I just polished off some of TJ’s ice cream-filled mochi. Yum.
For a treat in England I look out for Booths - try the almond croissants!
There is usually a cafe too
My ‘go to’ is always local farmers’ markets if these are available, at home (Brighton England) we shop with the ‘Sussex Peasant’ who bring farm shop produce into City Parks in horse trucks. We no longer want to eat supermarket meat/veg/dairy.
I understand your feelings towards '“big food”, although I make exceptions for organic dairy and veggies. I much prefer to buy fresh produce and eat simply, rather than ultra processed foods regardless where it’s from e.g. Waitrose or TJs. I’m fortunate that I can afford to pay a premium for the food I prefer.
The ‘organic’ labelling has been shown to be suspect at times, we do buy berries from the big places but that’s only in the winter.
Agreed, a little skepticism and fact checking with some of the claims is necessary.
@Jenny, curious question.
Grocery shopping cultures vary dramatically - from Costco megastores to local street markets - in different countries. As does the level of competition between supermarket brands - e.g. competition across UK grocery stores is dramatically higher than in Canada.
Across many topics, including grocery shopping, we try hard to live like a local when we are in unfamiliar countries. So we ask pet parents about local grocery options. If none is forthcoming then we explore. That’s part of the adventure of travel 
Joe Columbe, the guy who created Trader Joe’s wrote an autobiography of the business - Becoming Trader Joe: How I Did Business My Way and Still Beat the Big Guys. Interesting read - available as an audio book.
That sounds good, I will read it. Thanks for sharing the recommendation with the community. I read the book on how the two guys who founded Airbnb started. Such an interesting story. One was an art major and they said they knew little about business. Natural common sense, perseverance and a great concept they believed in.
For folks who are interested in Trader Joe’s, a recent article:
What an interesting article. Thank you so much for sharing this.
While my go-tos in the US are Trader Joes and Whole Foods, I’ve found it’s great to look at homeowner recommendations as there are often local markets that are fantastic. In Seattle for instance, I’d strongly recommend PCC. In Portland, I once stayed near Barbar World Foods which was outstanding, but not convenientat all if you were in any other neighbood than the one I was staying in! Another thing about the US: in general because of high commercial rents and other factors, supermarkets within the center of cities tend to be not great, but supermarkets in wealthy suburbs are often pretty great. I’m sometimes amazed on sits to find “suburban” supermarkets that carry brands I can only find “at home” in Whole Foods or online!
I try to use whatever store I can find that is locally owned.
Booths are great, but they only have branches in the north of England (not sure about Scotland but I doubt it).
Another vote for Booths. We came across the one in Ilkley (Yorkshire UK). A lovely town if anyone fancies a sit there.
Lovely but very expensive
Just back from a 2 week sit in Ilkley, 3rd time for the family but different house. Fabulous walks with Fred, Jack Russell. But I did all my shopping in Tesco
Oh no @Twitcher - I want to keep Ilkley to myself!
Yes I have been to Booths there too.
Well you can’t ‘cos I’ve got a stake in it too! 
with you 