Online grocery service in the United States

Jul 8 – Oct 19, 2026Updated Oct 19, 2026Reviewed by

How we measure

Which brands AI mentions

#BrandMentioned in
#1Instacart100%
#2Walmart+73%
#3tiedAmazon58%
#3tiedAmazon Fresh, a product of Amazon49%
#3tiedShipt56%

Mentioned in

ChatGPTChatGPTGoogle AI ModeGoogle AI Mode

Widest split: Amazon, 65% on ChatGPT and 50% on Google AI Mode.

  • #1InstacartChatGPT 100%Google AI Mode 100%
  • #2Walmart+ChatGPT 70%Google AI Mode 77%
  • #3tiedAmazonChatGPT 65%Google AI Mode 50%
  • #3tiedShiptChatGPT 57%Google AI Mode 55%
  • #3tiedAmazon FreshChatGPT 43%Google AI Mode 55%

Questions and answers

  • ChatGPTOct 10, 2026

    1. 1Instacart
    2. 2Amazon Fresh
    3. 3Walmart Grocery
    4. 4Target
    5. 5Shipt
    6. 6Hungryroot

    For the US, I’d start with Walmart, Instacart, or Amazon Fresh. The best choice depends on whether you care most about low prices, convenience, fresh produce, or getting groceries delivered quickly.

    Here’s how I’d narrow it down: compare the total cost of a typical grocery order, including delivery fees, service fees, tips, and membership costs—not just the shelf prices.

    My top picks for online grocery delivery

    • How Does Walmart Grocery Delivery Work — And Is It Worth It? - The Krazy Coupon Lady

    1. Walmart Grocery

    (Best for saving money)

    Good for weekly shopping, pantry staples, household essentials, and a full grocery cart. Walmart+ can be worthwhile if you order regularly; check local delivery eligibility and the checkout total.

    Best if price matters most.

    Shop Walmart Grocery

    2. Instacart

    (Best overall flexibility)

    Order from multiple local supermarkets and specialty stores through one app. It's particularly useful if you prefer a specific supermarket, although service fees and store-specific price markups can add up.

    Best if you want more store choices.

    Shop Instacart

    • I Tried Amazon Fresh’s Grocery Delivery for 4 Weeks (Honest Review) | The Kitchn

    3. Amazon Fresh

    Good for convenient grocery ordering, especially if you already have Amazon Prime. Availability and delivery fees vary by address.

    Best if you're already a Prime member.

    Shop Amazon Fresh

    • Shopper putting Target back in car

    4. Shipt

    A good alternative for same-day delivery from Target and participating local retailers, depending on your area.

    Best if you shop at Target.

    Shop Shipt

    • Hungryroot.com | Starting A Paleo Diet

    5. Hungryroot

    Combines groceries with recipe suggestions and convenient meal options. It's more focused on meal planning than on finding the cheapest everyday staples.

    Best if you want help deciding what to eat.

    Shop Hungryroot

    These picks reflect the main trade-offs in current US grocery delivery comparisons. No service is cheapest everywhere, and local coverage makes a difference.

    Which one would I choose for you?

    1. What's most important to you?

    Lowest total grocery cost

    Fresh produce and quality

    Convenience and fast delivery

    Lots of stores and product choices

    Healthy meals and meal planning

    2. How do you want to receive groceries?

    Delivered to my door

    Pickup is fine if it saves money

    Either works

    3. How often will you order?

    Every week

    A few times a month

    Only when I need something quickly

    4. Which stores do you prefer?

    No preference

    Walmart

    ALDI

    Target

    Publix or another local supermarket

    [Find my best match]

    My default recommendation is Walmart for a regular budget-conscious grocery shop, or Instacart if you want to choose among different supermarkets. I'd compare the final checkout totals before paying for any membership.

    Sources cited in this answer8

    Google AI ModeOct 10, 2026

    1. 1Amazon Fresh
    2. 2Amazon Prime
    3. 3Instacart
    4. 4Costco
    5. 5Shipt
    6. 6Target
    7. 7Misfits Market
    8. 8Thrive Market

    Choosing the best online grocery service in the US depends entirely on your budget, where you live, and whether you want a full weekly restock, quick convenience items, or specialized organic goods.

    The top online grocery services categorized by their strengths include:

    • Walmart+ (Best Budget Option ): Ideal if you want everyday in-store prices without hidden markups. A Walmart+ subscription gives you free delivery on orders over a certain threshold ($35), and their coverage map spans most of the US.
    • Amazon Fresh (Best for Prime Members ): If you already subscribe to Amazon Prime, this is seamless for a massive selection of both pantry staples and fresh groceries, often offering free delivery options on qualifying orders in supported metro areas.
    • Instacart (Best Multi-Store Variety ): Great if you want to shop from your favorite local regional supermarket chains, specialty grocers, or warehouse clubs (like Costco) rather than a single corporate inventory. A personal shopper picks and delivers items same-day.
    • Shipt (Best for Target Shoppers ): Owned by Target, Shipt provides smooth same-day delivery not just for Target, but for a solid lineup of local partner grocery stores with an emphasis on detailed communication with your shopper.
    • Misfits Market or Thrive Market (Best for Organic & Sustainable/Budget Rescued Food ): Thrive Market operates on a membership model for healthy, organic pantry staples, while Misfits Market focuses on eco-friendly, "rescued" organic produce and grocery items shipped directly in boxes rather than picked locally.

    To help narrow this down, let me know:

    • Your ZIP code or general region (e.g., Northeast, Midwest)
    • Whether you are looking for budget prices, organic/specialty items , or speedy convenience
    • If you already hold memberships like Amazon Prime or Walmart+

    Sources cited in this answer2

  • Google AI ModeOct 19, 2026

    1. 1Instacart
    2. 2Walmart+
    3. 3Amazon Fresh
    4. 4Shipt
    5. 5Gopuff
    6. 6Hungryroot

    Here are the top options for ordering groceries online in the United States, categorized by what they do best:

    • Instacart — Best Overall & Widest Selection
      • Why use it: Connects you with over 2,200 national, regional, and local retail partners (like Costco, Aldi, Publix, Kroger, and Safeway).
      • Perks: Excellent for custom produce picking and same-day delivery (often in as little as an hour). An Instacart+ membership slashes service fees on orders over $35.
    • Walmart+ — Best Value for Weekly Hauls
      • Why use it: Offers the same everyday low in-store prices online with no shelf-price markups , making it one of the most budget-friendly choices.
      • Perks: Free delivery from your local store on orders over $35 (with a Walmart+ subscription) or free curbside pickup with no minimum.
    • Amazon Fresh — Best for Prime Members & Bulk/Pantry Staples
      • Why use it: Integrates smoothly if you already live in the Amazon ecosystem and have a Prime membership.
      • Perks: Free delivery on eligible orders over $35, massive selection of household goods, organic produce, and great meat selections, plus seamless integration with Whole Foods Market delivery.
    • Shipt — Best for Customer Service & Scheduling
      • Why use it: Owned by Target, Shipt focuses heavily on meticulous communication with dedicated shoppers who will text you about item replacements in real time.
      • Perks: Operates in over 5,000 cities with great same-day scheduling windows and deep integration with Target and local supermarkets.
    • Gopuff — Best for Rapid, On-Demand Delivery
      • Why use it: Instead of shopping a traditional grocery store, Gopuff pulls from local micro-fulfillment centers.
      • Perks: Blazing fast (often under 20–30 minutes) with a flat delivery fee and no strict order minimums—ideal for quick snack runs or missing recipe ingredients.
    • Hungryroot — Best for Healthy Eating & Meal Planning
      • Why use it: A hybrid grocery delivery and meal-planning service that personalizes weekly deliveries based on your dietary preferences, sending fresh groceries and recipe cards.

    If you want to narrow this down, let me know:

    • Your ZIP code or general region (to check local availability like HEB, Wegmans, or Kroger)
    • Whether you are looking for budget savings, speed , or specific dietary needs

    Sources cited in this answer2

    ChatGPTOct 19, 2026

    1. 1Instacart
    2. 2Amazon Fresh
    3. 3Walmart Grocery
    4. 4Shipt
    5. 5Kroger
    6. 6FreshDirect
    7. 7Walmart+

    Best online grocery delivery options in the US

    If you live in the United States, the best way to order groceries online depends on whether you want the lowest prices, same-day delivery, a wide selection, or a convenient weekly shopping service.

    My general recommendation is to start with your local supermarket's own app, compare it with Walmart, and use Instacart or Amazon Fresh when convenience or delivery coverage matters most.

    The top options at a glance

    • Should you order groceries from Walmart Plus? - Reviewed

    1. Walmart Grocery

    (Best for budget shoppers)

    Shop fresh produce, meat, dairy, frozen food, pantry staples, and household essentials. Same-day delivery is available in eligible areas, and pickup can help you save on delivery costs.

    Best for: Weekly family grocery shopping and value.

    Website:

    • 20 Gifts for Cancer Patients, Recommended by Doctors & Survivors

    2. Instacart

    Best overall for store selection

    Order from participating local supermarkets, warehouse clubs, and specialty stores through one app. You can often choose a delivery window and communicate with your shopper about substitutions.

    Best for: People who want to shop at their preferred local grocery stores without visiting them.

    Website:

    • 7 Money Saving Amazon Prime Perks You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner | Mamas Wallet

    3. Amazon Fresh

    Best for existing Amazon Prime members

    Order groceries online alongside other household essentials. Depending on your location, you may have access to Amazon Fresh, Whole Foods Market, or other grocery partners.

    Best for: Convenient scheduled deliveries and people already using Amazon.

    Website:

    • Local Stores at Your Door - Shipt Same-Day Delivery

    4. Shipt

    Best for Target shoppers

    Provides same-day delivery from Target and participating grocery and retail stores. Available stores and membership benefits depend on your address.

    Best for: Combining groceries with cleaning supplies, toiletries, and other household purchases.

    Website:

    • Kroger Boost Membership Cost: What You'll Pay and Bonus Coupons - The Krazy Coupon Lady

    5. Kroger

    Best for supermarket loyalty rewards

    In areas served by Kroger or its affiliated grocery banners, online shopping can combine weekly deals, digital coupons, and loyalty benefits.

    Best for: Regular shoppers who want supermarket promotions and rewards.

    Website:

    • These Grocery Delivery Services Make It Easy to Save Time

    6. FreshDirect

    Best regional alternative in the Northeast

    Offers fresh produce, meat, seafood, prepared foods, and pantry products with scheduled delivery in its service area.

    Best for: Shoppers in covered Northeast locations who prefer ordering directly from a grocery service.

    Website:

    These options are consistent with recent 2026 service comparisons, although the available stores, fees, and delivery times depend on your address.

    Which service is best for your needs?

    If you want…Start with…
    The lowest overall grocery billWalmart
    The widest choice of supermarketsInstacart
    To make use of an existing Prime membershipAmazon Fresh
    Same-day groceries plus household itemsShipt
    Supermarket coupons and loyalty rewardsKroger or your local chain
    Fresh groceries delivered on a schedule in the NortheastFreshDirect, if available

    How to save money when ordering groceries online

    • Compare the final checkout total. Item prices, delivery fees, service fees, tips, and membership costs all matter.
    • Try pickup first. If you have a car and can collect your order, pickup can be cheaper than home delivery.
    • Use store loyalty programs. Digital coupons and weekly specials can make a local supermarket cheaper than a delivery marketplace.
    • Avoid paying for memberships too soon. Try a few individual orders before committing to a monthly or annual plan.
    • Check substitution settings. Choose whether you want replacements, refunds, or shopper approval if an item is unavailable.

    My recommendation

    Start with Walmart and Instacart, then compare the price of the same basket at your local supermarket's own website. That's usually a better way to find the real value than comparing advertised delivery fees alone.

    One question that would help me narrow this down: Are you looking for the cheapest groceries, the best-quality fresh food, or the easiest delivery service?

    Sources cited in this answer9

Also asked as

  • Can you recommend an online grocery delivery service that works in the US?