Is Grocery Delivery Actually Worth It in 2025?
Grocery delivery has gone from a niche convenience to a mainstream service—but with fees, markups, and shifting consumer habits, it’s worth asking whether you’re really saving time or money. In this post, we break down the actual costs, compare leading services, and help you decide if delivery is the right choice for your budget and lifestyle.
Delivery Fees vs Convenience
Most grocery delivery platforms charge a base fee plus variable service fees. For example, Instacart typically adds a $3.99–$9.99 delivery charge plus a 5–10% service fee, while Walmart Grocery offers free delivery for orders over $35 if you subscribe to Walmart+ ($98/year) or a flat $9.95 fee without membership. If you place small, frequent orders, these fees can quickly exceed what you’d pay in gas or transportation for an in-store trip.
Price Markups and Item Availability
Delivery services often mark up individual item prices by 10–15% compared to in-store shelf tags to cover processing costs. A 2024 comparison by Consumer Reports found that a $100 in-store basket could cost $110–$115 when delivered via Instacart. To mitigate this, look for platforms with “store-direct” pricing—Target Drive Up & Delivery charges no markup on items, though a $5 fee applies for non-members.
Subscription Models vs On-Demand Orders
If you regularly use delivery, a subscription can lower per-order costs. Instacart+ members ($99/year) receive free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees, making weekly orders more economical. Similarly, Shipt offers membership ($99/year) with free delivery on orders above $35 and access to exclusive deals, which can offset fees if delivery is part of your routine.
Time Savings and Hidden Costs
Delivery saves the time spent shopping and waiting in line, which has value—especially for busy families or professionals. However, factor in potential substitution fees when items are out of stock, unexpected tipping expectations, and the time spent adjusting orders or handling delivery issues. These hidden costs can erode the convenience benefit.
Quality Control and Freshness
In-person shopping lets you pick the ripest produce and highest-quality cuts of meat. Delivery depends on another person’s judgment, which can lead to substitutions or inconsistent quality. Some services like Amazon Fresh now offer “Choose Your Produce” options to improve satisfaction, but it’s not universal.
When Delivery Makes Sense
- You lack reliable transportation or live in a food desert
- Your time value exceeds delivery costs (e.g., high-paid professionals)
- You’re ordering large or bulky items that would require extra trips
- You need last-minute essentials and can’t spare an in-store run
When to Skip It
- You live near low-cost stores and can easily shop in-person
- You place small, frequent orders that trigger fees each time
- You prioritize selecting your own fresh produce and meats
Final Thought
Grocery delivery in 2025 offers undeniable convenience, but it isn’t always the most cost-effective choice. By comparing fees, subscription models, and price markups across Instacart, Walmart Grocery, and Amazon Fresh, you can determine whether the time saved is worth the extra dollars spent.
