Which is Best For Online Grocery Shopping?

Many online grocers now offer quality items at prices that are more affordable than the typical grocery store. I compared several well-known services to determine which one is the best. I looked for those that provide a variety of products, top brands, and reasonable prices, as well as a convenient option for delivery or pickup.

Online shopping is all about planning your list, and claiming your delivery time slot before it gets full. You'll also need to be willing to make swaps based on availability.

1. Instacart

This online grocery delivery service allows you to place orders on an app or website, creating an online shopping cart that is fulfilled by an individual shopper on a designated day. Instacart collaborates with more than 1,400 national, local and regional retail banners in North America to deliver products from 80,000+ locations. There are membership-only stores, such as Costco or Sam's Club.

Instacart's charges include the $2.99 same-day delivery charge and a $3.99 service fee (plus tips for the customer). These fees are similar to those you'll encounter with shopping at your local grocery store however, you don't have to worry about parking, driving, and standing in queue to pay. In addition that if you shop on Instacart at minimum 14 times a year you can sign up for an annual Instacartmembership to save money on delivery and service fees.

Hindert recommends you price shop before adding items to your shopping cart if you are concerned about the cost of food items. Instacart lets you add specific prices and nutrition facts to your list so you can compare prices and ingredients with those of the items already in your cart. It is also possible to use your Instacart application to create a "shoppable" shopping list that you can use to make future grocery trips.

However, Hindert explains that using Instacart to purchase groceries may not be as efficient as doing your own shopping because it can lead to buying impulse items. In addition grocery delivery services may not always provide the same deals as your local supermarket.

2. Amazon Grocery

Amazon Grocery allows customers to get their groceries delivered right to their doorstep. The products are delivered from local Amazon warehouses via couriers or at a location that is manned. The service provides same-day or next-day delivery. Amazon offers a wide variety of grocery items, including fresh fruits and vegetables dairy products, seafood and meats, frozen food, packaged foods and household items.

Amazon Grocery has become one of the most sought-after services for grocery shopping and with good reason. It has a competitive pricing structure, a huge range of items, and practical features that make it an excellent option for those looking to save time and money on grocery shopping. Additionally, the service also has a strong sustainability factor and is perfect for those seeking to reduce their carbon footprint.

Its focus on the weekly food shopping trip, the affordable cost and curated choices place it directly in direct competition with traditional supermarkets, Brick Meets Click's Bishop said. "Grocers that don't stand out in any of these categories are the most susceptible to Amazon Grocery," Bishop added.

In order to encourage more frequent and more substantial grocery purchases among its Prime membership, Amazon has introduced a variety of new perks, including unlimited delivery of groceries. This will allow the company to establish itself as an all-in-one shop for a large portion of its customers' requirements.

Another method Amazon is attempting to draw customers to its stores for groceries is through its merchandising innovations. Local brands that have proven successful in smaller 365 stores like Rockenwagner Bakery or Groundworks Coffee are among the numerous local brands Amazon is promoting. This gives shoppers a more authentic grocery experience and makes it easy to build loyalty.

3. Walmart

With a hectic schedule of work, family commitments and general dislike of crowds, it's not a surprise that shopping online is a popular choice. From clothing to office supplies it's all simpler when you just click and send. Now, grocery shopping has joined the party.

Online grocery stores are on the rise with many offering convenience and others providing quality products at reasonable prices. But which one is right for you? We've rounded-up the most popular grocery delivery services to help you choose the best option for you.

Instacart is a top online grocery service that connects you with personal shoppers who buy your groceries at local stores. It operates in a variety of cities, and can be an excellent option for those who prefer supermarkets with chains and want to avail discounts at wholesalers such as Costco and Aldi. Instacart provides same-day delivery in a variety of markets and includes stores such as Food Lion, Kroger and Wegmans. It even has a service for bulk items which is ideal for those who frequently go to the store to stock up on essentials.

Walmart is a household name in the world of e-commerce for food items. Its online ordering Deck Jig System allows customers to choose an appointment time or pickup and then select the items you want from a virtual cart. The site offers rollback discounts and a variety of items from produce to pantry essentials to personal care items. Walmart+ is a service that delivers groceries from local stores.

Thrive Market, an online grocery store is a specialist in organic food and non-GMO items. Membership costs $5 per month, and is charged annually, Vimeo.com and offers a wide variety of food to pick from, such as meat, fish and dairy. Thrive offers free shipping on orders that exceed $35 and its selection includes items that are healthy for you as well as the planet.

4. Smith's

Online grocery shopping can be a lifesaver for many families with busy schedules. Not only can these services let you cut one weekly errand off your to-do list however, they can also make it easier to meal plan and budget. However there are many differences between online grocery stores are identical. It's important to select the right one, regardless of whether you're looking for convenience or a large variety of goods.

In addition to Smith's many other online grocers provide convenient delivery and pick-up options. Instacart is one of the grocery stores online that allows personal shoppers to shop at local stores and deliver your order to your home or workplace. Walmart Grocery is one of the many options that allow you to shop online and then take your order to the store you have chosen.

Thrive Market is another popular online grocery store that offers a variety of organic and natural items. These include items for the kitchen, cleaning supplies and more. Unlike other online grocers, Thrive does not have an order minimum or flat fee for delivery. There is also a free membership option that lets you try the service for two weeks before deciding decide to pay for Kids Storage Chest it.

Smith's offers a curbside grocery service for customers who are eligible for government benefits. The service accepts EBT or SNAP cards. Select the store location in your Smith's App shop, place your order and then select the time of pickup. Once you arrive at your chosen location, park in your designated space and dial a number to inform an associate that you're there. The associate will bring your order to you in the parking area.

5. Peapod

A pioneer in online grocery shopping, Peapod operates in 24 markets across the US. Customers can order and receive deliveries of groceries, pantry items, fresh produce, deli products and meats, dairy products, natural and organic foods as well as prepared meals, school and office supplies, personal care items and alcohol in specific markets. Customers can also pick up their items at more than 200 Peapod pickup points most of which are located in brick-and-mortar shops owned by Ahold USA like Stop & Shop.

Peapod uses the data it collects to identify the brands and products that shoppers like, and allows them to recommend similar products. It also allows shoppers to see all the items in their cart in a single glance and use filters to narrow results. Because grocery shopping is a largely habit-driven activity, the Skokie-based company uses information to predict which products the shopper will buy which pushes those items to the top of the list.

The service is based on its drivers, which are also referred to as brand ambassadors. Bienkowski said to Food Dive that food is an emotional experience. Being able to interact directly with the person who delivers the order makes it more pleasant and convenient. When customers see their food items delivered by the driver, they are assured that their order is in good hands.

Peapod is an early pioneer in online grocery shopping, has invested in technology to ensure that it is able to compete with its rivals. It hasn't had as big of an impact on the business as other delivery services for groceries like Instacart or Amazon Fresh. The 28-year-old veteran of the online grocery wars is trying to boost its competitiveness by expanding its ecommerce options. It recently launched a new mobile shopping experience based on its proprietary PRISM platform at its own websites as well as those of its parent company, Ahold Delhaize USA.