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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


              CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP, INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




We consent to the incorporation by reference in Post Effective Amendment No. 2
to the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-24187) pertaining to the Ingles
Markets, Incorporated 1983 Stock Option Plan and in the related Prospectus, in
the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-52103) pertaining to the Ingles
Markets, Incorporated Investment/Profit Sharing Plan and in the related
Prospectus, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 333-13067) pertaining
to the Ingles Markets, Incorporated 1987 Employee Incentive Stock Option Plan
and in the related Prospectus, in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No.
33-63167) pertaining to the Ingles Markets, Incorporated 1991 Nonqualified
Stock Option Plan and in the related Prospectus, in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8 No. 33-63165) pertaining to the Option Agreement dated July 21, 1993
entered into by Ingles Markets, Incorporated with Robert P. Ingle and in the
related Prospectus, and in the Registration Statement (Form S-8 No. 33-63163)
pertaining to the Option Agreement dated July 21, 1993 entered into by Ingles
Markets, Incorporated with Landy B. Laney and in the related Prospectus, of our
report dated November 8, 1996 (except Note 17, as to which the date is December
6, 1996), with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedule
of Ingles Markets, Incorporated and subsidiaries included in the Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended September 28, 1996.



                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP



Greenville, South Carolina
December 19, 1996





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