5 Apps Like Instacart That Will Make Your Grocery Shopping a Breeze

5 Apps Like Instacart That Will Make Your Grocery Shopping a Breeze

Instacart is one of the most popular grocery delivery services, but it’s not the only one. Apps like Instacart help you get groceries delivered without ever leaving your home.

Grocery shopping can become a daunting task sometimes and we've all been there, wandering through labyrinthine supermarket aisles, hunting down elusive items. And wondering why the condiment aisle has to be so complicated.

Say goodbye to grocery store meltdowns and hello to innovative solutions that will make you wonder how you ever survived without them.

According to reports, the United States is the largest market for grocery delivery, with a market size of $627.3 billion in 2023.

From apps that bring your groceries straight to your doorstep to those that take the guesswork out of meal planning, we've got you covered.

So buckle up, get your shopping list ready, and prepare to embark on a journey through five apps like Instacart that will not only change the way you shop but also have you laughing at the checkout.

Let's dive in and embrace the future of grocery shopping with a big grin!

What is Instacart?

Instacart is a popular online grocery delivery and pickup service based in the US and Canada. It serves as a platform that allows customers to order groceries and other household essentials from local supermarkets and stores.

It was founded in 2012, it has quickly become one of the leading players in the on-demand grocery delivery industry. It allows customers to shop for groceries and household essentials from their favorite local stores through a user-friendly website or mobile app. With the help of personal shoppers, the orders are fulfilled and delivered to the customers' doorsteps or made available for convenient curbside pickup.

However, there are several Instacart like apps available in the market which let users create shopping lists by selecting items from a wide range of participating grocery stores and retailers in their area. This includes major supermarket chains, specialty stores, and even local grocers.

How does it work?

Like any other on-demand delivery app it works similarly. Here is how Intsacart typically works:

• Online shopping

Customers can use the Instacart website or mobile app to create a shopping list by selecting items from a wide range of participating grocery stores and retailers in their areas. This includes major supermarket chains, especially stores and even local grocers.

• Personal shoppers

After the order is placed, a personal shopper employed by Instacart receives the shopping list and goes to the selected store to pick up the items.

The personal shopper will communicate with the customer in case of any substitutions or clarifications needed during the shopping process.

• Delivery or pickup

Once the personal shopper has collected all the items, they deliver the order to the customer’s specified address. Alternatively, the customer can choose to pick up the order from the store themselves.

• Convenience and flexibility

Instacart allows you to order groceries from your favorite stores and have them delivered to your door. Plus, it offers a variety of delivery options, including same-day delivery and scheduled delivery.

Apps like Instacart in 2023

Some apps like Shipt and Instacart have emerged in the market, providing similar convenience & efficiency to customers like Instacart. The on-demand grocery delivery market has continued to evolve and expand with several apps similar to Instacart operating in various regions around the world.

Let’s look at some of the best apps like Instacart:

• Shipt

Shipt a prominent competitor to Instacart, is a highly versatile online delivery service. That enables users to conveniently order groceries and various other goods from the comfort of their homes.

It’s another grocery shopping apps like Instacart, users can easily download the application for free and create an account without any charge. However, unlike some other grocery delivery apps, Shipt requires a membership to utilize its services effectively.

Membership fees are the same for the two platforms- an annual Shipt membership cost $99 and delivery fees between Shipt and Instacart are also similar- $35 orders carry no fee, while small orders carry a $7 fee.

• Go Puff

Go Puff is another delivery apps like Instacart, unlike many other grocery delivery options, Gopuff stands out by maintaining its inventory in a warehouse. It allows for much quicker delivery times compared to traditional store-based delivery services.

With hundreds of facilities spread across over 1,000 cities, GoPuff is well-equipped to serve a large customer base efficiently and effectively.

To further enhance the customer experience, GoPuff offers the option to become a member of the "GoPuff Fam" through a cost-effective $5.95 monthly subscription. Plus, the delivery cost is $1.95

Its dedication to maintaining its inventory and streamlined delivery process is similar to apps like Doordash and Instacart which sets it apart from the competition.

• Walmart delivery

Walmart Delivery is a versatile service that enables customers to order a wide range of products conveniently.

One significant advantage of Walmart Delivery is its transparency in pricing. Unlike many other delivery platforms, Walmart does not apply upcharges on items ordered through its delivery service. The prices for products remain the same as they would be in-store, ensuring customers get the same value and savings.

To enhance the customer experience further, it offers a membership program called "Walmart Plus." For a monthly fee of $12.95, members can enjoy the added benefit of free delivery on eligible orders. This membership is an excellent option for frequent shoppers who regularly use Walmart's delivery service.

For those who prefer not to join Walmart Plus, Walmart still provides delivery options at a reasonable cost. Customers who opt not to subscribe to Walmart Plus can avail of the delivery service for a fee of $9.95. Alternatively, for those who require expedited delivery, there is the option of "Express Two-Hour Delivery" at a fee of $19.95.

Whether customers choose to become Walmart Plus members or not, Walmart Delivery ensures a seamless and convenient shopping experience, allowing users to access an extensive array of products without any hidden fees.

• Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh has partnered with Whole Foods to offer grocery delivery services to its customers It is best among all shopping apps like Instacart.

Currently, there is a $9.95 delivery fee for Amazon Fresh grocery deliveries.

Comparing Amazon Fresh to Instacart, previously, free grocery delivery was a perk for Amazon Prime members, but it is no longer offered.

Now, to cover operating costs, Amazon charges a $9.95 delivery fee for each order.

While Instacart partners with numerous grocery stores, Amazon Fresh exclusively works with Whole Foods, making it a specialized service for those who prefer Whole Foods products.

However, with Instacart, you do not require a membership to use its services; you can order groceries without any subscription.

• Peapod

Peapod is a standout grocery delivery service with a unique pricing approach that rewards customers with reduced fees as their order sizes increase.

Moreover, it operates an extensive network of warehouses throughout the country, allowing customers to order groceries directly without intermediaries.

The advantage of Peapod's warehouse system is reflected in the website's competitive pricing. Customers can find items listed at the same or even lower prices compared to other grocery delivery services.

One of the significant distinctions between Peapod and many other grocery delivery services, including Instacart, lies in its fee structure.

As opposed to a fixed delivery fee, Peapod employs a progressive fee model where the delivery charges decrease as the order total increases. For instance, a $100 order comes with a $6.95 delivery fee, incentivizing larger purchases.

In addition, to its unique pricing strategy, Peapod sets itself apart from Instacart by exclusively hosting items within its warehouses, eliminating the need for intermediaries in the delivery process.

Moreover, Peapod offers the convenience of not requiring customers to subscribe to any membership or commit to a subscription. Instead, customers only need to pay the fixed delivery fee for their orders.

How much does it cost to develop an app like Instacart?

The cost to develop an app like Instacart or start on-demand app development can vary significantly depending on the factors mentioned earlier.

However, to provide a rough estimate, the development cost for a basic grocery delivery app with essential features (single platform, standard UI/UX, basic order management, payment integration, and minimal third-party integrations) could range from $50,000 to $100,000.

For more apps like Instacart with additional features, multi-platform support, advanced UI/UX design, real-time tracking, sophisticated backend systems, and extensive third-party integrations. The cost could exceed $100,000 and go up to $250,000 or more.

It's important to remember that these estimates are approximate and subject to change based on your specific requirements, the location and expertise of the development team, and other factors. To get an accurate cost estimate for your app, it is recommended to consult with professional app development companies or developers and discuss your project in detail.

• Wrapping Up

Finally, if you're seeking grocery delivery app development contact with expert mobile app development company that might be the perfect fit for your grocery delivery app.

No matter which app you choose, these five alternatives are sure to provide you with seamless grocery shopping experiences, helping you save time and effort while enjoying the convenience of doorstep deliveries.

So, go ahead and explore these apps to find the one that suits your preferences and transforms your grocery shopping into a delightful breeze.