Whether grabbing a quick bite to eat or stocking up on food for the week, the deli at your local grocery store can be an excellent option.
Many national grocery store chains have delis offering various foods. Some stores have better delis than others. So what national grocery store deli is the best?
Let’s find out!
What Is a National Grocery Store?
A national grocery store is a type of grocer with multiple locations throughout the country. Many national grocery stores are only available in specific regions. Albertsons, Walmart, Kroger, Publix, and H-E-B are some popular national grocery store chains.
These stores typically offer a broad selection of foods and various household supplies. Many locations also include smaller samples of other convenient products like office supplies, pet food, and baby products. They aim to provide customers with a positive shopping experience, so they continue to frequent the store.
What Does Deli Mean in Supermarket?
The term deli comes from a mixture of French and German words meaning “fanciness” and “fine foods.” If a supermarket has a deli, you’ll typically find various ready-to-eat products, including pre-cooked meats and salads.
Some of the most popular supermarket delis include made-to-order sandwiches so customers can quickly grab a bite to eat on their lunch break or during a pit stop while traveling.
Pro Tip: Have you ever committed any of these Seven Deadly Sins of Costco Shopping?
Why Do Grocery Stores Have Delis?
Delis have been a staple of many grocery stores since the 1700s. While they first started appearing in Munich, Germany, they found their way into US grocery stores in the late 1800s. Stores use deli sections to provide simple foods to customers. However, delis keep the meats and foods they sell in climate-controlled cases to ensure customers purchase the freshest possible foods.
The one-on-one interactions between the customer and the deli clerk can help increase the overall shopping experience. Many shoppers who frequent the same location weekly will get to know the deli staff while shopping. A connection between the staff and customers can help ensure repeat business for the store.
What Are Deli Items?
Delis typically offer various food items, including meats, cheeses, sandwiches, bread, and salads. However, some delis provide a wider variety than others. Meats typically include turkey, ham, bologna, salami, and potentially even corned beef.
Delis will often slice the meat on the spot for customers. They can change the thickness of the meat slices to ensure the customer gets exactly what they’re looking for in their meats.
What National Grocery Store Has the Best Deli?
While there are many national grocery stores with fantastic deli services, many consider Kroger’s delis the best of all national grocery stores. Of the 650 respondents that Mashed surveyed, over 33% stated Kroger was their preferred deli.
The respondents stated the store has the freshest foods, friendly employees, and a positive overall shopping experience. Another thing that shoppers loved was Kroger’s prices. They felt the prices were very reasonable, and there was tremendous value when shopping at Kroger. Other notable locations were Costco (23.37%), Walmart (14.71%), and Meijer (8.20%).
Is Kroger in Every State?
Kroger is one of the largest grocery retailers in the world and is available throughout the United States. You’ll find Kroger locations in 35 of the 50 states in the United States.
The store operates under various brands, including Ralphs, Dillons, Smith’s King Soopers, Fry’s, QFC, City Market, Owen’s Jay C, Pay Less, Baker’s, Gerbes, Harris Teeter, Pick ‘n Save, Metro Market, and Mariano’s.
Is Kroger Cheaper Than Walmart?
Walmart is one of Kroger’s most prominent competitors. The two stores offer similar grocery products. However, customers looking to get the most bang for their buck will likely have to shop at Walmart. Several in-depth studies have compared the prices at the two locations.
Studies typically find that prices at Walmart are between 4% and 11% cheaper than costs at Kroger.
While people know Walmart for having “everyday low prices,” they don’t know them for having special weekly pricing or special sales. Kroger will regularly offer BOGO (buy one, get one) deals on items throughout their store. In addition, Kroger typically has higher customer satisfaction levels than Walmart. Some who can afford to pay extra for their groceries will opt to shop at Kroger rather than Walmart because it’s worth it for a better shopping experience.
Pro Tip: If you’re going to shop at Walmart, make sure you know these 10 Unwritten Rules for Shopping at Walmart.
Is the Kroger Deli Worth It?
Whether you need a bite to eat or are stocking up during your weekly grocery run, Kroger delis are ideal. Kroger delis strive to provide customers with the highest quality food items for the best price while providing an incredible shopping experience.
Shopping at a Kroger deli is money well spent for most shoppers. If there’s a Kroger or one of its brands near you and you’re tired of your deli, it’s worth giving them a shot. Make sure you sign up and take advantage of any rewards programs that the store may offer to save as much money as possible.
Are there Kroger groceries in your area? Tell us in the comments!
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