Which is Best For Online Grocery Shopping?

Online grocers offer a wide variety of quality goods at prices that could be cheaper than your local grocery store. I tested a variety of popular options to determine which one is the most effective. I looked for those that offer variety, quality brands, and fair prices, as well as an easy option for delivery or pick-up.

The key to shopping online is planning your list and claiming a delivery timelot before the slots fill up. It is also important to be flexible with your choices in relation to the availability of the items.

1. Instacart

The online grocery delivery service allows you to order through either a mobile app or web site and create a virtual cart that is fulfilled by the personal shopper on particular day. Instacart collaborates with more than 1,400 national regional, local, and Vimeo national retail banners to deliver food from more than 80,000 stores across North America. There are even stores with membership only like Costco and Sam's Club, on the platform.

Instacart's charges include a $2.99 delivery fee on the same day and a $3.99 service charge (plus an extra tip for the customer). These costs are similar to those you'll encounter when you shop at your usual grocery shop however, you don't have to worry about parking, driving and waiting in line to pay. In addition, if you shop through Instacart at minimum 14 times per year you can sign up for an annual Instacart+ membership to reduce shipping and service charges.

If you're worried about your grocery costs, Hindert suggests price-shopping prior to adding items into your cart. Instacart lets you add specific prices and nutrition facts to your list, to allow you to compare prices and ingredients with those of the items already in your cart. You can also create a "shoppable list" using the Instacart application. This is helpful for future grocery shopping trips.

Hindert argues that Instacart might not be the most efficient option for grocery shopping, because it can result in impulse buys. In addition grocery delivery services may not always offer the same sales as the local supermarket.

2. Amazon Grocery

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

Amazon Grocery has become one of the most sought-after services for grocery shopping and for good reason. It has a competitive pricing structure, a huge variety of products, and a host of practical features that make it a great choice for anyone who wants to save time and money on their grocery shopping. The service is also a great choice for those looking to cut down on their carbon footprint.

Its focus on the weekly grocery shopping trip, affordable cost and curated choices put it directly in competition with traditional supermarkets Brick Meets Click's Bishop stated. "Grocers that aren't recognizable in these areas are the most vulnerable to Amazon Grocery," he added.

Amazon has added new perks to help Prime customers to place larger and more frequent grocery purchases. One of these is a free grocery delivery. This will help establish the company as the one-stop shop for all customers' everyday needs.

Another method Amazon is attempting to draw customers to its stores for groceries is through its merchandising innovations. They include local brands that have been successful in its smaller 365 stores, like Rockenwagner Bakery and Groundworks Coffee. This gives shoppers a more authentic grocery experience and helps build loyalty.

3. Walmart

Shopping online is becoming more popular due to hectic work schedules, family obligations and general disdain for crowds. From office supplies to clothing everything is easier when you click and ship. Now groceries are becoming a part of the fun.

Online grocery stores are booming with many offering convenience and others providing quality products at reasonable prices. Which one is right for you? To help you choose the most effective grocery delivery service, we've rounded up the best options.

Instacart is a renowned online grocery service that connects you with personal shoppers who shop for you at local stores. It works in thousands of cities and can be an excellent option for those who prefer supermarkets with chains and want to avail discounts at wholesalers like Costco and Aldi. Instacart provides same-day delivery to numerous markets, and Vimeo its selection includes stores such as Food Lion, Kroger, Wegmans and Vimeo Shop n Save. It offers bulk items as well, which is perfect for those who frequent the store to stock up on staples.

Walmart is another major name in the grocery e-commerce world. Its online ordering system allows customers to select an appointment time or vimeo.Com pickup and then select the items you want from a virtual cart. The site offers rollback deals and offers a wide range of products, ranging from produce to pantry products and personal products for health. The site also offers a Walmart+ service that delivers grocery items and other items from local stores.

Thrive Market is an online grocery store that specializes in organic and non-GMO products. The membership fee is $5 per month, and is billed annually. It offers a variety of food items to choose from including fish, meat and dairy. Thrive offers 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 lifesaver to many busy families. These services can not only let you cut one weekly errand off your to-do list however, they can also help you plan your meals and budget. However, not all online grocery stores are created identical. It is crucial to choose the right one, regardless of whether you're seeking convenience or a wide selection of products.

Other online grocery stores offer convenient delivery and pickup 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. Other companies, such as Walmart Grocery, allow you to shop online and then pick up your order at a designated place.

Thrive Market is another popular online grocery store that offers a variety of natural and organic products. These include pantry staples, cleaning supplies, and more. Unlike other online grocers, Thrive does not have an minimum order or a flat fee for delivery. The company also offers free membership which lets you try the service for up to two weeks before paying for it.

Smith's provides a grocery delivery service for customers who are eligible for government benefits. The service is available for EBT or SNAP cards. Choose the store's location in your Smith's App shop for your groceries, 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 alert the associate that you are there. The associate will then deliver your order to you in the parking lot.

5. Peapod

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

Peapod uses data to identify shoppers' favorite brands and products which allows the online retailer to suggest similar items. The system allows shoppers to look through every item in their shopping cart at once and to use filters to narrow the results. Because grocery shopping is a routine activity, the Skokie, Illinois-based company utilizes data to predict the products the shopper would buy and push these items to the top of the list.

The service is based around its drivers, also known as brand ambassadors. "Food is emotionally charged," Bienkowski told Food Dive, and being able to communicate with the person who brings customers their orders makes the experience more enjoyable and practical. And unlike many online deliveries, when customers see the driver with their groceries, they can be confident that the order is in good hands.

Peapod is an early innovator in online grocery shopping has invested in technology to ensure that it can remain competitive with its competitors. Peapod hasn't had as much of an impact on the market as other grocery delivery services such as Instacart or Amazon Fresh. The veteran of 28 years in the battle for online grocery is trying to improve its competitiveness through expanding its ecommerce options. It launched a new mobile experience built on the PRISM platform which is exclusive to Ahold Delhaize USA, and its own sites.