Convenience is the New Grocery Store Run
In today’s fast-paced world where juggling work, family, and even self-care feels like a circus act, who has time to wait in checkout lines? Whether you’re a working parent, a college student pulling all-nighters, a wellness junkie with specific dietary needs, or simply someone who’d rather binge-watch a Netflix drama than shop for eggs—grocery delivery services are a game-changer.
And yes, even your favorite celebs do it. From Chrissy Teigen ordering Whole Foods meal kits to Kim Kardashian sending Instacart runners for her alkaline water, getting groceries delivered is as much a lifestyle upgrade as it is a time-saver.
So which services are worth the tap on your phone? Let’s break it down.
🛒 Top 13 Grocery Delivery Services of 2025
These picks were evaluated based on delivery speed, pricing, product variety, geographic availability, and dietary support.
1. Walmart+ – Best for Budget Shoppers
- Price: $7.95–$9.95 (one-time); $12.95/month or $98/year for unlimited delivery over $35
- Why Choose It: Same prices as in-store, making it wallet-friendly
- Ideal For: Everyday families, college students, and loyal Walmart shoppers
Walmart+ is one of the best bangs for your buck. They don’t mark up prices, and you can access their full product range—from fresh produce to vegan cheese—without leaving your couch.
💡 Pro Tip: If you order monthly, the annual membership pays off big time.
2. Instacart – Most Widely Available
- Price: $3.99+ (plus service fees); $9.99/month or $99/year for membership
- Why Choose It: Works with multiple stores in your area
- Ideal For: Anyone, anywhere
With over 600 partner retailers including Costco, Aldi, and CVS, Instacart is the most versatile option. You can chat with your personal shopper in real time to swap items or approve replacements.
⚠️ Heads up: Prices can be higher than in-store, and loyalty discounts often don’t apply.
3. Shipt – Best Membership Perks
- Price: $10/order or $10.99/month; $99/year for unlimited delivery
- Why Choose It: Partnered with Target, Meijer, and H-E-B
- Ideal For: Regular users who value flexibility
Shipt’s charm is its exclusive Target partnership and wide store variety. With annual plans averaging just $8/month, it’s a smart pick for weekly shoppers.
🎁 Bonus: Visa cardholders may score a free membership.
4. Target via Shipt – Best for Target Shoppers
- Price: $9.99 per order; free with Shipt membership
- Why Choose It: Same in-store prices, Target deals included
- Ideal For: Deal hunters and Target loyalists
Use the Target app to tap into the same sales and coupons you’d find in-store. With drive-up and same-day delivery options, it’s peak convenience.
5. Kroger – Best for Loyalty Rewards
- Price: $9.99/order
- Why Choose It: Uses Instacart but honors Kroger pricing and promotions
- Ideal For: Shoppers wanting consistency and savings
Kroger lets you keep your loyalty perks while shopping from your couch. Orders are placed directly through the Kroger app or site—no middleman markups.
6. Amazon Fresh – Best for Product Variety
- Price: Included with Amazon Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year)
- Why Choose It: Offers groceries, household goods, and pet supplies
- Ideal For: Prime members and Whole Foods lovers
Amazon Fresh delivers everything from bananas to baby formula—plus organic picks from Whole Foods. Bonus: you can choose between attended delivery, doorstep drop-off, or pickup.
⚠️ Note: Only available in select metro areas.
7. Whole Foods Market – Best Organic Grocery Delivery
- Price: Included with Amazon Prime
- Why Choose It: USDA Organic, vegan, gluten-free, and more
- Ideal For: Health-conscious shoppers and wellness influencers
This is your go-to for clean, high-quality groceries. Think almond flour, grass-fed meats, and artisanal kombucha—delivered.
Shop now at Whole Foods Market
8. Safeway – Best Regional Service (West & Midwest)
- Price: Variable; FreshPass ($12.99/month) or Instacart Express ($9.99/month)
- Why Choose It: Store-specific perks and promotions
- Ideal For: Shoppers in 17 states and Washington D.C.
Depending on your region, Safeway offers either in-house delivery or Instacart support. Both provide a solid variety of everyday essentials and organic options.
9. FreshDirect – Best for Shoppers in the Northeast
- Price: $5.99+ per order; DeliveryPass is $79 every 6 months
- Why Choose It: Online-only grocer with tons of specialty items
- Ideal For: Foodies in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania
FreshDirect stocks everything from gourmet cheeses to ready-to-eat meals. While its service area is limited, it’s a foodie’s dream for those who qualify.
10. Publix – Best for the Southeast
- Price: $3.99+; Instacart Express for $9.99/month
- Why Choose It: Southeastern staple with huge product selection
- Ideal For: Southern shoppers wanting same-day service
Publix’s famous deli subs and bakery treats can now come straight to your door. Just expect slightly higher delivery prices compared to in-store shopping.
11. Thrive Market – Best for Specialty Diets
- Price: $5/month (billed annually); free shipping over $49+
- Why Choose It: Curated for keto, paleo, vegan, and more
- Ideal For: Health-focused shoppers
This online marketplace is stocked with hard-to-find healthy goodies—from gluten-free snacks to hormone-free pantry staples.
🎁 Bonus: Regular free samples and exclusive member discounts.
12. Boxed – Best for Bulk Orders
- Price: Free shipping over $79; Boxed Up membership from $39/year
- Why Choose It: No membership required to order
- Ideal For: Large families and bulk buyers
Think Costco, but online. Great for stocking up on non-perishables, paper products, and even snacks for school lunches. Boxed Express offers perishables in select metro zones.
13. Gopuff – Best for Last-Minute Orders
- Price: $2.95/order; $5.95/month for Gopuff Fam
- Why Choose It: Fast delivery within minutes
- Ideal For: Late-night cravings, party fails, and emergency needs
Stocked with essentials from ice cream to Advil to craft beer, Gopuff operates mini-warehouses in major cities. It’s the Uber Eats of grocery delivery.
🧠 How to Choose the Right Grocery Delivery Service
Choosing a service isn’t just about who delivers fastest—it’s about lifestyle, budget, and availability. Here’s how to decide:
✅ Location: Check which services operate in your area
✅ Dietary Needs: Vegan? Gluten-free? Choose accordingly
✅ Order Frequency: Occasional orders = lower fees; regular = join a membership
✅ Budget: Compare base prices, delivery fees, and possible markups
✅ Tech Savviness: Prefer apps over websites? Some are more user-friendly than others
✨ Benefits of Grocery Delivery (It’s More Than Just Convenience)
While it might be a few bucks more expensive than doing it yourself, the pros often outweigh the cons:
- Saves time (no parking lot chaos!)
- Limits impulse buys
- Reduces exposure during flu/COVID season
- Eases mobility for seniors and new parents
- Keeps you focused on your wellness goals
❓FAQ: What Shoppers Want to Know
Do I have to tip my grocery delivery driver?
Yes, tipping is strongly encouraged (usually 10–20%). It’s a big part of how gig workers earn.
Which app gives free delivery?
Most offer free delivery through memberships: Instacart Express, Walmart+, and Shipt.
Is grocery delivery more expensive?
Usually yes, due to service fees, price markups, and tipping—but the convenience can be worth it.
🛍️ The Final Word: Is Grocery Delivery Worth It?
Absolutely—especially when time, health, and convenience are your top priorities. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, trying to avoid fast food, or just want your almond milk delivered with zero fuss, there’s a service on this list that fits your needs and lifestyle.
Ready to try it? Download one of these apps, place an order, and thank yourself later.
