Aldi, Wegmans among grocery finalists in the WRAL Voters' Choice Awards

The finalists for best grocery stores in the 2022 WRAL Voters' Choice Awards range from discount supermarkets to specialty stores.

Posted 9:00 a.m. Jan 6, 2023 — Updated 9:21 a.m. Jan 9, 2023

RALEIGH, N.C. — The votes are in and it is almost time to find out who the winners are in the 2022 WRAL Voters' Choice Awards presented by M&F Bank. The awards will be announced Jan. 12, 2023. This is story is part of a series focusing on the categories that got the highest numbers of votes.

The finalists for best grocery stores in the 2022 WRAL Voters' Choice Awards range from discount supermarkets to specialty stores.

You can compare weekly grocery prices at popular stores using WRAL's grocery tracker and take a look at each of the top five finalists:

Aldi (locations in Raleigh, Garner, Cary, Apex, Holly Springs and Fuquay-Varina)

Aldi is known for its super-low prices on produce, bakery, canned and dry goods in addition to household stapes like paper products. There are also rotating specialty items, like camping gear, household decor and gifts. WRAL SmartShopper posts a list of the best Aldi deals each week.

WRAL Smart Shopper Faye Prosser said Aldi has impressive sales on produce and meat, and it's very easy to get in and out of the smaller stores quickly. There are also unique buys on non-food items in the Aldi Finds section like housewares, toys, clothing and more.

Harris Teeter (many locations across central NC)

Harris Teeter is a community staple known for its quality produce, deli and meat departments and large grocery selection. Harris Teeter doubles coupons up to $0.99 every day of the week and has fantastic BOGO (buy one get one free deals) and big discounts on Harris Teeter brand products to save customers money.

There is also a fuel rewards program for buying groceries that allows customers to save at Harris Teeter gas stations. WRAL SmartShopper has a weekly list of Harris Teeter deals.

The Butcher's Market (locations in Raleigh, Cary, Wake Forest and Holly Springs)

The Butcher's Market is a specialty grocery store for meat lovers where shoppers can find high-quality cuts of any meat, including prime rib, rack of lamb, pork, sushi-grade tuna, seafood and poultry. The market even sells exotic meats, like wild boar, duck, rabbit, alligator and rattlesnake.

The Butcher's Market was founded by a father-son team and focuses on local products at fair prices. You can also find fresh produce, sauces and even a sandwich station.

Fresh Market (locations in Raleigh, Cary and Durham)

Fresh Market is another specialty store with an especially large selection of ready-to-serve meals and meats that are pre-seasoned and ready for the stove or oven. It's a great place to find specialty coffee, dozens of creative trail mix blends, fresh foods, organic home and beauty products and more.

WRAL Smart Shopper Faye Prosser recommends signing up for their loyalty club for exclusive savings and rewards. Find monthly Fresh Market deals here.

Wegmans (locations in Raleigh, Wake Forest, Morrisville, west Cary and Chapel Hill)

Wegmans got a ton of attention when it made its North Carolina debut in Raleigh in 2019, and it has since added locations in Wake Forest, Morrisville, west Cary and Chapel Hill. On its website, Wegmans writes, "More than 3,000 customers stood outside the store on Sept. 29, 2019, waiting for the doors to open, and a record 30,000 came to visit us throughout the day."

When it first opened, WRAL SmartShopper reported extensively on the supermarket that garnered excitement from transplants from the North who had shopped there before and long-time Raleigh residents anxious to see what the commotion was about.

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Wegmans is known for its huge selection of artisan cheeses and wines. The Raleigh location has a burger bar inside the store, and people also love the fresh sushi.

"You'll find a large selection of specialty foods including gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan and more," Prosser said. "The wine and beer department is huge as well, highlighting many local and N.C. breweries and wineries. Their prepared foods section is unparalleled in the Triangle grocery scene with sushi, pizza, salads, sandwiches, The Burger Bar restaurant and more."

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