The best places to buy groceries online

• Shopping for groceries online can be a convenient way to save time and ensure you can get the food you need.
• Our top pick is Instacart because it allows you to "visit" your local grocery store, is available in most of the country, and doesn't require a membership fee to shop, though there are delivery and service fees to consider.
• Due to the novel coronavirus, many online grocery delivery services were previously experiencing delays fulfilling and shipping orders, as well as low inventory for household essentials, cleaning supplies, and shelf-stable pantry items. Some operations are back to normal, but be sure to keep those factors in mind if you're putting in an order.
• Many online grocery delivery services have also updated their policies to reduce social interactions, support the shopper community, and more.
• Read more: I use Instacart and Amazon Subscribe & Save instead of shopping at actual grocery stores — they've saved me so much time and money

Shopping for groceries is a polarizing chore. Some love weaving through the aisles, letting inspiration strike as they discover new ingredients. Others, like myself, prefer to go in with a list, grab what I need, and get out as fast as I can. In fact, if I can avoid going to the grocery store altogether, I will.

When my partner and I moved to a neighborhood where the grocery store options were limited, we switched to an online grocery service and were able to get everything we needed and more without having to leave our apartment.

Online grocery shopping is an incredibly convenient way to get the food you need while avoiding crowded aisles and rogue shopping carts dinging your car in the parking lot. Though it's not for those who want to pick the perfect tomato or get the double coupon discount on their pasta purchase, if you're willing to relinquish that control, shopping for your groceries online is a great way to go.

Of course, you should expect to pay a bit extra for the convenience. Most online grocery stores and delivery programs come with subscription costs, delivery fees, and the option to tip your shopper or driver — which we suggest you do. Some services have steeper fees than others.

In our guide to the best online grocery stores, we'll break down all the additional costs, how the service works, and more, to ensure the sustenance you need arrives unharmed and in a timely manner.

• Best for shopping local: Instacart
• Best for bulk items: Boxed
• Best for a budget: Walmart
• Best for Amazon Prime members: Amazon Fresh

Prices and links are accurate as of July 2, 2o20. We've also updated any information about delays and added meal kit delivery services as an alternate option to consider if there's low stock or delivery windows.