Remember the days when grocery shopping meant battling crowded places and overflowing carts? Those days are like distant memories now. Because apps like Instacart have taken over with new surprises alongside your ride-hailing favorites, they have revolutionized the way you buy groceries. And honestly, who knew grocery shopping would be this convenient?
But the surge in demand for on-demand delivery apps is no exception. Although Instacart like appshave been around for over two decades, they have been in greater need post-COVID.
So, first, let’s understand the most well-known app, Instacart, and how it delivers fresh fruits, vegetables, and other grocery items to our doorstep!
Instacart is one of the leading grocery delivery apps; it lets you shop for groceries easily from near the store with your mobile device.
The app allows you to browse a wide selection of products from nearby stores and add them to your list.
Then shops deliver your groceries to your doorstep at a chosen time slot and also offer contactless delivery for added convenience.
Transactions on the app using debit, credit card, or online payment apps are robustly secured.
Instacart is a great choice, but it is not a one-size-fits-all app. Maybe you crave the widest selection, lightning-fast delivery, or focus on local and organic options. Don’t worry, fellow grocery enthusiast!
We have compiled a list of the best apps like Instacart, each catering to specific needs and preferences. Choose the perfect app to change your grocery shopping routine.
Exploring the Best 23 Apps like Instacart
Here are the top 23 Instacart alternatives to cater to your grocery needs and preferences.
Shipt
DoorDash
Grubhub
Amazon Fresh
GoPuff
Postmates
Uber
Walmart
Dumpling
Peapod
Vons Delivery
FreshDirect
Favor
Cornershop
Slice
Lyft
Burpy
TaskRabbit
Mercato
HelloFresh
Google Shopping
Thrive Market
Boxed
1. Shipt
Shipit is a leading app like Instacart. It offers grocery delivery on the same day from nearby local stores and gives users the option to shop from multiple retailers.
Key Features
Membership Cost: $99/ year or $10.99/month.
Unlimited free delivery on orders above $35.
Personalized shopping options with real-time updates and communication with shoppers.
Comparison Between Shipit & Instacart
Feature | Shipit | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription Pricing | $99/year or $10.99/month | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Fees | Free on orders over $35; $7 for smaller orders | Free on orders over $35 with Express; fees vary for non-Express members |
Store Selection | Partners with local and national retailers | Wide network of regional and national stores |
2. DoorDash
DoorDash now offers grocery delivery alongside its well-known restaurant service and provides same-day delivery from nearby local stores.
Key Features
Flexible pricing with no membership
A subscription for $9.99/month offers reduced delivery fees.
User-friendly app for real-time order updates and tracking.
Comparison Between DoorDash & Instacart
Feature | DoorDash | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription Pricing | DashPass: $9.99/month or $96/year | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Fees | Fees vary; reduced with DashPass | Free on orders over $35 with Express |
Selection | There is a wide variety of stores, but compared to Instacart, each store may have a smaller selection of grocery items. | Focuses on offering a comprehensive selection of grocery items from partner stores. |
3. Grubhub
Grubhub is at the top of the list of Instacart like apps. It prioritizes restaurant delivery and also offers groceries from select stories. It is associated with many local and premium grocery stores. Partnering with platforms like Grubhub can boost brand exposure and help you get Instagram followers through increased customer visibility.
Key Features
Grubhub+ subscription service costs $9.99/month.
Hrubhub provides real-time order tracking and good customer support.
Grubhub offers delivery from a vast network of restaurants and local grocery stores.
Comparison Between Grubhub & Instacart
Feature | Grubhub | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription Pricing | Grubhub+: $9.99/month | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Fees | Fees vary; free with Grubhub+ on eligible orders | Free on orders over $35 with Express |
Service Scope | The Main focus on restaurant meals and some groceries | The main focus on grocery delivery |
4. Amazon Fresh
Amazon Fresh is one of the leading delivery apps like Instacart. It offers a wide selection of fresh products, household items, and pantry staples, with free delivery for Amazon Prime members on orders above $35.
Key Features
Amazon Fresh is available to Amazon Prime members; it costs $139/year or $14.99/month. And free delivery on orders over $35.
Customers get same-day or next-day delivery options, with a two-hour delivery window movable in many places.
Amazon Fresh offers a wide range of products, including fresh dairy products, meat, pantry items, household essentials, and more.
Comparison Between Amazon Fresh & Instacart
Feature | Amazon Fresh | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription Pricing | Included with Amazon Prime ($139/year or $14.99/month) | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Fees | Free on orders over $35 for Prime members; fees for smaller orders | Free on orders over $35 with Express; fees vary for non-Express members |
Product Selection | Fresh produce, pantry staples, and household items from Amazon and Whole Foods | Groceries from a wide network of national and regional stores |
5. GoPuff
GoPuff tops the list of apps like Instacart because it delivers extra fast, in 30 minutes or less. It offers a wide range of products, including snacks, beverages, groceries, and household essentials, with flat-rate delivery fees and zero membership required.
Key Features
GoPuff offers a flat delivery fee of $1.95 per order, with no minimum order requirement.
GoPuff offers a subscription service named GoPuff Fam, which costs $7.99/month and offers exclusive deals and promotions.
GoPuff ensures super-fast delivery within 30 minutes in many locations.
Comparison Between GoPuff & Instacart
Feature | GoPuff | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription Pricing | GoPuff Fam: $7.99/month | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Fees | $1.95 flat fee; free with GoPuff Fam | Free on orders over $35 with Express; fees vary for non-Express members |
Delivery Speed | Typically, within 30 minutes of micro-fulfillment centers | Same-day delivery, primarily within two hours |
A Must Read: Guide to build 10 min Instant Grocery Delivery App
6. Postmates
Postmates is known for its grocery delivery; it has also merged with Uber Eats for food delivery. The services feature flexible delivery options with no minimum order requirements and offer subscription services for free deliveries.
Key Features
Postmates delivery fees vary based on demand and distance. A small cart fee applies to orders under $12.
Postmates provides flexible delivery times, often within an hour, and operates 24/7.
The app has a large network of stores for groceries, prepared meals, and convenience store items as well.
Comparison Between Postmates & Instacart
Feature | Postmates | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription Pricing | Postmates Unlimited: $9.99/month or $99.99/year | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Fees | Varies by distance and demand; free with Unlimited on orders over $12 | Free on orders over $35 with Express; fees vary for non-Express members |
Service Scope | Restaurant meals, groceries, and convenience store products | Major focus on groceries from regional and national stores |
7. Uber Eats
Uber Eats is one of the high-demand Instacart like apps, which includes grocery and well-known restaurant delivery services. It provides a convenient way to order a variety of products. The pricing is based on delivery distance, an optional Eats pass subscription, and flexible delivery options throughout the day.
Key Features
Drivers fulfill orders by shopping and paying in-store, potentially offering a wider selection.
Eats Pass is an Uber Eats subscription service that costs $9.99/month and offers benefits like unlimited free delivery on orders over $15 and a 5% discount on restaurant reservations.
The Uber Eats app tracks grocery orders’ progress and estimates the correct delivery time.
Comparison Between Uber Eats & Instacart
Feature | Uber Eats | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription Pricing | Eats Pass: $9.99/month | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Fees | Varies by distance and demand; free with Eats Pass on eligible orders | Free on orders over $35 with Express |
Shopping Experience | The driver can shop and pay in-store, but potentially limited selection | Customer choose and customize their groceries |
8. Walmart
The Walmart grocery app is a famous Instacart competitor. It gives a convenient way to shop for groceries online, providing options for same-day delivery and curbside pickup. Customers can benefit from competitive pricing with additional savings through the Walmart+ subscription service.
Key Features
Walmart offers competitive pricing on a vast range of grocery items, often being prices of other grocery stores.
Walmart+ membership offers unlimited free delivery on groceries and other benefits for a monthly subscription fee.
Walmart offers smart shopping tools to scan items in-store to check processes and build your shopping list or use reader suggestions for restocking.
Comparison Between Walmart & Instacart
Feature | Walmart | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Pricing & Subscriptions | Low grocery prices, and Walmart+ for free delivery | Potentially high prices, but Instacart Express for delivery-free discounts |
Selection | Groceries and merchandise from Walmart stores | Wide variety of stores, including local grocers and others, for more specialty items |
Delivery Speed | Delivery windows can vary, not always same-day | Flexible delivery option and same-day delivery option |
9. Dumpling
Dumpling is one of the unique grocery apps like Instcart. It connects customers with personal shoppers who provide a personalized and flexible shopping experience. The app helps shoppers set their pricing, ensuring customized services and competitive rates.
Key Features
Dumpling allows personal shoppers to set service fees, leading to transparent and competitive pricing.
Unlike traditional delivery apps, Dumpling doesn’t require a subscription service; it simply connects users with local shops.
Pay per order, with the shopper potentially financing deals and loyalty programs, offer discounts to users.
Comparison Between Dumpling & Instacart
Feature | Dumpling | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Store Selection | Any local nearby store you choose | A wide variety of national and regional grocery chains |
Pricing | Custom shopper fees plus groceries and a small platform fee | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Delivery Options | Flexible Scheduling with personal shoppers | Same-day delivery, mostly within two hours |
10. Peapod
Peapod is one of the stores with several grocery store chains offering the delivery of household essentials and groceries. The app is user-friendly and provides competitive pricing and regular promotions.
Key Features
Peapod often matches the in-store prices. Delivery fees start at $6.95 and vary based on order size and delivery time.
Peapod does not require a subscription for its services. However, it occasionally offers PodPass, which gives unlimited free delivery for around $119/year.
The store provides meticulously selected produce and temperature-controlled delivery for optimal quality.
Comparison Between Peapod & Instacart
Feature | Peapod | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Pricing | Delivery fees start at $6.95, with frequent promotions | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Subscription | No compulsory subscription; occasional PodPass for $119/year | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month and free delivery over $35 |
Focus | Quality and freshness of groceries and other products | Provide selection and convenience |
11. Vons Delivery
Vons Delivery is an excellent Instacart alternative. It provides a convenient way to order groceries online from supermarkets. The Vons app emphasizes pricing, digital coupons, and a personalized shopping experience. Use Vons Delivery to not only get groceries fast but also promote your handle and get Instagram followers through branded packaging.
Key Features
The Vons app offers to earn and redeem Vons loyalty that points towards future purchases.
The app provides flexible delivery options, including same-day and next-day delivery with curbside pickup.
Vons offers a subscription service called FreshPass, costing $99/year or $12.99/month.
Comparison Between Vons Delivery & Instacart
Feature | Vons Delivery | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Pricing | Delivery fees start at $6.95, with frequent promotions | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Subscription | No compulsory subscription; occasional PodPass for $119/year | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month and free delivery over $35 |
Focus | Quality and freshness of groceries and other products | Provide selection and convenience |
12. FreshDirect
FreshDirect delivers high-quality groceries, local goods, prepared meals, and more to your doorstep. It is also an app like Instacart, where its user-friendly interface, competitive pricing, and emphasis on fresh meats, produce, and prepared meals make it an audience favorite.
Key Features
The store focuses on fresh, gourmet items, seasonal produce, and local finds alongside everyday essentials.
FreshDirect offers a delivery pass subscription for $129/year or $79 for six months.
Delivery fees typically range from $5.99 to $15.00, depending on the order portion and delivery times.
Comparison Between FreshDirect & Instacart
Feature | FreshDirect | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Subscription | DeliveryPass: $129/year or $79 for six months | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month and free delivery over $35 |
Selection Focus | Premium groceries, prepared meals, local finds | A wide variety of stores gives budget-friendly options |
Pricing | Delivery fees start from $5.99 to $15.99, based on order size and delivery time. | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership. |
A complimentary Read: Best Grocery Delivery Apps: Your Gateway to Hassle-Free Shopping
13. Favor
Favor is a grocery delivery app for Texas that specializes in quickly and efficiently delivering restaurant meals, groceries, and other essentials to the doorstep. It is also known for its”Runners,” who handle the delivery and shopping.
Key Features
Favor charges the delivery fee, which typically starts around $6, plus a 5% service fee and an optional tip for the Runner.
Favor provides fast delivery in Texas, within an hour, with real-time order tracking.
Favor does not require a subscription service. Instead, users pay per delivery, making it accessible for occasional use.
Comparison Between Favor & Instacart
Feature | Favor | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Availability | Limited to Texas | Nationwide |
Store Selection | Mostly H-E-B stores and some local retailers | A wide variety of national and regional grocery chains |
Delivery Time | Fast delivery in Texas | Same-day delivery within two hours |
14. Cornershop
Cornershop is one of the biggest Instcart competitors. It is a popular app in Latin America and parts of Canada. It has better delivery windows and potentially low delivery fees with a subscription option.
Key Features
Cornershop provides competitive pricing, with delivery fees ranging from $3 to $7, depending on the order size and store.
Corenershop doesn’t have a subscription to the Basix service but has a model called Cornershop Pop, which provides free delivery on orders over a certain amount.
The app offers flexible delivery options, including same-day delivery within one or two hours. Customers can also schedule specific delivery time slots.
Comparison Between Cornershop & Instacart
Feature | Cornershop | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Store Selection | Different supermarkets and specialty stores | A wide variety of national and regional grocery chains |
Delivery Fee | Delivery fees range from $3 to $7, with frequent promotions | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Subscription | Cornershop Pop for free delivery on orders over a certain amount | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month for reduced fees and free delivery over $35 |
15. Slice
Slice is a unique app among similar apps like Instcart. It primarily focuses on connecting users with local Pizzerias and other food places, providing a seamless ordering process with competitive pricing.
Key Features
Slice offers transparent and competitive pricing with low service fees compared to other delivery platforms.
Slice does not require a subscription for its services. Users can enjoy the benefits of local restaurants without any annual or monthly fees.
The app has flexible delivery options, including same-day delivery with real-time order tracking.
Comparison Between Slice & Instacart
Feature | Slice | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Pricing | Lower service fees; special deals and discounts on local pizzerias | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Delivery Speed | Delivery times may vary depending on the pizzeria, but they are faster than grocery delivery | Delivery windows can vary, with options for same-day delivery in some areas |
Selection | Wide variety of pizzas with customization options | Selection of groceries, household essentials, and other items. |
16. Lyft
Lyft is different from other apps like Instcart because it operates on a powerful driver network to provide fast and reliable service. It is known for its integration with famous grocery stores. No subscription is required for delivery, so users can order casually anytime they want.
Key Features
Lyft grocery provides delivery fees starting at $3.99, depending on order size and distance.
Lyft provides real-time tracking on a map as the Lyft driver delivers them to you.
The app offers flexible delivery options, including same-day delivery within a few hours. Customers can also schedule deliveries at convenient times.
Between Lyft & Instacart
Feature | Lyft | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Pricing | Delivery fees start at $3.99; frequent promotions and discount codes | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Subscription | No subscription required | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Options | Same-day delivery within a few hours; scheduled time slots | Same-day delivery, often within two hours |
17. Burpy
Burpy is a famous app like Instacart. It connects users with personal shoppers to deliver groceries from local stories. The app is known for its flexible delivery options, transparent pricing, and lack of subscription fees.
Key Features
Burpy offers great pricing with delivery fees ranging from $5 to $10, depending on delivery urgency and order portion.
There is no subscription for Burpy services. Users can enjoy the convenience of grocery delivery without an annual or monthly fee.
The app also provides flexible delivery options, including same-day delivery in a few houses. Also, customers can schedule delivery at a fixed time.
Comparison Between Burpy & Instacart
Feature | Burpy | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Pricing | Delivery fees range from $5 to $10, with constant discounts | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Subscription | No Subscription Needed | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month |
Delivery Option | Same-day delivery within a few hours; scheduled time slots | Same-day delivery within two hours |
18. TaskRabbit
TaskRabbit is a different grocery app that connects users with local grocery shops. The app emphasizes flexibility, allowing users to choose the Taskers ( Shops) based on their pricing, livability, and rating.
Key Features
TaskRabbit operates on a pay-as-you-go model, with hourly rates based on the Tasker’s rate, mostly starting around $20 per hour.
The app allows users to browse verified Taskers, choose based on reviews and pricing, and shop and deliver groceries from their favorite shops.
The app also provides flexible scheduling options, allowing users to book future delivery or same-day delivery. It offers personalized service with real-time updates.
Comparison Between TaskRabbit & Instacart
Feature | TaskRabbit | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Pricing | Start around $20 per hour; pay-as-you-go | Delivery fees vary; free over $35 with Express membership |
Subscription | No subscription required | Instacart Express: $99/year or $9.99/month for reduced fees and free delivery over $35 |
Delivery Options | Flexible scheduling; same-day or future deliveries | Same-day delivery within two hours |
19. Mercato
Mercato is an app similar to Instacart; it is a digital platform that connects users with local independent grocery stores, butchers, and specialty shops. It offers a convenient way to shop for fresh, high-quality food and other household items.
Key Features
Competitive pricing with transparent costs and zero hidden fees.
Flexible delivery times, including same-day and scheduled delivery, to suit users’ preferences.
There are optimal membership plans that provide benefits such as exclusive discounts and free delivery.
Comparison Between Mercato & Instacart
Feature | Mercato | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Store Selection | Focuses on independent grocers, butchers, and specialty shops | Wider variety, including national chains and some local store |
Subscription | Optional membership with benefits | Instacart Express offers free delivery on orders over a minimum amount |
Delivery/Pickup | Same-day and scheduled delivery | Same-day delivery, scheduled delivery, and pickup options |
20. HelloFresh
HelloFresh “meals” currently tops the list of famous apps like Instcart. It delivers meal kite services that provide pre-portioned ingredients and easy-to-make recipes, making home cooking enjoyable and convenient.
Key Features
HelloFresh Meal Kits offer new recipes and receive fresh, pre-measured ingredients for delicious home-cooked meals.
The app has flexible subscription options with a command to pause, cancel, or skip any time.
The flexible delivery options offer regular weekly deliveries with precise scheduling to ensure fresh ingredients.
Comparison Between HelloFresh & Instacart
Feature | HelloFresh | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Service | Meal kit delivery service providing pre-portioned ingredients and recipes | Online grocery delivery service offering a wide range of products |
Subscription | Flexible subscription plans with options to pause, skip, or cancel anytime | Optional membership plans such as Instacart Express for free delivery on eligible orders |
Delivery Options | weekly deliveries with precise scheduling | Same-day delivery, scheduled delivery |
21. Google Shopping
Google Shopping is a unique platform that offers a convenient place to browse and purchase groceries from different retailers. It helps find good deals and provides a seamless shopping experience.
Key Features
Users can add items from different stores and compare the prices to get the best deal.
Google Shopping offers various delivery options, including same-day delivery.
It offers personalized product recommendations based on preferences and past purchases.
Comparison Between Google Shopping & Instacart
Feature | Google Shopping | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Retailers | Aggregates products from various retailers | Offers groceries from multiple stores- national chains and local shops |
Delivery Options | Various delivery options, including same-day | Provides same-day delivery, scheduled delivery within two hours |
Pricing | Allows easy comparison of prices from different stores | Prices may vary between stores |
22. Thrive Market
Thrive Market is a membership-based app like Instacart. The app offers affordable, sustainable, and organic health products. Thrive Market gives non-GMO products at discounted prices, aiming to make healthy living accessible and affordable.
Key Features
It gives exclusive discounts, up to 30% off, on a wide range of healthy groceries.
The app requires an annual membership for access to exclusive deals and free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
Thrive Market provides fast and reliable delivery with eco-friendly packaging within 2-3 business days.
Comparison Between Thrive Market & Instacart
Feature | Thrive Market | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Product Focus | Specializes in organic, non-GMO, and premium products | Offers a wide range of grocery items from various national and local retailers |
Subscription | Requires an annual membership for exclusive discounts and free delivery | Optional membership plans like Instacart Express for free delivery |
Delivery Options | Provides fast, reliable delivery within 2-3 business days | Offers same-day delivery in two hours and scheduled delivery |
23. Boxed
Boxed is an online wholesale grocery app similar to Instacart. It offers bulk products and household essentials at competitive pricing, catering to both business and individual needs.
Key Features
The Boxed app helps purchase everyday essentials and household items in larger quantities for significant savings.
No mandatory membership is required, but an optional Boxed subscription is required for additional savings, exclusive deals, and free shipping.
Boxed gives convenient delivery options with free shipping on eligible orders and express delivery available in select areas.
Comparison Between Boxed & Instacart
Feature | Boxed | Instacart |
|---|---|---|
Product Focus | Bulk quantities and wholesale prices | Wide variety of groceries and household items |
Delivery | Fast delivery, often within a one-hour window | Delivery times vary depending on location and service ( mostly in two hours) |
Subscription | Optional membership for additional savings and benefits | Membership plans like Instacart Express for free delivery on eligible orders |
Benefits of Apps like Instacart
Time-saving Convenience: Mobile app development has given us apps like Instacart, which let you ditch the grocery store altogether. It allows you to order groceries from anytime, anywhere, and have them delivered to your doorstep.
Wide Selection and Availability: These apps give access to a wide network of stores, offering a wide selection of groceries. Plus, they ensure that you find everything in one place.
Streamlined Shopping Experience: With user-friendly interfaces and personalized features, the apps ensure that shopping apps like Instacart offer an efficient and seamless shopping experience.
Finding Your Perfect Grocery Delivery Match
Choosing the correct B2C e-commerce app for grocery delivery depends on your specific needs and preferences.
While Instcart offers a vast selection and flexible delivery options, explore Instcart alternatives like Shipt, DoorDash, Hello Fresh, etc.
Do you want farm-fresh local ingredients, prioritize bulk discounts, or are you looking for something organic? Go through each app’s specialty, like stores, delivery speed, subscription, and more.
Select the app that aligns with your lifestyle for a seamless and convenient shopping experience.
Ready to Build Your Own Grocery Delivery App like Instacart?
The current success of apps like Instacart shows the immense potential of the grocery delivery market. If you have innovative ideas to disrupt this space, consider partnering with a leading app development company—OpenXcell. Our team of experts will deliver a user-friendly and robust grocery delivery app.