What are similar apps to Instacart?

Alternative Apps
1

I’m looking for alternative grocery delivery apps like Instacart. I want to know my options because Instacart has become a bit costly and I’d love other suggestions that work well in the US. Can you share your recommendations?

2

  1. Shipt
    Homepage Link: www.shipt.com
    Pros:

    • Shipt offers same-day delivery from a variety of local stores, including large retailers like Target.
    • Their membership model provides free delivery on orders over $35.
    • Personalized shopper communication makes it easy to customize your orders.

    Cons:

    • You must subscribe to their annual or monthly membership (starting at $10.99/month).
    • Limited availability compared to Instacart in more remote areas.

    Features:

    • Multiple store partnerships in one app.
    • Option to communicate directly with your shopper for replacements.
    • Membership perks like exclusive deals and discounts.

    User Reviews:
    Shoppers love the professional, communicative delivery agents and report that the service is reliable. However, some users have noted that the selection can be more limited compared to Instacart in certain neighborhoods.

    Verdict:
    Shipt is an excellent choice if you’re okay with a membership model and prioritize shopper communication. It edges slightly above Instacart on customer service quality.

  1. Walmart+
    Homepage Link: www.walmartplus.com
    Pros:

    • Free delivery from Walmart for orders over $35 (with a Walmart+ subscription).
    • Much cheaper pricing for groceries compared to some other services.
    • Includes additional benefits like fuel discounts and mobile scan-and-go shopping.

    Cons:

    • Limited to Walmart’s inventory—you won’t get specialty store products.
    • Subscription cost ($12.95/month or $98/year).

    Features:

    • Quick delivery, often as fast as same-day for groceries and household items.
    • Affordable pricing and bulk-buy options.
    • Specialty items like electronics and clothing also available for delivery.

    User Reviews:
    Many users appreciate the affordability and diverse inventory options. The drawback is occasional delays during busier times and concerns about item substitution quality.

    Verdict:
    Ideal for Walmart regulars or anyone looking for a budget-friendly alternative. Walmart+ cuts costs and is reliable if you trust their ecosystem.

  1. Amazon Fresh
    Homepage Link: www.amazon.com/fresh
    Pros:

    • Access to Whole Foods Market products and Amazon’s vast inventory.
    • Free delivery for Amazon Prime members (orders over $35).
    • Extremely wide variety of both fresh groceries and pantry staples.

    Cons:

    • No direct shopper communication during the shopping process.
    • Inventory may vary depending on your location.

    Features:

    • Integration with Amazon Prime for added convenience.
    • Support for bulk products, organic brands, and Amazon-exclusive items.
    • Scheduled or same-day delivery options.

    User Reviews:
    Amazon Fresh users praise its variety and convenience, though complaints about occasional missing items and substitutions are not uncommon.

    Verdict:
    Best suited for Amazon Prime subscribers seeking comprehensive options. Amazon Fresh is efficient but lacks the personalization offered by others like Shipt.

  1. FreshDirect
    Homepage Link: www.freshdirect.com
    Pros:

    • High-quality and fresh produce with an emphasis on organic and sustainable goods.
    • Features meal kits, prepared foods, and specialty items.
    • Less markup compared to some competitors.

    Cons:

    • Limited delivery areas (mostly East Coast).
    • Higher fees for small orders.

    Features:

    • Unique packaging to maximize freshness.
    • Customizable delivery windows.
    • Offers tailored dietary products—great for foodies and those with special diets.

    User Reviews:
    Widely praised for food quality and freshness, but customers complain about occasional delivery delays and availability issues.

    Verdict:
    A must-try if you value premium, clean ingredients and are in its coverage areas. FreshDirect is fantastic for food enthusiasts who prioritize quality over budget.

  1. Peapod
    Homepage Link: www.peapod.com
    Pros:

    • Backed by major grocery chains like Stop & Shop and Giant.
    • Online-exclusive offers and discounts.
    • Offers subscriptions for free delivery.

    Cons:

    • Limited store availability outside its parent chain partners.
    • Delivery slots fill up quickly during peak times.

    Features:

    • Personalized past-purchase shopping lists.
    • Customizable meal planning features.
    • Regular promotions and reward coupons for loyal users.

    User Reviews:
    Mixed reviews highlight affordability and convenience but criticize reliability during periods of high demand (e.g., holidays).

    Verdict:
    Peapod is an efficient service if you live in a supported region and trust the brands they collaborate with. It’s an easy option but not groundbreaking.

  1. Thrive Market
    Homepage Link: www.thrivemarket.com
    Pros:

    • Subscription-based service offering wholesale prices on organic and sustainable groceries.
    • Great for curated specialty diets (e.g., keto, vegan, gluten-free).
    • Environmentally focused with recyclable packaging.

    Cons:

    • Requires an annual membership of $59.95.
    • Delivery isn’t same-day—typically 1–3 days.

    Features:

    • Discounted prices on high-quality health and wellness products.
    • Personal shopping preferences help filter relevant items.
    • You can donate to low-income families during checkout.

    User Reviews:
    Thrive Market users admire the company’s mission and the affordable pricing of specialty products, but they’d appreciate faster shipping.

    Verdict:
    Best for health-conscious shoppers willing to wait for premium, sustainable products at a discount. Not great if you want ASAP delivery.

  1. Boxed
    Homepage Link: www.boxed.com
    Pros:

    • Bulk items at wholesale prices, similar to Costco but without the annual fee.
    • Free shipping on most orders over $49.
    • Useful for household essentials beyond just groceries.

    Cons:

    • Primarily focuses on non-perishable items (limited fresh produce).
    • Minimal direct interaction with delivery staff.

    Features:

    • Bulk pricing on pantry staples, snacks, and cleaning products.
    • Convenient mobile app and subscription options.
    • Retailers compete on prices, often offering discounts exclusive to Boxed.

    User Reviews:
    It’s appreciated for bargain-hunting bulk shoppers but lacks a strong fresh produce selection or quick delivery.

    Verdict:
    Use Boxed for affordable stock-up opportunities in non-perishables—think warehouse deals without leaving your home.

  1. Rite Aid Delivery (Powered by Instacart)
    Homepage Link: www.riteaid.com/delivery
    Pros:

    • Efficient pharmacy integration with your general grocery needs.
    • Access to household products, personal care, and snacks.

    Cons:

    • Limited item variety compared to grocery-centric apps.
    • Dependence on Instacart’s delivery structure.

    Features:

    • Connects pharmacy refills and convenience food under one delivery fee.
    • Delivers anything available in-store with a click.
    • Same-day delivery service in many cities.

    User Reviews:
    Reviews point out it’s highly convenient but redundant for users already on Instacart. Many buy solely for pharmacy purposes.

    Verdict:
    A useful hybrid for managing pharmacy-plus-grocery delivery needs, but it doesn’t replace standalone grocery apps.

  1. Postmates (Now under Uber Eats)
    Homepage Link: www.ubereats.com
    Pros:

    • Versatile—covers groceries, restaurant food, and alcohol.
    • Flexible delivery times for late-night cravings.

    Cons:

    • Service fees can add up quickly on small orders.
    • Grocery inventory can be less diverse.

    Features:

    • All-in-one delivery platform for both groceries and meals.
    • Efficient tracking system for on-the-way orders.
    • Subscription options (Uber One) include delivery discounts.

    User Reviews:
    Customers enjoy multi-purpose functionality but criticize delivery costs for smaller grocery runs.

    Verdict:
    A solid hybrid option when you want groceries and a convenience meal simultaneously—just watch out for additional service fees.

  1. Misfits Market
    Homepage Link: www.misfitsmarket.com
    Pros:
  • Focused on reducing food waste by selling oddly shaped/oversupply produce at a discount.
  • Affordable pricing for organic goods.

Cons:

  • Limited range of typical grocery staples (you’ll need supplementary shopping).
  • No instant/same-day delivery.

Features:

  • Subscription boxes of fresh produce at lower costs.
  • Also offers discounted pantry staples and snacks.
  • Customizable box sizes and weekly delivery slots.

User Reviews:
Customers love the sustainable concept and pricing, though some are annoyed at repetitive inventory or shortage of key items.

Verdict:
Great for sustainable, budget-conscious shoppers focused on healthy, imperfect produce—pair it with another service for full grocery needs.