<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>2
<FILENAME>g68083ex23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
<TEXT>

<PAGE>   1

                                                                      EXHIBIT 23

               Consent of Ernst & Young LLP, Independent Auditors

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-74459) pertaining to the Ingles Markets, Incorporated
Investment/Profit Sharing Plan of our report dated March 14, 2001, with respect
to the financial statements and schedules of the Ingles Markets, Incorporated
Investment/Profit Sharing Plan included in this Annual Report (Form 11-K) for
the year ended September 30, 2000.

                                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                             -----------------------------------
                                                      Ernst & Young LLP

Greenville, South Carolina
March 28, 2001
</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
