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Grocery delivery services can save you time and money in the long run—especially if you have a busy schedule and your time = money. Contrary to popular belief, getting your food delivered when you need a restock isn’t as pricey as you think. Of course, some services are more expensive than others, so we did our research and found five of the cheapest grocery delivery services. It’s easy to rack up a hefty grocery bill when grabbing some things from the store, but according to a financial expert, grocery delivery services can be worth it.
“I’m big on budgeting, so I always have a few traditional practices to get out more affordable groceries,” explains Andrew Gosselin is a CPA, personal finance expert, and Chief Financial Strategist at The Calculator Site. “Ordering in bulk is a no-brainer; it spreads the delivery cost over more items. I suggest pooling a week’s worth of non-perishables into one order when possible.” This will also save on delivery fees, too.
Cheapest Grocery Delivery Services at a Glance
Best Overall:FreshDirect, $39+
Most Options:InstaCart, $10+
Cheapest Grocery Delivery Service:Walmart+, $13+
Fast Delivery Times:Amazon Fresh, $10+
Cheapest Grocery Delivery Service for Organic Food:Thrive Market, $12
What to Look for When Trying to Save Money on a Grocery Delivery Service, According to a Financial Expert
Delivery services can help you save money, according to Gosselin. “When you order online, you won’t see all the temptations from the store; you will most likely go to what you know you need and the order,” and thus, spend less. He also adds that in a normal shop, you would have to see all kinds of products that you don’t have on the list but want to buy at the moment.
“Planning meals ahead is huge for avoiding impulse buys,” Gosselin explains. “It might be tempting to treat yourself often with small things, such as something sweet, but when you buy it all at once in advance, you can plan better and budget better. It also allows you to compare prices.”
Stick to what you need while shopping, especially when it comes to grocery delivery services. Ready to fill your cart? Keep reading to learn more about the cheapest grocery delivery services.
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FreshDirect
FreshDirect is our best overall pick based on shoppers praising their accurate delivery times and the freshness of the groceries. And while it is the priciest of the bunch, it’s well-worth it for the quality. The brand gets its food directly from local farms, which means you get the fastest food. Plus, the website is simple to use and not overwhelming like other options. You can choose between a few affordable memberships: A mid-week delivery pass ($39), a 6-month membership ($79), and a one-year membership ($129). The memberships eliminate delivery fees and earn you as many shipments as you’d like!
Membership fee: $39+
Delivery fee: Ranges from $6 to $16 depending on the area
Hidden fees? Delivery fees can be higher during peak delivery times and seasons
Pros:
Multiple membership options
Food is fresh and locally sourced
Cons:
Only in the Greater NYC area
InstaCart
Instacart makes getting your groceries delivered affordable, thanks to its many stores where you can shop. Instacart employs drivers and shoppers who go to the store to select to pick up your items.
“I’m a fan of Instacart for the broad store selection,” Gosselin shares. “You can cherry-pick the lowest prices across retailers. The app makes comparing easy. Promos and credits further cut costs. The convenience can actually save money by cutting spontaneous purchases.”
Membership fee: $99 for the year or $9.99 a month
Delivery fee: Free delivery on orders $35+
Hidden fees? “Additional fees may apply to your order depending on your city, state, province, or territory,” Instacart says.
Pros:
Many stores to shop from
Shoppers are communicative
Cons:
Shoppers can replace unavailable items with other options
Walmart+
If you appreciate contactless deliveries and the ability to change your delivery times as needed, give Walmart+ grocery delivery a try. The retailer offers footrace groceries at everyday prices and also accepts SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid.
Membership fee: $98 per year or $13 per month.
Delivery fee: Free on orders $35+
Hidden fees? $7.95–$9.95 delivery fees for non-members
Pros:
Accepts multiple forms of payment to accommodate all
Can get in-store deals available on delivery
Cons:
Limited selection
Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is available to Prime members and offers the chance to get deliveries delivered to your doorstep from restaurants like Whole Foods. The service provides customers with over 500,000 products to browse in a range of categories, such as dairy, fruits, and meats.
Membership fee: $10 a month through Prime
Delivery fee: $50–$100 have a $7 fee
Hidden fees? Not listed
Pros:
Over 500,000 products to choose from
Same-day delivery available on most orders
Cons:
Adds a tip to every order
Thrive Market
Thrive Market is the best for those who like to stock their homes with organic and non-GMO options at wholesale prices. Many shoppers compare it to Trader Joe’s. The delivery of every service has some of the best pantry staples, packaged foods, meats, seafood, and more.
Membership fee: $12 monthly or $60 yearly
Delivery fee: Free shipping on all orders over $49
Hidden fees? Fees can range depending on area
Pros:
Can start a with a free trial
Offers non-GMO and organic food
Cons:
More limited selection
Experts in This Article
Andrew Gosselin is a CPA, personal finance expert, and Chief Financial Strategist at The Calculator Site. With a robust background as a senior strategy consultant for a multi-billion-dollar software company, Andrew possesses deep insights into financial management and optimization. He holds degrees in accounting, finance, and international business, which enable him to guide individuals and businesses toward smarter financial decisions.
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