Grocery delivery services offer a convenient and easy alternative to in-person grocery shopping. Research suggests that ordering groceries online can help improve diet quality, save money, and supply nutritious foods to areas with limited access. (1)
However, what a meal delivery service offers vary from company to company. Some provide local, same-day delivery for when you’re in a pinch; others supply unique foods you may not find at your regular grocery store. To help you choose the right service for your lifestyle, our team evaluated dozens of grocery delivery options. We narrowed that list down to the eight best options.
Editor’s choice: Hungryroot
Hungryroot is a hybrid online grocery and meal delivery service that creates a grocery list and recipe suggestions customized specifically for you. We love that Hungryroot caters to the entire family, offering everything from nutritious recipes for kids to low-calorie and low-carb options. We also like that you can add as many individual grocery items as you need–including fruit, snacks, breakfasts, and ready-to-eat meals. You can read our full review of this service below.
Medical disclaimer: This article is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice. For health advice, contact a licensed healthcare provider.
Our picks for the best grocery delivery service
- Best healthy: Hungryroot
- Best organic: Misfits Market
- Best for families: Thrive Market
- Best fast: Instacart
- Best for bulk foods: Shipt
- Best variety: Fresh Direct
- Best for seniors: Walmart+
- Best cheap: Amazon Fresh
Compare grocery delivery services
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| Hungryroot | Misfits Market | Thrive Market | Instacart | Shipt | Fresh Direct | Walmart+ | Amazon Fresh | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Membership cost | N/A; starts at $9.69 for meal kits | N/A | $60 per year or $12 per month | $9.99/month or $99/year | $9.99/month or $99/year | $39 for six months | $12.95/month or $98/year | $9.99/month for Prime members |
| Delivery cost | $6.99 (free with orders $70+) | Starting at $6.99; varies by location | Starts at $5.95 | Starts at $3.99 | Starts at $3.99 | Starts at $5.99 | Starts at $7.95 | Varies |
| Delivery area | Most zip codes in the U.S., except Alaska and Hawaii | Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii | Nationwide, except Alaska and Hawaii | Nationwide | Nationwide | Select areas of the northeastern U.S. | Within 15 miles of a participating Walmart | Select areas of the U.S. |
| Minimum order | $69 | Varies by location | No minimum for basic groceries; $65 for frozen | $10 | Orders under $35 are subject to a $7 fee | $30 | Orders under $35 are subject to a $6.99 fee | $35 |
Best healthy grocery delivery service: Hungryroot
Key product features
What you should know
Hungryroot is a healthy grocery delivery service that offers everything from prepared frozen meals to meal kits and basic grocery items to keep your kitchen stocked with nutritious foods. The service stands out for high-quality foods that are free from artificial sweeteners, artificial colors, partially hydrogenated oils, and high-fructose corn syrup.
- Our product tester loved the quality and freshness of her groceries. She also was impressed by the flavor and portion sizes of her meals.
- Plans start at $69 per month, which includes three recipes with two servings per recipe. Customers must meet this minimum before adding on traditional grocery items.
- Hungryroot may be a good option for anyone who wants to cut time planning meals and grocery shopping.
Why we like Hungryroot as best healthy
Hungryroot is a hybrid grocery and healthy meal delivery service. It offers personalized meal plans, recipes, and the ingredients you need to cook healthy, delicious meals without leaving home.
You start by answering a few questions about your family size, dietary needs, health goals, and meal preferences. Then, Hungryroot will create a meal plan with suggested groceries and recipes. You can also choose your own meals and groceries if you prefer.
“This is convenient and simplifies the planning process. Most people struggle to plan, shop, and prep for the week. With recommended meal plans and the associated groceries and recipes, it takes the guesswork out of it,” says Chris Mohr, Ph.D., RD.
Meals come complete with recipe cards and everything you need to whip up a nutritious meal in under 20 minutes. For days when you’re pressed for time, there’s also a large selection of meals that include some pre-cooked ingredients and can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.
The service uses a credit system, with all groceries and meals assigned a certain credit value. Each plan size is allotted a certain amount of credits, allowing you to easily swap ingredients or add on grocery staples, filling your box until your plan’s credit value has been reached. Essentially, you can spend your credits any way you like.
Hungryroot offers basic groceries, including milk, fresh produce, cheese, and pantry staples. It also offers a decent selection of raw and prepared meats like burgers and meatballs, as well as sauces and condiments, vitamins and supplements, and prepared meals that can be heated and enjoyed within a few minutes.
“This offers the same convenience as if you were shopping down different isles of the grocery store, with fresh and frozen options,” Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN, notes.
Much of Hungryroot’s grocery selection includes humanely raised meat and dairy and mostly organic fruit, vegetables, and grains. To see what options are available, select the organic and non-GMO Project Certified filters.
Our product tester, who chose the minimal prep option, loved that her ingredients arrived pre-portioned and required minimal cooking equipment to cut down on clean-up time. She was notably impressed with the flavors of her meals, as well as the quality and freshness of the ingredients, giving Hungryroot 5 out of 5 stars for taste. However, she did mention that the ordering process was a bit confusing.
“Preparation was so easy because everything came with prepackaged ingredients that were already seasoned and ready for the skillet. I loved the flavor of my meals and the freshness and quality of the ingredients I received. The only drawback for me was the ordering process, which I felt to be a little confusing.”
Team Product Tester
It’s worth noting the sodium content of some meals—several recipes contain over 1,000 milligrams of sodium. Being that the recommended daily allowance (RDA) for sodium is 2,300mg or less a day, this may not be the best choice for those with certain health conditions, such as high blood pressure or advanced kidney disease; so it’s important to monitor overall nutrients within the foods selected. (2)
Check out our full Hungryroot review for more information.
What customers are saying
Out of all of the grocery delivery services we’ve reviewed, Hungryroot has the highest customer satisfaction on Trustpilot. Customers love the service’s flexibility, ingredient quality, and recipe selection.
“Takes the guesswork out of clean eating! I don’t have to waste time at the grocery store picking apart labels and trying to figure out if it has bad ingredients or not. Love it! And everything tastes amazing and is easy to make.”
Shannon W., Trustpilot
Negative reviews mention occasional missing ingredients and late deliveries.
Specs
| Minimum order | $69 |
| Delivery area | Nationwide, except for Hawaii and Alaska |
| Membership | N/A |
| Delivery fee | $6.99; orders over $70 ship free |
| SNAP/EBT accepted | No |
Best organic grocery delivery service: Misfits Market
Key product features
What you should know
Misfits Market works with farmers across the nation to source organic produce and other grocery staples that otherwise would go to waste and sells them at a discounted price.
- Misfits Market offers a large selection of grocery staples, including primarily organic produce, grass-fed beef, free-range chicken, and sustainably sourced seafood.
- The amount of money saved using Misfits Market ultimately depends on where you live. For example, I live in an area with a relatively low cost of living and find that prices are pretty similar to those of local grocery stores. People who live in high-cost areas may see more savings.
- Misfits Market may be good for someone who prioritizes eating organic foods and wants the convenience of grocery delivery without spending a fortune.
Why we like Misfits Market as best organic
Each year, around six billion pounds of edible fruits and vegetables are discarded because they do not meet cosmetic standards and are deemed as “ugly produce.” (3) This so-called ugly produce is perfectly good to use, typically consisting of fruits and vegetables that are too big, too small, or oddly shaped. Oftentimes, though, these would have been thrown away due to surplus.
“Food waste is a major issue globally. It impacts food security, sustainability and the environment, and the economy. In fact, approximately one third of all food produced for human consumption is wasted every single year. This is unfortunate, as so much of it is perfectly edible and good, but simply wasted for a variety of reasons,” says Mohr. (4)
Misfits Market works closely with food brands and farmers across the U.S. to source organic produce and other pantry staples that may otherwise go to waste. This not only helps reduce food waste but also gives people access to affordable, high-quality food that’s up to 30% off grocery store prices.
We love that most of the produce is certified organic and non-GMO. However, the service also offers non-organic produce to give customers access to more affordable foods. All organic foods are clearly labeled as such.
In addition to produce, you’ll also find miscellaneous items, including dog treats, high-quality multivitamins, wine, and coffee.
The service prioritizes high-quality meats such as grass-fed beef, plant-based proteins, seafood, dairy, and bakery items. Studies suggest that grass-fed beef tends to contain slightly more healthy fats—such as omega-3 fatty acids—which may promote heart health and lessen inflammation. (5, 6)
Misfits Market operates on a subscription-based model, where customers can choose between weekly or biweekly deliveries. The service will make initial recommendations based on your lifestyle and dietary needs, though you can fully customize your cart.
One downside is that the inventory and prices change weekly. So, you’ll have to be sure to view your cart and make adjustments as needed during your shopping window, or you may receive items that you don’t want.
What customers are saying
Misfits Market has a middle-of-the-road rating on Trustpilot. Several reviewers praise the service’s quality and convenience. They say that it increases the availability of nutritious foods that some people wouldn’t have access to.
“Absolutely love Misfit Market! Everything I’ve gotten from them has always been amazing. Great quality and price. Super fast shipping and yummy foods. My kids are always excited when we get our boxes.”
Lindsey G., Trustpilot
Negative reviews mention late/canceled deliveries and boxes that include spoiled vegetables.
“I concur with all the folks who have deliveries get ‘canceled’ with no stinking explanation, no text, nothing, I’ve had orders miss-delivered to the wrong addresses. Each time I reached out I got a very polite reply and a teeny little credit, but it keeps happening,” wrote Greta C., another Trustpilot reviewer.
Specs
| Minimum order | $59; varies by location |
| Delivery area | Nationwide, except for Hawaii and Alaska |
| Membership | N/A |
| Delivery fee | $6.99; orders over $70 ship free |
| SNAP/EBT accepted | No |
Best grocery delivery service for families: Thrive Market
Key product features
What you should know
Thrive Market offers affordable pantry staples and frozen items. However, the service requires a membership and doesn’t currently carry fresh meat, produce, eggs, or dairy.
- Most of the products sold by Thrive Market are organic. We love that the service caters to a variety of dietary needs, ranging from paleo to gluten-free. We don’t like that the service only offers frozen meat and seafood.
- An annual membership starts at $5 per month. The amount of money you save on groceries will likely exceed this cost.
- The service accepts SNAP EBT, and people who receive SNAP benefits are eligible for a free membership.
- Thrive Market may be a good option if you’re looking to stock your pantry with healthful foods at a discounted price.
Why we like Thrive Market as best for families
Thrive Market is a membership-based online grocery delivery service that stands out for its large selection of frozen and pantry staples, in addition to household items like bath and beauty products, baby items, and pet supplies.
The service partners directly with brands and farmers to keep costs low and quality high, offering mostly organic goods at discounted prices.
We appreciate Thrive Market’s large selection, offering over 5,000 groceries each week–with options for the entire family. You can choose any combination of nearly 100 filters to find products that fit your lifestyle needs. Some options include paleo, organic, gluten-free, certified kosher, and vegan.
We love that the service offers Thrive Market Guides, which can help with everything from meal planning to choosing the best skin care product for your needs.
The service also price matches, crediting you the difference between their price and the lower price you found.
Note that Thrive Market currently only offers fresh produce, eggs, dairy, and meat to a small number of members. However, all customers have access to frozen options, including sustainable seafood and pasture-raised meats.
You must have an active membership to place an order or view product options. You can choose a monthly plan for $12 per month or an annual plan for $60 per year.
Based on our cost comparison, your membership will likely pay for itself in savings. For example, a 20-count package of Aloha Mini Protein Bars in Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough costs $34.99 on Amazon but only $30.99 through Thrive Market.
Still, if you’re unhappy with the service, you can cancel within 30 days for a full refund of your membership cost.
With a membership, you can order as you please without being tied to a subscription. However, if you choose to enroll in autoship, you’ll receive an additional 5-10% savings on products.
Members who receive SNAP benefits qualify for a free one-year membership, and the service’s catalog now features over 70% of SNAP EBT-eligible groceries.
Visit our full Thrive Market review for more information.
What customers are saying
Customers like Thrive Market’s large selection of organic choices and product selection. One Google Play Store customer, Chelcie K., loves the service’s quality and services.
“Best online market for those who don’t live close to a Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, and you can’t beat the savings!”
Chelcie K., Google Play Store
Critics mention difficulty canceling memberships, out-of-stock items, and dissatisfaction with needing a membership to view all available items.
“I can’t even shop without paying for a subscription? Uh-huh, ok. See ya,” wrote Stephen D., a Trustpilot reviewer.
Specs
| Minimum order | None for basic groceries; $65 for frozen items |
| Delivery area | Nationwide, except for Hawaii and Alaska |
| Membership | $12 per month; $60 per year |
| Delivery fee | $5.95 for groceries; orders over $49 ship free $19.95 for frozen items; orders over $120 ship free $13.95 for wine; orders over $79 ship free |
| SNAP EBT accepted | Yes |
Best fast grocery delivery service: Instacart
Key product features
What you should know
Instacart is a fast grocery delivery service that connects you with a personal shopper who buys and delivers groceries and other items from your favorite local stores.
- With Instacart, you can have groceries delivered in less than an hour or choose a delivery time that fits your schedule.
- Instacart charges extra fees, so you’ll likely pay more than you would when you go to the store. However, its convenience is worth it for many, especially if you prefer to use your local grocer or need last-minute items.
- Instacart may be good for anyone who doesn’t mind spending a little extra money to cut down on time spent grocery shopping.
Why we like Instacart as best fast
Instacart can get groceries to you quickly when you’re in a pinch, earning our pick as the best fast grocery delivery service.
The service allows you to shop from local participating stores via their app or website. Then, one of Instacart’s personal shoppers will head to the grocery store, hand-pick your items, and deliver them to your door.
We love that you can chat with your shopper as they choose your items, which can be super helpful if an item you want is out of stock. Many brands also offer a library of recipes where you can automatically add the required ingredients to your cart without searching through the entire catalog.
“Being that Instacart works with your local grocer, you will often know what is offered and what you need before even opening the app, keeping search time down,” Burgess adds.
Instacart also offers customers the option to pick up their selected groceries at the store. According to Instacart, the service is available to over 95% of households in the United States and Canada. The company has partnered with thousands of brands, from local grocers to big-box stores like Walmart and Target.
We like that, with Instacart, you can shop from Costco and Sam’s Club without having memberships there (though prices will be higher). You can also purchase groceries from multiple stores when ordering. However, each store will likely have a different shopper and delivery time, separate delivery fees, and minimum purchase amounts.
One drawback of Instacart is that you may pay more for groceries overall. That’s because retailers control the prices of items on the Instacart marketplace, which can vary from the in-store prices in your area. Additionally, Instacart charges other fees, including a service charge to cover operating costs, long-distance fees for delivery routes over 30 minutes, and priority fees for orders that need to be delivered in under 30 minutes.
For example, when I went through the ordering process, I was charged a service fee of $4.50 on a $60 order.
Instacart doesn’t require a membership but offers Instacart+, which gives users access to ongoing discounts, free shipping on orders over $35, and reduced service fees. While a cheaper promotion is usually available for your first year of this membership, the general annual membership comes to $99.
What customers are saying
Loyal customers have praised Instacart on Trustpilot, particularly for its convenience.
“It’s a shame there are so many poor reviews for Instacart because I have had stellar experiences with them! I started using them in 2019 after having major surgery. Since then, I’ve relied on Instacart whenever I’ve just been too busy or too tired after work to go shopping.”
Tabitha, Trustpilot
However, some customers have expressed disappointment in the service, commenting on missed deliveries and poor customer service.
“I was missing items that I needed to cook with,” writes Cara S., another Trustpilot reviewer. “Instead of doing the right thing and refunding me for the whole order, since I could not use any of it, they refused to refund anything except the missing item. So all of the food that I bought to cook with, that I had to discard, was not refunded even though I could not use it due to their omission.”
Specs
| Minimum order | $10 to qualify for delivery |
| Delivery area | Most zip codes throughout all 50 states |
| Membership | Optional; Instacart+ costs $9.99/month or $99/year |
| Delivery fee | Starts at $3.99 |
| SNAP/EBT accepted | Yes |
Best grocery delivery service for bulk food: Shipt
Key product features
What you should know
Shipt is a local grocery delivery service owned by Target. It offers access to a wide variety of major retailers, including Costco, Target, CVS, and Publix.
- Like Instacart, Shipt offers same-day delivery from various wholesale grocers and retailers. We love that the service offers many discounts to offset operational and membership fees charged by the company.
- Even with Shipt’s discounts, you’ll likely pay more than at your local grocery store. However, the convenience may be worth it.
- Shipt may be good for someone who plans to use grocery delivery services regularly, as its paid membership can save money by removing/reducing fees on orders over $35.
- Shipt’s fees for non-members are generally higher than Instacart’s, costing $10 per delivery.
Why we like Shipt as best for bulk food
Buying food or items in large quantities, also known as bulk shopping, can save you money on household supplies, shelf-stable goods, and frozen foods. (7) Like Instacart, Shipt is a grocery delivery service that lets you order from retailers like CVS, Publix, and Target and wholesalers like Costco, which sell bulk products at lower prices.
It’s important to note that you don’t have to be a Costco member to purchase from the store with Shipt, but you can link your account to receive discount pricing.
You may notice that Shipt prices may vary slightly from in-store prices. According to Shipt, this helps offset the cost of operations. For example, a loaf of bread may cost $0.50 more using Shipt.
Fortunately, Shipt offers in-store pricing from Target, Sephora, Walgreens, Petsmart, and more, so you’ll be charged the same as you would in-store. Additionally, the service offers plenty of in-app discounts to help members save money and offset markups and delivery fees.
With Shipt, you can schedule same-day deliveries or choose any delivery time that’s convenient for you. You can communicate in real time with your personal shopper in case you forget something or have a special request.
A Shipt membership costs $99/year or $10.99/month and unlocks access to more in-app discounts and free shipping on orders over $35. If you’re a student, you can take advantage of a discounted membership, costing $4.99/month.
If you choose not to purchase a membership, you’ll have to pay a $10 delivery fee in addition to service fees.
The Target-owned company doesn’t offer delivery from Sam’s Club or Walmart, so you might want to explore other delivery services for purchases from these stores.
What customers are saying
Most customers seem happy with Shipt, saying that the customer service and prices are some of the best in the industry. However, several Trustpilot reviewers have complained about unresponsive delivery drivers and poor communication. According to a few reviewers, tipping more may help improve service, leading to a better experience.
“I have to say I know this service was a must-have during COVID. But I just love it. It’s dependable, and I get consistent shoppers. As long as you tip decently and show everyone some respect, you will have an awesome experience. I just can’t say enough about how helpful this service has been over the years.”
Chris S., Trustpilot
Specs
| Minimum order | Orders under $35 are subject to a $7 fee |
| Delivery area | Many zip codes throughout all 50 states |
| Membership | Optional; paid membership costs $10.99/month or $99/year |
| Delivery fee | $10 for nonsubscribers |
| SNAP/EBT accepted | Yes |
Best variety grocery delivery service: FreshDirect
Key product features
What you should know
FreshDirect allows you to order from an extensive selection of prepared meals, fresh produce, meats, and more and delivers them straight to your door. Unfortunately, the service is only available in a few states.
- We love that FreshDirect’s website is user-friendly and easy to navigate, making the ordering process a breeze. However, we don’t like that it doesn’t deliver to most areas in the United States.
- FreshDirect ships to most of the New York City metropolitan area and some zip codes in southern Connecticut and northern New Jersey.
- The cost of foods from FreshDirect is slightly more expensive than Amazon Fresh, but the service’s large product selection, which features organic and locally sourced grocery items, may be worth the extra cost.
- FreshDirect may be a good option for someone who lives in the northeastern United States and wants to choose from a large selection of groceries and household items.
Why we like FreshDirect as best variety
FreshDirect is a convenient grocery delivery service known for its large selection of reasonably priced grocery items. You get started by choosing your items from a broad range of categories, including:
- Prepared/deli
- Produce
- Meat/seafood
- Bakery
- Frozen
- Grocery (pantry items, snacks, beverages, beer/cider, baby, health and beauty, and pet)
- Wine and spirits
Like a traditional grocery store, FreshDirect offers brand-name and store-brand items, as well as basic household items like paper towels, toilet paper, and hair care.
You can also filter products to see only those on sale or USDA-certified organic and shop by recipes featuring seasonal ingredients.
Delivery fees start at $5.99, with most of the company’s service areas being eligible for same-day delivery. We like that you’re not bound to a subscription or have to pay for a membership, though if you order frequently, a membership will likely save you money.
A DeliveryPass membership includes unlimited free delivery and exclusive discounts. You can choose from three plans, starting at $39 for a six-month membership.
We dislike that the company has a very limited service area. Currently, FreshDirect only ships to a few states, including most of the New York City metropolitan area and select areas of southern Connecticut and northern New Jersey.
What customers are saying
Customers like FreshDirect’s convenience, ingredient quality, and variety. However, several customers reported billing issues, missing items, and difficulty using the service’s app.
“The app glitches out a lot when I try to use the search bar, but other than that, everything’s perfect. The food I got was amazing and affordable. Plus, it’s a lot tastier than the food I buy at my local grocery store.”
Ahmed, Google Play Store
Specs
| Minimum order | $30 |
| Delivery area | Only available in parts of New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey |
| Membership | Optional; paid membership starts at $39 for six months |
| Delivery fee | Starts at $5.99 |
| SNAP/EBT accepted | Yes; currently only available to residents in certain zip codes in the Bronx |
Best grocery delivery service for seniors: Walmart+
Key product features
What you should know
If you’re one of many who enjoy shopping at Walmart but want the convenience of a grocery delivery service, Walmart+ may be an excellent choice.
- Walmart+ delivers groceries and other household items to your door at the same low prices you’d find in your local store.
- Compared to other grocery delivery services, Walmart+ is a great pick for seniors since you have the option of having the groceries delivered inside your home.
- There are no markups on items and orders over $35 ship free.
- Walmart+ may be a good option if you live near your local store and are looking for a convenient, affordable way to stock your kitchen.
- While the service is limited to purchasing from Walmart, you can still order just about anything that’s in stock at your local store.
Why we like Walmart+ as best for seniors
Walmart+ is a membership that allows you to enjoy same-day grocery delivery from your local Walmart store. Walmart+ is our pick as the best grocery delivery service for seniors since there’s the option to have the groceries delivered not only to your front door but also inside of your home.
Unlike many other grocery delivery services, we appreciate that Walmart does not mark up the prices of some grocery items like other services do. This means you’ll receive the same affordable prices as you would in-store.
Members receive free shipping on purchases over $35. If your order is under $35, you’ll have to pay a $6.99 fee. Non-members who live in the delivery area can place orders with a delivery fee of $7.95 to $9.95. There are also express shipping options which allow for delivery within 1-2 hours.
To place a delivery order, use the company’s website or app to choose a time slot that works for you. Then, you can browse through thousands of grocery items and home products, add them to your cart, and check out.
Once an associate gets your order ready, a local, third-party driver will bring your items straight to your door. Tips are encouraged, but not required.
We like that a Walmart+ membership unlocks additional cost-saving benefits, including discounts on fuel and prescriptions and free shipping from Walmart.com. It also gives access to the company’s new “Scan & Go” feature, which allows you to scan your items as you shop before paying for items using a self-checkout lane. In addition, you can also earn ‘Walmart bucks’ on certain marked items, which allow you to apply them to your cart during checkout and save a few dollars.
Unique to Walmart+ is that members can take grocery delivery to the next step by upgrading to Walmart+ InHome. This service is available every day and includes delivery to your door, garage, or inside your fridge by a trusted Walmart associate, even if you’re not home. This may be particularly helpful for older adults or people with limited mobility who are vulnerable to food insecurity. (8)
With InHome, you won’t have to pay any tips since delivery drivers are paid by the hour through Walmart. However, the four-hour delivery windows are much longer than Walmart+’s one-hour windows, which could take up a good portion of your day if you want to be home when your groceries arrive.
One drawback is that Walmart+ can only deliver to people who live relatively close to the store, typically within 15 miles. To see if delivery is available in your area, create an account (or log in to an existing account), enter your address, and select delivery from the store.
I would personally like to see a feature where you can simply enter your address to check availability instead of going through the entire signup process first. For example, I live 16 miles from my nearest Walmart and was told that delivery is not available to my location. However, I had to complete the entire signup process before finding that out, which felt like a waste of time.
What customers are saying
Overall, customers are happy with Walmart+ grocery delivery. They love the service’s convenience and that their orders typically arrive on time and without missing items.
“This [Walmart+ InHome] is great for getting deliveries! No more carrying in bags from the porch! The delivery folks are nice and professional. Have never gotten this much help putting groceries away.”
Erica F., Google Play Store
Specs
| Minimum order | $35; orders under $35 are charged $6.99 |
| Delivery area | Neighborhoods within 10-15 miles of a participating Walmart |
| Membership | Optional; Walmart+: $12.95/month; $98/year Walmart+ InHome: $19.95/month; $138/year |
| Delivery fee | $7.95 to $9.95; orders over $35 ship free for members |
| SNAP/EBT accepted | Yes; receive 50% off membership through Walmart+ Assist |
Best cheap grocery delivery service: Amazon Fresh
Key product features
What you should know
Amazon Fresh allows customers to shop across several different brands, including Amazon brands, with competitive prices and a large selection of products.
- Amazon Fresh has mixed reviews on Trustpilot, with some customers mentioning issues with late deliveries.
- To receive unlimited free delivery on orders over $35, you need an Amazon Prime membership ($14.99/month or $139/year) and a $9.99/month grocery membership. However, if you frequently use Prime and plan to use the grocery delivery service regularly, the fees may be worth it.
- Amazon Fresh may be a good option for anyone living in the service area who wants to save time on grocery shopping.
Why we like Amazon Fresh as best cheap
Available to customers in select U.S. cities, Amazon Fresh is a storefront and one of the best cheap meal delivery services that ships everything from personal care products to fresh produce, meat, and pantry staples straight to your door.
You can order from multiple brands, including Whole Foods, Happy Belly, and Amazon’s budget-friendly Fresh brand.
To get started, log in to your Amazon account and click on the “Grocery” tab in the top left corner. Depending on your city, different options may pop up, including Amazon Fresh, Bristol Farms, and Whole Foods.
Once you choose the store you want to shop from, you can begin selecting your items. We like that you can filter items and browse by category, as well as check out digital coupons and weekly sales in the deals category. Similar to the majority of other services, some foods are slightly marked up.
Once you’re ready to order, you can choose a specific delivery day and a two-hour window that works for you. Amazon Fresh also offers same-day delivery within five hours and rush delivery options that can deliver your groceries within an hour.
Orders can be placed through Amazon’s mobile app or website and are fulfilled at a local Amazon or Whole Foods store. If you buy items from different stores, you’ll have to choose a delivery window for each store and check out separately.
While a Prime membership is not required, it removes shipping and service fees on all orders over $100 with a two-hour delivery window. For orders under $100 with two-hour delivery windows, the service fee is $6.95 for orders between $50 and $100 and $9.95 for orders under $50.
Prime members also get exclusive discounts on groceries and can add a grocery subscription for $9.99/month, which includes unlimited, free same-day delivery for orders over $35. Customers with a registered EBT card on Amazon can get this subscription for half off, at $4.99/month.
Non-Prime members pay an additional fee, typically between $4.95-$13.95, depending on order size. So if you regularly order from Amazon Fresh, your Prime membership will pay for itself through savings on service fees and shipping alone.
What customers are saying
Customer reviews on Trustpilot are mixed. Positive reviews highlight the service’s convenient same-day delivery and affordable in-house brand prices. Trustpilot reviewer A.M. McQueen, who has been using Amazon Fresh for over a year, says she’s always had a positive experience.
“I have been using Fresh for the past year to safely get groceries during quarantine & I’ve always had a positive experience. Quality, fresh produce, meats, and dairy are delivered within hours & you always get *exactly* what you order, unlike some other delivery services.”
A.M. McQueen, Trustpilot
Unfortunately, the service has quite a few negative reviews, with most critics complaining about canceled deliveries, poor customer service, and out-of-stock items.
“Been using Fresh since it started, and in the last 2 months, this service has gone downhill,” writes William F., another Trustpilot reviewer. “Never get same day or next day anymore (2-3 days most of the time) at all no matter how early you place your order and 3 hours or more passed the delivery time when they show up.”
Specs
| Minimum order | $35 |
| Delivery area | Select cities across the U.S. |
| Membership | Optional; Amazon Grocery Delivery costs $9.99/month for Prime members |
| Delivery fee | Varies; Orders over $35 ship free for members |
| SNAP/EBT accepted | Yes |
How we test grocery delivery services
Grocery delivery services are becoming increasingly popular. But with so many options out there, it can be overwhelming and time-consuming to find the best one for your needs.
Our goal is to connect you with a grocery delivery service that aligns with your budget and lifestyle. That’s why our team of experts has spent hours testing and researching each service that we review.
You can find our full testing methodology here.
Testing criteria
Meal Choices—30%
If you’re paying for a subscription or delivery fee, we want you to be able to select from a wide selection of produce, protein foods, grains, and dairy/fortified soy products to create balanced meals. Here’s what we take into account for our meal choices rating:
- Multiple options
- Substitutions
- Guidance
- Label transparency
Food quality—30%
Your ingredients should arrive fresh and delivered at a safe temperature. We aim to match you with services that offer nutritious foods and adhere to food safety best practices during every stage, including storage and delivery. Here’s what we factor into a service’s food quality rating:
- Flavor
- Healthiness
- Freshness
Value—20%
Grocery delivery services can significantly vary in price, though some may offer additional perks that may end up being a better value for your money. Here’s what goes into a service’s value rating:
- Fair price
- Multiple quantity options
- Customization
Customer experience—20%
You work hard for your money. If your order is missing an item or you receive spoiled food, you deserve a service that will make things right. Here’s what we factor into a grocery delivery service’s customer experience rating:
- Packaging
- Ease of preparation
- Reviews
- Customer service
Benefits of grocery delivery services
Perhaps the most significant benefit of grocery delivery is that it saves you time—and often money. (9) You don’t have to worry about driving to and from the grocery store, impulse buying, and waiting in long check-out lines.
As a dietitian, I often recommend these services to my patients and older adults who may not have access to the grocery store often, which can leave them vulnerable to food insecurity.
I also appreciate that grocery delivery services allow you to browse through items at home, giving you more time to review nutrition facts labels, make healthier choices, and compare costs. (10)
Another perk of shopping for groceries online is the ability to scroll through weekly deals and save by using digital grocery coupons.
How to choose the best grocery delivery service for you
Here are a few key things to consider to make the most out of choosing a grocery delivery service:
Cost
Check the minimum order and whether a membership fee is required. Depending on how much you’ll be using the service, a membership that offers free shipping and/or additional perks and discounts may end up saving you money in the long run.
For example, while Walmart doesn’t require a membership to receive deliveries, you’ll pay up to $9.95 for each delivery. A Walmart+ membership unlocks free delivery on orders over $35, fuel savings, and more.
Additionally, several grocery delivery services offer membership discounts for people enrolled in SNAP. Note that, per the USDA, delivery fees and other charges associated with grocery delivery services cannot be paid using SNAP benefits. (11)
You may also see markups on products through some services such as Instacart, where select retailers may mark up prices as much as 15%. You can view each brand’s pricing policies on their website or app (if applicable).
Delivery area
Many services have limited delivery areas, especially FreshDirect, which only delivers year-round to areas in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut.
Instacart, Amazon Fresh, and other grocery delivery services will let you know if they serve your area once you enter your zip code. This allows you to see if services are available in your area before you start shopping. If you are looking for fast delivery within a few hours, finding a service that is in your immediate area is vital.
Variety
If you’re subscribing to a grocery delivery service to eliminate supermarket trips entirely, you’ll want to choose a service that has a large product selection, including your staple foods as well as household items, toiletries, and more.
On the other hand, if you still want to pick out your produce and meat by shopping in person, you may prefer a grocery delivery service such as Thrive Market which focuses on frozen foods and pantry staples.
What is the best grocery delivery service?
The best grocery service ultimately depends on your needs and why you’re using it. For this review, we chose Hungryroot as the best overall. Not only does the service offer single grocery items, but it also includes thousands of recipes with pre-portioned ingredients to save even more time in the kitchen.
FAQs
Which is the best online grocery delivery app?
Instacart’s app is incredibly user-friendly and easy to use, making ordering groceries online simple. It has mostly positive reviews on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Who charges the least for grocery delivery?
Amazon Fresh and Walmart+ are budget-friendly options with competitive prices and relatively low delivery fees.
Is it cheaper to buy groceries online or in-store?
It depends on the grocery delivery service you choose and how frequently you order. We’ve found that several services, such as Amazon Fresh and Walmart+, are pretty comparable to what you’d find in the store–especially if you opt for a membership and take advantage of free shipping, digital coupons, and other discounts offered. You also don’t have as much temptation to browse the isles and impulse buy, as you would in the physical store.
These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any diseases.
Our experts
Victoria Burgess, Ph.D., CSCS, CISSN
Victoria Burgess earned her Ph.D. in Health and Human Performance from Concordia University Chicago and holds her NSCA CSCS and Certified Sports Nutritionist (CISSN). She is an adjunct professor in the Human Performance and Nutrition department at Concordia University Chicago & Parker University, where she teaches undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral-level courses.
Christopher Mohr, Ph.D., RD
Dr. Chris Mohr is an internationally recognized subject matter expert and speaker and performance coach. Through his facilitation and online resources, he works closely with some of the largest corporations in the world including Deloitte, Delta Airlines, Johnson & Johnson and more to help busy executives all over the world, develop the energy to thrive personally and professionally.
Jessica Coulon
Jessica is a contributing editor and writer for Fortune Recommends who specializes in fitness, health, nutrition, and science content. Previously, she was an editor for Popular Mechanics and Bicycling, where she covered pro cycling news, wrote how-to guides, and tested all the latest and greatest bike gear. She was also a regular shoe tester and contributor for Runner’s World. You can often find her skiing or riding her mountain bike, and racing with the F1RE female enduro team.
Lily Moe
Lily is a Brooklyn-based writer and editor with over seven years of experience in health media. As a former Fitness Coach, Lily’s editorial prowess has largely focused on fitness, nutrition, and weight management. She has also spent a fair share of time in testing labs, analyzing everything from protein powders to yoga mats. Her work has appeared in Verywell Fit, Verywell Mind, Health, and more.
Kelly Uhler
Kelly has a multifaceted background in elder care, health care, and copywriting. She has worked for organizations such as A Place For Mom and Homecare.com, which gave her the opportunity to work closely with families, providing reliable information to help them make informed decisions about their loved one’s health, safety, and quality of life.
Lindsey DeSoto, RDN, LD
Fortune Recommends Nutrition Writer
About Author
Lindsey DeSoto is an experienced registered dietitian who enjoys staying up to date on the latest research and sharing her knowledge through writing. Her writing and expertise have been featured in various publications, including Verywell Health, Medical News Today, Health, and CNBC.
She specializes in healthy aging, weight loss, chronic kidney disease management, and general health and wellness. DeSoto holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food and Nutrition from the University of Alabama, as well as a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from the University of Southern Mississippi. Outside of healthcare, Lindsey enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, working out, and attending sporting events.