If you are living in today’s world, convenience is king, especially in grocery shopping. Be it because you are too busy to go to the store or simply do not feel like bothering, grocery delivery apps like Instacart have made buying groceries from the comfort of your home easier than it has ever been. But Instacart isn’t the only player in the game—there are a variety of other apps offering similar services. In this blog, we’ll explore some of the most popular Instacart alternatives and how they compare.
Instacart: The Pioneer in Online Grocery Shopping
Before listing the alternatives, let me elaborate a bit on Instacart-a revolutionary online grocery delivery app. Instacart is one of those apps from which users can order groceries from famous retailers like Costco, Safeway, and Whole Foods all under one roof. The app connects you with personal shoppers who will pick up, pack, and deliver groceries right to your doorstep. In addition, it offers same-day delivery service and allows customers to choose items, customize orders, and schedule deliveries from its friendly interface.
While Instacart is a household name, some people seek out alternative services because of pricing, product availability, or perhaps the need to use other services. Luckily, other apps can help you enjoy similar experiences, or even better.
Read Also:- How To Build An On-Demand Pickup And Delivery App?
Best Instacart Alternatives You Should Know About
1.Shipt
Similarities: Shipt is the most similar competitor to Instacart, as it provides the same convenience in grocery shopping online with delivery from stores such as Target, Costco, and CVS. It has an extremely seamless user interface for Shipt; it is easy for users to order groceries, household essentials, and even alcohol from their favorite stores.
Key Features:
Membership-based service- monthly/annual subscription
Same-day delivery
Consumers will be able to pick up groceries from local stores such as Target, Meijer, and HEB.
Pros: Shipt allows users to make a shopping list in advance and has a personal shopper for each order. It also offers flexible membership, so users can choose what works best for them.
Cons: Like Instacart, Shipt can have service fees, and some areas might have limited availability. Additionally, some users have reported issues with order substitutions.
2. Amazon Fresh
Similarities: Amazon Fresh is another great alternative to Instacart, bringing the convenience of online grocery shopping to a massive platform. With Amazon Fresh, users can order fresh produce, dairy, snacks, and more for same-day or next-day delivery.
Key Features:
Free access to Amazon Fresh for Amazon Prime members, same-day delivery, or next-day delivery is possible. In general, very extensive food item offerings: organic items, international, and specialty products.
Pros: Amazon Fresh offers competitive pricing, with exclusive deals combined with fast delivery. For Amazon Prime members, the app seamlessly integrates with other Amazon services, such as Alexa and Prime Video.
Cons: Amazon Fresh is not in all areas. This means for some users it is not available. While generally having a good selection of products, it will not be quite as vast compared to local in-store options.
3. Walmart Grocery Delivery
Similarities: Walmart’s grocery delivery service lets you order everything you need-produce, pantry staples, household items, and more directly from their websites or apps. Similar to Instacart, Walmart partners with local stores and offers both delivery and curbside pickup options.
Key Features:
Free delivery for orders over a certain amount-usually $35+
Offers pickup and delivery from local Walmart stores
Regular discounts and low prices on groceries
Pros: Walmart features reasonable prices with a wide range of items for sale, and that makes it an excellent alternative for those people on a strained budget. By allowing you the option to have items delivered to your doorstep or curbside pickup, it gives them options in their delivery method.
Cons: Some locations may see varying degrees in delivery and customer service. This could also involve out-of-stock items or ones not available during certain times of the year.
Read Also:- Building A Service Delivery App Like Airtasker: Features and Costs In 2025
4. FreshDirect
Similarities: FreshDirect focuses on fresh groceries that include fresh produce, meats, dairy, and even prepared meals, all locally sourced. apps Similar to Instacart, it focuses on high-quality items with flexible delivery options.
Key Features:
Organic and locally sourced produce
Scheduled delivery slots are available to choose from
Major metro areas are serviced, such as New York City, Philadelphia, and parts of New Jersey.
Pros: FreshDirect has great selections of quality items, including gourmet ingredients that are hard to find and would therefore be perfect for gourmet cooks or anyone who has special dietary needs. The delivery service has also been reviewed as very reliable, with good packaging quality.
Cons: Its service area is smaller compared to some other platforms such as Instacart. Additionally, FreshDirect may have a delivery fee on smaller orders.
5. Google Express (now part of Google Shopping)
Similarities: Google Express has integrated with Google Shopping and now allows users to order groceries and other essentials from Costco, Walgreens, and even Petco. Similar to Instacart, the service promises rapid and efficient delivery, with flexible shipping options.
Key Features:
Integrates with Google accounts and offers a variety of stores
Ability to track orders directly through the Google Shopping app
Offers both delivery and curbside pickup from partner stores
Pros: It’s easy to order from a lot of stores in one place with Google Express. Product discovery – aided by the power of Google’s search technology – is fast and seamless.
Cons: Not everywhere offers it, and its selection isn’t quite as robust as other grocery-focused apps.
6. Postmates for Groceries
Similarities: While generally known for food delivery, it is also possible to order groceries and other essentials from local stores through Postmates. Like Instacart, Postmates operates on the idea of personal shoppers picking up and delivering items right to your doorstep.
Key Features:
Same-day delivery from multiple local stores
Convenience of last-minute non-grocery or grocery shopping apps like instacart essentials
Flexibility in terms of payment and delivery time
Pros: You can get anything delivered through Postmates from local stores, not just groceries. With a wide selection of stores and fast delivery, it’s great to have in case you need something last minute.
Cons: The selection of groceries might be more limited compared to dedicated grocery apps. Delivery fees add up fast.
Read Also:- Top 12 Food Delivery Apps in the UAE: A Guide to Talabat Alternatives
Which Instacart Alternative Is Best for You?
The best Instacart alternative will come down to your needs and where you live. If you’re looking for something as smooth and user-friendly as Instacart, it might be time to give Shipt a try. For Amazon Prime members, Amazon Fresh has an unbeatable mix of grocery delivery and all things Amazon. If you are one of those who loves doing your shopping at Walmart, its grocery delivery service might be the cheapest option for you.
On the other hand, if you’re in a major city and want access to premium, locally sourced products, FreshDirect might be the perfect fit. And for those who prefer to have the freedom to shop across various stores, Google Express or Postmates could be the right solution.
In any case, these apps let one order groceries from the comfort of their home, with one added advantage time, be it for a busy day, an impromptu recipe, or just not wanting to go to the grocery store and fight crowds.
Conclusion
Online have changed the face of grocery buying. Instacart might be a household name, but, as we have seen, there are quite a few other options out there offering similar services with their unique features and benefits. Whether you are after speed, price, or variety, there is surely an app to suit your needs, which makes your grocery shopping experience smoother and handier than ever.
