The 2026 DFW local grocery guide

A woman shopping at a local grocery store

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By Stacy Rounds

Everyone deserves easy access to food. In Dallas-Fort Worth, food access looks different depending on where you live, what your budget allows, access to transportation, and, of course, preference. DFW has a variety of markets that carry regional and international foods, that inlude local and national brands, and that have been serving some of our Texas communities for decades or more. These places form a network that plays a critical role in keeping North Texas communities fed.

In this grocery guide, we focus mostly on locally-owned markets, with a few exceptions. Choosing to shop locally when you’re able has ripple effects within the community. Dollars spent at locally owned stores are more likely to stay in the region, supporting jobs and neighborhood stability. Some folks enjoy the welcoming feeling of shopping at a small neighborhood grocery or a locally owned market that’s been serving the same community for decades. Others rely on small neighborhood markets because they are easy to access.

But there is another side to an equitable local food system: free food resources for those in need. Food pantries, food banks, and mutual aid groups rely on community awareness and participation to continue feeding our community. We’re also highlighting the places you can donate (or access) food, or even just give a little bit of your time to help our community grow stronger. (You’ll find these resources by scrolling to the bottom of this page.)

Let’s explore the wide range of food resources across Dallas-Fort Worth, from family-owned grocery stores and homegrown market chains to free food programs and community-led support efforts, not to mention our area’s colorful international markets, plus DFW’s oldest running butcher shop. While these resources serve different needs, they share a common purpose: feeding people.

Gourmet European Market in North Dallas is one of the area's newest European markets

Courtesy of GEM – Facebook

Locally owned grocery stores in DFW

While we didn’t include every locally-owned market in the metroplex on this list, we gladly highlighted five homegrown markets that continue to serve DFW’s neighborhoods in very real, practical ways. Some of these stores are small, family-run operations that have stayed rooted to a single street for decades. Others have grown into modest regional chains with multiple locations.

What ties these markets together isn’t size or style, but ownership and intent. Whether you prefer to spend your time and money at a neighborhood store, a natural market, a market serving Black and/or Hispanic communities, or a multi-location family business, these stores are run by people who live in the communities they serve. They stock the everyday staples people actually buy, and prioritize affordability in ways that don’t always show up in corporate grocery models. Many have survived decades of industry consolidation, changing neighborhoods, and economic shifts by staying responsive to their customers rather than to shareholders.

Budget-friendly grocery shopping in DFW

Living day-to-day in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex has become increasingly challenging as the cost of necessities continues to climb. Because of inflation and other factors, prices for essential household costs have put pressure on family budgets. Food costs have also risen in recent years, contributing to rising grocery bills for North Texas households.

Food insecurity is a very real issue in North Texas. Reports from local food banks point to rising hunger, with more than a million people in the region facing food insecurity, about one-third of whom are children. Experts attribute much of this rise to the lasting effects of inflation and wage stagnation.

Thankfully, we have some lifelines here in DFW. Aside from food banks, pantries, and other community food programs, when times get really tough, we are lucky enough to have a number of money-saving grocery stores spread across the area. Here are some budget grocery stores worth checking out.

Local farmers’ markets in DFW

The DFW metroplex is home to dozens of farmers’ markets, from large destinations like the Dallas Farmers Market and the McKinney Farmers Market at Chestnut Square—recently ranked one of the top markets in Texas—to smaller neighborhood markets. While there is no official count, local directories routinely list 20 or more weekly markets across Dallas and Tarrant counties alone.

While we don’t have the space to dive into twenty farmers’ markets, we will focus on six beloved standouts this year (including the two mentioned above). And you can learn about more of DFW’s best farmers’ markets in past seasons as well.

Where to find the best foods in DFW for the upcoming spring holidays

Every holiday, whether it’s directly attributed to a feast, like Thanksgiving, is tied to food. Even on the most benign national holiday like Earth Day, we can discover new foods and share in a meal with loved ones.

This spring, we would love to help you find the best places in DFW to fill all your holiday feasting needs. Whether your family celebrates Eid al-Fitr, Passover, or Easter, and whether you host Memorial Day, Cinco de Mayo, or Juneteenth, we’ve got you covered.

Hispanic supermarket chains serving DF

Texas-based Hispanic market chains play a vital role in meeting everyday needs for millions of people across Dallas-Fort Worth. These markets specialize in products that many households rely on. Each store offers fresh produce, marinated and specialty meats, hand-made tortillas, imported pantry staples, Latin American spices, dried chiles, salsas, cheeses, and baked goods that aren’t always easy to find in mainstream supermarkets. In addition to groceries, many of these chains offer prepared foods, panadería (bakeries), taquerias, and other culturally specific items.

By offering accessible pricing and bilingual environments, and while accepting programs like SNAP/EBT and WIC, these market chains help our neighbors save time and money. But what sets each of these market chains apart? We explore what each store offers.

Highly-rated local Hispanic markets in DFW

Like the many Hispanic supermarket chains around DFW, these small markets help support the community by offering products that satiate the dietary needs of nearly 30% of the population. But unlike the bigger chain markets, some of these stores hone in on specific cultural products from places like Brazil and Cuba, while others offer up beloved, traditional Mexican, South American, and Tejano goods.

We’ve taken a look across the entire DFW metroplex and found 5 small, locally-owned Hispanic markets with high ratings and excellent customer reviews.

Our favorite local Asian markets in DFW

Recently, H Mart, the largest Asian grocery store in the country, opened its doors in Dallas, and people who love shopping for Asian goods, particularly the market’s signature viral finds and secret treasures, have been in foodie heaven.

But for those of us who hate standing in line and, for better or worse, dislike crowds or don’t have the desire to hop on every trend, the Dallas-Fort Worth area has a slew of amazing locally-owned and Texas-based Asian markets that deserve our praise and patronage.

Whether you’re a fan of Vietnamese cuisine, Korean dishes, Chinese food, Japanese goods, Indian flavors, or Filipino finds, among other various regional favorites, you can find whatever you need spread out across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

We decided to highlight a handful of local favorites with high ratings and word-of-mouth praise from folks around the area.

Halal markets in Dallas-Fort Worth

Across DFW, a growing number of locally owned halal markets are stepping in to meet the needs of our growing community.

These markets stock everything from freshly butchered halal meats to imported spices, grains, breads, and prepared foods that can be hard to find elsewhere. Many also offer bakeries, deli counters, or in-house kitchens, making them places where shoppers can grab dinner and meet their neighbors. For international and immigrant communities, these stores can become reliable places to find a sense of connection.

DFW’s best European markets

The best thing about DFW’s European markets is that they focus on quality over quantity. These stores stock carefully selected imports rather than endless aisles of junk. You’ll find old-world breads, specialty cheeses, preserved vegetables, and regional snacks among gifts, cooking utensils, and other amazing finds. Shopping in these markets feels slower. It’s a more personal experience.

Whether you’re missing flavors from home or just looking to expand your palate, DFW’s European markets, especially those listed below, are worth seeking out. They add texture to the region’s food culture and show that North Texas grocery shopping can be just as global as the area itself.

The oldest butcher shop in DFW

An immigrant family-run business, this little shop prides itself on its hands-on craft…

A sign that says "help others be kind," written in chalk.

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Where to find food banks and food pantries in DFW

Food banks and food pantries form the backbone of the region’s hunger-relief efforts. They are often the first stop for anyone navigating a sudden disruption in financial stability that makes food access harder than it should be. These organizations move millions of pounds of food through warehouses, church halls, community centers, and drive-through lines to make sure people in DFW have reliable access to food.

We’re offering this long—but not exhaustive—list of resources for anyone looking for food support in North Texas, as well as for folks who would like to donate or volunteer. Whether you need groceries this week or are searching for a way to give back, DFW’s food banks and pantries offer practical, meaningful ways to strengthen our community.

Mutual aid organizations and blessing boxes fill hunger gaps in DFW

While our area’s food banks and food pantries are the cornerstone of Dallas-Fort Worth’s free food access initiatives, mutual aid groups and blessing boxes fill in the cracks that these larger charities may miss.

The purpose of this article is to connect DFW residents to these grassroots food resources, whether you’re looking for immediate support or hoping to give or volunteer.

CATEGORIES: FOOD and DRINK

Author

Stacy Rounds

Stacy Rounds is a writer and growth producer for Courier Texas. Prior to joining the team, Stacy has worked as a writer, editor, and engagement specialist covering topics ranging from local history, disability advocacy, recreation, and food hotspots to relationships and mental health.

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