Instacart Review 2024: Can You Eat Healthy With This Grocery Delivery Service?

The products featured in this article have been independently reviewed. When you buy something through the retail links on this page, we may earn commission at no cost to you, the reader. Sports Illustrated editorial staff are not involved in the creation of this content. Learn more here.

In a digital-focused world, you have access to practically anything you want or need via your smartphone, tablet or computer. Grocery and household item delivery has gained popularity over the past few years due to the ease and convenience of getting the products you need delivered straight to you.

Ordering groceries online is a great alternative for individuals who get overwhelmed when in-person grocery shopping or for those who constantly forget a few essential items due to the chaos of shopping during busy hours. It can also be useful for those with busy schedules who may not have the time or energy to grocery shop before or after work.

If you are interested in trying a grocery delivery service, this article can provide some insight into what you’ll need and want to know about using one. In this review, I dive into my personal experiences using Instacart so you feel confident in knowing how to optimize your online grocery shopping experience.

Instacart at a Glance

Instacart is an online grocery shopping and delivery service where you can select your desired items, preferred store and ideal time frame for delivery to ease the shopping experience. Instacart employs its own personal shoppers to shop for you and deliver your items to your home in a timely manner. With Instacart, you can shop on a budget, compare prices quickly and ensure you get all the items you need delivered straight to your door.

What Is Instacart?

Instacart can be used via an app on your mobile device or via the product website. As an Instacart customer, you have access to a large variety of stores. Instacart collaborates with several grocery store chains and local grocery stores while offering same-day delivery to metro areas in all 50 US states and all 10 Canadian provinces.

As an Instacart user, you not only have access to numerous grocery store options, but you can also order from stores like PetSmart, At Home, Staples, Lowe’s, Dick's Sporting Goods, Michael’s, Best Buy, Sephora and more. With that being said, it is important to note that your location can greatly impact your access to the different retailers.

Instacart Pros

• Items get delivered straight to your door
• A large variety of stores to choose from
• Nutritional facts displayed for every grocery item
• Communication with shopper throughout the process

Instacart Cons

• Higher prices and additional fees
• Substitutions often have to be made
• Store access may vary based on location
• Experience may be dependent on shopper quality

How Does Instacart Work?

In order to get started using Instacart, you have to sign up and create an account on the app or website using your email, phone number, Google account or Facebook account. Next, you will have to enter your address or zip code in order to see the selection of different stores available to shop from within your area.

After selecting your preferred store, you will select your delivery window based on how soon you want your order to arrive. Next, you can shop by searching for what you are looking for or you can shop by scrolling through a wide variety of categories to help guide your shopping experience. Examples of a few categories include cozy drinks, home essentials, easy dinners, snacks for you, desserts you'll love, seasonal fruit and popular searches. You could search for "high protein snacks" if you were looking for quick grab-and-go items that are high in protein, if you're looking to add more protein to your diet. 

My favorite feature that Instacart provides is the ability to type in whatever you are looking for, and it will provide you with a variety of different food options. Examples to search for include: “ready to eat meals,” “show me gluten-free ideas,” “dairy-free snacks for kids” and “items for a smoothie.” Instacart is especially a great service if you have a food allergy or food intolerance and are looking for items that are gluten-free, vegan, dairy-free, soy-free, etc.

If you need help with any meal planning ideas, Instacart can be a useful tool. For example, you can type in “what can I add to tacos?” and a number of ideas will pop up including salsa, lettuce, cilantro, guacamole, tomatoes, sour cream, shredded cheese and more. There is also a vast array of recipes provided throughout the shopping experience that correlate with the foods you are searching for, providing you with both meal and recipe inspiration.

Related Post: Best Meal Planning Services

After selecting all the items you need, you will have mobile access to your shopper throughout the entire shopping experience. For example, if you forgot any essential items, you have time to add any additional items to your cart up until the time of check out. My biggest recommendation is to have your phone or computer handy after submitting your order, as you may receive text messages from your shopper if any items are out of stock. If that is the case, your shopper will ask for approval for appropriate substitutions.

Instacart Delivery

Instacart allows you to select your preferred delivery window to optimize your shopping experience based around your personal schedule. You will also have the ability to pay an extra $2 for priority delivery if you are looking for a more efficient delivery time frame.

Delivery time often depends on shopper efficiency and item quantity. From my personal experience with priority delivery, I completed an order of 35 items at 6:15pm, and it was delivered to my doorstep at 7:26pm. The more substitutions that need to be made, the longer it may take your shopper to gather all of your essentials.

Depending on when and where you place your order, you may be able to get your groceries in as little as one hour. On the other hand, you may order up to five days in advance of your desired delivery time frame.

When using Instacart, it is important to note that there will be a $3.99+ delivery and service fee added to your total cost. Delivery cost is also dependent on store location in comparison to your house, along with the number of items you shopped for.

Instacart Cost

Instacart is grocery shopping luxury and users should expect higher costs. Compared to traditional grocery stores, the cost to use Instacart is at a premium due to added fees including service fees, tipping fees and inflated pricing. On my personal order of 35 items, my additional fees definitely added up, with a $12 service fee and a tip in addition to the general sales tax. While my grocery bill would have likely been cheaper in-person shopping, these added fees are worth it for me on the days I am in a bind and do not have the time to personally shop in store.

Instacart costs can vary greatly depending on store location, shopper quality, number of items, tipping generosity and adequate product stock. As an example, the cost of items that need to be weighed in-store, including meat and produce, may vary slightly. Shoppers always try to get the customer’s requested weight, but final weights and prices may vary. If an item's final weight at check out is slightly different from what you requested, your receipt will adjust the price accordingly. If you accept any shopper recommended substitutions, prices could potentially increase.

While Instacart may be costly, Instacart can also serve as a budget-friendly tool by adjusting your order throughout the shopping process to meet your budget needs. This helps you avoid any unexpected high grocery bills at the cashier’s register. With Instacart, you can create your own grocery lists and gain expansive access to platform-specific coupons and specials to help you shop on a budget. You can also join Instacart+, an optional plan costing $99/year or $9.99/month, for unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 with reduced service fees. Instacart+ is a great option for avid Instacart users, shopping more than two times per month.

Eating Healthy Using Instacart

As a registered dietitian and certified personal trainer, eating a well-balanced and nutrient-dense diet is a priority in my life. On busy weeks, using a grocery or meal delivery service can be essential for allowing me to stay on track toward my health and fitness goals. Instacart simplifies my shopping and allows me to get everything I need delivered right to my door. 

Instacart can make it easier to choose healthy items from your preferred grocery store. The Instacart search bar can be utilized as an amazing tool to guide you in your healthy eating journey. Simply type in “healthy snack ideas,” and Instacart will provide you with numerous options including Greek yogurt, granola, fruit, vegetables, hummus, kale chips, rice cakes, nuts and more. As an Instacart user, you also have easy access to the ingredients panel and nutrition facts label for each food product. This allows you to know what is in the food you are buying even when you are not physically present in the store.

Related Post: The 10 Best Healthy Meal Delivery Services of 2024

Instacart vs. Shipt

Shipt is a major competitor to Instacart, as both services offer same-day grocery delivery from a wide variety of local stores and national chains. Both Instacart and Shipt provide real-time updates every step of the way throughout the grocery shopping experiences, including special requests and last-minute changes. Instacart and Shipt have similar features, yet slightly different membership and pricing options. Instacart has an optional membership that costs $99/year or $9.99/month for unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 and reduced service fees. On the other hand, Shipt requires a membership in order to utilize its features. Shipt’s membership options include paying either $99 annually fee or $10.99 monthly fee ($4.99 monthly fee for students) to obtain free deliveries for all orders. Shipt also offers a 14-day trial for each membership option, so you can try before you buy. If you are interested in trying a grocery delivery service, I recommend trying both Instacart and Shipt to determine which option works better for your lifestyle and location.

Instacart FAQs

Is Instacart worth it?

Instacart is worth it for busy individuals who are too short on time to make it to the store or for those who strongly dislike grocery shopping in person. The convenience factor of online grocery shopping with delivery to your door is unmatched.

Do groceries cost more with Instacart?

Due to the delivery fee and tipping, groceries with Instacart cost slightly more when compared to going to the store yourself. However, due to the convenience factor and the time you save grocery shopping yourself, the extra cost may be worth it for some individuals.

How much should you tip on Instacart?

Based on my personal experience shopping with Instacart, along with reading Instacart reviews, superior service and treatment is often provided to customers who tip more generously. From my personal experience, I recommended paying the extra $2 for priority delivery and tipping 15 percent or greater to ensure premier treatment from your Instacart shopper.

Is Instacart or Doordash better?

In regards to grocery shopping, Instacart is my preferred delivery service due to its expansive and collaborative shopping experience. Doordash is a direct competitor to Instacart that is more frequently used for meal deliveries from local restaurants rather than groceries. Doordash stands apart due to its zero-dollar delivery fee for most grocery retailers.

Will Instacart leave groceries on the porch?

Yes, Instacart will bring your groceries right to your porch and follow any specific guidelines that you specify under “delivery instructions” prior to the shopper’s arrival. If you have a preferred delivery drop-off location, I recommend adding clearly defined delivery instructions, in addition to other vital pieces of information that your shopping may need to access your residence, including apartment numbers and gate codes.

Takeaway: Is Instacart Worth It?

Instacart allows you to have grocery and household essentials delivered right at your doorstep. While Instacart can be a timely and practical alternative to in-person shopping, you may have to be willing to spend extra money due to inflated pricing, delivery and tipping fees. Your Instacart experience may also be highly dependent on your shopper; thus, you are not guaranteed to receive all of your preferred items. Communication with your shopper is key during the shopping experience. If you are willing to pay a potentially higher grocery bill and if you are able to be flexible with your shopping, Instacart is very much worth it due its innovative mobile experience and ability to get the items you need without ever leaving your house.

Prices are accurate and items in stock as of publish time.