• by Sarah Mahoney  @mahoney_sarah, April 15, 2016

After four years of coming in as America’s favorite grocery store, Trader Joe’s has taken a fall, with Wegmans coming in at No. 1, and Publix ranking No. 2.

MarketForce Information, which bases its list on responses from some 10,000 food shoppers, says Trader Joe’s dropped to third place, followed by Hy-Vee and Aldi. The rankings are based on a composite loyalty index, using satisfaction with the respondent’s most recent grocery shopping experience, and the likelihood they would refer someone to that store, and then adjusted for regional differences.

In addition to the overall rankings, the Louisville, Colo.-based market research company also rated chains based on consumers’ price perceptions, with Aldi, WinCo, and Costco leading, and best sales and promotions, with ShopRite, Meijer and Kroger dominating. In cashier courtesy, Trader Joe’s, Publix and Aldi came out best.

It also found a strong preference for prepared foods, with 43% of shoppers saying they buy them at least monthly, and 27% once a week or more. Ready-to-eat meals and side dishes are the most in demand, followed by ready-to-cook options.

Organics are also looming larger on consumer’s radar, with 49% voicing a preference for organic when given a choice. Organic produce was by far the most popular category: 92% had made at least one such purchase in the preceding month, followed by meat (58%) and dairy (57%). And they are also on the lookout for local purchases, with 58% saying it makes a difference in the meat, produce and dairy products they put in their basket.

Digital’s influence is still something of a mixed story. Home delivery and “click & collect” options are used by only a small fraction of U.S. shoppers. The survey reports that only 5% had ordered online for home delivery in the past 90 days, 2% ordered online and picked up groceries in-store, and 2% used “Click & Collect” drive-up options. But roughly half of the sample had used a grocery app in the past 90 days. Those offered by grocers themselves are the most commonly used, but Checkout 51, SavingStar and Yummly are popular those shopping with third-party apps. 

But the lowly circular still rules: Half of the people in the research check them out once a week, with 14% reading them three to four times a week. And 79% plan shopping trips based on what is in the circulars.