20 Best Cheap Online Grocery Shopping Stores (in 2023)

The paradigm shift to online grocery shopping has been evident in the year 2023, with the rising preference for convenience, variety, and crucially, opportunities to save.

Amidst the array of online platforms, finding the best cheap online grocery stores can be a challenge.

This article provides an in-depth guide to the 20 top budget-friendly stores that are shaping the online grocery market landscape.

Benefits of Online Grocery Shopping

Online grocery shopping has become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason.

The numerous advantages it presents over traditional in-store shopping are transforming the way consumers approach grocery shopping.

Here, we explore some key benefits.

Convenience

One of the significant benefits of online grocery shopping is the convenience it offers.

Instead of heading to a physical store, battling traffic, and meandering through aisles, you can simply shop from the comfort of your home.

This is a blessing especially for those with busy schedules or those who find it difficult to physically go to the store.

Time-Saving

Not only does online shopping eliminate travel time, but it also makes the shopping process quicker.

You can simply search for the items you need, add them to your cart, and check out.

This quick process can save a significant amount of time compared to traditional in-store shopping.

Variety

Online grocery stores often have a wider range of products than brick-and-mortar stores.

You can find different brands, sizes, and flavors that you might not find in your local grocery store.

This variety allows you to explore and find the products that best suit your needs and preferences.

Hard-to-Find and Specialty Items

If you’re looking for a rare ingredient, a specific brand, or a product catering to special dietary needs (like gluten-free or vegan options), you’re more likely to find it online.

Online stores cater to a broad customer base and therefore carry a wider selection of specialty items.

Price Comparison

Online grocery shopping allows for easy price comparison across different brands and stores.

This feature can help you find the best deals and save money.

Some platforms even offer a price comparison tool, making the process even easier.

Home Delivery

Nothing beats the convenience of having your groceries delivered straight to your doorstep.

Online grocery shopping eliminates the hassle of carrying heavy bags and offers the joy of receiving your groceries at home.

This can be particularly advantageous for the elderly, those with mobility issues, or anyone who wants to avoid the crowds at the store.

Potential for Savings

Contrary to the belief that online shopping can be more expensive, there are numerous ways to save money.

From digital coupons to bulk deals and membership discounts, there are many opportunities for savvy shoppers to maximize their savings online.

The 20 Best Budget-Friendly Online Grocery Stores in 2023

After carefully evaluating pricing, quality, delivery options, and customer service, we’ve compiled a list of the top 20 online grocery stores offering superb value in 2023.

Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh excels in the online grocery market through its extensive product range, competitive pricing, and swift delivery.

Seamlessly integrated with the wider Amazon ecosystem, it serves as a one-stop shopping destination.

From pantry staples to electronics, Amazon Fresh facilitates all your shopping needs in a single, user-friendly platform.

Walmart Grocery

Walmart Grocery brings Walmart’s promise of everyday low prices to the online grocery shopping scene.

By offering both home delivery and free store pickup options, they ensure maximum convenience for their customers.

The ‘Rollback’ feature, updated regularly, highlights a selection of discounted items, providing customers with opportunities for substantial savings.

Instacart

Instacart stands out in the online grocery market with its provision for same-day deliveries from multiple local stores, including household names like Costco, Aldi, and Kroger.

Despite a delivery fee, the level of convenience and the time savings make it a popular choice among many shoppers.

Aldi via Instacart

Aldi, known for its budget-friendly approach, extends its value proposition to the online space via a partnership with Instacart.

This collaboration enables shoppers to enjoy Aldi’s low-priced, high-quality groceries with the added convenience of same-day delivery, enhancing the overall shopping experience.

FreshDirect

FreshDirect is celebrated for its commitment to fresh produce and high-quality meat and seafood.

They maintain competitive prices and offer convenient delivery slots.

Their focus on quality, matched with the convenience of online shopping, has made them a favorite among households that value both quality and convenience.

Boxed

Boxed brings the concept of warehouse shopping clubs online, offering bulk-sized deals without the need for membership fees.

Perfect for large households looking to economize, Boxed allows customers to save significantly on their grocery bills through bulk purchases.

Shipt

Shipt stands out with its same-day delivery service from local supermarkets and drugstores.

The platform charges an annual membership fee, but the convenience it offers, coupled with weekly sales, makes it worth considering.

Google Express

Google Express partners with a variety of local and national retailers, including Target and Best Buy.

The platform combines Google’s strong search functionality with competitive prices and quick delivery times.

Peapod

Peapod offers a full range of groceries from popular brands and allows customers to shop by history, simplifying repeat purchases.

Their special offers section presents great deals, and delivery discounts are often available.

Jet

Jet, a subsidiary of Walmart, combines a broad selection with smart pricing that adjusts in real time based on basket content and available savings options.

They also offer a variety of deals and discounts.

Thrive Market

Thrive Market is a membership-based online store that offers natural and organic products at reduced prices.

Despite the membership fee, the consistent savings on high-quality products can make the cost worthwhile for many shoppers.

Costco Grocery

Costco members can now enjoy their favorite warehouse club’s savings online.

Costco Grocery offers two-day nationwide shipping for non-perishable items, and same-day delivery for a wider range of groceries through Instacart.

Safeway

Safeway, a well-established name in the grocery world, extends its superb service to the online realm.

Their e-commerce platform presents a broad range of products in an easy-to-navigate format.

Customers can take advantage of regular sales and ‘Just for U’ personalized deals, which offer significant discounts on popular items.

Target Same Day Delivery

Target’s Same Day Delivery, powered by Shipt, offers the convenience of quick deliveries while enabling shoppers to enjoy a wide array of Target products.

Although the service requires a Shipt membership, the convenience and speed of delivery, combined with access to Target’s extensive product lineup, make it a compelling choice for many customers.

HEB

HEB, based in Texas, brings its high-quality grocery offerings online with options for home delivery and curbside pickup.

Shoppers appreciate the quality of their store brand products, often comparing them favorably with national brands.

Plus, their easy-to-use platform makes online grocery shopping a breeze, enhancing the overall customer experience.

Publix Delivery & Curbside Pickup

As the largest employee-owned grocery chain in the US, Publix extends its quality and service to the digital domain through a partnership with Instacart.

Their e-commerce platform showcases a plethora of high-quality products, and their exceptional customer service is a defining characteristic.

Known for their exciting “BOGO” (Buy One, Get One) deals, Publix makes online grocery shopping not only convenient but also budget-friendly.

Vitacost

Vitacost, an online retailer specializing in health foods, supplements, and personal care products, provides a unique proposition for those committed to a healthy lifestyle.

They offer an extensive selection of organic and gluten-free products, catering to various dietary needs and preferences.

With frequent sales offering items at prices lower than traditional grocery stores, Vitacost is a go-to destination for affordable health and wellness products.

ShopFoodEx

ShopFoodEx serves as a distinctive online grocery platform that specializes in hard-to-find and specialty items.

Catering to niche demands and preferences, ShopFoodEx boasts a broad selection of unique items.

They offer nationwide shipping across the US and cater to APO/FPO addresses, making it an ideal shopping destination for those in search of specific products.

Grocery Outlet

Grocery Outlet distinguishes itself as an online supermarket through its ‘WOW’ deals, which provide significant discounts on a wide range of products.

Their ‘NOSH’ section – standing for Natural, Organic, Specialty, and Healthy items – offers a curated selection of products at reduced prices, allowing customers to shop healthily without stretching their wallets.

NetGrocer

NetGrocer is an online grocery platform that sets itself apart by delivering a comprehensive range of products nationwide, including frozen foods.

This wider offering, rare in many online grocery platforms, coupled with their ability to cater to APO/FPO addresses, makes NetGrocer a highly convenient and versatile online grocery shopping choice.

Tips on Maximizing Savings while Shopping Online

Navigating the world of online grocery shopping provides the comfort of shopping from home and opens the door to greater savings.

This section aims to provide insights on how you can optimize your online grocery shopping experience while keeping your budget intact.

Compare Prices for the Best Deals

One of the standout benefits of online shopping is the ability to compare prices across different platforms effortlessly.

Utilize Online Comparison Tools

Many online tools and applications allow you to compare prices across different online grocery stores quickly.

These tools can give you a snapshot of where to find your desired items at the lowest prices.

Some online grocery platforms even include a built-in price comparison feature, adding to the convenience.

Harness Coupons and Discounts

Almost every online grocery platform offers a variety of discounts, deals, and promotions. Making effective use of these can lead to significant savings.

Hunt for Online Coupons

Before finalizing your purchase, it’s wise to do a quick search for any available coupons for the online grocery store of your choice.

Numerous websites and apps are dedicated to providing coupon codes for online shoppers.

Additionally, some stores offer digital coupons that you can directly apply to your purchase for instant savings.

Subscribe to Newsletters

Signing up for newsletters from your favorite online grocery stores is a great idea.

Most stores send exclusive deals, discount codes, or information about upcoming sales to their subscribers.

Being on these mailing lists ensures you’re always in the loop about potential savings opportunities.

Buy in Bulk for Non-Perishables and Frequent-Use Items

Bulk buying is a tried-and-true strategy for saving money, applicable to online grocery shopping as well.

Economize with Non-Perishables

Non-perishable items, such as canned goods, dry pasta, or toiletries, can be bought in larger quantities for less.

These items have a long shelf life, so you can take advantage of lower bulk prices without worrying about waste.

Bulk Purchase Frequently-Used Items

Even some perishable items can be bought in bulk if you use them frequently.

For instance, if you consume a particular fruit, vegetable, or dairy product regularly, buying it in bulk could be more cost-effective.

Plan Your Meals

Meal planning is an excellent strategy for saving money, reducing food waste, and enhancing shopping efficiency.

Avoid Impulse Purchases

Planning your meals for the week helps you create a precise shopping list, reducing the likelihood of impulse purchases.

This means you only buy what you need, which can lead to significant savings and minimized food waste.

Efficiently Utilize Ingredients

Meal planning helps you create dishes around the same set of ingredients, ensuring they are fully utilized, and nothing goes to waste.

If you buy a large bag of spinach, for instance, you can plan several meals around it, such as a spinach salad, spinach soup, or spinach-stuffed sandwich.

Wrap Up

Online grocery shopping in 2023 is not only about convenience but also about finding the best deals out there.

With these 20 budget-friendly online grocery stores, you can enjoy a variety of options, quality goods, and significant savings.

Remember, the best store for you depends on your individual needs, preferences, and location.

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