Ordering groceries? What to know about 3 popular apps.

The best grocery app depends on how you shop.

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Have you tried ordering groceries lately? I’ve had an opportunity to test drive three popular grocery delivery apps, and I have to tell you that there have been plenty of happy moments and disappointments.

This isn’t my first time using grocery delivery. About a decade ago, I tried grocery delivery. My back was on strike, and delivery was new in my area. It was a huge helper, but I had to order way in advance, and I wasn’t too happy with the produce that arrived. With the popularity of delivery options and the demand rising, grocery delivery services have definitely improved since then.

I’ve used three different grocery ordering services in the past six months, and this is what I’ve experienced.

Giant ordering groceries

First off, there’s Giant. What used to be called Peapod, the GIANT app is perfect if you plan ahead, if you order at least their minimum of $60 worth of groceries, and if you rely on popular brand-named foods. If you don’t plan ahead, a few dollars is added to their standard $7.95 delivery fee. Where I live, the groceries come in plastic bags, which can be a turn off. The other downside is that you are relying on someone else to pick out your produce. 

Instacart ordering groceries

Instacart includes a variety of grocery stores. You can choose to shop from local markets or chain stores. Depending on where you live and which store you choose in the Instacart app, delivery fees may be added and groceries could arrive in as little as an hour. My favorite part is that a personal shopper connects through the app, asking you about substitutions. I’ve had shoppers share photos of products just to be sure the substitution was correct. 

Whole Foods ordering groceries

Whole Foods through Amazon is perfect if you need groceries today. Amazon offers a free two-hour delivery with a Prime membership and an order of at least $35. Not all of the popular brands are available at Whole Foods, but the quality of the produce is usually better than other chains. Another plus is that they use paper bags.  

Best & worst about ordering groceries

My favorite time-saver beyond the actual delivery is that the orders are stored in the app, so ordering the next delivery is much easier. 

No matter which app you use, it’s never guaranteed that what your order is what shows up at your home.

What do you think?

We’d love to know what you think about the grocery delivery services that you’ve used. Share your comments below, or send us a tweet.