BrandSpark International and Newsweek oversaw the national consumer survey, chatting with more than 35,000 shoppers across the country to see which companies spoke most to customers (and their wallets). When zeroed in on grocery chains, the San Antonio-based grocer faltered behind national retailers, the report revealed.
Walmart dominated across several categories among Southern respondents, including the most conventional supermarket in the region. In that category, the big-box retailer led ahead of Kroger and Publix, which tied for second place, respectively. For discount supermarkets in the South, Aldi flipped the script and came in first ahead of Walmart, but Walmart once more came out on top with specific praise for its lower prices and affordability.
However, one Texas chain did land top honors in BrandSpark’s overall survey. Whole Foods Market, founded and headquartered in Austin, cinched the No. 1 ranking in the natural and organic grocery stores subcategory, besting competitors like Sprouts Farmers Market and Trader Joe’s.
While H-E-B might not have paved the way in BrandSpark’s survey, the company has received plenty of praise during its storied Texas history, including recognition as the No. 1 retailer in America in fall 2025. That analysis, released by brand strategy and retail design agency ChangeUp, ranked the Top 50 retail and restaurant brands in the country and revealed H-E-B’s customer connections, community atmosphere and championing of local products deemed it supreme.