Woman shops in a grocery store

The Top Products Sold In Grocery Stores

When choosing inventory for your grocery store, it’s important to stock items that your local customers love while also keeping up with broader market trends. Popular brands can be a good starting point, but the key is to focus on products that meet your customers’ specific needs and preferences.

Helpful resources, like reports from NielsenIQ or the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), can give you insight into what’s selling well nationwide. You can also look at trends highlighted by research groups like Mintel or reports from stores like Whole Foods Market to find out what’s popular right now.

The list below is based on feedback from store owners and data about what customers buy most often. By stocking these items, you’ll keep your inventory relevant and appealing, creating a shopping experience that keeps people coming back.

Fresh Produce:

  • Apples
  • Bananas
  • Oranges
  • Tomatoes
  • Lettuce
  • Carrots
  • Potatoes
  • Onions
  • Avocados
  • Berries (strawberries, blueberries, etc.)

Dairy Products:

  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Butter
  • Eggs
  • Cream

Baked Goods:

  • Bread
  • Rolls
  • Bagels
  • Croissants
  • Pastries

Frozen Foods:

  • Frozen vegetables
  • Frozen pizzas
  • Ice cream
  • Frozen Meals
  • Frozen Fruit

Cereals:

  • Cold cereals
  • Hot cereals (oatmeal, grits, etc.)

Snack Foods

  • Potato chips
  • Tortilla chips
  • Pretzels
  • Crackers
  • Nuts
  • Popcorn

Beverages:

  • Bottled water
  • Soft drinks
  • Coffee
  • Tea
  • Juices
  • Sports drinks

Canned Goods:

  • Canned vegetables
  • Canned fruits
  • Soups
  • Beans
  • Tomatoes
  • Tuna

Pasta & Rice:

  • Spagetti
  • Macaroni
  • Rice
  • Quinoa
  • Pasta sauces

Cleaning & Household Supplies:

  • Paper towels
  • Toilet paper
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Laundry detergent
  • Dish soap

Meat & Poultry:

  • Chicken
  • Beef
  • Port
  • Ground meat
  • Deli meat

Condiments:

  • Ketchup
  • Mustard
  • Mayonnaise
  • Salad dressing
  • Soy sauce
  • Hot sauce

Health & Beauty Products:

  • Toothpaste
  • Shampoo
  • Soap
  • Deodorant
  • Razors
  • Personal care items

Baby Products:

  • Diapers
  • Baby food
  • Formula
  • Baby wipes

Pet Supplies:

  • Pet food
  • Treats
  • Cat litter
  • Pet toys

Stocking the right products in your store is essential for boosting sales and keeping customers satisfied. This list, based on insights from Basket’s sales research and feedback from consumers and grocers, highlights some of the most popular grocery items in the U.S. However, every store and region has its own unique set of bestsellers, driven by local preferences and customer needs.

While data provides a strong foundation, combining it with input from store owners and customers ensures you’re meeting the specific demands of your market. A reliable inventory tracking system is key to staying on top of these trends, helping you identify what’s selling well and when to make adjustments. By taking this thoughtful approach, you can create a shopping experience that keeps customers coming back while driving your store’s financial success.