It is inevitable. You will spend a lot of time shopping for groceries. Sometimes, you may travel several times a week. If you want to streamline your errands and maximize your free time, consider grocery delivery. Sure, it costs a little more, but it’s worth the time you save.
The best grocery delivery services deliver perishable and non-perishable foods, as well as household and personal care products. Most services also offer backup options if your first choice isn’t available.
To help you find your favorite service, we’ve compiled a list of the seven best grocery delivery services. For your convenience, we’ve also broken down how each service works and how much it costs.
1. Amazon grocery delivery
How it works
Always delivering clever shopping innovations, Amazon is known for its subscription and discount programs and convenient buy now, pay later financing. Amazon Grocery Delivery is now available to anyone, even if you’re not a Prime member.
In many cities or towns in the United States, you can enjoy Amazon’s delivery and free grocery pickup services. To see if your area is included, log in to your Amazon account and enter your zip code.
You can shop for groceries at Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market. Amazon also offers Same-Day Stores, where you can purchase items from local stores. Prime members also get free Grubhub+ food delivery service.
Availability varies by region, but offerings may include access to a wide variety of fresh, frozen and dry foods. You may also be able to order alcoholic beverages depending on your location and applicable laws. If legal in your state, you must provide valid government-issued identification upon delivery.
Prices are generally fair and consistent with local supermarkets. Regarding the delivery window, Amazon Prime members can receive delivery within two hours. Delivery times may vary, but if you order during busy times you will receive a quote when you start shopping online.
In addition to the delivery fee, you can add a tip to the driver. We also recommend that you bring perishable items and stay home during delivery to prevent theft. However, in some areas, Amazon offers delivery inside your garage using Amazon Key.
Why We Love It
Amazon Grocery Delivery is a great resource to save you time. You’ll have access to tons of great brands, fresh produce, and alcohol (if it’s legal in your area). You’ll save time and only have to pay for driver tips once you meet our shopping threshold.
Amazon Grocery Delivery Fee
Anyone can use Amazon Grocery Delivery, but Prime members pay lower shipping rates.
Prime members pay:
- No fees for orders over $100
- $6.95 for orders between $50 and $100
- $9.95 for orders under $50
Non-Prime members pay:
- $4.95 to $13.95 depending on delivery time and order amount.
Shop on Amazon
2. Instacart grocery delivery
How it works
Instacart grocery deliveries are scheduled and set up through the website or app by creating an account.
This service allows you to shop at a variety of stores in your area, including local supermarket chains and big box stores. Instacart allows you to access Costco’s items without a membership.
Other types of stores are also available, including pharmacies, electronics stores, hair salons, and pet stores. Once you sign up for an account, you can explore Instacart shopping options in your area.
To start shopping, select a store and shop your groceries online. You can check product prices while shopping. Retailers set the prices for Instacart products, and some prices may differ from store prices.
The app also shows real-time updates as shoppers select items. Customers are given the opportunity to chat within the app while they shop to help manage their order or select a replacement product. Finally, select a time and your item will be delivered the same day.
Why We Love It
I love Instacart for grocery shopping because it offers a variety of stores. Plus, with an Instacart+ membership, you can save on shipping costs (unlimited free shipping on orders over $10) and lower service fees. Your membership also grants you additional benefits, such as Peacock streaming and a one-year subscription to New York Times Cooking.
Instacart grocery delivery fees
Member shipping fees apply to same-day orders of $10 or more. Shipping costs may vary for delivery within one hour and club store delivery.
You will also pay a service fee that varies depending on location, number of items, and item type. A separate service fee applies to alcoholic beverage orders.
It’s a good idea to also include tips for shoppers. 100% of the money goes to the shopper/delivery person.
Shop with Instacart
3. Costco grocery delivery
How it works
Costco offers several types of grocery delivery based on zip code. You can order and set up grocery delivery online at Costco.com or through our mobile app.
Once you start shopping, you’ll need to decide how quickly you need Costco items. Same-day or two-day delivery options are available.
* Same-day delivery is available through Instacart.
* 2-day grocery delivery is offered directly through Costco.
All grocery orders can be placed online by logging into your Costco account. Instacart allows same-day ordering even if you are not a Costco member.
Why We Love It
Getting your favorite Costco products without having to travel is a huge deal. Additionally, if you don’t mind paying extra, you can try Costco products on the same day without a paid membership.
Costco grocery delivery fee
Fees charged by Instacart apply for same-day shipping on orders with a minimum of $35.
Costco members can order two-day shipping with no fee as long as they meet the $75 minimum. You will typically pay more for these items than the store price.
Shop at Costco
4. Target Grocery Delivery
How it works
Target has partnered with Shipt for grocery and same-day delivery, and you can order more than just groceries. In addition to basic groceries like eggs, milk, and bread, you can buy a variety of Target products at almost any store.
Target grocery delivery is available through the website or the Target app. If you choose same-day delivery, you’ll choose a delivery time and Shipt’s shoppers will deliver your item. If your first choice product is unavailable, a Shipt shopper will text you to find a replacement.
Why We Love It
Considering the amount you can buy at Target, you can buy more than just groceries. Delivery services include everything from household essentials to pharmacy items. I also love that you can save on shipping by joining Target Circle 360.
Target grocery delivery fee
If you are not a Target Circle 360 member, Target delivery costs $9.99. If you have a Target Circle 360 membership ($99 per year), you can get free shipping on orders over $35.
shopping destination
5. Walmart grocery delivery
How it works
Walmart grocery delivery is available in most major cities, but you’ll need to enter your zip code to see if delivery is available in your area. You can purchase grocery delivery on the Walmart website or in the Walmart Grocery app.
This service lets you fill your online cart with all kinds of perishable and non-perishable groceries, as well as tons of other Walmart products.
We like Walmart’s flexibility in scheduling delivery times and days. This is great if you have a busy work schedule because you have to be home to take orders. Your shopping cart will display an estimated delivery time of up to one week and any applicable fees.
Why We Love It
Walmart is not increasing its delivery prices. This is a good benefit compared to other delivery services. Save even more with Walmart promo codes.
Walmart Grocery Delivery Fee
Shipping costs vary depending on how quickly you need the item. The fee for most orders is $7.95-$9.95. Walmart+ members pay no shipping on orders over $35. Orders under that amount will be charged a $2.95 fee for same-day shipping.
walmart shopping
6. Whole Foods Grocery Delivery
How it works
Whole Foods is part of the Amazon family, so you can get Whole Foods grocery pickup and delivery on Amazon.com. This service is only available for certain zip codes, so enter your zip code into Amazon to see if it applies.
You can buy tons of groceries from Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, including a variety of organic products. Once you fill your online shopping cart, you will confirm and schedule delivery.
Why We Love It
Whole Foods isn’t the cheapest store, so I’m glad they don’t charge extra for groceries. Prime members also enjoy special sales and promotions.
Whole Foods grocery delivery fee
Prime members pay a $9.95 service fee for grocery delivery orders and an additional fee for expedited orders. Non-Prime members will pay a service fee of $13.95.
Shop Whole Foods
7. Incomplete food grocery delivery
How it works
Imperfect Foods is a grocery delivery subscription company that aims to reduce waste by selling high-quality produce that may not look as good. Hence the term “incomplete”. They also sell “typical” products. Products offered include produce, meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, household items and pantry items.
You will need to register an account and share your preferences. Imperfect Foods assigns you a specific shopping window and delivery date. You can expect delivery within a week of your shopping period. You can make changes before the window closes.
Why We Love It
In addition to convenient delivery, I like the company’s commitment to reducing food waste through eco-friendly initiatives and recycling.
Incomplete food grocery delivery fee
In addition to the $1.99 operating fee, shipping costs start at $5.99. The service will sometimes waive shipping fees if you meet a certain order total (determined by your location).
It’s a subscription service, but you can skip weeks or cancel at any time without a fee. You will be charged once the item arrives at your home.
Shop for Imperfect Foods
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