Discover the best grocery delivery apps in market

Let’s say it is 9 p.m., and you need something from the grocery store for your dinner. After a long day, you would probably rather not go grocery shopping. Here, the role of grocery delivery apps comes in, they can help you save time and energy and eliminate the need for hectic scheduling.

When it comes to grocery delivery apps, convenience is not the only thing that matters. The McKinsey report and Statista show that the global online grocery market is estimated to reach over $1 trillion by 2027, with the U.S. being one of the fastest growing markets. Over 70% of consumers prefer grocery delivery apps over in-store shopping.

These market stats mean that grocery delivery apps are not just for convenience, they are a necessity. After doing some research, this guide will provide you with the top grocery delivery apps in 2026, and compare their coverage, delivery speed, and features. We will also break down development costs to help you understand what it takes to create a successful grocery delivery app.

Key Takeaways

• By 2026, grocery delivery apps will be the most widely used service for buying groceries online.
• Speed, cost, and variety of products are the most important factors for consumers.
• There is rapid growth in the grocery subscription delivery model.
• Businesses investing in grocery delivery app development gain long-term scalability
• When selecting an app, consider cost, delivery area, and app features.

List of Top Grocery Delivery Apps in 2026

Below is a summary of the strongest grocery delivery services available in the United States and other countries in 2026. It details their coverage, delivery speed, costs, and grocery shopping types for which they are best suited.

Instacart

When it comes to weekly and bulk grocery shopping, Instacart is often seen to provide one of the better grocery shopping delivery services. The reason for this is the 80,000+ grocery store partnerships that cover North America. The vast number of partnerships makes it super convenient for customers to get same-day delivery from their preferred local grocery store.

According to Statista, Instacart has been one of the grocery delivery providers in the United States for the most extended period; same-day grocery delivery is the main reason for repeat customers. McKinsey’s industry insights state that Instacart has high demand from households because of the scheduled weekly grocery shopping as opposed to impulse grocery shopping.

Best for: Users wanting to do weekly grocery shopping, making it ideal for families, as well as those who like using multiple local grocery stores.

Unique Features of Instacart

• Partnerships with retailers like Costco, Kroger, and Safeway
• Users can choose from same-day or scheduled delivery
• Real-time tracking and communication with shoppers
• Reduced delivery fees for Instacart+ subscribers
• Shopping history is utilized for tailored suggestions

Pros

• Access to multiple stores
• Users can choose delivery time
• Service is available in most cities and towns

Cons

• Purchases can be more expensive than shopping in person
• Extra fees apply without a subscription

Founded in: 2012
User Base: Over 25 million active annual users in the U.S. & Canada

Amazon Fresh

For Prime members, Amazon Fresh is ideal for acknowledging consumer demand for rapid, uncomplicated grocery delivery with a seamless integration for customers with Amazon. Operating in conjunction with Amazon’s existing shopping platform, users can purchase fresh food, food staples, and household supplies with the same credit card and shopping preferences.

As per the company’s press releases, they currently hold close to 200 million Prime subscribers, with grocery delivery being one of the most rapidly expanding Prime offerings. Research from Statista suggests Amazon is the most preferred retailer for immediate food delivery in the United States, and it is safe to say the same for most of the world.

Best for: Prime members and other customers in urban areas.

Unique Features of Amazon Fresh

• Automatic connection between Amazon and Prime accounts
• Grocery deliveries available the same or next day in qualifying locations
• Ordering by voice through Alexa-connected devices
• Prices matched with deals exclusive to Prime
• Fresh item deliveries in temperature-controlled packaging

Pros

• Rapid delivery supported by Amazon logistics
• Prime customers don’t need a separate app or account
• Extensive variety of groceries, both fresh and packaged

Cons

• Availability is limited in rural areas
• An Amazon Prime membership is mandatory

Established in: 2007 (as Amazon grocery service)
Consumer Base: Over 200 million Amazon Prime members globally

Walmart+

Walmart+ offers users low prices, low delivery fees, and everyday essential items. The app has a massive retail and logistics network and users can order groceries and have them delivered same-day, or at a scheduled time, and prices are often as low as in-store prices.

Walmart has over a 25% share of the US grocery market, and Statista shows them as the largest grocery retailer in the US, which allows Walmart+ to price groceries more competitvely than other grocery delivery services. Walmart has also stated that millions of US households are using Walmart+ to save on grocery delivery, save on fuel, and for free delivery, making the service available as one of the most affordable grocery delivery services in 2026.

Who it’s best for: users looking for affordable grocery delivery, families, and budget-conscious shoppers.

Unique features of Walmart+

• Walmart+ allows users to have groceries sent to their homes the same day they are ordered.
• While Walmart+ is active, the prices of groceries remain the same as they would be in store.
• Users may save money on gas when they fuel up at partnered stations.
• Walmart+ users may use Scan & Go, an exclusive feature that allows users to skip the line and pay on their phones.
• Users of Walmart+ may now qualify to have purchase minimums waived.

Pros

• Users may benefit from Walmart+’. Price and coverage is hard to beat.
• Same day delivery is also dependable.
• Users may frequent Walmart+ to save money while shopping for groceries.

Cons

• Users must pay for a Walmart+ subscription.
• Prices and products may vary by Walmart store.

Started in: 2020
Subscribers: estimated at 59 million in the U.S.

Shipt

Hands-on and real-time communication is a strength that Shipt uses to distinguish itself from competitors.grocer Shipt is designed to give customers a unique experience, allowing them to build their own customized grocery lists. White Glove, a real-time communication feature, is designed to facilitate substitutions, special requests, and quality checks.

Shipt, which presently boasts 5,000 cities across the U.S., is partnered with more than 150 of the largest retailers, including Target, its parent company. Millions of analysts have reported that a weighted average of U.S. households uses Shipt for personalized weekly grocery shopping.

Best for: Shipt is for customers who are looking for a more personal touch when ordering groceries.

Unique features of Shipt

• Ordered Attendant Shoppers
• In real time chat about substitutions and preferences
• Grocery delivery on the same day for most markets
• Integrated Target stores
• Subsription based with delivery fees

Pros

• Personalized shopping experiences
• Same day delivery services
• Credible customer satisfaction rating

Cons

• Membership is needed
• Pricing is high in comparison to budget focused apps

Founded in: 2014
User Base / Reach: More than 60 million households in the U.S.

Gopuff

If speed were to have a name, it would be Gopuff. Gopuff is built for customers who would like to have items delivered instantaneously. They specialize in delivering snacks, grocery items, drinks, and household essentials at any time of the day, often faster than cooking instant noodles.

Industry reports and company disclosures say Gopuff is available in a thousand and more U.S. cities. They have their own network of micro-fulfillment centers, meaning they do not operate with third party stores. In doing so, they have been able to keep an average delivery time of thirty minutes of less, making them one of the fastest grocery apps in the market. Retail research estimates millions of users utilize Gopuff for emergency and late-night purchases.

Best for: late-night grocery purchases, and ultra-rapid instant delivery.

Unique Features of Gopuff

• Delivery in under 30 minutes
• Owns its own fulfillment centers
• In many areas, all-day, every-day service
• Reduced fees with Gopuff Fam membership

Pros

• Incredibly quick delivery
• No delays from store checkout
• Perfect for immediate need essentials

Cons

• Less product selection than a complete grocery store
• Service mostly in metropolitan areas

Founded in: 2013
Users: Approximately 1.8 million active users per month

Thrive Market

As one of the best grocery delivery services for the health-conscious, organic, and non-GMO grocery shoppers, Thrive Market has made a name for itself in the industry. The service has a membership model, and clean-label products, which include organic groceries, plant-based groceries, and sustainable household products.

Company data and industry reports indicate that Thrive Market has more than one million paid customers in the US, and serves more than 6,000 unique organic and non-GMO grocery items. The company is also known for helping its members save 25–50% per order compared to other grocery retailers, reinforcing the service’s reputation for being valued for its customers looking to make a health-conscious purchase.

Best for: Grocery shopping for organic, non-GMO, sustainable, and health-conscious products.

Unique Features of Thrive Market

• Membership-only access to clean-label and organic brands
• Over 6,000 organic, non-GMO, and specialty items
• Every order features carbon-neutral shipping
• Free membership sponsorship for families below the federal poverty line
• Nationwide delivery with flexible schedule options

Pros

• Emphasis on health, quality, and sustainability
• Reasonable prices for organic items
• Shipping available across the country

Cons

• Active membership is a requirement
• No options available for same-day delivery

Founded in: 2014
User Base: Over 1 million active customers (USA)

Misfits Market

Unlike other delivery services, users of Misfits Market can stay on a budget and grocery shop sustainably at the same time. This delivery service ‘rescues’ leftover, imperfect, and excessive food that would otherwise be thrown out. Misfits Market then offers this food at a discount to customers looking to develop eco-friendly shopping habits.

According to the company, Misfits Market has over 2 million active customers, and has ‘rescued’ over 500 million pounds of food that would otherwise be wasted. Customers can expect to save 30 to 40 percent on their grocery costs compared to other grocery stores, making this service popular among eco-conscious customers on a budget.

Best for: grocery delivery on a budget, eco-friendly shopping, food waste reduction.

Misfits Market Special Features

• Discounts on grocery items
• A mission to minimize food waste and excess inventory
• Delivery cover across the country
• Subscription model allows orders to be customized
• Sells Organic and Non-GMO products

Pros

• Lower grocery prices than typical supermarkets
• Robust mission for sustainability
• Delivery is available across the country

Cons

• Fewer brands than typical grocery stores
• They do not offer same-day delivery

Founded in: 2018
User Base: Over 2 million customers in the U.S.

FreshDirect

FreshDirect is well regarded for offering and delivering high-quality meats and seafood, and fresh-made products, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. Unlike marketplace-based apps, FreshDirect controls much of its supply chain, which helps it maintain and control the quality and consistency of its products.

Industry reports and company disclosures indicate that FreshDirect is one of the leading grocery delivery services within the U.S Northeast, providing services to hundreds of thousands of customers and delivering to millions of households in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Washington DC.

FreshDirect is also one of the few grocery delivery services that advertises sourcing products from over 200 local farms and suppliers within 48 hours of harvest. This is especially important in the fresh grocery delivery segment and presents a competitive advantage to FreshDirect.

Best for: quality groceries, premium meat and seafood, and fresh produce.

Distinct Attributes of FreshDirect

• Farm-to-door supply chain model
• Harvested whole fruits and vegetables for prompt delivery (~ 48 hours)
• High-quality proteins in seafood and meat
• Scheduled delivery windows for next-day deliveries
• Freshness and cold-chain controls

Pros

• Freshness and quality standards that are superior
• Sourcing transparency from farms in the area
• Great for grocery shopping that is heavy on fruits and veggies and proteins

Cons

• Sparse coverage in geography (only East Coast)
• Prices that are steeper than mass-market grocery applications

Launched: 2002
Coverage: East Coast ( NY, NJ, PA, DC & surrounding regions)
Vendor Network: 200+ local farms and food partners

DoorDash

DoorDash has transformed from a restaurant delivery service into a grocery delivery service, with same-day delivery from local, regional, and national retailers. Their local relationships and extensive delivery radius contribute to their speed and overall performance.

According to the 2024-2025 DoorDash shareholder report, DoorDash has more than 37 million active users and operates in over 7,000 cities in the United States, Canada, and other locations. The rapid expansion of grocery and convenience delivery and a growing share of orders is due to increased customer demand for rapid delivery services.

Best for: Same-day grocery delivery from local retailers for quick restocks and last-minute purchases.

Unique Features of DoorDash

• Day of order grocery delivery from nearby grocery stores
• DashPass subscription to save on delivery fees
• Real-time order tracking and notifications
• Extensive driver (Dasher) pool for quick delivery

Pros

• Extensive client base and broad service area
• Delivery performed quickly, typically in a few hours
• Effective collaboration with local stores

Cons

• Fees for delivery and services for DashPass holders
• Cost fluctuations by store

Established in: 2013
Active Users: 37 million and counting

Uber Eats

Uber Eats is quick, convenient, and accessible almost everywhere, making it a great option when users type in “grocery delivery near me.” From being a restaurant delivery application, it has evolved to become a multifunction grocery and convenience delivery service, enabling users to order groceries, essentials, and food in a single app.

Uber’s most recent business reports indicate that Uber Eats has more than 95 million active users per month, and that figure is growing rapidly for grocery and convenience services. Uber Eats services grocery and convenience delivery in more than 6,000 cities and towns in the United States, utilizing Uber’s driver network to provide on-demand delivery, particularly in metropolitan and suburban areas.

Ideal for: Rapid delivery of groceries, convenience items, and customers wanting food and groceries in one application.

Unique Features of Uber Eats

• An all-in-one solution that combines food delivery, groceries, and other convenience items.
• Order tracking capabilities and a real-time network of drivers
• Reduced delivery charges with Uber One subscriptions
• Healthy partnerships with local retailers and national chains

Pros

• Comprehensive coverage in the U.S.
• Rapid delivery, typically in a few hours
• A simple and familiar design

Cons

• Delivery fees if you don’t have Uber One
• Grocery prices differ by store

Established in: 2014
Monthly Active Users: Over 95 million (global Uber ecosystem)

Kroger

Kroger seamlessly integrates the benefits of physical grocery stores with online grocery delivery, making it a dependable choice for consumers who appreciate in-store shopping as well as digital convenience. Through its own delivery and pickup services, as well as partnerships with third-party providers, the brand has developed a robust omnichannel grocery offering.

Kroger has established itself as a national player in the grocery sector, operating over 2,700 stores, as indicated by Statista and Kroger’s annual report. The company has also invested heavily in fulfillment and automation, including advanced systems for centralized delivery and robotic warehouses, which allow same-day and next-day grocery delivery in many areas.

Kroger grocery delivery app is ideal for: grocery delivery from big retailers, consistent pricing, and customers who seek supermarket brand reliability.

Unique Features of Kroger

• Unified in-person shopping, delivery, and pickup
• Grocery delivery and pickup on the same day in most areas
• Dominant store brands (Simple Truth, Private Selection)
• Sophisticated fulfillment centers for quicker online order processing

Pros

• Enormous countrywide retail footprint
• Consistent pricing and stock on products
• Varied options for pickup and delivery.

Cons

• Delivery scope differs by area
• Less app-centered than newer services, with an interface that is more web-based

Established in: 1883
Retail Locations: Over 2,700 stores (USA)

How to Choose the Right Grocery Delivery App for Your Needs

Grocery delivery apps can help you on your delivery needs, but you need to understand your habits to pick the one that’s best for your habits. Determine if immediate delivery is a requirement, or if deliveries can be scheduled in advance. In an urgent situation, last minute delivery is ideal, while advance scheduling delivers significant savings.

Next, evaluate how long term savings might offset the cost of subscription fees. Grocery delivery apps generally offer memberships that result in savings if groceries are being delivered frequently.

Consider if you prefer health-focused groceries, or organic and non-GMO products. Apps that are specialized may be better for you, while apps from big retailers are better if you want low prices.

Consider also whether a variety of products is important to you, or if delivery speed is more important. Your budget, location, and the speed at which you want your groceries delivered are the primary factors that will determine what the best grocery delivery app is for you.

Cost to Develop a Grocery Delivery App

Usually, the cost to build a grocery delivery apps can range between $10,000 and $100,000+. Grocery delivery apps that utilize real time tracking, AI, payment imports, cloud storage, and other integrations end up costing more since they will take a longer development period. Apps that are MVP with core features, such as ordering, only require a smaller initial investment.

App Development Cost Breakdown

This range helps businesses plan realistically while leaving room for future upgrades and feature expansion.

Conclusion

In 2026, grocery delivery apps are no longer optional, they have become enterprise apps. Grocery apps have become a necessity for many of their users including busy professionals and for large families and they rely on grocery delivery apps for speed and convenience and responsiveness. If you are seeking a grocery app delivery solution, and you wish to develop an app, you have a large potential market to accomplish your goals.

Consumer demand is increasing for delivery with personalization and seamless mobile devices and user’s demand for convenience is increasing technological demand has increased the available tools to develop scalable, secure and user friendly solutions. It is evident that the opportunities to successfully develop a grocery delivery app are available and the only requirements to develop them are the tools and a secure delivery app.

FAQ’s

Q. What are grocery delivery apps?

Ans. Grocery delivery apps allow users to order groceries online and have them delivered to their doorstep. These apps connect customers with local stores, supermarkets, or warehouses, offering same-day or scheduled delivery options.

Q. Which is the best grocery delivery app in 2026?

Ans. The best grocery delivery app depends on your needs. Apps like Instacart are ideal for weekly shopping, Walmart+ suits budget-focused users, while Amazon Fresh works best for Prime members seeking fast delivery.

Q. Are grocery delivery apps more expensive than in-store shopping?

Ans. Some apps may charge delivery or service fees, but memberships, discounts, and bundled savings often make grocery delivery cost-effective—especially for frequent shoppers.

Q. Do grocery delivery apps offer same-day delivery?

Ans. Yes, many top grocery delivery apps provide same-day delivery, particularly in urban and suburban areas, depending on store availability and order timing.

Q. How much does it cost to build a grocery delivery app?

Ans. The cost typically ranges from $10,000 to $100,000+, depending on features, complexity, and scalability requirements.

Q. Are grocery delivery apps available nationwide in the USA?

Ans. Most major grocery delivery apps operate nationwide, though availability and delivery speed may vary by location.

Jitendra Jain

He is the CEO and Co-founder of Inventco, driving innovation in advanced computing and digital transformation. With deep expertise in modern IT ecosystems, he leads scalable, secure, future-ready solutions. His strategic leadership helps businesses accelerate growth, adopt innovation, and achieve success. You can connect with him on LinkedIn to follow his technology insights.