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Looking for the freshest fruits and vegetables?
California shoppers have access to some of the best options for produce in the nation, according to USA Today.
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USA Today readers recently picked the top 10 grocery store chains for fresh produce in the United States in 2026 — and two are headquartered in the Golden State.
These top-rated supermarkets are known for their “always-fresh quality stock, vast range of options and … commitment to source as locally as possible,” USA Today said.
Here’s where you can find the best fresh produce in grocery stores in 2026:
What’s the best option for fresh produce in California?
According to USA Today, the best options for fresh produce include five supermarket chains with locations in California.
That includes Aldi, which landed in third place on USA Today’s top 10 list.
“Aldi works with local growers, so the fruit and vegetables you pick up were picked recently and priced to fit a real weekly budget,” said the supermarket chain, which is headquartered in Illnois.
Aldi has more than 2,600 locations across the United States including 100-plus locations in California.
That includes stores in Fresno, Clovis and Arroyo Grande.
Four other grocery chains with stores in California — 99 Ranch Market, Trader’s Joes, Whole Foods Market and Sprouts Farmers Market — also landed on USA Today’s list.
Which California supermarkets have the best fresh produce?
99 Ranch Market ranked No. 7 on USA Today’s list of the best supermarkets for fresh fruits, veggies and more.
USA called it the “largest Asian supermarket chain in the country.”
In addition to apples, bananas and other common items, the grocery store chain sells harder-to-find ingredients including lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves and fuzzy squash.
99 Ranch Market, which as headquarters in Buena Park, has 60-plus locations across the United States.
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The vast majority of those stores are in California, primarily in the Bay Area and Southern California.
There’s one 99 Ranch Market location in Sacramento.
At No. 8, Trader Joe’s has a “diverse selection” of fruits and vegetables from around the world, plus a large section of pre-cut veggies, USA Today said.
“It’s hard to beat the combo of price for quality at Trader Joe’s,” the publication said.
Thomas, a manufacturing and distribution marketing platform, said that the Monrovia-based supermarket chain has multiple product deliveries each week to ensure freshness and frequent restocking.
There are 661 Trader Joe’s locations in the United States, with 211 in California.
That includes stores in Sacramento, Modesto, Fresno and San Luis Obispo.
What are the top 10 best grocery store chains for fresh produce?
USA Today ranked the best grocery store chains when shopping for fresh produce in the U.S.
The top 10 grocery store chains for fresh produce in 2026 were:
- The Fresh Market
- Hy-Vee
- ALDI
- Fresh Thyme Market
- Publix Super Markets
- Wegmans Food Markets
- 99 Ranch Market
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods Market
- Sprouts Farmers Market
How did USA Today come up with its ranking?
To determine the winners of its 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards, USA Today said it asked a panel of experts to nominate their top tasting rooms in the United States.
Readers then cast their votes for their favorites.
USA Today readers also picked the best grocery stores, best grocery stores for prepared food and best grocery store bakery.
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This story was originally published September 17, 2026 at 10:18 AM.