When it comes to online grocery shopping, Instacart is often the first choice for many households. But several other apps offer excellent service and might be a better fit for your needs. If you're looking to explore alternatives, here are some of the best options available.
Postmates - Quick Delivery of Food and Grocery
Postmates is a popular food and grocery delivery app with an extensive network of restaurants and stores. The app operates in major metropolitan areas across the United States, including Los Angeles, New York City, and Chicago.
One of Postmates' standout features is its quick delivery service, often faster than Instacart and other competitors. The app offers delivery from over 600,000 restaurants, retailers, and grocers. While Postmates doesn't provide free delivery on all orders, they do offer a Postmates Unlimited subscription that provides unlimited free delivery for orders over $12.
Doordash - Flat Delivery Charges and Extensive Coverage
Doordash is as popular as Instacart for food delivery services, partnering with thousands of restaurants across more than 4,000 cities in the USA and Canada. The platform has expanded to include grocery delivery alongside its restaurant services.
Doordash offers competitive flat delivery fees through its DashPass subscription, which costs $9.99 per month and provides reduced delivery fees and other benefits. The app's extensive coverage and flexible scheduling make it a reliable choice for both customers and delivery drivers.
GoPuff - Convenience Store Delivery with Flat Fees
Headquartered in Philadelphia, GoPuff operates over 500 fulfillment centers across the United States, offering 24/7 delivery in most service areas. The app specializes in quick delivery of daily essentials with a flat delivery fee structure.
What makes GoPuff unique is its wide range of products, including alcohol, frozen meals, household items, and toiletries alongside traditional grocery items. Their Fam Subscription Plan provides free delivery on orders above a certain price threshold, making it convenient for regular users.
Grubhub - Extensive Restaurant Selection and Alcohol Delivery
Grubhub is known for its easy navigation and reliable customer service. The app features a massive selection of local restaurants, including many hard-to-find cuisines that might not be available on other platforms.
A distinctive feature of Grubhub is its alcohol delivery option, allowing you to order drinks alongside your food. The app's map tracking system provides accurate delivery updates, though delivery charges can vary depending on the restaurant you choose.
Uber Eats - Prompt Delivery and Competitive Pricing
Uber Eats has established itself as a major player in the food delivery market with widespread availability across the United States. The app offers a larger selection of restaurants compared to Instacart's grocery-focused service.
The ordering process on Uber Eats is straightforward and user-friendly, contributing to its growing popularity. The platform is known for prompt delivery and competitive pricing, with drivers earning competitive rates while providing reliable service.
FreshDirect - Premium Grocery Delivery in Eastern US
If you live in the eastern United States, FreshDirect is likely already on your radar. The service primarily focuses on grocery delivery but also offers restaurant delivery and catering in many service areas.
FreshDirect stands out by allowing you to order fresh and organic ingredients directly from local farmers. While the service tends to be more expensive than Instacart and other alternatives, the quality of products and direct sourcing from producers makes it worth considering for those prioritizing freshness.
Thrive Market - Organic Grocery Shop with Membership Benefits
For those specifically interested in organic and natural foods, Thrive Market offers a membership-based approach to healthy grocery shopping. The platform delivers high-quality organic products directly to your doorstep.
Thrive Market members enjoy significant discounts, with many items priced up to 50 percent off retail. The service specializes in non-GMO, dairy-free, and gluten-free products, making it ideal for those with specific dietary needs or preferences.
Deliveroo - Quality-Focused Food Delivery with Multiple Options
Deliveroo operates as a multinational food delivery service with presence in the USA, UK, Australia, and several other countries. The app provides quick delivery from restaurants to your doorstep.
What sets Deliveroo apart is its commitment to quality control. The platform maintains strict standards for its restaurant partners and will end partnerships with establishments that don't meet their quality requirements. Deliveroo offers both standard and express delivery options at different price points to accommodate various needs.
With these eight excellent alternatives to Instacart, you have plenty of options to explore for your food and grocery delivery needs. Each app offers unique features, pricing structures, and service areas, so you can choose the one that best fits your location, budget, and preferences.
