Some Like It Hot
Grocery stores are usually our one-stop shops for staples, but the hot food they serve can also be delicious. There’s everything from made-to-order sandwiches to juicy rotisserie chickens. With that in mind, here are the best and worst grocery stores when it comes to hot menus.
1. Whole Foods Market
Whole Foods Market is one of the best for fresh hot foods in grocery stores. They have a hot bar with international dishes, roasted vegetables, and quality proteins. Ingredients are often organic and well-labeled. Shopping here feels like a restaurant buffet.
2. Wegmans
Wegmans is well known for treating their hot food selection like a full-service kitchen. Pizza, sushi, Asian, and comfort food can be found all under one roof. The flavors are consistent and the portions are filling, with many customers coming to Wegmans just to eat.
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3. Publix
Publix hot food counters are known for fried chicken and Southern-style sides. The food is always piping hot, crispy, and well-seasoned. Their deli meals are affordable and hearty, making Publix great for a quick lunch or even family dinner takeout.
4. H E B
H E B’s hot food program has a very regional feel to it. Customers will often find tacos, barbecue, and rotisserie meats made to order throughout the day. It is impressive for a grocery store setting and feels like they cater to local tastes.
5. Kroger
Kroger offers dependable hot meals that are available in most places. Many stores have comfort classics like meatloaf, mashed potatoes, and baked chicken. The offerings will vary by store, but the basics are usually done well.
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6. Safeway
Safeway has a good balance of roasted meats, sides, and ready-to-eat entrees. The flavors are simple but satisfying. Fried chicken and potato wedges are usually found on the menu, and the quality is great, especially for busy shoppers who just want something familiar.
7. Sprouts Farmers Market
Sprouts is a grocery store that emphasizes lighter and healthier hot foods. You can find grilled proteins, vegetables, and vegetarian dishes. The flavors are clean and not too heavy, which appeals to people who want a wholesome meal.
8. Meijer
Meijer is a grocery store with a solid hot food section to match. Their delis often feature fried chicken, pizzas, and daily rotating specials. The portions are quite generous for the prices, making it a very practical and affordable choice for families.
9. WinCo Foods
WinCo Foods keeps it simple but effective with their hot food counters. Fried chicken and baked sides are prepared in big batches. The prices are the most budget-friendly here, and while it is not anything fancy, it gets the job done.
10. Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s is a grocery store with limited but unique hot food offerings. Some locations will have fresh samples or even a small hot counter. The flavors are usually bold and creative, giving shoppers a nice experience of a meal.
11. Costco
Costco’s food court is an iconic hot food destination. Pizza, hot dogs, and chicken bakes are all filling and very cheap. The menu is small but consistent, with many Costco shoppers going there just to eat.
12. Sam’s Club
Sam’s Club is a warehouse store with a similar experience to Costco. A simple hot menu with pizza, pretzels, and frozen drinks. The food is quick and satisfying, and it is a great match for bulk shopping trips.
13. Giant Food
Giant Food is a grocery store that provides a solid hot bar in many locations. Roasted chicken, sides, and soups can all be found. It is a very dependable option for a fast meal.
14. Food Lion
Food Lion hot food counters are more focused on value and convenience. Fried chicken and classic sides are the main draws here. The menu is straightforward and very familiar. It appeals to shoppers who want to just get comfort food.
15. Albertsons
Albertsons grocery stores are very traditional in their deli-style hot menu. Rotisserie chicken and hot sides are staples. Everything is made fresh throughout the day. It works great for easy meals at home.
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16. Hy Vee
Hy Vee is a grocery store that stands out for its made-to-order meals. Many locations have grill stations, Asian food, and breakfast items. The quality can feel restaurant-level, making it one of the better and more versatile hot food programs.
17. ShopRite
ShopRite is a grocery store that provides hot meals that focus on practicality. Baked chicken and pasta dishes can often be found. The food is very filling and works well for busy households.
18. Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer is a grocery store that blends their offerings into a modest hot menu. Fried foods and comfort classics take center stage. The selection is not large, but it is reliable.
19. Piggly Wiggly
Piggly Wiggly hot food counters have classic regional cooking. Fried chicken and hearty sides are often a highlight. The atmosphere has a nice nostalgic feel to it, and it offers simple and satisfying meals.
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20. Aldi
Aldi is a grocery store with very limited hot food options compared to other stores. Some locations will offer baked goods or have some seasonal hot items. While the focus is still on packaged and ready-to-heat foods, some Aldi locations will have a nice hot food selection.
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