The Best Grocery Delivery Services for 2021

2021 has been a circus with the COVID-19 pandemic as its ringleader. Much about daily life has changed, including the services and products we need. For example, many people worldwide have now incorporated masks into their daily wardrobe. To minimize contact with others, many people have also begun utilizing grocery delivery as an alternative to doing their grocery shopping themselves. This is a particularly useful service for those who would be considered high-risk if they were to contract the coronavirus.
The Best Grocery Delivery Services for 2021

Even if the coronavirus is not of high concern where you are located, home grocery delivery can still be useful to you. Food shopping can be time-consuming, especially if you are located far away from your nearest location. Utilizing a grocery delivery service can help give you a few hours of your week back. With your gifted time, you can do anything from watching TV to getting some extra work done. How does grocery delivery work, though, and what is the best home grocery delivery service? Read on to have your inquiries about this topic answered thoroughly.

What Are the Best Grocery Delivery Services?

ProductServicesMinimum Order ValuePeculiarities
Amazon FreshAmazon pantry items or whole foods produce and packaged goods$35 for free deliveryFree delivery for Prime members
InstacartProducts from Costco, Aldi, Kroger, Safeway, and other locations$10The delivery fee can be as low as $4
Walmart GroceryProduce, packaged foods, and more$30Can pay an optional yearly fee for unlimited delivery
FreshDirectProduct and packaged goods primarily to NCY, Philly, and D.C.$30Delivery fee starts at $6
ShiptProducts from Target, Petco, CVS, and more$35Membership required
Misfit MarketOrganic produce$22Produce is offered at a discount for being too small, lumpy, or too large
SafewaySafeway products between 8 AM and 10 PM$30Can use Instacart as an alternative
PostmatesGrocery items and snacks from Giant Eagle, Aldi, Family Dollar, and more!$15Unlimited membership for $9.99/month
Google ShoppingNon-perishablesFree delivery with a minimum order of $35Available in many locations
Thrive MarketOrganic and healthy foods, even for niche diets$49Delivery fee included in the membership

Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh is one of the best grocery delivery services out there. For those who already pay for Prime membership, Amazon Fresh membership is free and likely the only food service they will ever need to utilize. Non-perishable goods from the company’s digital pantry are available anywhere Prime delivers. It’s available in key cities such as Boston, Atlanta, and San Francisco. Amazon grocery delivery is easy to use, as you can order online or via the app. The platform launched in 2007 but has only recently picked up major popularity. So long as your order is more than $35, you’ll likely get free delivery.  

Instacart

Instacart has been serving the public since 2012. It is popular amongst those who like to shop on a budget since it is partnered with inexpensive stores such as Costco and Aldi. You can end up paying as little as $4 in delivery fees for your orders and you only need to buy $10 worth of stuff. The best grocery delivery app exists for the service. It is super easy to navigate. It allows you to communicate seamlessly with your personal shopper. For example, if Aldi is sold out of what you asked for, your shopped can message you and ask you if you would like a replacement product instead, and you can answer them immediately. Instacart also serves 5,500 cities in Northern America, making it one of the most accessible options on this list. 

Walmart Grocery

So long as you’re buying at least $30 of stuff, Walmart Grocery delivery may be a good option for you. You won’t ever have to pay more than $10 in delivery fees, and if you get a yearly membership, you can actually get unlimited free grocery delivery. As there are over 3,000 Walmarts in the U.S., this service is widespread and accessible to most people. Order online or on the app. In addition to being able to order groceries from Walmart, you can order pretty much anything else you could ever need. The superstore has an impressively wide and deep inventory. 

best grocery delivery

FreshDirect 

A part of the community since 1999, this cheap food delivery service knows what it’s doing. You can get a 6-month or 12-month unlimited delivery pass if you plan on using it often. So long as you’re purchasing up to $30 in products, your delivery fee begins at only $6. Note though, that this service is not widespread and typically prefers that you place your order at least 24 hours in advance. Make an account to get started on your order. 

Shipt 

This service provides in roughly 200 different cities. What helped it make this list is the fact that it has partnerships with several retailers, including Target and CVS. No matter what you need, you’ll likely be able to get it. Launching in 2014, it is slowly but steadily picking up market share. You can purchase a monthly or yearly membership, and your food can come in as fast as one hour!

Misfit Market

Want healthy groceries delivered to your door? Check out Misfits Market! They are a company that collects “ugly” organic produce and sells it to you at discounted prices. You can choose between a small box and a larger box, and pick whether you want to get it weekly or biweekly. They boast the ability to save families and individuals up to 40% off on their produce bills. Not only will this service save you money and time, but it also prevents food waste, so it’s good for the environment! Since its launch, it has already sold over 5 million pounds of food that would have otherwise been tossed out. Feel free to cancel your subscription at any time. 

Safeway 

In the delivery game since 2016, this service is nice for people who enjoy food from Safeway or its sister stores. You don’t need a membership and you just have to order at least $30 of stuff. Your grocery delivery cost will start at $10 and then decrease as your purchase price increases. The service has a frustration-free app and the service is offered pretty much anywhere near its mother stores at over 1,000 locations. 

grocery delivery

Postmates

As far as grocery delivery companies go, Postmates is fairly well-known. Launched in 2011, the service can be utilized by people in all 50 states. Order online or through its grocery delivery app. You don’t need a membership– just an account will do. You can, however, opt to pay for Postmates unlimited to get free delivery whenever. Otherwise, just place an order that costs at least $15 and get your yummy food in no time!

Google Shopping 

Google Shopping is one of the lesser-known services on this list, likely because it does not provide delivery of fresh produce (yet). However, this platform is great for those seeking non-perishable items. Grocery home delivery service is free so long as your order costs more than $35. It is also conveniently available pretty much everywhere. Download the app and get to ordering! Launched in 2002, Google Shopping is a veteran in this game.

Thrive Market

This retailer has been providing food grocery delivery since November of 2014. The platform required membership, however many will find that it is worth it. After paying for the membership on a monthly or yearly basis, your delivery will be free. You simply have to place orders above $49. They sell mostly healthy food and is a holy grail store for people who follow strict diets such as veganism or the keto diet. It’s available throughout the continental United States and has many delicious snacks and meals. They even have other wellness and home products! Check out its app or website if you this all sounds too good to be true. 

Conclusion

Grocery shopping in today’s world is not a mundane task as it used to be thanks to COVID-19 — it has turned potentially deadly. Food delivery services are a good way to get the food you need safely, no matter where you are located, and save yourself invaluable time. Many of these options don’t require a membership, so you can try them out and see if you like them without any strings attached!