In today’s fast-paced world, convenience is king, especially when it comes to grocery shopping. While Instacart has become a household name for many seeking fast, reliable grocery delivery, it’s not the only option available. Exploring the Best Instacart Alternatives can help you find better pricing, broader store selections, or delivery options that fit your lifestyle. Whether you want smoother, cheaper, or more personalized grocery shopping, these alternatives open up a world of choices.
Why Look for Instacart Alternatives?
Instacart is popular, yes—but it’s not perfect. Some users experience high delivery fees, limited availability in certain areas, or frustration with product substitutions. Also, if you’re a price-conscious shopper, you may find better deals or lower service fees elsewhere. Also, depending on where you live, some alternatives might partner with local stores or offer services Instacart doesn’t cover, such as meal kits or alcohol delivery.
Whether you want more flexibility, lower costs, or different shopping options, having alternatives at your fingertips can save you time and money. Let’s explore these top alternatives now.
10 Best Instacart Alternatives
1. Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is Amazon’s grocery delivery service that offers an extensive range of groceries including fresh produce, dairy, meat, and pantry staples. It’s tailored for Amazon Prime members who want to combine their grocery shopping with their existing Amazon purchases, enjoying fast delivery and seamless integration with Amazon’s other services like Alexa. If you live in a city where it’s available, it’s an excellent choice for those who want convenience without hopping between multiple apps.
Pros
-
Vast product selection including fresh, organic, and specialty items
-
Free delivery for Prime members on orders over a certain amount
-
Integration with Alexa and Amazon’s broader ecosystem
Cons
-
Available only in select cities
-
Delivery fees apply for non-Prime members
2. Shipt
Shipt is a membership-based grocery delivery platform owned by Target. It partners with various local and regional grocery stores to provide users with a broad range of shopping options. Personal shoppers handpick your items, often with the option to communicate substitutions, and deliver the order same day. It’s ideal for shoppers looking for variety and fast delivery without juggling multiple store apps.
Pros
-
Covers a wide range of grocery stores including Target and regional chains
-
Free delivery on orders over $35 for members
-
Same-day delivery options
Cons
-
Membership fee required
-
Service quality can vary depending on the shopper
3. Walmart Grocery Delivery
Walmart Grocery Delivery offers groceries directly from Walmart stores, combining Walmart’s low prices and wide product selection with home delivery. The service is designed for budget-conscious shoppers who want dependable grocery deliveries or curbside pickup without any membership fees. It’s especially appealing if you’re already familiar with Walmart’s offerings and want to save time while shopping.
Pros
-
Competitive pricing with rollback discounts
-
Reliable delivery and curbside pickup options
-
No membership required
Cons
-
Limited availability in some rural areas
-
Delivery fees apply unless minimum order requirements are met
4. FreshDirect
FreshDirect is a grocery delivery service focused on fresh, high-quality produce, meat, seafood, and prepared meals, mainly servicing the Northeast U.S. area. It caters to those who prioritize organic or gourmet products and want the convenience of scheduled deliveries. It’s a premium service, ideal for shoppers who want their groceries curated with quality and freshness in mind.
Pros
-
Emphasis on fresh and organic products
-
Wide variety of prepared meal options
-
Customizable delivery windows
Cons
-
Service area limited to the Northeast
-
Delivery fees on smaller orders
5. Google Shopping Grocery Delivery
Google Shopping Grocery Delivery aggregates grocery options from various retailers in your area, allowing you to compare prices and product availability in one place. It simplifies multi-store shopping by connecting you to different stores without the hassle of separate apps or websites. This is ideal for shoppers who want choice and flexibility in one convenient platform.
Pros
-
Aggregates multiple grocery stores for easy comparison
-
User-friendly interface with Google account integration
-
Includes major retailers and local stores
Cons
-
Service availability varies by location
-
Delivery experience depends on the retailer
6. Peapod
Peapod is a longstanding online grocery delivery service operating mainly in the Midwest and Northeast. It offers groceries, pantry staples, and meal kits, delivering directly from regional stores. Peapod appeals to shoppers who want a trusted, consistent service in those areas, especially those who appreciate scheduled delivery times and meal planning assistance.
Pros
-
Strong reputation and reliable service
-
Offers meal kits and pantry staples
-
Flexible delivery slots
Cons
-
Limited to specific geographic areas
-
Somewhat higher prices than big-box stores
7. Boxed
Boxed is an online wholesale grocery and household goods retailer that focuses on bulk-sized products. It’s perfect for families, small businesses, or anyone who prefers buying in bulk without visiting warehouse stores. The platform offers convenience and competitive prices without requiring a membership, though it’s not a full-service grocery delivery for fresh foods.
Pros
-
Bulk buying at warehouse prices
-
No membership fees
-
Easy online ordering and repeat order features
Cons
-
Less variety for fresh produce
-
Delivery times can vary
8. Kroger Delivery
Kroger Delivery services groceries from Kroger stores and affiliated chains like Fred Meyer. The platform offers home delivery and curbside pickup, with frequent digital coupons that can save you money. It’s well-suited for shoppers living in Kroger’s markets who want a straightforward, reliable grocery delivery option with a good mix of fresh and packaged goods.
Pros
-
Access to Kroger’s wide selection of groceries and organic options
-
Multiple delivery and pickup options
-
Frequent digital coupons and discounts
Cons
-
Delivery fees unless you subscribe to their delivery membership
-
Availability limited to Kroger markets
9. Postmates
Postmates started as a food delivery platform but now includes grocery and convenience store delivery. It’s great for last-minute or smaller grocery orders and offers the convenience of alcohol and convenience store item delivery in many cities. Postmates works well for users who want flexibility and speed, especially when integrated with Uber Eats.
Pros
-
On-demand delivery with fast turnaround
-
Includes convenience stores and alcohol delivery
-
Integrated with Uber Eats for a single app experience
Cons
-
Delivery fees can be high for small orders
-
Limited grocery store variety compared to dedicated services
10. goPuff
goPuff is a convenience-focused delivery service offering snacks, beverages, household essentials, and over-the-counter medicines. It operates in select urban areas with ultra-fast delivery, often under 30 minutes. While it doesn’t provide a full grocery selection, it’s perfect for those quick runs to grab essentials or snacks without leaving the house.
Pros
-
Ultra-fast delivery (often under 30 minutes)
-
Flat delivery fee regardless of order size
-
Ideal for convenience items and snacks
Cons
-
Limited grocery variety (not full supermarket)
-
Only available in select cities
| Service | Delivery Area | Pricing Model | Key Strengths | Main Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amazon Fresh | Select U.S. cities | Prime membership + delivery fees | Large product range, fast delivery, Amazon integration | Limited availability, fees for non-Prime |
| Shipt | Nationwide (select stores) | Membership + free delivery over $35 | Variety of stores, same-day delivery | Membership required, variable shopper quality |
| Walmart Grocery | Nationwide (major cities) | No membership + delivery fees | Low prices, curbside pickup, no membership needed | Limited rural coverage, fees on small orders |
| FreshDirect | Northeast U.S. | Delivery fees on small orders | Fresh, organic, gourmet options | Limited geographic coverage |
| Google Shopping | Varies by region | Depends on retailer | Aggregates multiple stores, easy price comparison | Dependent on retailer service quality |
| Peapod | Midwest & Northeast U.S. | Delivery fees + flexible slots | Reliable service, meal kits | Limited areas, higher prices |
| Boxed | Nationwide | No membership + delivery fees | Bulk buying, warehouse prices | Limited fresh produce |
| Kroger Delivery | Kroger markets | Delivery fees or subscription | Good discounts, multiple pickup options | Limited to Kroger locations |
| Postmates (Uber Eats) | Urban U.S. cities | Delivery fees | Fast, includes convenience & alcohol | Higher fees on small orders |
| goPuff | Select urban areas | Flat delivery fee | Ultra-fast delivery, convenience items | Limited grocery variety |
How to Choose the Right Grocery Delivery Service for You
With so many options, how do you decide which grocery delivery service fits your lifestyle? Consider these factors:
-
Location & Availability: Some services are regional, so check if they deliver in your area.
-
Store Selection: Do you want access to specific local or national stores?
-
Delivery Speed: Need groceries ASAP, or is next-day fine?
-
Pricing & Fees: Compare membership costs, delivery fees, and product pricing.
-
Product Range: Are you looking for fresh produce, bulk items, prepared meals, or specialty goods?
-
User Experience: How easy is the app or website to use, and how good is the customer service?
Choosing the Right Grocery Delivery Service
While Instacart is a convenient choice for many, these Instacart alternatives offer unique advantages that can better match your grocery shopping style, budget, and location. Whether it’s Amazon Fresh’s integration, Walmart’s pricing, Shipt’s variety, or goPuff’s speed, there’s a grocery delivery solution out there tailored just for you.
Choosing the right service means considering what matters most to you—be it cost, convenience, or product variety. Hopefully, this guide helps you explore these alternatives confidently and find the grocery delivery service that fits seamlessly into your life.
Interesting Reads:
12 Best iMazing Alternatives for iOS Device Management
Top Best HoneyBook Alternatives for Freelancers and Creatives
