H-E-B returns to the top spot as the #1 U.S. grocery retailer
H-E-B returns to the top spot as the #1 U.S. grocery retailer

Thanks to our committed Partners and our loyal customers , H-E-B was once again named top grocery retailer in the nation.

H-E-B took the #1 spot in a consumer survey by consumer research firm, dunnhumby, which evaluated more than 60 grocery retailers in the U.S. In its sixth Annual Retailer Preference Index report, the firm surveyed 30,000 consumers to get their sentiment related to five key drivers: price, speed and convenience, quality, digital, and operations.

In it’s coverage of the annual survey’s results, the San Antonio Express-News said, “H-E-B remains Texas’ favorite grocery chain, and it may also be the best positioned in America for future success.”

In dunnhumby’s annual survey, H-E-B previously ranked #1 in 2020. In 2022, H-E-B ranked second in the study.

Among highlights from the dunnhumby survey, H-E-B regained top spot by earning “a strong emotional connection with more of their shoppers.” Among the key drivers, H-E-B ranked near the top in the three most important pillars: price, quality and digital.

“I find shopping in stores where the employees are well taken care of offer a better shopping experience so I like to mostly shop at stores like [H-E-B],” said a shopper who participated in the survey. “However their price also matters as well as great products that are offered.”

Another shopper cited in the report said, “I love [H-E-B] because of their store brand and all of the different things they make and have to offer. They truly put pride in their work.”

With more than $38 billion in annual sales, H-E-B is a multi-format retailer that also operates Central Market, Joe V’s Smart Shop, Mi Tienda, and Favor Delivery. As the largest privately-held employer in Texas, H-E-B has over 154,000 Partners in its workforce and operates more than 430 stores in Texas and Mexico.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 170,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

About H-E-B

H-E-B, with sales of more than $46 billion, operates over 455 stores in Texas and Mexico. Known for its innovation and community service, H-E-B celebrates its 120th anniversary this year. Recognized for its fresh food, quality products, convenient services, and a commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability, H-E-B strives to provide the best customer experience and low prices. Based in San Antonio, H-E-B employs over 170,000 Partners in Texas and Mexico and serves millions of customers in more than 300 communities. For more information, visit heb.com and the H-E-B Newsroom.

Media Gallery
Third Place Winner $10,000

My Drink Bomb

Product: Cocktail Mixers

Website: mydrinkbomb.com

Founded by Houston entrepreneur Chloe Di Leo, My Drink Bomb is the original handcrafted cocktail bomb that turns any glass into a ready-to-sip celebration. Just drop one into sparkling water or spirits, no mixing required. Proudly made in Texas and woman-owned, each drink bomb is crafted with natural ingredients like dried fruit and edible flowers. Fun, fast, and just a little fancy, My Drink Bomb makes cocktail hour pop – no bartender required.

Third Place Winner $10,000

Spicytude

Product: Spices

Website: spicytude.com

Spiceytude’s story begins where traditions are passed down and flavors come alive — the kitchen. Specifically, the kitchen of Arpi Neravetla’s grandmother. With a deep-rooted love of South Indian cooking and a craving for the flavors of her childhood, Arpi’s dream is to make flavorful Indian cooking easy and accessible for everyone with curated spice kits, step-by-step recipes, and video instructions. No guesswork, just bold flavor. Founded in the quiet days of 2020, Spicytude crafts small-batch, thoughtfully sourced spice blends that bring bold, authentic flavors to home kitchens across the country.

Second Place Winner $15,000

Deli Spice

Product: Birria Spice Mix

Website: delispicesmix.com

Born from Sully Villareal’s dream to share real Mexican food with the world (no shortcuts) Deli Spice’s Birria Spice Mix is made with realdried chiles and toasted spices. It’s a 3-step recipe: just add meat, water, and the mix — no cooking skills required. Every blend is tested byfamilies and perfected by a Mexican mom in Texas to help people cook authentic birria in under 30 minutes with restaurant-level flavor and reviving the Villareal family’s memories with every bite.

First Place Winner $25,000

Tozi Super Foods

Product: Totopos (tortilla chips) and Tortillas

Website: tozifoods.com

Proudly Mexicana-founded and family-led, Tozi Superfoods blends heritage with health in every bite. The Mexican American food and beverage company is inspired by the Aztec goddess of health. Founded by two sisters and their mother, Tozi blends six generations of tradition from their family ranch in Jalisco, Mexico, with the power of indigenous superfoods like blue corn, nopal, and amaranth – once a sacred staple of the Aztecs complete plant-based protein, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and cultural history. From tortillas to aguas frescas, every product is clean, nutrient-rich, and rooted in heritage – with wellness at the heart of it all.

Grand Prize Winner $50,000

Oca Foods

Product: Peanut Butter Bites and Sugar-Free Peanut Butter Bites

Website: ocafoods.com

After spending several years in the U.S., Renato Raposo found himself missing one of his favorite childhood snacks, Pacoca, a beloved Brazilian peanut treat. His connection with the snack deepened after the passing of his father in 2022 – it was a snack they loved and shared together. Unable to find a clean and simple version of this nostalgic treat, he created Oca Foods. By June 2024, he left a tech career to pursue Oca full-time, transforming this craving into a mission to share a wholesome, meaningful snack with the world.

Tozi Super Foods Tortillas and Tortilla Chips

Austin

Proudly Mexicana-founded and family-led, Tozi Superfoods blends heritage with health in every bite. The Mexican American food company is inspired by the Aztec goddess of health, Toci. Founded by two sisters and their mother, Tozi blends six generations of tradition from their family ranch in Jalisco, Mexico, with the power of indigenous superfoods like blue corn and amaranth – once a sacred staple of the Aztecs and a complete plant-based protein, rich in fiber, antioxidants, and cultural history. From tortillas to totopos, every product is clean, seed oil free, gluten free, nutrient-rich, and rooted in heritage – with wellness at the heart of it all. Tozi truly is “where heritage meets health”. 

Spicytude Spices

Dallas

Spicytude’s story begins where traditions are passed down and flavors come alive, the kitchen. Specifically, the kitchen of Arpi’s  grandmother. With a deep-rooted love of South Indian cooking and a craving for the flavors of her childhood, Arpi’s dream is to make flavorful Indian cooking easy and accessible for everyone with curated spice kits, step-by-step recipes, and video instructions. No guesswork, just bold flavor. Founded in the quiet days of 2020, Spicytude crafts small-batch, thoughtfully sourced spice blends that bring bold, authentic Indian flavors to home kitchens across the country.

Rigo’s Dairy
Latin-Style Cheese 

Bryan (Houston Region)

With four generations of cheesemaking behind them, Rigo’s Dairy is bringing traditional yet bold Venezuelan flavor to Texas tables. Based in Bryan, this family-run cheese plant  uses 100% cow’s milk and sticks to the same time-tested methods brought from their native Venezuela – no artificial flavors or shortcuts  – crafting authentic Latin-style cheeses that blend generations of tradition with the hard work and family values that define the Lone Star State. The result is a selection of cheeses that are fresh, rich, and full of flavor you can taste in every bite.

Oca Foods Peanut Butter

Austin (Central Texas Region)

After spending several years in the U.S., Renato Raposo found himself missing one of his favorite childhood snacks, Pacoca [pah-SOK-ah], a beloved Brazilian peanut treat. His connection with the snack deepened after the passing of his father in 2022 – it was a snack they loved and shared together. Unable to find a clean and simple version of this nostalgic treat, he created OCA Foods. By June 2024, he left a tech career to pursue OCA full-time, transforming this craving into a mission to share a wholesome, meaningful snack with the world.

Long Phung Food Products
Vietnamese Meat Products

Houston

For more than 35 years and two generations, Long Phung has been serving up bold, delicious bites of Vietnam – one pork roll at a time. This Houston-based, family-owned brand is beloved for its ready-to-heat favorites made with quality ingredients and no artificial additives. Available in over 200 stores across North America, Long Phung makes it easy to bring a little taste of tradition and a lot of flavor to your table.

The Lavish Goat Bath Products

Sugarland (Houston Region)

The Lavish Goat crafts vibrant bath and body products designed to turn everyday routines into joyful rituals. What started in Candice and Sean Wheat’s kitchen during the pandemic has grown into a women-led, minority-owned manufacturer producing high-quality bath bombs and menthol-infused shower steamers. Known for their colorful designs and hidden prize surprises, The Lavish Goat combines artistry, aromatherapy, and community impact-all made in Texas with heart supporting the community through charitable efforts and internships for adults with Autism and Down Syndrome.

Klein Smokehaus Bacon 

Boerne (San Antonio Region)

Klein Smokehaus Oak Smoked Bacon is locally made and handcrafted on Boerne’s Hill Country Mile by native Texans the old-world way. This slow process and local oak creates bacon with a unique depth of aroma and flavor. Family owned and operated since 1950; Klein Smokehaus has deep roots in the Texas Hill Country. A nod to this German heritage and tradition, Klein’s specialty meat products are a true taste of history.

Jam-In Tools Crawfish Peeler

Dickinson (Houston Region)

JAM-IN Crawfish Tool, started as a simple idea to take the hassle out of crawfish boils. It has grown into a homegrown gadget that keeps the tradition of crawfish boils fun and accessible for all, with a product that’s tough, practical, and Texas through and through. From first timers to seasoned pros,   peeling crawfish can be quick, easy, and nail friendly. Proudly based in Dickinson, founder Joann Meguess works with local partners to build and package each tool right here in Texas.

Deli Spice Cooking Spices 

McAllen (Border Region)

Born from Sully Villareal’s dream to share real Mexican food with the world (no shortcuts) Deli Spices’ Birria Spice Mix is made withreal dried chiles and toasted spices. It’s a 3-step recipe: just add meat, water, and the mix — no cooking skills required. Everyblend is tested by families and perfected by a Mexican mom in Texas to help people cook authentic birria in under 30 minutes withrestaurant-level flavor and reviving the Villareal family’s memories with every bite.