These grocery stores are known for their quality produce, wide organic selections, and sustainable practices. However, they are also famous for their sky-high prices, which make them financially inaccessible for most shoppers. Here are 14 of the most expensive grocery stores in the U.S.
Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is known for its premium organic selection and products free from artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, and hydrogenated fats. The chain’s commitment to sustainability and high-quality products drives up its prices.
Gelson’s Markets
This chain operates in 28 stores in southern California and is known for its service-oriented shopping experience and luxury products. Mashed explains that its stores are “located primarily in affluent neighborhoods like the Palisades,” which allows it to “jack its prices up to match the average income of the area.”
Dean & DeLuca
Dean & DeLuca is known for its selection of international gourmet foods. The upscale chain has famously been referenced by fictional serial killers with luxury tastes, with Hannibal Lector eating a Dean & DeLuca travel pack and Patrick Bateman name-dropping the stores.
Bristol Farms
This upscale chain is based in California, features an extensive gourmet food selection, and offers customers comprehensive catering. Bristol Farms also owns and operates Lazy Acres Market, Inc., a smaller chain known for its organic and eco-friendly goods.
Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts Farmers Market is headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, and its stores offer a broad selection of natural and organic foods. Customers across 23 states have access to bulk foods, packaged groceries, natural body care, household items, and fresh produce, but the company is known for its high prices.
Citarella
Citarella Gourmet Market, a chain of upscale grocery stores in Connecticut and New York, was founded in 1912 with an initial specialty in seafood. It has since expanded to include gourmet prepared foods, bakery sections, and extensive collections of wines and specialty beverages.
Wegmans
Wegmans has unique departments and services that set it apart from other upscale grocery chains, including cooking classes. Third and fourth-generation Wegman family members still run it, and Tasting Table notes that “not many grocery stores can claim to have a fanbase like Wegmans can.”
Mollie Stone’s Markets
Mollie Stone’s Markets’ blend of local and global food products caters to a diverse range of tastes. The chain is known for its involvement in local community events and charities and for offering customers specialty services like knife sharpening.
Fairway Market
This small grocery chain, founded in 1933, is known for its extensive selection of international foods and focus on specialty departments like the cheese counter and olive oil selection. Customers can also enjoy cooking classes and food demonstrations.
Central Market
This Texan gourmet grocery chain is based in San Antonio. Its ten stores are famous for offering cooking and wine classes in their culinary schools, full-service kitchens, and catering services.
Zabar’s
Zabar’s is an appetizing store in Manhattan, New York City, founded in 1934. It’s famous for its selection of bagels, cheeses, smoked fish, and olives, and it offers an extensive range of culinary tools and homewares.
The Fresh Market
The Fresh Market is a grocery chain known for its European market-inspired atmosphere, with a focus on specialty grocery items. Its 162 stores place importance on local and seasonal products.
Erewhon Market
Erewhon Market has ten stores in Los Angeles County and is known for its commitment to organic, non-GMO, and health-centric products. Yahoo! News notes that while the chain “may seem like a heaven for foodies and health enthusiasts, its prices are beyond the reach of the average person.”
Lunds & Byerlys
Lunds & Byerlys offers its customers an upscale shopping experience with premium service and store design. The pricey, family-owned chain has been certified USDA organic for twenty years and is committed to environmental sustainability.