{"id":23760,"date":"2026-09-13T14:59:55","date_gmt":"2026-09-13T14:59:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=23760"},"modified":"2026-09-13T14:59:55","modified_gmt":"2026-09-13T14:59:55","slug":"where-do-americas-richest-go-grocery-shopping-new-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores-and-how-much-they-spend","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/?p=23760","title":{"rendered":"Where do America\u2019s richest go grocery shopping? New survey reveals their favourite stores and how much they spend"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><br \/>\n<\/p>\n<div>\n<div class=\"e9jwa\">\n<div class=\"vdo_embedd\">\n<div class=\"GfdvZ\">\n<section class=\"_bIDB  clearfix id-r-component leadmedia undefined undefined  E9tg9 \" style=\"top:0px\">\n<div class=\"_bIDB\" data-ua-type=\"1\" onclick=\"stpPgtnAndPrvntDefault(event)\">\n<div class=\"ypVvZ\">\n<div class=\"WGttI\"><img src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/thumb\/msid-134204842,imgsize-426925,width-400,height-225,resizemode-4\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg\" alt=\"Where do America\u2019s richest go grocery shopping? New survey reveals their favourite stores and how much they spend\" decoding=\"async\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The grocery shopping scene in the United States is a whole different ball game. From warehouse clubs and discount chains to speciality supermarkets, Americans have plenty of options when it comes to stocking up their kitchens.<!-- --> For budget-conscious shoppers, factors such as the best deals, proximity to home, and familiarity with a store can influence grocery habits. But what about the wealthiest? Where do these ultra-rich Americans fill their carts? A new YouGov survey has examined the grocery habits of affluent households in the US. The research analysed responses collected between June 2025 and June 2026, and compared Americans in higher-income households with those in middle- and lower-income households. <!-- -->While lower-income households are more likely to shop at Walmart and Walmart Supercenters, richer Americans\u2019 purchasing habits tell a story about access, time, and what they value.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"6\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Costco on top of the list among rich shoppers<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Do they prefer Costco?\" msid=\"134204887\" imgsize=\"5636555\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-5636555,msid-134204887\/do-they-prefer-costco.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>For higher-income Americans (those earning $150,000 or more annually), Costco is the gateway drug to bulk buying. 11% of these affluent shoppers named it as their primary grocery destination, compared to just 5% of middle- and lower-income Americans (earning between $49,999 and $149,999 per year). Higher-income Americans account for approximately 10% of the US adult population, according to YouGov.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"12\"\/>However, the gap is significant. Costco requires membership, carries premium private-label goods, and operates on an entirely different shopping model. This includes larger quantities, higher price points per item, and lower per-unit costs over time. For Costco shoppers, it\u2019s about buying in bulk for better value. <!-- -->But for this, you need money upfront, storage space at home, and the confidence that you\u2019ll use those bulk purchases before they expire.<!-- --> Not everyone can afford to play that game.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"17\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Trader Joe\u2019s has an upper hand among the rich<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Costco, Trader Joe\u2019s or Walmart? Where America\u2019s richest shop for groceries\" msid=\"134204910\" imgsize=\"8166324\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-8166324,msid-134204910\/costco-trader-joes-or-walmart-where-americas-richest-shop-for-groceries.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The same pattern is visible among Trader Joe\u2019s shoppers. 5% of affluent shoppers shop there primarily, versus just 2% of everyone else. The store positions itself around novelty, curated selection, and a specific lifestyle brand. Shopping there is a choice about convenience, discovery, and aesthetic preference. <!-- -->This, of course, costs more. The shopping experience is designed differently. It signals something.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"23\"\/>Regional chains such as Safeway and Publix that offer full-service shopping also skew wealthier. Kroger and H-E-B also attract similar shares of shoppers across income groups. These aren\u2019t coincidences; they are deliberate choices about where wealthy Americans prefer to spend money and time.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"25\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>Walmart dominates among middle- and lower-income buyers<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"America\u2019s richest shop differently\" msid=\"134204968\" imgsize=\"7831218\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-7831218,msid-134204968\/americas-richest-shop-differently.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Walmart Supercenters are much more popular among middle- and lower-income Americans, with 20% naming them as their primary store, compared to 8% of high earners. <!-- -->Regular Walmart stores follow the same pattern: 12% of middle- and lower-income shoppers versus 4% of higher-income shoppers.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"31\"\/>This preference is also influenced by what the chain sells. One shopping trip to Walmart can take care of groceries, household essentials, clothing, and electronics all at once. For lower- and middle-income shoppers, this efficiency matters, along with lower prices.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"33\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>The rich shop often<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"America\u2019s richest spend more on groceries and shop more often, survey finds\" msid=\"134204995\" imgsize=\"10165488\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-10165488,msid-134204995\/americas-richest-spend-more-on-groceries-and-shop-more-often-survey-finds.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Now, the frequency of these grocery runs also says something. <!-- -->Higher-income Americans shop more often. Around 34% of higher-income Americans make grocery runs several times a week, compared to 25% of middle- or lower-income shoppers. The rich are also more likely to shop weekly (39% versus 36%), and less likely to stretch it to several times a month (18% versus 24%).<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"39\"\/>These figures point to more frequent grocery runs among affluent shoppers, but the survey does not explain why. <!-- -->Some of the factors could include demand for fresh food, speciality items, rotation of perishables, or simply the luxury of shopping for meals a few days out rather than planning for a month.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"43\"\/><\/p>\n<p><h2>How much do the rich spend on groceries?<\/h2>\n<\/p>\n<div data-pos=\"0\" class=\"id-r-component iIpbx undefined  &#10;        \">\n<div><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Luxury grocery aisle\" msid=\"134205062\" imgsize=\"2306624\" resizemode=\"4\" width=\"\" title=\"AI generated image\" placeholdersrc=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/83033472.cms\" offsetvertical=\"0\" placeholdermsid=\"47529300\" type=\"thumb\" class=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/static.toiimg.com\/photo\/imgsize-2306624,msid-134205062\/luxury-grocery-aisle.jpg\" data-api-prerender=\"true\"\/><\/p>\n<p>AI generated image<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>The frequency of grocery shopping among the wealthiest Americans is high, so their spending is also significantly higher. 51% of high-income households spend more than $150 weekly on groceries. Among middle- and lower-income Americans, only 28% spend more than $150 weekly.<span class=\"id-r-component br\" data-pos=\"49\"\/>This gap is significant. A household spending $150 weekly on food ($7,800 annually) operates on a completely different scale from one spending less. This means affluent households allocate substantially larger budgets for groceries. This reflects their higher purchasing power and also potentially different shopping preferences.<\/div>\n<p><br \/>\n<br \/><a href=\"https:\/\/timesofindia.indiatimes.com\/life-style\/food-news\/where-do-americas-richest-go-grocery-shopping-new-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores-and-how-much-they-spend\/articleshow\/134204014.cms\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Source link <\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The grocery shopping scene in the United States is a whole different ball game. From warehouse clubs and discount chains to speciality supermarkets, Americans have plenty of options when it comes to stocking up their kitchens. For budget-conscious shoppers, factors such as the best deals, proximity to home, and familiarity with a store can influence [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":23761,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-23760","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-31"],"magazineBlocksPostFeaturedMedia":{"thumbnail":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","medium_large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","1536x1536":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","2048x2048":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-small":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-small-tall":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-small-square":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-small-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-medium":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-medium-masonry":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-large":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg","blogsy-wide":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg"},"magazineBlocksPostAuthor":{"name":"admin","avatar":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8709732a479614e7a8aa24d3eb1b239f30dc6d90c61464ed495001e7a469d856?s=96&d=mm&r=g"},"magazineBlocksPostCommentsNumber":"0","magazineBlocksPostExcerpt":"The grocery shopping scene in the United States is a whole different ball game. From warehouse clubs and discount chains to speciality supermarkets, Americans have plenty of options when it comes to stocking up their kitchens. For budget-conscious shoppers, factors such as the best deals, proximity to home, and familiarity with a store can influence [&hellip;]","magazineBlocksPostCategories":["\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36 \u0b2c\u0b3f\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36"],"magazineBlocksPostViewCount":4,"magazineBlocksPostReadTime":4,"magazine_blocks_featured_image_url":{"full":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg",400,225,false],"medium":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg",300,169,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/where-do-wealthy-americans-shop-for-groceries-survey-reveals-their-favourite-stores.jpg",150,84,false]},"magazine_blocks_author":{"display_name":"admin","author_link":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/author\/admin"},"magazine_blocks_comment":0,"magazine_blocks_author_image":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/8709732a479614e7a8aa24d3eb1b239f30dc6d90c61464ed495001e7a469d856?s=96&d=mm&r=g","magazine_blocks_category":"<a href=\"#\" class=\"category-link category-link-31\">\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36 \u0b2c\u0b3f\u0b26\u0b47\u0b36<\/a>","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23760","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=23760"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23760\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/23761"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=23760"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=23760"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/koshalsambada.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=23760"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}