Grocery delivery can be a convenient option when you have a busy lifestyle, lack easy access to grocery stores in your vicinity, want to social distance, or are home sick.
Several grocery delivery services are now available, offering a wide variety of options, price points, and delivery times. Some also cater to unique or specific dietary needs.
The factors used to rank these grocery delivery services include delivery time, pricing, geographic availability, and the variety of food offered — such as whether they include fresh produce and frozen or refrigerated foods.
The best grocery delivery services offer same-day delivery, are available nationwide, and cater to all dietary needs and preferences. They also offer fresh produce and frozen or refrigerated foods, have an optional cost-saving membership option, and are reasonably priced.
Here are the top 13 grocery delivery services.
A quick look at the best grocery delivery services
- Best for budget shoppers: Walmart+
- Most widely available: Instacart
- Best membership service: Shipt
- Best for Target shoppers: Target
- Best for Kroger shoppers: Kroger
- Best for product variety: Amazon Fresh
- Best organic grocery delivery: Whole Foods Market
- Best for Safeway shoppers: Safeway
- Best for shoppers in New England: FreshDirect
- Best for shoppers in the Southeast: Publix
- Best for specialty diets: Thrive Market
- Best for bulk orders: Boxed
- Best last-minute grocery delivery: Gopuff
How we chose
Here’s how we chose the best grocery delivery services:
- Fees and membership options. All grocery delivery services have some fees involved, but we tried to choose those that offered cost-saving memberships for people who order grocery delivery regularly.
- Product availability. There are many small grocery delivery services that offer a very narrow selection of groceries, but the ones on this list offer a wide selection of many different types of grocery items — comparable to what you may find at your local grocery store.
- Quality and reliability. All of these services are large, popular, and widely used. They also provide groceries at a variety of quality levels to meet the needs of various households.
- Service area. While there are many small grocers across the country that offer delivery, we focused on nationwide and regional services for this article. Although not all of the services on this list are available nationwide, they are all available in multiple states or large parts of the country.
How to choose a grocery delivery service
First and foremost, choosing a grocery delivery service depends on which services are available in your area. If you live in a large city, you’ll have many more options than if you live in a more rural area.
Next, you’ll want to consider which delivery service offers food that fits your dietary needs and preferences.
For example, you may want to evaluate whether it also offers staple foods, fresh produce, and frozen or refrigerated foods, or whether you’d need to make an additional grocery order from a different service for those items.
Then, you should consider pricing and how often you plan to use the delivery service. If you’re only going to use grocery delivery services infrequently — for example, less than once per month — you’ll want to choose the service that has the lowest per-order fees.
However, if you plan to use grocery delivery regularly, you’ll want to consider a membership option that would give you the best bang for your buck.
Finally, you’ll want to weigh other factors, like the availability of same-day delivery, if they have an app or just a website, and how their customer service is.
One additional consideration you’ll want to make is that — regardless of the delivery service you choose — tipping your delivery person is customary.
Healthline’s picks for best grocery delivery services
Best for budget shoppers
Walmart+
- Price: $7.95-$9.95 for one-time orders; membership is $12.95/month or $98/year for free unlimited delivery on orders over $35
- Best for: Walmart shoppers
Walmart offers a wide variety of products to suit all dietary needs, and because they don’t outsource their delivery service, the prices are the same as they are in the store.
If you plan to use Walmart+ delivery at least once per month, paying for an annual membership is the most price-effective option.
If you have any issues with your order, you can contact Walmart customer service through the app or email, or directly at the store you ordered from. Additionally, if Walmart is out of whatever brand name product your order, your courier will OK a substitution with you.
Pros
- same prices as in-store prices
- same variety of products as Walmart stores
- unlimited free delivery available with Walmart+
Cons
- delivery may not be an option at all stores
- $35 minimum required for delivery orders
- high fees for one-time orders
Most widely available
Instacart
- Price: $3.99+ for one-time orders (plus variable service fees); membership is $9.99/month or $99/year for free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $35
- Best for: nationwide availability
Instacart is a grocery delivery service that partners with grocery store chains to provide delivery from a variety of stores. As such, they offer a wide variety of products to suit all dietary needs.
Some grocery store chains like Kroger partner with Instacart to provide grocery delivery services directly through their own website or app.
Instacart personal shoppers may text you while picking your order to make substitutions if needed, and you can contact Instacart support through their app or email.
One potential downside of Instacart is that certain items may have higher prices on the Instacart platform than they do in stores, in addition to delivery and service fees.
To get the best value from Instacart if you use it regularly, join the Instacart Express membership program and make sure all of your orders meet the $35 minimum for free delivery.
Pros
- variety of stores to order from
- low fees for one-time orders
- price-saving membership for frequent delivery customers
Cons
- prices may be higher than in-store prices
- cannot use store loyalty cards for many stores
- additional service fees along with delivery fees
Best membership service
Shipt
- Price: $10 for one-time orders (plus a variable service fee); membership is $10.99/month or $99/year for free delivery on orders over $35
- Best for: membership
Like Instacart, Shipt is a grocery delivery service that partners with grocery chains to offer delivery from a variety of stores. Because of this, it caters to all dietary needs and preferences.
The most price-effective membership option is the annual one, which works out to about $8 per month. Individual items may still be marked up to a higher price for this service. You may also be eligible for a free Shipt membership with a Visa credit card.
Additionally, Target’s grocery delivery partner is Shipt.
Pros
- variety of stores available
- Target’s grocery delivery partner
- free memberships available with Visa credit card
Cons
- less widely available than Instacart
- high fees for one-time orders
- additional services fees along with delivery fees
Best for Target shoppers
Target
- Price: $9.99 for one-time orders; free delivery with a Shipt membership
- Best for: Target shoppers
While Target has a small in-house delivery program available in a few large cities, the majority of its grocery delivery is handled by Shipt, a grocery delivery service similar to Instacart.
Through Target, you’re able to get delivery with Shipt without purchasing a membership for a $9.99 fee.
However, becoming a Shipt member and making sure that all of your orders meet the $35 threshold for free shipping is the most price-effective way to use the service. If you’re not set on delivery, the Target app and website offers convenient drive-up service.
Pros
- same prices as Target in-store prices
- access to Target sale prices and promotions
- free delivery with Shipt membership
Cons
- high one-time order fees
- not available to all addresses
Best for Kroger shoppers
Kroger
- Price: $9.99 for one-time orders
- Best for: Kroger shoppers
Kroger partners with Instacart for their grocery delivery service, but you can place your order directly through the Kroger app or website — ensuring that you pay the same price as you would in the store or for grocery pickup.
Kroger also has a ship-to-home option in which certain non-perishable foods and household products can be ordered online and shipped to your home, with free shipping over $35.
There doesn’t appear to be a membership option for Kroger delivery orders placed directly through Kroger’s website or app.
Pros
- same prices as Kroger in-store prices
- access to Kroger sales and promotions
- can use Kroger loyalty card
Cons
- high one-time order fees
- no membership option if ordering through the Kroger website
Best for product variety
Amazon Fresh
- Price: $14.99/month or $139/year
- Best for: Amazon Prime members
Fresh is a service offered by Amazon, but to participate in the program, you must be an Amazon Prime member. It offers a variety of foods to suit all dietary needs, including natural and organic selections from Whole Foods Market, which is Amazon-owned.
Amazon Fresh also provides household goods and pet supplies, and you have access to Amazon customer service agents through live chat, email, or phone support.
It also offers a variety of delivery options, including:
- Attended delivery. You are present to receive your order.
- Doorstep delivery. The groceries are left on your doorstep.
- Pickup. You go to a predetermined Amazon pickup location to retrieve your order.
To get your money’s worth from the Amazon Fresh program, you should place orders that meet the free shipping threshold for your area. Unfortunately, this service is only available in certain large cities at the moment.
Pros
- complimentary service provided to Amazon Prime members
- provides a wide variety of grocery and household products
- sales and promotions available
Cons
- only available in major metro areas
- only available to Amazon Prime members
- free shipping threshold varies depending on your area
Best organic grocery delivery
Whole Foods Market
- Price: $14.99/month or $139/year
- Best for: organic groceries
Whole Foods Market offers a wide variety of organic and natural products, and caters to many dietary needs and preferences — including vegan, gluten-free, and paleo.
Because they are owned by Amazon, Whole Foods delivery works just like the Amazon Fresh program.
To get the best value, make sure your orders meet the minimum threshold for free shipping, which is $35 to $50, depending on location. Items selected for delivery may still be marked up compared with in-store prices.
Pros
- variety of organic and specialty groceries
- complimentary service for Amazon Prime members
Cons
- only available in large cities
- Amazon Prime membership required
- free shipping threshold varies depending on your area
Shop now at Whole Foods Market
Best for Safeway shoppers
Safeway
- Price: variable fees for one-time orders;
- Instacart membership for $9.99/month or $99/year for free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $35
- Safeway FreshPass membership for $12.99/month or $99/year for free delivery on orders over $30 (which you choose depends on who handles delivery for Safeway at your local store)
- Best for: Safeway shoppers
Safeway is a large chain of grocery stores operating in 17 states, as well as Washington, D.C. As a chain grocery store, it offers a wide variety of food options and caters to many dietary needs.
Although Safeway has in-house delivery staff in some locations, other locations partner with Instacart for grocery delivery. This may affect pricing.
When you order directly through Safeway, there doesn’t appear to be a membership option.
Safeway customer service can be reached via email, phone, or their app, as well as directly through the store you placed your order with. However, if your order was delivered through Instacart, you will need to contact Instacart to resolve any issues.
Pros
- FreshPass offers free delivery over $30
- some areas will have access to sale prices and loyalty perks
- low one-time order fees through Instacart
Cons
- areas with Instacart delivery may have higher prices with no access to sales
- may not deliver to all addresses near the store
- depending on who services your store, you may have FreshPass delivery or Instacart delivery
Best for shoppers in New England
FreshDirect
- Price: $5.99+ for one-time orders; DeliveryPass for $79 every 6 months offers free unlimited delivery on orders over $30
- Best for: northeastern states
FreshDirect is essentially an online grocery store. It provides a wide variety of food, including frozen, perishable, and natural and organic options.
However, it’s only available in certain states in the northeastern United States, such as New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Customer service is available through email or phone.
To get the best value from FreshDirect, sign up for the annual DeliveryPass subscription, which works out to $13.17 per month for unlimited free grocery delivery.
Pros
- low one-time delivery fees in some areas
- provides a wide variety of groceries, including natural and organic groceries
- free delivery with DeliveryPass membership
Cons
- high one-time delivery fees in some areas
- only available in northeastern United States
- membership more expensive than some other grocery delivery membership programs
Best for shoppers in the Southeast
Publix
- Price: $3.99+ for one-time orders (plus variable service fees); membership is $9.99/month or $99/year for free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $35
- Best for: Publix shoppers
Publix is a southeastern United States grocery chain offering a wide variety of products. They partner with Instacart for their grocery delivery service, so it works exactly the same as Instacart, with similar pricing and fees. Still, prices for delivery are higher than those offered in the store.
If you plan to order Publix delivery regularly, the most price-saving option is to sign up for Instacart Express and only place orders that meet the $35 minimum threshold for free shipping. If you need customer service, you will need to contact Instacart as opposed to Publix.
Pros
- accessible via Instacart
- reasonable monthly membership fees and deals
Cons
- limited availability around the United States
- delivery prices are higher than in-store pricing
Best for specialty diets
Thrive Market
- Price: required membership is $5/month (billed annually); shipping fees depend on what and how much you order
- Best for: specialty diets
Thrive Market specializes in natural, organic, and healthy grocery products. Membership is priced at $5/month but gives you access to exclusive pricing. Here are the shipping guidelines:
- Grocery items: $5.95 or free shipping on orders over $49
- Frozen items: $19.95 or free shipping on orders over $120
- Wine: $13.95 or free shipping on orders over $79
Thrive Market also regularly provides full-size complimentary gifts with orders, allowing you the chance to try new products for free. You can reach their customer service department via email or phone.
As is the case with Whole Foods Market, Thrive Market is best if you have very specific dietary needs and have trouble finding food to meet those needs at traditional grocery stores.
Pros
- available across the United States
- provides a variety of products for specialty diets and specific dietary restrictions
- offers access to exclusive pricing, sales, and free samples
Cons
- only available in larger cities
- doesn’t offer the same variety of items as larger grocery stores or big box stores
Best for bulk orders
Boxed
- Price: no membership fees; shipping is $6.99 or free over $79; optional Boxed Up membership is priced at $39 for your first year and $49/year after for free shipping on orders over $19.95
- Best for: bulk purchases
Boxed is an online bulk warehouse club that doesn’t require a membership but an optional one is available. They provide nonperishable foods and paper products.
However, they offer a service called Boxed Express, which provides same-day grocery delivery in certain metro areas. This service offers perishable foods and fresh produce. Customer service for Boxed and Boxed Express is offered via email.
For the best value from Boxed, join the Boxed Up membership program and only place orders that meet the $19.95 minimum for free shipping.
Pros
- offers bulk purchases of various grocery items
- Boxed Up offers free shipping over $19.95
- no membership fees, unlike other warehouse clubs
Cons
- Boxed Express not available in all areas
- limited selection of items and brands (mostly well-known name brands)
Best last-minute grocery delivery
Gopuff
- Price: $2.95+ delivery fee per order; $5.95 per month for Gopuff Fam membership with unlimited free deliveries
- Best for: quick delivery
Gopuff is a grocery delivery service that is marketed as a quick and simple way to have essentials delivered. They operate many micro-fulfillment centers across the United States, the United Kingdom, and France, keeping a stock of grocery items, home items, and alcohol that can be quickly delivered.
Their delivery fees start at just $2.95 per order, or their Fam membership that offers free unlimited delivery is $5.95 per month — so it would be worth the price if you ordered from Gopuff two or more times per month.
However, Gopuff currently only appears to be available in larger urban areas in the United States.
Pros
- quick delivery
- variety of groceries and alcohol
- inexpensive delivery fees and membership
Cons
- expensive shipping for frozen items unless you’re placing a large order
- membership required to place an order
- may only be worthwhile if you have specific dietary needs
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Grocery delivery service comparison
–
Price
Membership details
Products offered
Availability
Best for
$7.95-$9.95 for one-time orders
•$12.95/month or $98/year
•free unlimited delivery on orders over $35
all products available at Walmart stores
nationwide
Walmart shoppers
$3.99+ for one-time orders (plus variable service fees)
•$9.99/month or $99/year
•free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $35
variety, from many different types of stores
nationwide
nationwide availability
$10 for one-time orders (plus a variable service fee)
•$10.99/month or $99/year
•free delivery on orders over $35
variety, from many different types of stores
nationwide
membership
$9.99 for one-time orders
•Shipt membership: $10.99/month or $99/year
•free delivery on orders over $35
all products available at Target stores
nationwide
Target shoppers
$9.99 for one-time orders
No membership option available
all products available at Kroger stores
nationwide
Kroger shoppers
$14.99/month or $139/year
Amazon Prime required: $14.99/month or $139/year
variety of grocery items and household goods
large cities only
Amazon Prime members
$14.99/month or $139/year
Amazon Prime required: $14.99/month or $139/year
organic and specialty groceries
large cities only
organic groceries
variable fees for one-time orders
•Instacart membership for $9.99/month or $99/year •free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $35
OR
•Safeway FreshPass membership for $12.99/month or $99/year
•free delivery on orders over $30
all products available at Safeway stores
Midwest and western states (and Washington D.C.)
Safeway shoppers
$5.99+ for one-time orders
•DeliveryPass for $79 every 6 months offers
•free unlimited delivery on orders over $30
variety of groceries and household goods
northeastern states
New England residents
$3.99+ for one-time orders (plus variable service fees)
•Instacart Express membership is $9.99/month or $99/year
•free delivery and reduced service fees on orders over $35
all products available at Publix stores
southeastern states
Publix shoppers
required membership is $5/month ; shipping fees depend on what and how much you order
•required membership is $12/month or $59.95/year
•shipping fees depend on what and how much you order
organic and specialty groceries
nationwide
specialty diets
no membership fees; shipping is $6.99 or free over $79
•optional Boxed Up membership is $39 for your first year and $49/year after for free shipping on orders over $19.95
bulk groceries and household goods
nationwide
bulk purchases
$2.95+ delivery fee per order
$5.95 per month for Gopuff Fam membership with unlimited free deliveries
variety of grocery items, household goods, and alcohol
large cities only, also available in the U.K. and France
last minute grocery delivery
Frequently asked questions
Do you have to tip grocery delivery services?
A tip is not required, but it’s customary and highly recommended to tip your delivery driver.
Who uses grocery delivery?
Many people use grocery delivery. It’s a good choice for elderly people who may have trouble getting to the store or carrying groceries, as well as families with small children who don’t want to get the kids out while shopping. This is actually the reason I started using grocery delivery after my youngest child was born.
Additionally, grocery delivery is a good choice for people who find it difficult to get to the grocery store because they’re busy with work or other obligations.
Finally, many people used grocery delivery during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain social distance, and people who are immunocompromised may choose to continue to do so for this reason.
What are the benefits of grocery delivery?
Grocery delivery is more expensive than in-store shopping, but it offers a number of benefits that may be worth the added price, such as:
- convenience
- fewer impulse purchases
- more time saved
- social distancing
- fewer trips to the grocery store
Which grocery subscription is best?
This depends on your needs, where you are located, and what services are available in your area. For instance, if you follow a specialty diet, you may benefit the most from Whole Foods or Thrive Market. If you’re looking to save as much money as possible and you’re a regular Walmart shopper, Walmart+ may be the best fit.
How does Shipt compare to Instacart?
Shipt and Instacart are fairly similar. However, they have some differences in their service areas. Instacart is more widely available across the United States. Additionally, Shipt is the exclusive delivery partner of Target stores.
Which grocery app gives free delivery?
Very few grocery delivery services offer completely free delivery. You may be able to unlock free delivery with a paid membership, for instance with Walmart+, Instacart Express, Shipt, or Amazon Fresh.
Which grocery app allows cash on delivery?
From what we’ve seen, all grocery apps require you to pay with a credit or debit card.
Is it more expensive to have groceries delivered?
Yes, many times the groceries themselves may be more expensive through third-party apps like Instacart or Shipt, and you may also need to pay service fees and delivery fees. Additionally, it’s customary to tip your delivery driver.
The bottom line
With more people than ever avoiding going inside of grocery stores due to COVID-19, grocery delivery is becoming a much more desirable option.
Yet, even without a pandemic, you may be interested in the convenience of having your groceries delivered.
There are several grocery delivery services available, some of which cater to unique dietary needs, and some of which are only available in certain areas.
However, there’s sure to be a great grocery delivery service for your household on this list.
