Which is Best For Online Grocery Shopping?

Many online grocers now provide high-quality items at prices that might out-perform your usual grocery stop. To determine which is best, I tested some of the most well-known services to find those that offer variety, quality brands and fair prices with convenient delivery or pick-up option.

A key to online shopping is making a list of your needs and claiming a delivery timelot before spots fill up. You'll also have to be flexible with your choices based on the availability of the products.

1. Instacart

This online grocery delivery service lets you order via either a mobile app or web site and create a virtual cart that is delivered by the personal shopper on specific day. Instacart works with over 1,400 national, local, and regional retail banners in North America to deliver products from more than 80,000 locations. You can even find stores that are membership-only, such as Costco and Sam's Club, on the platform.

Instacart's fees include the $2.99 same-day delivery fee and an additional $3.99 service charge (plus a tip for the customer). These prices are similar to the ones you'd pay at your local grocery store. However, you won't have to drive to park, park, or wait in lines. Instacart offers an annual membership for those who purchase at minimum 14 times a year. This will help you save money on service and delivery fees.

If you're worried about your grocery costs, consider price-shopping prior to adding items to your cart. Instacart allows you to add nutrition information and prices specific to your shopping list to allow you to compare the prices and ingredients of the items you have in your cart. You can also create an "shoppable list" using your Instacart application. This is useful for future grocery shopping trips.

However, Hindert warns that using Instacart to purchase groceries may not be as beneficial as doing your own shopping as it could lead to buying impulse items. Additionally grocery delivery services do not always offer the same in-store sales that you can discover at your local grocery store.

2. Amazon Grocery

Amazon Grocery lets customers get their groceries delivered right to their doorstep. The products are delivered from local Amazon warehouses and can be picked up by a courier or dropped off at a location that is supervised (where you have to be present to pick up your order). The service offers same-day or next-day delivery. Amazon has a broad selection of grocery items available that include fresh dairy, produce, meat and seafood, packaged goods, frozen foods and household products.

Amazon Grocery is one of the most well-known grocery shopping services on the market and for good reason. Its low prices, wide range of items and convenient features make it a great option for shoppers looking to save money and time on their groceries. It's an excellent option for those who want to lower their carbon footprint.

Its focus on the weekly food shopping trip, its affordable cost and curated choices put it directly in competition with traditional supermarkets, Brick Meets Click's Bishop stated. "Grocers who aren't a standout in one of these categories are more vulnerable to Amazon Grocery," Bishop added.

As an incentive to drive more frequent and larger grocery purchases within its Prime members, Amazon has introduced a number of new perks, including unlimited delivery of groceries. This will help the company make itself a one stop shop for a large portion of its customers' everyday requirements.

Another method Amazon is attempting to draw customers to its stores for groceries is through merchandising innovation. This includes highlighting local brands that were successful in its smaller 365 stores like Rockenwagner Bakery and ecs-pw-pc2.ecs.csus.edu Groundworks Coffee. This gives shoppers an authentic experience at the grocery store and makes it easier to build loyalty.

3. Walmart

With hectic work schedules and family commitments, as well as a general distaste for crowds, it's no surprise that shopping online is a favorite option. From office supplies to clothing, everything seems simpler when you just click and ship. Now, grocery shopping has joined the party.

Online grocery stores are growing in popularity. Some offer convenience, while others offer high-quality products at affordable prices. Which one is best for you? We've rounded-up the best grocery delivery services to help you select the right one for you.

Instacart is a leading online grocery service that connects you with personal shoppers who buy your groceries at local stores. It is accessible in thousands of cities, and is a great alternative for those who prefer to shop at chain supermarkets but also want to benefit from discounts at wholesalers such as Costco and Double Pole Circuit Breaker Aldi. Instacart offers same-day delivery to many markets, including stores such as Food Lion, Kroger and Wegmans. It also has bulk items available as well, which is ideal for those who frequently visit the store to stock up on basic items.

Walmart is another major name in the world of e-commerce for groceries. You can order online and choose an appointment for delivery or pickup, then add your items to an online shopping cart. The site offers rollback deals and a broad selection of products ranging from produce pantry essentials to personal care products. Walmart+ is a service that delivers groceries from local stores.

Thrive Market is an online grocery store that specializes in organic and non-GMO food items. Its membership costs $5 per month, which is billed annually, and it has an array of foods to pick from, such as fish, meat and dairy. Thrive provides free shipping on orders of more than $35 and its selection includes items that are healthy for you as well as the environment.

4. Smith's

Online grocery shopping can be a godsend for many busy families. Not only do these services help you shave one task off your weekly to-do list and help you meal plan and budget. Not all online grocery stores provide the same benefits. It's important to select the right service, whether you're seeking convenience or a broad selection of products.

In addition to Smith's, several other online grocers offer convenient delivery and pick-up options. Instacart is one of the grocery stores online which allows personal shoppers to shop at local stores and then deliver your order to your home or office. Walmart Grocery is one of the many options that allow customers to shop online and then pick up your order at a designated store.

Thrive Market is another popular online grocery store that offers an extensive selection of organic and natural products. These include pantry staples, cleaning supplies and more. Unlike other online grocers, there is no order minimum or flat fee for delivery. The company also offers an unpaid membership that lets you try the service for up to two weeks before paying for it.

Smith's offers a convenient curbside grocery service for those who purchase government benefits. The service accepts EBT or SNAP cards. To avail this service, just select the store location from your Smith's app, shop and make your purchase, then choose a time for pickup and a parking space. When you arrive, park in your assigned space and dial a number to notify the associate that you are there. The associate will then deliver your order to you in parking lot.

5. Peapod

Peapod is the first to offer online grocery shopping. It operates in 24 US markets. Customers can place orders and receive delivery of groceries, pantry items fresh produce, deli products and 627 roll File Adir meats, dairy products, natural and organic foods as well as prepared meals, office and school items, personal care products and alcohol in specific markets. Customers also can pick up orders at more than 200 Peapod pickup locations, the majority of which are attached to Ahold USA's brick and mortar stores such as Stop & Shop.

Peapod uses data to identify shoppers' favorite brands and items that allow the online grocer to recommend similar products. The system lets shoppers view everything in their shopping cart at the same time and also make use of filters to narrow the results. Since shopping for groceries is a routine activity, the Skokie-based company uses information to predict what products the consumer will buy which pushes those items to the top of the list.

The drivers, who are referred to as brand ambassadors, are a key element of the service. Bienkowski told Food Dive that food is an emotional experience. Being able to communicate directly with the person who is delivering the food makes it more enjoyable and convenient. When customers are able to see their groceries delivered by the driver they know that the order is safe with the driver.

Peapod, as the first to pioneer online grocery shopping has invested in technology to ensure that it can remain competitive against its rivals. It hasn't had as big of an impact on the market as other delivery services for groceries like Instacart or Amazon Fresh. However, the 28-year veteran of the online grocery delivery wars is attempting to boost its competitiveness by expanding its online shopping options. It recently launched a new mobile shopping experience based on its exclusive PRISM platform at its own websites, and also the sites of its parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA.