Alternatives to Instacart: Top Competitors in Grocery Delivery

With the rise of technology and the need for convenience, online grocery delivery services have become increasingly popular. One of the most well-known services is Instacart, which allows customers to shop from various local stores online, then delivers their order to their door. However, there are many alternatives to Instacart that offer similar, and in some cases, unique services. This article will explore some of the top competitors in the grocery delivery market.

Amazon Fresh: A Prime Competitor

Amazon Fresh is one of the top alternatives to Instacart. As a subsidiary of the e-commerce giant Amazon, Amazon Fresh offers grocery delivery and pickup service to its Prime members. The service provides a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. Amazon Fresh also offers meal kits that contain all the ingredients needed to cook a meal for two. With its integration with Amazon Prime, customers can enjoy benefits such as free delivery on orders over $35 and access to Prime Video and Music.

Shipt: Target's Delivery Service

Shipt is another strong competitor in the grocery delivery market. Owned by Target, Shipt offers same-day delivery from a variety of local stores, including Target, Costco, and CVS. Shipt's membership-based service allows customers to receive unlimited free deliveries on orders over $35. Shipt also offers a unique feature where customers can note their preferences, allowing their shopper to choose the freshest produce or the right cut of meat according to the customer's preference.

FreshDirect: Pioneers in Online Grocery

FreshDirect is one of the pioneers in the online grocery delivery industry and remains a strong alternative to Instacart. The service focuses on delivering fresh food directly from the source to the customer's door. FreshDirect offers a wide range of products, including fresh produce, meat, seafood, dairy, pantry items, and meal kits. They also offer a DeliveryPass membership that provides unlimited free deliveries and exclusive perks.

Google Express: Tech Giant's Take on Grocery Delivery

Google Express, now known as Google Shopping, is the tech giant's take on grocery delivery. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of stores, including Target, Costco, and Walgreens, all in one place. Google Express offers both delivery and pickup services, with free delivery on orders over a certain amount. The service also integrates with Google's other services, allowing customers to use their Google account to easily track and manage their orders.

Walmart Grocery Delivery: Supermarket Giant Goes Online

Walmart, the supermarket giant, has also entered the online grocery delivery market with its service, Walmart Grocery Delivery. The service allows customers to shop from a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. Walmart Grocery Delivery offers both delivery and pickup services, with free pickup and delivery on orders over $30 with a Delivery Unlimited membership.

Peapod: A Long-Standing Competitor

Peapod is one of the longest-standing online grocery delivery services and remains a strong alternative to Instacart. The service offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. Peapod also offers meal kits and a variety of organic and healthy food options. The service offers both delivery and pickup services, with different delivery options to fit the customer's schedule.

Postmates: Beyond Restaurant Delivery

Postmates, known for its restaurant delivery service, has expanded into grocery delivery with Postmates Fresh. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores and delivers their order within an hour. Postmates Fresh offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. With a Postmates Unlimited membership, customers can enjoy free delivery on all orders over $15.

Target Same Day Delivery: Speed and Convenience

Target offers same-day delivery through its ownership of Shipt. The service allows customers to shop from a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items, all from their local Target store. With a Shipt membership, customers can enjoy free same-day delivery on orders over $35. The service also allows customers to note their preferences, allowing their shopper to choose the freshest produce or the right cut of meat according to the customer's preference.

Safeway: Traditional Supermarket Goes Digital

Safeway, a traditional supermarket chain, has gone digital with its Safeway Delivery & Pick Up service. The service allows customers to shop from a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items, all from their local Safeway store. Safeway Delivery & Pick Up offers both delivery and pickup services, with different delivery options to fit the customer's schedule. The service also offers a variety of deals and savings, including free delivery on your first order.

Boxed: Bulk Shopping Online

Boxed is an online grocery delivery service that specializes in bulk shopping. The service offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items, all in bulk sizes. Boxed offers free delivery on orders over $49 and offers a variety of deals and savings. The service also offers Boxed Up, a premium membership that offers free shipping on all orders, 2% cash rewards, and exclusive sales.

Thrive Market: Organic Groceries Online

Thrive Market is an online grocery delivery service that specializes in organic and healthy food. The service offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items, all organic or non-GMO. Thrive Market operates on a membership model, with a portion of every membership fee going towards a free membership for a low-income family. The service offers free shipping on orders over $49 and offers a variety of deals and savings.

HelloFresh: Meal Kit Delivery Service

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that offers a unique alternative to Instacart. The service delivers pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes to your door, allowing you to cook fresh meals at home. HelloFresh offers a variety of meal plans to fit different dietary needs and preferences, including vegetarian, low-calorie, and family-friendly options. The service operates on a subscription model, with the option to skip weeks or cancel at any time.

Blue Apron: Another Take on Meal Kits

Blue Apron is another meal kit delivery service that offers a unique alternative to Instacart. Like HelloFresh, Blue Apron delivers pre-portioned ingredients and step-by-step recipes to your door. However, Blue Apron focuses on introducing customers to new ingredients and cooking techniques, with a variety of unique and adventurous recipes. The service operates on a subscription model, with the option to skip weeks or cancel at any time.

DoorDash: Expanding Beyond Prepared Meals

DoorDash, known for its restaurant delivery service, has expanded into grocery delivery with DashMart. DashMart is a virtual convenience store that offers a variety of products, from snacks and drinks to household essentials. The service delivers your order within an hour, making it a convenient option for last-minute needs. With a DashPass subscription, customers can enjoy free delivery on all orders over $12.

Uber Eats: From Rideshare to Grocery Delivery

Uber Eats, the food delivery arm of the rideshare giant Uber, has expanded into grocery delivery in select cities. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores and delivers their order within an hour. Uber Eats offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. With an Eats Pass subscription, customers can enjoy free delivery and 5% off orders over $15.

Grubhub: Food Delivery Service Ventures into Groceries

Grubhub, known for its restaurant delivery service, has ventured into grocery delivery in select cities. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores and delivers their order within an hour. Grubhub offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. With a Grubhub+ subscription, customers can enjoy free delivery and exclusive perks.

Seamless: From Takeout to Groceries

Seamless, a subsidiary of Grubhub known for its takeout delivery service, has also ventured into grocery delivery in select cities. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores and delivers their order within an hour. Seamless offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. With a Seamless+ subscription, customers can enjoy free delivery and exclusive perks.

Delivery.com: A Broad Range of Services

Delivery.com is an online delivery service that offers a broad range of services, making it a unique alternative to Instacart. In addition to grocery delivery, Delivery.com also offers delivery from restaurants, liquor stores, and dry cleaners. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores and delivers their order within an hour. Delivery.com offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. With a DeliveryPoints program, customers can earn points on every order and redeem them for free food and other rewards.

GoPuff: Convenience Store Delivery

GoPuff is an online delivery service that specializes in delivering convenience store items. The service offers a wide range of products, from snacks and drinks to household essentials and personal care items. GoPuff operates its own warehouses, allowing it to deliver your order within 30 minutes. The service operates 24/7 in many markets, making it a convenient option for late-night cravings or last-minute needs.

Mercato: Supporting Local Grocers

Mercato is an online grocery delivery service that supports local grocers. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local independent stores, including butchers, fishmongers, and specialty food stores. Mercato offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and unique gourmet items. With a Mercato Green membership, customers can enjoy free delivery from stores within a certain radius.

Dumpling: Personal Shopping Service

Dumpling is a personal shopping service that offers a unique alternative to Instacart. The service allows customers to hire a personal shopper who will shop at the stores of their choice and deliver their order to their door. Dumpling offers a wide range of products, as the selection is not limited to a specific store or chain. The service operates on a commission model, with the personal shopper setting their own rates.

Farmbox Direct: Fresh Produce to Your Door

Farmbox Direct is an online delivery service that specializes in delivering fresh produce. The service offers a variety of boxes, from a mixed fruit and vegetable box to a juicing box. All the produce is organic and sourced from local farmers, ensuring freshness and quality. Farmbox Direct operates on a subscription model, with the option to skip weeks or cancel at any time.

Misfits Market: Rescuing "Ugly" Produce

Misfits Market is an online delivery service that specializes in rescuing "ugly" produce that would otherwise go to waste. The service offers a variety of boxes, all filled with organic produce that may be slightly misshapen or discolored but is still perfectly good to eat. Misfits Market operates on a subscription model, with the option to customize your box and add on pantry staples and other items.

Imperfect Foods: Fighting Food Waste

Imperfect Foods is an online delivery service that specializes in rescuing food that would otherwise go to waste. The service offers a variety of boxes, all filled with produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples that may be surplus, short-dated, or slightly imperfect. Imperfect Foods operates on a subscription model, with the option to customize your box and add on other items.

Vons: West Coast Grocery Delivery

Vons, a supermarket chain on the West Coast, offers online grocery delivery through its Vons Delivery & Pick Up service. The service allows customers to shop from a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items, all from their local Vons store. Vons Delivery & Pick Up offers both delivery and pickup services, with different delivery options to fit the customer's schedule. The service also offers a variety of deals and savings, including free delivery on your first order.

InstaBuggy: Canadian Grocery Delivery

InstaBuggy is a Canadian online grocery delivery service that offers a strong alternative to Instacart for those in Canada. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores, including Costco, PetSmart, and LCBO. InstaBuggy offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. The service offers both delivery and pickup services, with delivery in as little as one hour.

Grofers: Indian Online Grocery

Grofers is an Indian online grocery delivery service that offers a strong alternative to Instacart for those in India. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores, including supermarkets, bakeries, and pet stores. Grofers offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. The service offers both delivery and pickup services, with free delivery on orders over a certain amount.

BigBasket: India's Largest Online Supermarket

BigBasket is India's largest online supermarket, offering a strong alternative to Instacart for those in India. The service allows customers to shop from a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. BigBasket offers both delivery and pickup services, with different delivery slots to fit the customer's schedule. The service also offers a variety of deals and savings, including free delivery on orders over a certain amount.

Zomato Market: From Restaurant Reviews to Grocery Delivery

Zomato, known for its restaurant reviews and food delivery service, has expanded into grocery delivery with Zomato Market. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores and delivers their order within an hour. Zomato Market offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. With a Zomato Pro membership, customers can enjoy free delivery and exclusive perks.

Swiggy Stores: Delivery Service in India

Swiggy, known for its food delivery service in India, has expanded into grocery delivery with Swiggy Stores. The service allows customers to shop from a variety of local stores and delivers their order within an hour. Swiggy Stores offers a wide range of products, from fresh produce and meat to pantry staples and household items. With a Swiggy Super membership, customers can enjoy free delivery and exclusive perks.

While Instacart is a popular choice for online grocery delivery, there are many alternatives to Instacart that offer a variety of services and benefits. Whether you're looking for a service that supports local stores, specializes in organic food, or delivers in as little as 30 minutes, there's an online grocery delivery service out there that fits your needs.