The demand for online grocery delivery apps is rapidly soaring, and several factors converge to underline this increased necessity. Firstly, our fast-paced lives have prioritised convenience, and grocery delivery apps bring the supermarket right to the doorstep. Secondly, the COVID-19 outbreak further accelerated the shift, with safety concerns encouraging many to opt for contactless shopping.

Besides, the availability of a wide range of products on these apps often surpasses what’s available in conventional stores, attracting a broader customer base.

Hence, when online grocery delivery apps are coupled with the ease of comparing prices, time-saving, and finding competitive deals online, it’s no wonder people would turn to these apps.

Now, let’s explore the top online grocery delivery apps in the USA that are thriving and are here to stay, making grocery shopping hassle-free and convenient.

6 Best Online Grocery Delivery Apps in the USA

The online grocery delivery market is increasing as many key players continue developing user-friendly and innovative solutions like mobile apps, websites, and more. According to the market insights, the online grocery delivery services market is projected to reach $2,159 by the year 2030.

Additionally, factors such as access to multiple payment options and the convenience of contactless grocery delivery have been contributing to the market growth.

Many grocery delivery apps are being introduced frequently that enable customers to place their grocery orders with ease and at their leisure. Some of the best online grocery delivery apps dominating in the USA are listed below. Let’s explore them.

Instacart

Instacart is one of the leading online grocery delivery apps operating in more than 50 US states and around 5,000 North American cities. The app’s user-friendly interface simplifies the entire shopping process, allowing customers to seamlessly browse, select items, and customize orders. Its same-day delivery feature makes shopping more convenient.

Additionally, the flexibility to schedule the delivery aligns best with the user’s lifestyle. Instacart’s integration of personalized shopping recommendations adds to the overall appeal, enhancing the value proposition for its customer base.

The benefits for Instacart Plus members include free delivery on orders above $35, low service charges, and selecting items from multiple stores and getting delivered all at once. Plus, Instacart is available for both iOS and Android users.

  • Generated revenue of $428 million in 2022
  • 4.3 and 4.8 ratings on Google and Apple Play Store
  • Minimum order size is $10

GoPuff

GoPuff, the on-demand grocery delivery app, has emerged as a frontrunner in the convenience delivery space. Unlike traditional grocery delivery services, GoPuff stands out for its unique business model, specializing in delivering a wide range of everyday essentials, snacks, and household items directly to the customer’s doors.

What sets GoPuff apart is its lightning-fast delivery service, often within 30 minutes, serving those seeking instant gratification or facing last-minute needs.

GoPuff caters to a broad customer base, from college students and working professionals to families, offering a selection of around 4,000 products. The in-app order cancellation feature is available. GoPuff’s order fee is as low as $3.95 and an additional fee is charged for booze-related products.

  • Generated revenue of $180 million in 2022.
  • 4.7 and 4.8 ratings on Google and Apple Play Store.
  • The minimum order size depends on the location.

Shipt

Founded in 2014, Shipt emerged as an online grocery delivery app serving across the US. Unlike other apps, Shipt has partnered with major retailers like Costco and Target, offering a vast selection of grocery items. Customers can get bulk grocery orders delivered as soon as the order is placed. They simply need to select the delivery time and add special instructions, if any.

Shipt has monthly and annual membership plans, offering free delivery on orders above $35. The added value of the Shipt app’s personalized service, wide availability, and competitive pricing make it an ideal choice for those looking for groceries plus a seamless and reliable shopping experience.

  • Generated revenue of $1.0 billion in 2022
  • 4.6 and 4.7 ratings on Google and Apple Play Store
  • No minimum order

Peapod

Peapod is one of the leading grocery delivery apps in the USA facilitating customers to order fresh produce, meat, and other essentials and getting them delivered in no time. What makes it stand out is its rich history of innovation and adaptability. It was the first to introduce the grocery delivery concept in the early 1990s, offering customers online grocery ordering convenience. Peapod serves a substantial geographic footprint, covering major places in the US.

The app offers flexible delivery options, including same-day delivery or scheduling the order delivery in advance. Furthermore, Peapod comes with a membership program called PodPass available after the first order is placed. Overall, Peapod is an ideal choice for those seeking both convenience and cost-effectiveness.

  • Generated revenue of $187.8 million in 2022.
  • 4.3 ratings on Google and Apple Play Store.
  • The minimum order size is $30.

FreshDirect

FreshDirect, introduced in 2002, is one of the innovators in the online grocery delivery market, facilitating the delivery of fresh vegetables and alcoholic beverages to prepared food, and more. Offering same-day delivery in prominent cities of the USA like New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, and more, FreshDirect provides a convenient shopping experience. \

This online grocery delivery app allows customers to browse a wide selection of high-quality products and add them to their virtual carts for further order placements. FreshDirect provides various delivery types, from same-day delivery to scheduling of order delivery up to 1 week in advance, ensuring flexibility to meet customer’s needs. The customers have to pay a fixed delivery fee until they become members of DeliveryPass, which offers unlimited home deliveries.

  • 4.5 and 4.8 ratings on Google and Apple Play Store
  • Generated revenue of $296.5 million in 2022
  • Minimum order size is $30

Postmates

Postmates is another on-demand grocery delivery app that allows customers to easily browse and select groceries from their favourite local stores. It works with numerous supermarkets across the US to get all the essentials delivered to the doorsteps within an hour. Postmates offers live tracking capabilities, enabling customers to stay informed about their order delivery progress in real time.

While the delivery charges may depend on varying locations and order sizes, there is an alternative to avoid paying high delivery charges on each order. Postmates Unlimited membership program costs $9.99 monthly, offering free deliveries on all grocery orders above $12. Besides, customers can enjoy exclusive offers, giveaways, and no hike in charges even during the peak hours.

  • Generated revenue of $730 million in 2021
  • 4.3 and 4.8 ratings on Google and Apple Play Store
  • Minimum order size is $15

Must-Have Features of a Successful Online Grocery Apps

Building a successful online grocery app requires careful consideration of the features and functionalities that cater to the diverse needs of users across different panels. After all, it’s the rich feature set that ensures the app stays competitive, whether you are targeting customers or the delivery staff.

Below are some crucial features compiled that make an online grocery delivery app stand out.

Essential Features for Online Grocery Ordering (Buyer’s App)

  • Delivery scheduler
  • Single item cancellation
  • Pickup management
  • Multi-cart
  • Order tracking
  • Click-and-Collect
  • Multiple payment options
  • Push notifications
  • Easy checkout
  • Product categories
  • Customized filters

Essential Features of Grocery Delivery (Delivery Staff)

  • Easy registration
  • Profile management
  • Wallet management
  • Email notification
  • Order management
  • Delivery history
  • GEO location
  • Multilingual functionality

So, if you are an aspiring entrepreneur who is seeking to set foot in the online grocery delivery business, consider readymade eCommerce software. There is a wide range of online grocery delivery app solutions that are equipped with all the features discussed above and can help launch your grocery delivery business in no time.

Here are some of the popular software mentioned below:

Growcer

Mercatus

ShopurGrocery

Grobino

Closing Remarks

The online grocery market is expanding at a rapid pace as more and more customers are turning towards eCommerce platforms to shop for their grocery essentials. Here, online grocery delivery apps play an increasingly vital role in bridging the gap between the grocery platforms and the end customers. Furthermore, these apps offer time-saving benefits and a safer shopping experience, particularly in times of uncertainty.