply fresh produce.

For those who frequent the location at 2951 SW Wanamaker Road, the appeal often goes beyond basic groceries. The store’s emphasis on prepared foods—including salad bars and hot items like fried chicken and pizza—aligns with the company’s long-standing slogan, “a helpful smile in every aisle.”

Three Topeka Grocery Stores on List of 10 Best in US — Photo: aol.com

Coming in at No. 4, Aldi represents a different side of the grocery spectrum.

“Shoppers have to bring their own bags or purchase them from Aldi, and the shopping carts need a quarter to be unlocked, which can be reclaimed once the shopper returns the cart,” the report noted, highlighting how these operational choices reduce the need for extra parking lot staff.

While the model is stripped-back, the company balances its low-price strategy with a consumer-friendly “Twice as Nice Guarantee,” which offers both a replacement product and a full refund if a shopper is unsatisfied with their purchase.

Rounding out the list at No. 10 is Kroger, the parent company of Dillons. Dillons has been a fixture in Kansas for decades; the Kroger Co. officially acquired the Dillons Companies Inc. in 1983. With six locations scattered across Topeka—from the North Dillons on NW 25th St. to the Sherwood Dillons on SW 29th St.—the brand relies on a “one-stop shop” philosophy.

The ranking highlighted the massive selection of goods available at these locations, which typically feature pharmacies, bakeries, and in-store dining. For frequent shoppers, the Kroger Plus membership program remains a primary draw, offering digital coupons and fuel discounts that help mitigate the impact of rising food costs.

While these rankings offer a snapshot of consumer preference, the actual “best” store often comes down to individual priorities. While Kroger offers an enormous selection across several departments, Aldi's low prices attract budget-conscious shoppers.