23 Best Apps Like Instacart: Unlock a World of Fresh Options

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 apps have 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.

1. Shipt
2. DoorDash
3. Grubhub
4. Amazon Fresh
5. GoPuff
6. Postmates
7. Uber
8. Walmart
9. Dumpling
10. Peapod
11. Vons Delivery
12. FreshDirect
13. Favor
14. Cornershop
15. Slice
16. Lyft
17. Burpy
18. TaskRabbit
19. Mercato
20. HelloFresh
21. Google Shopping
22. Thrive Market
23. 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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.