- Best For Asian Grocery | Weee! | Shop at Weee!
- Best For Prime Members | Amazon Fresh | Shop at Amazon Fresh
- Best Organic Grocery Delivery | Whole Foods Market | Shop at Whole Foods Market
- Best With Store Options | Instacart | Shop at Instacart
- Best For Last Minute | Gopuff | Shop at Gopuff
In recent years, the rise of technology has revolutionized how we live and interact with the world. One area where this transformation is particularly evident is in the realm of grocery shopping. With the advent of online grocery delivery services, consumers now have the convenience and flexibility to order groceries from the comfort of their homes and have them delivered right to their doorstep.
Navigating the world of online grocery delivery can be a daunting task, especially if you're new to it or considering switching to a different service. With so many options available, it's natural to feel overwhelmed and wonder if it's the right choice for you. However, fear not! Below, we will provide you with a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about online grocery shopping and along with the best grocery delivery services available.
Uncovering the Best Grocery Delivery Services
Thrive Market
Best Overall
Thrive Market is an online store that offers a wide range of products at wholesale prices. It aims to provide more affordable options compared to traditional grocery stores like Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh, or local supermarkets. With a focus on healthy and natural foods, Thrive Market caters to specific diets, offering a variety of options ranging from allergy-free to gluten-free.
In addition to pantry staples and specialty items, Thrive Market also provides a selection of fresh produce, including dairy products, prepared food, meat, seafood products, and more. This ensures that you can find a diverse range of products to meet your dietary preferences and daily needs.
To access the benefits of Thrive Market, a membership is required. The membership fee is highly affordable, allowing you to choose between a monthly or annual payment. The annual membership costs $60, which breaks down to just $5 per month. Alternatively, you can opt for a monthly membership at $10 per month. While there is a delivery fee for orders below $49, anything above will qualify for free delivery. Meeting the free delivery requirement is usually straightforward, ensuring a cost-effective shopping experience.
Thrive Market currently ships to residential and commercial addresses within the contiguous United States. However, they do not ship to P.O. boxes, Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or Canada. This ensures their services are available to a wide customer base while maintaining operational efficiency.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.7/5 Ease Of Use: 5/5 Conveniency: 5/5 Value for Money: 4.7/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.8/5 Product Selection: 4.7/5
Membership Based | Yes. $59.95 per year or $12 per month |
Shipping fee | Free shipping on orders of over $49 |
Delivery Time | 2-4 days from placing the order |
Service Locations | 48 states, excludes Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and Canada |
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Butcher Box
Best For Protein
Butcher Box is a premium meat delivery subscription that provides high-quality, sustainably sourced meats. Their offerings include grass-fed and grass-finished beef, free-range organic chicken, and heritage-bred pork. They pride themselves on delivering top-notch meats directly to your doorstep, ensuring both convenience and quality.
Currently, Butcher Box serves all 48 contiguous states within the United States, except Alaska, Canada, and Hawaii. Whether you're looking for tender steaks, flavorful chicken, or succulent pork, Butcher Box aims to meet your expectations and satisfy your carnivorous cravings.
When you order from Butcher Box, the meat is carefully frozen, packed in an insulated box, and shipped directly to your doorstep without any additional delivery fees. This ensures that your meat remains within the optimal temperature range during transit, guaranteeing its freshness and quality upon arrival.
To keep you informed, Butcher Box provides a tracking number for each order, allowing you to monitor the progress and know exactly when your shipment will reach your door. This added convenience ensures that you can plan accordingly and be ready to receive your delivery.
With Butcher Box, you can curate your box each month, selecting the meats that best suit your preferences. However, if you prefer, Butcher Box also offers the option for them to curate the box on your behalf, ensuring a variety of high-quality meats in every shipment.
With Butcher Box, you can look forward to a hassle-free experience, premium-quality meats, and the flexibility to customize your orders to your liking or let the experts curate a selection for you.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4/5 Ease Of Use: 4.9/5 Conveniency: 4.2/5 Value for Money: 4/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.8/5 Product Selection: 4.9/5
Membership Based | No, but it is a subscription service. |
Shipping fee | Free shipping |
Delivery Time | Approximately eight business days from your bill date |
Service Locations | All 48 contiguous states, except Alaska, Canada, or Hawaii |
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Farm Fresh To You
Best For California Residents
Farm Fresh To You is a family-owned company that brings the goodness of organic fruits and vegetables straight from their California farm to your doorstep. What sets this grocery subscription apart is that they offer a wide range of products beyond just produce. From meat to pantry items to body care products, they have you covered for all your grocery needs.
Farm Fresh To You is a subscription-based service that gives you control over when you want your groceries delivered. Whether you prefer a weekly or monthly delivery, the choice is yours, and this flexibility ensures that you can tailor the delivery schedule to align with your preferences and needs.
One of the standout features of Farm Fresh To You is its commitment to organic products. Everything they carry is organic, making it an ideal choice for those who prioritize organic and sustainable shopping experiences. If you enjoy shopping at Whole Foods, you'll likely appreciate the selection and quality offered by this delivery subscription.
Farm Fresh To You exclusively delivers to specific parts of California, providing free delivery within their areas. While there is no delivery fee, it's important to note that a small minimum order requirement must be met for each delivery. The minimum order amount may vary depending on your specific location.
By choosing Farm Fresh To You, you can enjoy the convenience of having farm-fresh organic produce and a diverse range of grocery items delivered right to your door. Their commitment to quality, sustainability, and customer satisfaction makes them a great option for those seeking a convenient and organic grocery delivery experience.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Ease Of Use: 4.9/5 Conveniency: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.5/5 Quality/Freshness: 5/5 Product Selection: 4/5
Membership Based | No, but it is a subscription service. |
Shipping fee | Free shipping on order quantity of $35 fresh produce (can vary based on the box) |
Delivery Time | Same day every week |
Service Locations | Many areas in Northern and Southern California |
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Imperfect Foods
Best To Help Reduce Food Waste
Imperfect Foods delivers grocery, organic, and conventional produce and snacks for up to 30% less than grocery store prices because they are imperfect. Don't let the word "imperfect" scare you. What makes them Imperfect? Cosmetic, off-spec, surplus, undervalued, packaging change, and short-coded.
I love this delivery service because they offer a variety of groceries, from fresh produce to pantry items, for less than your grocery stores. Plus, they deliver to many major cities throughout the United States. With the subscription, you can order per week, two times a month, or monthly. You decide what your delivery schedule is and what you want to order. There is a minimum order of $30 per order. There may be a delivery fee, and fees vary based on location. However, they sometimes offer free delivery if you purchase a certain amount per order.
This is another one of the best grocery delivery services, especially when you are on a budget. The downside of this service is they will only deliver to your area once a week, so you will need to plan what you may need ahead. Plus, the item varies week by week based on their inventory, so if you see something you love this week, it might not be there next week.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.8/5 Ease Of Use: 4.9/5 Conveniency: 4.5/5 Value for Money: 4.8/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.8/5 Product Selection: 5/5
Membership Based | No, but it is a subscription service. |
Shipping fee | Free shipping on order quantity of $60 (can vary based on location) |
Delivery Time | Same day every week |
Service Locations | Most of the West South Central region, Midwest, Northeast, and all along the West Coast |
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Weee!
Best For Asian Grocery
Weee! is a premier grocery delivery service that brings the vibrant flavors of Asian cuisine directly to your doorstep. They offer an extensive range of fresh Asian groceries, including meat, dim sum, and exotic produce. With Weee!, you can discover and enjoy a wide variety of items such as lychee, fresh dates, dragonfruit, yam leaf, durian, and many more.
Currently, Weee! serves several major locations, including the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Seattle, Portland, New York, and New Jersey. They cater to the diverse needs of Asian grocery enthusiasts in these regions, ensuring you can conveniently access the desired ingredients and products.
When it comes to placing an order with Weee!, there is a minimum order amount of $35 to qualify for free delivery. The minimum amount can vary based on location. However, Weee! do offer an annual $99 membership. With the membership, you can get unlimited free deliveries, earn a 5% rebate, and more!
Unlike some grocery delivery services, Weee! does not operate on a subscription-based model. This means you can order your groceries weekly or bi-weekly, depending on your preference and needs. As long as you submit your order before the cutoff time, you can expect to receive your groceries the next day, ensuring freshness and prompt delivery.
With Weee!, you can explore the rich flavors of Asian cuisine, discover exotic produce, and have all your essential grocery items conveniently delivered to your home. Their commitment to quality, diverse offerings, and efficient delivery make them an excellent choice for anyone searching for Asian goods and general grocery essentials.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.6/5 Ease Of Use: 4.8/5 Conveniency: 5/5 Value for Money: 4.7/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.8/5 Product Selection: 5/5
Membership Based | No, but a $99 annual membership is available |
Shipping fee | Free shipping on order quantity of $35 (can vary based on location). Members get unlimited free delivery |
Delivery Time | Next day, two days in advance, or your choice |
Service Locations | 48 states, excludes Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and APO/FPO |
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Amazon Fresh
Best For Prime Members
conveniently order a wide range of grocery items and have them delivered directly to your doorstep. Offers a vast selection of grocery items, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy products, pantry staples, household essentials, and more. You can browse a comprehensive range of products, including popular brands and local options.
Amazon Fresh provides various delivery options to suit your preferences. These options may include same-day or next-day delivery, depending on your location and the service availability in your area. You can select their desired delivery window during the checkout process. Prime members can access Amazon Fresh as an additional benefit of their membership. This integration often comes with added perks, such as exclusive discounts, special deals, and free delivery on eligible orders.
A service fee will be applied based on the order total when placing a delivery order with Amazon Fresh. For orders under $50, there will be a $9.95 service fee. Orders ranging from $50 to $100 will incur a $6.95 service fee, while orders between $100 and $150 will have a $3.95 service fee. These fees help cover operational expenses such as equipment, technology, and other costs associated with your grocery delivery. However, it's important to note that orders exceeding $150 and made through a Prime membership will remain free of service fees. If you do have a Prime membership, you can get ultrafast 2-hour delivery while non-members are 5 hours. For more information, please visit the Amazon Fresh website.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.4/5 Ease Of Use: 4.9/5 Conveniency: 4.9/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.6/5 Product Selection: 4.8/5
Membership Based | Free for Amazon Prime members |
Shipping fee | For orders under $50, there will be a $9.95 service fee. Orders ranging from $50 to $100 will incur a $6.95 service fee, while orders between $100 and $150 will have a $3.95 service fee. |
Delivery Time | As fast as 1 hour |
Service Locations | Major U.S. cities as well as some international cities |
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Whole Foods Market
Best Organic Grocery Delivery
Whole Foods Market offers a delivery service that allows you to order groceries and other products delivered directly to your doorstep. Whole Foods Market delivery is closely integrated with Amazon Prime, providing Prime members exclusive benefits and discounts. Prime members can access free two-hour delivery or opt for a one-hour delivery for an additional fee in select areas.
Whole Foods Market offers a wide selection of natural and organic groceries, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy products, pantry staples, and specialty items. You can find a range of high-quality, ethically-sourced products from trusted suppliers. It is also a great option for people with dietary restrictions such as vegan, gluten-free, keto, or paleo.
Whole Foods Market provides various delivery options to accommodate customer preferences. Prime members can choose between two-hour or one-hour delivery windows, unlike other grocery delivery services, depending on their location and availability. The service is designed to provide an incredibly fast and convenient way to receive groceries. It allows you to place an order and have it delivered to your doorstep within one hour of placing the order, ensuring quick access to fresh food and other household items.
So, what are Whole Foods' delivery and service fees? Currently, Whole Foods charges a service fee of $9.95 for grocery deliveries, and additional fees may apply for rush orders. However, this delivery service availability may vary based on the location of the customer's nearest Whole Foods store. The service is typically available in areas where Whole Foods stores are present.
In addition to delivery, Whole Foods also has a pickup service that allows you to pick up your order at your local grocery store (local Whole Foods) at no additional cost. You can either select curbside pick up, which staff will bring and load the groceries for you. Or you can head inside the store to pick up your order.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Ease Of Use: 4.9/5 Conveniency: 5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.6/5 Product Selection: 4.8/5
Membership Based | Free for Amazon Prime members |
Shipping fee | $9.95 |
Delivery Time | As fast as 1 hour |
Service Locations | Major U.S. cities with a store nearby |
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Instacart
Best with Store Options
Instacart is considered one of the leading and most popular grocery delivery services available today. It is a third-party platform connecting you with personal shoppers who fulfill and deliver their grocery orders.
Instacart offers a convenient and flexible way for you to order groceries from your favorite local stores. Through the Instacart website or mobile app, users can browse a wide range of products, including fresh produce, pantry items, household essentials, and more. They can select items from multiple stores and create a virtual shopping cart.
Once the order is placed, an Instacart shopper receives the request, goes to the specified stores, and handpicks the items on your behalf. They may communicate with you through the app to ensure accuracy and address any substitution preferences. The personal shopper then delivers the groceries directly to your doorstep within the chosen time frame.
Unlike the other services, Instacart partners with various grocery chains, including national and local stores, giving you a wide selection of options to choose from. If your favorite local grocery store doesn't offer delivery service, by using Instacart, it acts like your local grocery delivery service.
Like Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh, Instacart offers flexible delivery options, including same-day, next-day, and scheduled deliveries, allowing you to receive your groceries at their preferred time. Instacart offers features like the ability to leave notes for shoppers, order tracking, and real-time communication, enhancing the overall experience.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.3/5 Ease Of Use: 4.7/5 Conveniency: 4.6/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.3/5 Product Selection: 4.4/5
Membership Based | No, but membership is available for $99/year or $9.99/ month |
Shipping fee | Free delivery free on $35 or more for members or starting at $3.99 for non-members |
Delivery Time | Between 2-5 hours |
Service Locations | Across the United States and Canada |
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Gopuff
Best for last minute
GoPuff is a grocery delivery service that focuses on delivering a wide range of convenience store items directly to your doors. While it started primarily as a late-night delivery service for snacks and essentials, it has expanded to include a variety of grocery items, household products, and other convenience store items.
GoPuff offers a diverse selection of products, including snacks, beverages, groceries, cleaning supplies, personal care items, pet supplies, and more. They aim to provide a comprehensive range of convenience store items to cater to your needs.
Unlike other services like Whole Foods, Amazon Prime, and Instacart, GoPuff prides itself on its fast delivery service. They often claim to deliver within 30 minutes, ensuring quick access to the requested items. Their extensive network of warehouses or micro-fulfillment centers in various cities makes this rapid delivery time possible.
GoPuff operates through a mobile app, allowing you to browse and order items from your smartphones conveniently. The app provides an intuitive interface, making it easy for users to search for specific products or explore different categories. With a "GoPuff Fam" membership (monthly or yearly), you can receive benefits such as free delivery on all orders, exclusive deals, and promotions.
Our Ratings
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 Ease Of Use: 4.5/5 Conveniency: 5/5 Value for Money: 4.6/5 Quality/Freshness: 4.6/5 Product Selection: 4.8/5
Membership Based | Membership is $7.99/ month |
Shipping fee | Free delivery for members |
Delivery Time | As fast as 30 minutes |
Service Locations | More than 500 cities across the U.S. and counting |
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What should you look for in online grocery delivery service
There are several factors to consider when shopping for groceries online. Here are some key aspects to look for:
Wide product selection
Ensure that the service offers a wide range of groceries and household items to meet your needs. Look for a diverse selection of fresh produce, dairy products, pantry staples, snacks, and personal care items.
User-friendly website or app
A well-designed and intuitive interface makes browsing products easier, adding items to your cart, and completing the checkout process. Look for a platform that is easy to navigate and has clear categorization and search functions.
Convenient delivery options
Check if the service offers flexible delivery options that suit your schedule. Look for features like same-day or next-day delivery, time slots that align with your availability, and the ability to schedule recurring deliveries if desired.
Delivery fees and minimum order requirements
Consider the cost associated with delivery. Some services may charge a flat fee, while others have variable fees based on factors like order size or delivery distance. Be aware of any minimum order requirements that need to be met to qualify for delivery.
Quality and freshness
One of the primary concerns with online grocery shopping is the quality and freshness of the products. Look for a service that takes extra care in handling and delivering perishable items, such as proper packaging, insulated bags, or refrigerated delivery vehicles.
Customer reviews and ratings
Read customer reviews and ratings to get an idea of the service's reliability, accuracy in fulfilling orders, and customer satisfaction. Feedback from other users can provide valuable insights into the overall experience.
Price competitiveness
Compare the prices of the products offered by different services to ensure they are competitive with local grocery stores. Some services may offer special discounts, loyalty programs, or price-matching guarantees that can help you save money.
Customer support
Check if the service provides reliable customer support channels, such as phone, email, or live chat. Having a responsive customer support team can be helpful in case of any issues or concerns with your order.
Additional services
Some services offer extra features like meal planning assistance, recipe suggestions, or dietary filters for specific needs (e.g., gluten-free, vegan, etc.). These additional services can enhance your overall shopping experience.