Zupan’s A shopper checks out the Lake Oswego Zupan’s Market during its grand opening in 2012. (Everton Bailey Jr./The Oregonian/Everton Bailey Jr./The Oregonian)
I have a confession. My husband does the vast majority of the grocery shopping for our family. So I was a little surprised by the enthusiastic response from so many readers when we asked what’s the best grocery store in the Portland area for The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Readers Choice Awards.
The votes from that enthusiastic response have been counted, and I must admit to being a little surprised at the results as well. Whether you’re looking for savings or an upmarket experience when picking up dinner ingredients, our readers have a recommendation for where you should shop.
No. 5: New Seasons Market
This Portland-based chain is beloved by readers for supporting local farmers and brands. Many readers also cited the quality of the produce and meat, as well as its helpful employees.
22 locations in the Portland-Vancouver area; newseasonsmarket.com.
No. 4: Market of Choice
This Eugene-based, family-owned grocery chain believes, “If it comes from an independent maker, grower, or producer, it’s going to be better,” according to its website. “Our guiding purpose is to strengthen the food ecosystem around us and the livelihoods of people in it.” One reader said they love the store because it is “committed to locally-sourced high-end meats and produce at reasonable prices.” Another said it stands out for the “fabulous prepared foods and bakery.”
Three Portland-area locations; marketofchoice.com.
No. 3: WinCo Foods
This employee-owned chain offers deep discounts in exchange for small trade-offs — customers bag their own groceries and can’t use credit cards — which keeps operational costs lower. One reader said, “WinCo is one of the few retailers that let their employees benefit directly from success. This creates an incentive for employees to take care of their customers long term. Volume and low prices with no frills is exactly what Portland needs right now.” Many readers cited “unbeatable prices” as a main reason why WinCo is their favorite store. As one reader summed it up: “consistently lowest prices without coupons, sales or gimmicks.”
11 locations in the Portland-Vancouver area; www.wincofoods.com.
No. 2: Zupan’s Markets
This small, local chain was founded by John Zupan, who counted Fred G. Meyer as one of his first bosses. It’s known for being “an elevated shopping experience,” as one reader put it. “Zupans has the best produce, meat counter, bakery and deli, bar none. Their wine selection is also great,” another said. Other readers said the “produce section is like a work of art” and cited the “unbelievable selection of gourmet food.”
2340 W. Burnside; 7221 S. Macadam Ave.; 16380 Boones Ferry Road, Lake Oswego; https://www.zupans.com/.
Happy Valley Fred Meyer A customer shops at the deli department of the Happy Valley Fred Meyer store on March 14, 2024. (Dave Killen/Dave Killen / The Oregonian) No. 1: Fred Meyer
According to its website, Fred G. Meyer opened in 1922, and it was the first Portland store to have meat, produce and other groceries in a single store. Now there are more than 100 stores in the Pacific Northwest. “The prices are reasonable. The store is clean. The employees are helpful. They have a wide selection. Plus, when you’re shopping for groceries and you remember that other thing you need, they have that too and you don’t have to make another stop,” one reader said. “I feel like I am visiting friends when I shop, and I have a favorite cashier who knows my name! I’m a Fred Meyer Shopper for life,” another said.
Dozens of locations in the Portland area; fredmeyer.com.
Dining and Cooking