Most of us are on a budget now more than ever especially when it comes to our groceries.

Can you even remember the last time you spent less than $100 on a weekly trip? Forget $100, try $200 or $300.

Have you noticed that prepared foods, beauty products, paper products, pet food, meats, seafood, and bottled water are sky-high in particular?

That's why it's no surprise that discount grocer, Aldi is the most popular grocery store, according to YouGov.

While New Jersey is home to a bunch of the biggest supermarkets, there are several that haven't opened here for some reason, and people rave about them.

Kroger

Even though Kroger is one of the largest supermarket chains in America, and it has a 61% popularity rating on YouGov among other stores, there still isn't a location in New Jersey.

What sets them apart: Kroger's store brand is called Simple Truth and it has over 35,000 products which is impressive.

The claim to fame for Simple Truth is that all of its items are free of 101 artificial colors and ingredients.

There are many Kroger stores throughout the country. It appears they have stayed out of the northeast completely.

Publix

Publix grocery stores are located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia.

Even though they're in only seven states, they still operate over 1400 stores nationwide. Many are in Florida. Think of Publix as the Shoprite of FLA.

What sets them apart: Publix stores are known for having exceptional customer service and spotless locations.

One of Publix's many claims to fame is its fried chicken. It's legendary.

Publix is also said to have an excellent bakery department and apparently, they make a mean sub.

READ MORE: Is it illegal in NJ to eat food at the grocery store before buying it?

Winn-Dixie

Winn-Dixie covers a lot of the same territory as Publix but is much smaller.

Winn-Dixie is only in 5 states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, and Mississippi.)

What sets them apart: Winn-Dixie for the most part is the cheaper option when put up against Publix.

They have a soda brand called 'Chek' with over 20 different flavors that are wildly popular.

Customers also rave about the meat department. Winn-Dixie calls itself "The Beef People."

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Safeway

Safeway stores are huge in the western part of the country, like California, Washington, and Arizona. Oddly, they have a bunch of locations in Maryland and Washington D.C. which would make it a good bet for New Jersey down the road.

What sets them apart: Safeway is famous for its "$5 Fridays" where customers can save big for just, you guessed it, five bucks. Fridays are busy at the Safeway.

Safeway also operates gas stations, so if you shop with them, you can save on your fill-ups too.

Safeway has been around for over 100 years. They were pioneers when it came to grocery store produce departments. They still live up to their reputation.

Here are a bunch of other grocery stores we wouldn't mind seeing in Jersey.