According to the 2026 “Most Trustworthy Companies in America” list released by Newsweek, Whole Foods Market has taken the No. 1 spot in the grocery and convenience store category.
The survey, conducted in partnership with market research firm Statista, evaluated 700 companies across 23 industries based on transparency, integrity, and consumer perception. The top rankings for the grocery sector in 2026 are:
- Whole Foods Market
- Kroger
- QuikTrip (Oklahoma-based convenience chain)
- Publix
This marks a continued decline for Publix in this specific ranking; the company previously held the No. 1 spot in 2024 and the No. 2 spot in 2025 (when it was overtaken by WinCo Foods).
In addition to the trustworthiness survey, other consumer reports have also shown a shift in the industry. The 2026 American Customer Satisfaction Index (ACSI) recently ranked Trader Joe’s as the top grocer for customer satisfaction with a score of 86, edging out Publix, which remained at a score of 84. Reports suggest that while Publix maintains high scores for cleanliness and store hours, competitors like Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods are currently seeing higher marks for perceived value and brand loyalty amid rising grocery costs.