Over the years, grocery shopping has changed significantly, and the pandemic made digital alternatives a crucial part of our daily lives. Several online stores have sprung up while existing ones have adjusted their services to cater to shoppers’ demands. 

Shopping for groceries online is amazing. There are different great options out there. So, where should you shop, and how do you know the right one for your specific needs?

The Best Online Grocery Stores

There are several sites for your grocery shopping today. Knowing the different options will help you with online shopping, especially when you have specific needs. 

Let’s look at some of them right away. 

Walmart

Walmart is one of the best online grocery shops for your budget. With Walmart’s online store, you can get goods of your choice at the same pocket-friendly price you know. 

Walmart remains No. 1 in the world of both traditional and digital grocery shopping. Unlike other grocery shopping stores, shopping at Walmart online doesn’t have additional charges. 

You can search for any grocery through their online portal and either pick it up yourself from a local store or have it delivered to your home. You can also choose the time frame for your delivery. 

What is it Like Shopping with Walmart? 

Delivery costs: $9. 95 on all orders (free for Walmart plus members)

Free pickup option

No additional fees except the delivery of $9. 95

Contactless delivery (i. e. leave at the door)

However, you only get same-day or next-day delivery options and have to fill up your cart to see delivery availability. 

Peapod

Peapod is one of the biggest online grocery shopping stores in the U.S. It is affiliated with Giant Landover, Stop & Shop, and other supermarkets and operates in several states. 

Peapod is the best online store for fresh foods, and you can get the same quality of goods available at your local store. It also has so many weekly specials available in various categories. 

There are many exciting features and many pros of shopping at Peapod:

Delivery fees vary from $6. 95 to $9. 95

Delivery can be as low as $2. 95 

Free pick-up in areas where it is available 

Free delivery for new customers for up to 60 days

Filter your search by your needs (for instance, dairy-free or gluten-free products)

Order Genius will remember your shopping history and auto-fill your cart with goods you often buy 

Instacart

Instacart is the best online store for local grocery shopping. Different local stores and supermarkets are on this online platform. 

Instacart connects you with third-party shoppers. Just place an order from any local store, and the shopper will shop and drop off your order at your doorstep. You can get your order within an hour. 

At Instacart, you don’t require a membership to shop.

Delivery costs $3. 99 (same-day delivery when your order is over $35). It can also range from $5. 99 to $9. 99

You may have to pay additional fees for heavy items and certain services.

With Instacart Express, you get unlimited free delivery whenever you spend over $35

Leave-at-the-door delivery 

Boxed

Think of Boxed like an online Costco. It is the best online platform for ordering bulk items, and you don’t need a membership to order goods.

Boxed offers a wide range of products apart from groceries. You can order health supplies, snacks, pet supplies, etc. 

Why shop at Boxed? 

Delivery costs $6. 99

Free delivery for orders over $49

No extra charges 

Two free samples with each big delivery 

Their premium option, Boxed Up, comes with cash back rewards and exclusive discounts.  

Conclusion

Online grocery shopping is awesome. Many different platforms provide a wide variety of goods and services. It’s just like shopping at a favorite shop but better. You get to purchase products conveniently from your home. 

No one shop is the best for everyone. Some are cheaper than others while some offer the best deals. The different options are available to cater to varying needs. 

Do I Need To Be Present at The Time of the Delivery?

In most cases, someone older than 18 has to attend to the delivery person. If your order contains age-restricted products ( like alcohol or tobacco), someone who’s no younger than 21 has to sign for the delivery. 

Can I Make Changes To an Order?

You can. But make sure you make changes on time (at least 2 hours before delivery time). However, making changes may affect discounts and promotions in some cases.

Can I Place an Order for Someone Else?

Yes. You will only need to specify the delivery address at checkout.