Instacart revolutionized grocery shopping with their convenient delivery service, but they're not the only game in town. 

Whether you're looking to dodge high fees, find better selection, or just want to try something new, plenty of alternatives exist. 

From dedicated grocery delivery apps to restaurant delivery services that now bring groceries, and even meal kit subscriptions that eliminate shopping altogether - you've got options. 

Some require memberships while others let you pay per order. 

I'll walk you through the best Instacart alternatives to help you find the perfect match for your grocery needs.

Why Look for an Instacart Alternative?

Let's be real - Instacart is convenient, but there are solid reasons to explore other options. Maybe you're tired of the markup on grocery prices. 

One Reddit user reported paying nearly 25% more on Instacart compared to in-store prices. 

Or perhaps you've had one too many experiences with out-of-stock items or less-than-stellar customer service.

You might also want broader store selection or specialty items that Instacart doesn't offer in your area. 

Some alternatives provide unique perks like free delivery with existing memberships (Amazon Prime or Walmart+) or better communication with your personal shopper.

According to Consumer Reports, Instacart actually scored lower on pricing compared to some competitors in their survey of 3,000 grocery delivery users. 

With rising grocery costs, finding a service that offers better value makes sense.

Top Grocery Delivery App Alternatives

These services function similarly to Instacart, using personal shoppers or store partnerships to bring groceries to your door.

Shipt

Target-owned Shipt has become a major player in the grocery delivery game. 

For $99/year or $10.99/month, you get free delivery on orders over $35 across numerous retailers.

What makes Shipt special is their focus on customer service and communication. 

Their shoppers often build ongoing relationships with customers, remembering your preferences and communicating thoroughly about substitutions.

In fact, Consumer Reports rated Shipt as the #1 grocery delivery service in their customer satisfaction survey, beating out Instacart and others. 

They scored particularly well on communication and on-time deliveries.

Shipt is available in metro areas across all 50 states, covering about 80% of U.S. households. 

Another bonus: prices for Target items match in-store pricing, though other retailers may have markups.

Pros:

• Superior customer service and communication

• Reliable delivery timing

• Seamless Target app integration

• Membership covers multiple retailers

Cons:

• Requires subscription for best value

• Limited availability in rural areas

Amazon Fresh

If you're already a Prime member, Amazon Fresh gives you grocery delivery without adding another subscription. 

Amazon Fresh delivers groceries from Amazon's warehouse and Whole Foods Market, typically with same-day or 2-hour delivery windows in eligible areas.

The service requires Amazon Prime membership ($139/year) with free delivery on orders over $35-$50 depending on your location (orders below this threshold incur a $9.95 delivery fee). 

Prime members in select cities can also order directly from Whole Foods with similar delivery options.

Amazon Fresh is available in major cities and suburban areas, though coverage isn't as extensive as Instacart. 

CNET rates Amazon Fresh as one of the best options for most people, especially if you're already a Prime member.

Pros:

• Already included with Prime membership

• Wide product selection beyond groceries

• Integration with Alexa shopping lists

• Option to use Amazon's Subscribe & Save for recurring items

Cons:

• Requires Prime membership

• Variable product freshness based on location

• Limited availability compared to Instacart

Are curious about how Instacart compares specifically to Amazon Fresh? 

Check out our detailed comparisons for more insights. 

Walmart Grocery (Walmart+)

No stranger to the retail game, Walmart has built a powerful grocery delivery service leveraging its massive store network. 

Walmart+ costs $12.95/month or $98/year and includes unlimited free deliveries on orders over $35.

The biggest advantage? 

No price markups - items cost exactly the same as in-store. 

This makes Walmart+ typically the most affordable grocery delivery option for most items, especially staples and household goods.

Walmart delivers from thousands of store locations, giving it excellent coverage even in rural areas where other services don't operate. They offer same-day delivery in most locations, though time slots can fill up quickly.

Pros:

• Lowest grocery prices with no markups

• Excellent rural and suburban coverage

• Membership includes other perks (gas discounts, Paramount+ streaming)

• Can combine groceries with other household items

Cons:

• Limited to Walmart's inventory

• Requires membership for best value

• Can't choose your shopper like with Shipt

Consumer Reports found that Walmart provided better value than Instacart across numerous product categories, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious shoppers.

FreshDirect

If you live in the Northeast (NY, NJ, CT, PA areas), FreshDirect offers a premium grocery delivery experience focused on quality. 

Their farm-to-doorstep model means extremely fresh produce, meats, and seafood.

FreshDirect doesn't require a membership, though delivery fees vary by location (typically $5.99-$9.99). They also offer DeliveryPass subscription ($129/year) for unlimited free delivery.

What sets FreshDirect apart is their curated selection and quality. They're ideal for foodies who want restaurant-quality ingredients and specialty items you might not find at regular supermarkets.

Pros:

• Exceptional product quality, especially produce and meats

• Reliable scheduled delivery slots

• No membership required

• Great specialty food selection

Cons:

• Only available in limited Northeast regions

• Generally higher prices than mass-market alternatives

• Delivery fees can add up without subscription

Peapod

One of the pioneers in online grocery, Peapod operates in partnership with Stop & Shop/Giant in select East Coast markets. 

They're known for consistent service and competitive prices since they run their own warehouses.

Peapod doesn't require membership but charges delivery fees based on order size. The service excels at reliability and has perfected scheduled deliveries after decades in the business.

Pros:

• Veteran service with reliable execution

• Competitive pricing similar to in-store

• Good quality store brands and selection

Cons:

• Limited to specific East Coast regions

• App interface isn't as modern as newer competitors

• Scheduled delivery only (not on-demand)

Other Notable Grocery Services

Many supermarket chains now offer their own delivery services, either with their fleet or via partnerships. 

Kroger Delivery, Safeway/Albertsons, Publix, and many local grocers provide delivery options that can be more affordable than Instacart in many cases.

For specialty items, Thrive Market offers membership-based shopping ($5/month) with discounted organic and natural products. 

While not on-demand (they ship in 2-3 days), their pricing on organic products can be up to 50% off retail.

General Delivery Services That Deliver Groceries

These platforms started with restaurant or general deliveries but have expanded into groceries.

DoorDash

Best known for restaurant delivery, DoorDash has aggressively expanded into grocery delivery through partnerships with major retailers.

Using the same app you might use for takeout, you can order groceries from local supermarkets, convenience stores, and specialty shops. 

DoorDash offers a DashPass subscription ($9.99/month) that covers both food and grocery deliveries with free delivery on orders over minimum thresholds.

The service is available in over 7,000 cities across the U.S., giving it excellent coverage. Delivery is typically within an hour, making it a good option for smaller, urgent grocery needs.

Pros:

• Widespread availability across the U.S.

• Fast on-demand delivery

• One subscription covers both restaurant and grocery orders

• Intuitive app interface

Cons:

• Store selection can be limited compared to dedicated grocery services

• Higher item prices and fees than some alternatives

• Better for small/medium orders than full grocery shops

Uber Eats (with Cornershop)

After acquiring Cornershop, Uber expanded its Uber Eats platform to include grocery shopping. 

Within the familiar Uber Eats app, you can now shop from grocery and convenience stores.

Like DoorDash, Uber's massive driver network enables quick on-demand delivery with real-time tracking. 

Uber One membership ($9.99/month) provides discounted delivery fees on both food and grocery orders.

Pros:

• Extensive coverage in cities and suburbs

• Real-time order tracking

• Convenient if you already use Uber/Uber Eats

• Often faster delivery times in urban areas

Cons:

• Limited store selection in some regions

• Higher markup on some items

• Inconsistent inventory information

goPuff

For smaller grocery needs and convenience items, goPuff offers a unique model. 

Instead of shopping from stores, goPuff maintains its own micro-warehouses stocked with snacks, drinks, household essentials, and basic groceries.

This approach allows for extremely fast delivery - often in under 30 minutes. 

They charge a flat $2.95 delivery fee, or you can subscribe to their "Fam" membership ($5.95/month) for free delivery.

Pros:

• Ultra-fast delivery (often under 30 minutes)

• Low, predictable delivery fee

• Great for late-night convenience needs

• No tipping required (drivers are employees)

Cons:

• Limited catalog compared to full grocery services

• Available mainly in urban/suburban areas

• Not ideal for full grocery shopping

Instacart Alternatives for Niche or Local Needs

For more personalized service, TaskRabbit allows you to hire someone to do grocery shopping along with other tasks. 

Dumpling provides a platform to hire personal shoppers directly, giving you a dedicated shopper for recurring orders.

For specialty grocery needs, Mercato connects you with independent local grocery stores in many cities, while regional options like Favor (Texas) provide general delivery services with grocery capabilities.

Meal Kit and Grocery Subscription Alternatives

If you want to skip both shopping and meal planning, these services might be your best Instacart alternative.

HelloFresh

As America's most popular meal kit service, HelloFresh delivers pre-portioned ingredients and recipes weekly. 

You choose your meals from a rotating menu, and everything arrives ready to cook with step-by-step instructions.

Pricing typically runs $7.99-$11.99 per serving depending on your plan, with shipping included for larger orders. The service is available nationwide, with delivery days varying by location.

Pros:

• Eliminates meal planning and grocery shopping

• Reduces food waste with pre-measured ingredients

• Wide variety of recipes (25+ weekly options)

• Family-friendly options available

Cons:

• Not on-demand (requires weekly planning)

• More expensive per meal than buying groceries yourself

• Limited flexibility for dietary restrictions

Hungryroot

Hungryroot offers a hybrid approach between meal kit and grocery delivery. 

After taking a quiz about your preferences, they deliver both ready-to-make recipes and individual grocery items that work together.

Unlike traditional meal kits, Hungryroot's ingredients are more flexible - you can use them for the suggested recipes or mix and match for your own creations. 

The service focuses on healthy, plant-forward options with lots of organic choices.

Pros:

• More flexible than traditional meal kits

• Emphasis on healthy, whole foods

• Time-saving recipe suggestions

• Adapts to dietary preferences

Cons:

• Subscription model only (no one-time orders)

• More expensive than regular grocery shopping

• Limited selection compared to full grocery services

Misfits Market / Imperfect Foods

These subscription services focus on reducing food waste by delivering "ugly" produce and discounted grocery items. 

Customers receive a box of assorted produce and pantry items at lower prices than retail.

Both services allow some customization of your box and offer weekly or bi-weekly delivery. 

Misfits Market and Imperfect Foods have merged operations recently, expanding their combined coverage to most of the continental U.S.

Pros:

• Cost savings on organic produce (up to 40% off retail)

• Eco-friendly mission reduces food waste

• Convenient scheduled deliveries

• Discovery of new produce varieties

Cons:

• Limited control over exact items

• Not ideal for immediate grocery needs

• Shipping delays occasionally reported

Online Grocers (Subscription-Based)

For pantry stocking, Thrive Market offers membership-based shopping ($5/month) with up to 50% off retail on organic and natural products. 

They cater to specific dietary needs with excellent filters for gluten-free, keto, paleo, and other preferences.

Boxed provides bulk grocery shopping without a membership requirement. It's great for pantry staples and household goods, though they don't offer fresh produce.

How to Choose the Right Service

With so many options, here's how to determine which Instacart alternative fits your needs:

Coverage & Availability

First, check which services operate in your area. While Instacart, Amazon Fresh, DoorDash, and Uber Eats have nationwide presence, their actual store selection varies dramatically by location. 

Rural areas might only have Walmart delivery or mail-order options, while urban dwellers can choose from numerous services.

As one Reddit user pointed out, "Depends on your area and which stores you want to shop from. Shipt, Uber Eats, and DoorDash all offer groceries in many regions."

Pricing & Fees

Cost structures vary widely:

• Membership services: Instacart+ and Shipt both charge ~$99/year for free deliveries on orders over $35. Walmart+ is slightly cheaper at $98/year. Amazon Fresh requires the $139/year Prime membership.

• Pay-per-order: Most services charge $7-$10 delivery fees for non-members, plus service fees and tips.

• Price markups: This is where huge differences emerge. Instacart often marks up store prices, whereas Walmart and Shipt (for Target) generally use in-store pricing. These markups can add 10-25% to your grocery bill.

For budget-conscious shoppers, Walmart+ typically offers the best overall value when considering both fees and product prices.

Selection & Store Partnerships

Instacart and Shipt partner with multiple stores, giving you access to numerous retailers. Amazon Fresh and Walmart+ offer only their inventories but may have lower prices.

For specialty groceries, consider Thrive Market (organic), FreshDirect (gourmet), or Mercato (local specialty stores).

Speed & Convenience

For immediate needs, on-demand services (Instacart, Shipt, DoorDash) typically deliver within 1-2 hours. 

Subscription services like meal kits or Misfits Market deliver on a weekly schedule. goPuff offers the fastest delivery for limited items, often under 30 minutes.

Customer Experience

Shipt scores particularly well on customer service, with shoppers who communicate thoroughly about substitutions. 

Instacart's service quality can vary widely depending on your shopper. Amazon and Walmart's services get mixed reviews for communication but good marks for reliability.

One key difference: Shipt tends to match you with the same shoppers over time, building a relationship, while Instacart and others typically assign available shoppers randomly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Which grocery delivery service is the cheapest?

Walmart+ typically offers the lowest overall cost when considering both product prices and delivery fees. 

Their items match in-store prices with no markups, and the $98/year membership includes unlimited free deliveries.

Amazon Fresh can be economical if you already have Prime membership, with free delivery on orders over $35-$50 depending on your location.

For organic and natural products, Thrive Market's membership ($5/month) can save significant money despite not being an on-demand service.

Is Shipt or Instacart better?

Shipt and Instacart are very similar, with key differences:

• Shipt's membership ($99/year) can be a better value for frequent shoppers with no fees on $35+ orders

• Shipt is praised for superior customer service and shopper communication

• Instacart is available in more areas and offers more store options

• Instacart allows pay-per-order, while Shipt generally requires membership

The better choice depends on whether you value consistent service (Shipt) or wider store selection (Instacart).

Can DoorDash or Uber Eats deliver groceries?

Yes, both have expanded to grocery delivery. Look for the grocery section in their apps to find local stores. 

They're convenient if you already use them for takeout but might not support full supermarket orders in all regions.

What about free grocery delivery?

Truly free delivery typically requires a membership or promotion. Many services offer free delivery on your first order or with a subscription. 

Amazon Fresh provides free delivery for Prime members on orders over certain amounts in eligible areas.

For occasional free delivery, look for promotional codes or take advantage of free trials (Instacart+ 14-day trial, Walmart+ 30-day trial).

Are meal kits cheaper than grocery shopping?

Meal kits save time but typically cost more per meal than buying ingredients yourself. 

Average costs range from $8-$12 per serving, higher than self-shopping but potentially cheaper than restaurant takeout.

They reduce food waste through exact portioning and eliminate impulse purchases, which can offset some costs. For busy households, the time savings might justify the premium.

Choosing Your Best Delivery Option

The perfect Instacart alternative depends entirely on your priorities. If saving money matters most, Walmart+ offers consistently low prices with no markups. 

For superior customer service, Shipt earns top marks from both industry surveys and customers. Looking for the widest store selection? 

Instacart still leads there, with DoorDash expanding quickly.

You might find that combining services works best - perhaps Walmart+ for big weekly shops, DoorDash for quick mid-week needs, and a meal kit for busy periods. Many services offer free trials, so you can test different options without commitment.

Take advantage of promotional offers like free delivery on first orders or discounted trial memberships to sample various services. By exploring these alternatives to Instacart, you'll likely find better prices, service, or selection that fits your grocery shopping style.