Apps Like Instacart (Top Alternatives) App Development

Global inflation has left many feeling financially strained. For those seeking side hustle opportunities, online food and grocery delivery apps like Instacart are among the best options. According to Grand View Research, the global online food delivery market was valued at USD 288.84 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach USD 505.50 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 9.4%.

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But what is Instacart? 

It is a delivery app that delivers grocery delivery services and is also known for delivery gigs. Instacart provides an exceptional opportunity to make quick money on an adaptable delivery schedule. 

Though Instacart has been removing scheduling from the Instacart shopper app, making it difficult for shoppers to make batches safely. According to Gallup’s report, 36% of US workers contribute to gigs for side income. If you are considering an app development like Instacart, investing in a professional mobile app development company is a great strategy. 

This blog includes the 12 best Instacart alternatives to improve your monthly income on an adaptable schedule. 

Let us begin with the basics:

What is Instacart?

Instacart is a grocery delivery service that uses personal shoppers to shop for you and then deliver the groceries to your home. It collaborates with numerous large grocery store chains and offers same-day delivery in several cities. Instacart services are one of the biggest and most widely accessible in North America, offering service to metro areas in all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and all 10 Canadian provinces.

Benefits

• Available across the United States and Canada.
• Collaborates with several large grocery store chains.
• An optional cost-effective Instacart+ subscription is available.
• Same-day delivery available.

Drawbacks

• Currently not available in many rural areas.
• Some might find the service challenging to use.
• Without Instacart+, a delivery and service fee is charged.
• The Instacart price could be expensive compared to those in-store.

Key Features

• Online ordering: Enable users to browse and purchase groceries directly from the app or website.
• Order management: Allows users to adjust, reschedule, or cancel grocery orders easily.
• Live tracking: Let customers see the real-time location of their order and the shopper.
• Food delivery dispatching: Assigns delivery tasks to close shoppers based on availability and location.
• Mobile access: Offers complete functionality of the platform via the Instacart mobile app.
• Delivery tracking: Monitors the progress and expected delivery time of grocery orders.
• All Instacart features: Combines shopping, delivery, real-time updates, and support services in one platform.
• Order tracking: Shows order status from engagement to final delivery.
• Status tracking: Updates the shopper’s actions like “shopping in progress” or “order packed.”
• Real-time monitoring: Tracks all stages of the delivery process.

Apps like Instacart

• Uber Eats

Uber Eats is a well-known Instacart alternative, working in more than 6000 cities across 45 countries. It is the best way to make extra cash on the side. It accounts for 25% of all restaurant delivery orders, so you do not have to face challenges to choose jobs. On average, Uber Eats drivers earn around $12 hourly. If you are willing to ride the high flows of lunch and dinner times, you could also make up to $20 hourly. 

Though if you are already driving for Uber, switching back and forth among rideshare and food delivery becomes simple for you. The app tends to have strong demand, and with advantages like surge pricing and promotions, it’s a great option to make some side cash easily. In fact, most part-time drivers have specified that they’re more than fulfilled with their yearly pay.

Pros

• Uber Eats has a bank account option for weekly transfers.
• It has adaptable hours, so you could work anytime.
• Signing up is quite easy, and you do not need to have any specialized skills.

Cons

• Pay could change based on the time of day, location, and demand.
• Uber Eats drivers are independent contractors, providing no health benefits.
• You would be responsible for handling your own taxes as you are self-employed. 
• Limited grocery options compared to Instacart.

Key Features

• Delivers prepared meals and groceries in selective areas.
• Combines grocery and food delivery in one app.
• Offers rapid, on-demand delivery within 30 minutes.
• Functions in cities on a global level. 

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• Walmart

One of the widely known and excellent Instacart-like apps is Walmart, a convenient app that allows you to earn some wage by delivering groceries, household items, and more directly from Walmart and other retailers to customers’ doorsteps. Using Walmart’s reliable and easy-to-navigate app, get all your favorite low-priced foods delivered or picked up curbside. Given its massive inventory, users could pick from a wide range of products that they want. Additionally, it offers affordable prices, wide accessibility of products, and is a trusted name.  

Spark drivers’ earnings vary based on the number of deliveries, peak hours, and location. On average, they earned around $18 per hour, but depending on local demand, this could increase up to $25 per hour. 

Pros

• Walmart Spark functions in all 50 US states with more than 17,000 pickup points.
• Drivers could earn bonuses for completing a set number of trips.
• Get extra earnings during peak hours.
• No extra fees for orders above $35.
• User-friendly interface for easy ordering.
• Constantly affordable pricing across products.

Cons

• You have to bear the cost of the vehicle’s gas and maintenance.
• Drivers might experience delays at Walmart locations when getting the orders prepared.
• Delivery is not available in all regions.
• An online platform might not show in-store discounts. 

Key Features

• Everyday Low Prices: Enjoy Walmart’s consistently low prices on all your favorite products.

• • Quick Restocking: Easily refill your essentials with saved shopping lists for faster checkout.

• Exclusive Member Benefits: Get free delivery, fuel discounts, and more with Walmart membership perks.

• Mobile Convenience: Shop, track, and manage orders anytime with the Walmart app.

Shipt

Shipt, owned by Target, is an on-demand grocery delivery app like Instacart that offers same-day delivery from well-known chains, including Kroger, Meijer, CVS, and, of course, Target itself. Built with the individual preferences of customers in consideration, the app offers a personalized experience that makes grocery shopping more personal and intuitive. The only difference between Instacart and Shipt is that you are required to schedule your delivery shifts.

Its availability in 5000 cities across the US makes it an excellent side-earning opportunity. With Shipt, the drivers could earn up to $30 each hour, which is quite comparable to Instacart. As per the requirements, your age must be 18 years or older to be eligible for work. 

Pros

• You could create your own delivery schedule.
• Provides several benefits, like insurance and gas savings.
• Shipt provides you with 100% of customer tips.
• Offers real-time shopper communication for tailored service.
• User-friendly app with flexible scheduling.
• Offers same-day delivery in several areas.

Cons

• There is no guarantee for orders when you work.
• A huge part of earnings is based on tips, which are never guaranteed in each order.
• Hourly rates could be low in some areas.
• Membership is required to access complete benefits.
• Service quality could vary based on location and shopper.

Key Features

• Real-Time Communication: Enjoy two-way, real-time messaging between you and your personal shopper.

• Flexible Subscription Plans: Choose from monthly or yearly plans with free delivery benefits included.

• Fast Delivery: Get your groceries and essentials delivered within hours of ordering.

• Personalized Shopping: Chat directly with your shopper to make special requests or changes.

• Wide Store Selection: Shop from both major national chains and trusted local stores.

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DoorDash (DashMart)

Popular for restaurant delivery, DoorDash has expanded into grocery and convenience delivery via its DashMart integration. Customers now enjoy a one-stop shop for groceries, cleaning products, and household essentials. 

DoorDash and apps similar to it have gone above and beyond in food delivery, with increasing revenue and better service. Users could track their orders in real-time and take advantage of deals, discounts, and curated product selections. 

DoorDash’s potential lies in its speed and availability, often providing in under an hour, which is ideal for quick restocks. For busy experts or city dwellers, DoorDash offers a quick, adaptable, and trustworthy grocery option that competes with Instacart’s delivery range. 

Key Features

• Meals and Groceries: Order both restaurant meals and grocery items from one platform.

• Convenience Store Access: Get snacks, groceries, and household essentials from nearby convenience stores.

• Fast On-Demand Delivery: Enjoy quick delivery of your orders right when you need them.

• Live Order Tracking: Track your delivery in real time from the store to your doorstep.

Pros

• Delivers both groceries and food through DashMart.
• Real-time tracking and an easy-to-use app.
• Frequent discounts and promotions.
• Drivers can get 100% of the tips given by the customers.
• Allows you to maximize your earnings with promos, hotspots, and Peak Pay.
• It offers the option to select which orders to accept.

Cons

• Service fees can be charged, making it more costly.
• Delivery times might vary based on demand and location.
• Some deliveries might need you to drive long distances for low pay.
• You might work lunch or dinner shifts since they offer the best earning potential.

Postmates

One of the local delivery apps, like Instacart or DoorDash, and now owned by Uber, Postmates delivers a wide range of products, including fast food, pet supplies, groceries, alcohol, kitchen goods, clothing, and pharmacy products. The average pay rate of Postmates drivers is around $15 to $16 hourly. The company is owned by Uber and covers more than 3,000 cities across the USA.

Postmates’ batch ordering to nearby addresses enables e-bike couriers to make money efficiently. There’s also the ease of no-contact delivery that saves time and improves order efficiency.

Pros

• Operating in numerous cities
• Allows you to sign up with your scooter, bike, or even your feet.
• Integrated with Uber Eats
• Allows you to earn an extra payout bonus for each delivery
• Offers you the ownership to begin working whenever you want.

Cons

• Available only in popular and big cities.
• Hourly rates are slightly lower than the others.
• As a self-employed worker, you’re responsible for your own taxes and insurance.

Key Features

• Subscription Pricing: Postmates Unlimited costs $9.99/month or $99.99/year.
• Delivery Fees: Fees vary by distance and demand; free with Unlimited on orders over $12.
• Service Scope: Order restaurant meals, groceries, and convenience store items all in one place.
• Variable Delivery Fees: Fees rely on distance and demand; small orders under $12 include an extra charge.
• Fast, 24/7 Delivery: Get adaptable, often one-hour delivery anytime, day or night.
• Wide Store Selection: Access groceries, meals, and convenience items from a wide range of stores.

GoPuff

A delivery app like DoorDash allows people to order food, drinks, medications, home supplies, and other household items. Shortly, it is a smaller version of Amazon that emphasizes quick, local deliveries. 

Unlike Instacart, you do not have to shop for groceries. Customers’ orders have already been assembled in the Gopuff warehouse. You only need to pick them up and deliver them. Looking over the pay, the average earning of a driver is $18 per hour. 

Pros

• Offers a simple pickup process for drivers.
• Delivery blocks come with a guaranteed minimum hourly rate.
• Gopuff offers wait pay that ranges from $0.15 to $0.20 each minute. 
• Affordable delivery fee.
• Great for late-night cravings.
• Quick and trustworthy.

Cons

• Operates in selective cities.
• Heavy traffic and bad weather conditions can be a huge challenge. 
• Limited fresh produce.

Key Features

• Flat Delivery Fee: \$1.95 delivery with no order minimum.
• GoPuff Fam Subscription: \$7.99/month for exclusive deals and benefits.
• Fast Delivery: Get orders delivered in 30 minutes in numerous areas.
• Subscription Pricing: GoPuff Fam costs $7.99 monthly for additional savings and perks.
• Delivery Fees: Flat $1.95 per order, granted for GoPuff Fam members.
• Delivery Speed: Orders usually reach within 30 minutes from immediate centers.

Grubhub

Grubhub is one of the longstanding food delivery platforms in the US, like Instacart Shopper. Collaborating with over 365,000 restaurants across more than 4,000 cities, it’s popular for stable orders and consistent demand. As a Grubhub driver, you can set your own schedule by selecting available “blocks” or adding your desired working hours. Usually, drivers can earn $15 to $20 per hour, with the strength to earn even more in busy cities like New York.

While Grubhub’s scheduling system is somewhat less flexible than DoorDash or Uber Eats, many drivers value the ability to plan ahead and enjoy more predictable earnings. The platform offers the least definite pay, ensuring you’re never left without income. It also supports e-bike riders, making it perfect for short-distance deliveries in compact urban areas. With its somewhat higher minimum payouts for most drivers, Grubhub stays a top choice for those looking for reliable gig work.

Pros

• No experience required.
• Easy sign-up without any strict vehicle requirements.
• Offer weekly pay and deliver a quick cash-out option.
• Offers a huge variety of restaurants.
• Offers a user-friendly experience.

Cons

• There is a long waitlist in competitive areas.
• The Grubhub drivers are quite saturated in the Urban areas.
• High standards for order acceptance/shift attendance rates.
• Slow order prep or pickup can reduce deliveries per shift.
• Drivers cover fuel, maintenance, and other vehicle expenses.

Key Features

• Subscription Pricing: Grubhub+ is available for $9.99 per month.
• Order Tracking & Support: Track your orders live and get reliable customer assistance.
• Service Coverage: Order from a wide range of restaurants and local grocery stores.
• Service Scope: Primarily offers restaurant delivery, with limited grocery options.
• Delivery Fees: Costs depend on the order; Grubhub+ members get free delivery on select orders.
• Subscription Pricing: Grubhub+ membership is rated at $9.99 per month.

Peapod

One of the top shopper apps, Peapod, like Instacart, is a user-friendly grocer app that offers several store options to order household essentials and groceries. As a good side income option, the platform offers competitive pricing and regular promotions.

To register, you are required to deliver groceries to customers. The app operates in numerous regions in collaboration with Stop and Shop and Giant Foods.

On average, a Peapod driver could earn somewhere around $20 hourly, relying on the factors including regions, shift availability, and demand. Also, if you are lucky, you could get a good tip to maximize your earnings.

Pros

• Offers an hourly wage, ensuring a stable income.
• More centralized routes surrounding specific store locations and regions.
• Drivers only pick up and deliver orders; no shopping is needed.

Cons

• Does not work nationwide.
• Working long-term is not a good idea.
• Demand for app deliveries might vary, resulting in lower earnings.

Key Features

• Focus: Quality and freshness of groceries and other products
• Subscription: No compulsory subscription; sporadic PodPass for $119/year
• Pricing: Delivery fees start at $6.95, with frequent promotions
• Competitive Pricing: Often matches in-store prices.
• Flexible Delivery: From \$6.95; optional \$119/year PodPass for free delivery.
• Freshness Guaranteed: Carefully selected produce with temperature-controlled delivery.

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Amazon Fresh

Amazon Fresh is one of the leading grocery delivery apps like Instacart, providing a wide selection of fresh produce, pantry staples, and household items. Prime members enjoy free delivery on orders above $35, along with the hustle and reliability of Amazon’s same-day or next-day shipping. Integrated smoothly with your Amazon account, it enables users to order groceries and essentials just like they would any other Amazon purchase. Its direct link with Amazon makes it a popular choice, uniting convenience, variety, and quick service.

For drivers, Amazon Fresh works under Amazon Flex, enabling independent contractors to deliver groceries from Amazon’s fulfillment centers. The work offers exceptional pay, fixed delivery routes, and the advantage of Amazon’s route optimization system for time-effective deliveries. While a car is perfect, e-bikes can also be a great choice for rapid urban drops without parking difficulties. This makes Amazon Fresh attractive not only to customers but also to drivers seeking adaptable, well-paying opportunities.

Pros

• Extensive product selection
• Quick and trustworthy delivery
• Huge variety of items
• Can be combined with Amazon orders

Cons

• User interface complexity
• Competition from third-party sellers
• Available only in select cities
• Asks for an Amazon Prime membership

Key Features

• Product Selection: Fresh food and essentials from Amazon and Whole Foods.
• Delivery Fees: Free for Prime members on orders of above $35, with additional charges for smaller orders.
• Subscription Pricing: Comes with Amazon Prime ($139/year or $14.99/month).
• Membership: Included with Amazon Prime ($139/year or $14.99/month) with free delivery on orders above $35.
• Fast Delivery: Same-day or next-day service with an adaptable two-hour window in several areas.
• Wide Selection: Fresh dairy, meat, pantry staples, household essentials, and more.

Food Fetched

Foodfetched is a platform offering an easy way to earn extra income via food delivery and takeout orders management from immediate restaurants. Similar to Instacart, it offers competitive per-delivery pay with the possibility to improve earnings during peak hours. Usually, drivers can make around \$22 per hour, with extra bonuses and incentives available for hitting delivery goals or working during busy periods. 

Its customer tip incentives are a feature that sets it apart and the one that will maximize your earnings. The service is increasing in limited markets, so check if it’s available in your area. The platform has a rating system in place that rewards high-performing drivers with a wide number of orders, alongside better-paying ones. 

Pros

• Provides the freedom to design your own schedule.
• No robust policies or needs, with an easy onboarding process. 
• Not limited to a particular neighborhood.
• Easy food delivery and takeout options.
• Earning possibilities for restaurant partners and drivers. 

Cons

• Technical glitches could oftentimes cause unnecessary delays. 
• Traffic and bad weather can become a challenge.
• Restricted to food delivery services.
• Competitiveness in the food delivery industry.

Key Features

• Order Management: Accept/reject requests, handle multiple orders, update statuses.
• Route Optimization: GPS offers the fastest delivery routes.
• Status Updates: Mark orders as picked up, out for delivery, or delivered.
• Earnings Tracking: Track earnings, payments, and commissions.
• Profile Management: Personalize and verify the driver profile.
• Delivery History: View past deliveries and payments.
• In-App Chat: Engage with customers and restaurants.
• Availability: Go online/offline to set working hours.
• Proof of Delivery: Capture photos, scan barcodes, or collect signatures.
• ID Scanning: Confirm customer age when needed.

Mercato

One of the well-known alternatives to Instacart, this delivery app is a great option for gig work. By collaborating with independent grocery stores and specialty shops across the US, it offers customers high-quality local products. Its merchant network spans over 38 states and 320 cities, including Los Angeles, Boston, New York City, Chicago, and Philadelphia.

Based on the online sources, the average pay of a Mercato driver ranges from $16-$20 per hour. It can also vary based on the area in which they reside and the number of tips received. 

With an aim to support small grocers and get specialty items, this app could be a great option for artisan foods and local goods you can’t find in big chains.

Pros

• Supports small businesses
• Huge variety of local and organic items
• Nationwide delivery options
• A great app for earning extra income
• Delivery zones tend to be smaller due to working with the local grocery stores.
• Less competitive among riders compared to other platforms.

Cons

• Availability varies by location
• Prices could be higher than those of chains
• Order fluctuations could influence your daily earnings.
• Delivering groceries could be physically demanding. 

Key Features

• Delivery/Pickup: Same-day and scheduled delivery
• Subscription: Optional membership with perks
• Store Selection: Emphasizes autonomous grocers, butchers, and specialty shops
• Fair Pricing: Visible rates with no hidden fees.
• Flexible Delivery: Same-day or scheduled to fit your demands.
• Membership Perks: Plans with discounts and free delivery.

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Lyft

A great Uber alternative and an app like Instacart, it’s a good option to earn money via taxi services. It is an adaptable option, enabling you to work on your own schedule and drive any time you want. To start with, you only have to open the app and press the ‘Go Online’ button. 

On average, a Lyft driver’s hourly rate is around $15. Currently, Lyft ridesharing service is available in 656 cities across Canada and the US. 

It works over a powerful driver network to offer quick and trustworthy service. Though known for its integration with popular grocery stores, with no subscription for delivery, it allows users to order casually anytime they want. 

Pros

• Offers several incentives for drivers to increase their income.
• Becoming a Lyft driver is comparatively straightforward. 
• Offers ‘Express Pay’, which helps you cash out earnings quickly.
• Offers a flexible work schedule.
• Opportunity to earn money.

Cons

• Being an independent contractor allows you to have no access to employment perks. 
• You might face a lot of wear and tear issues with your vehicle.
• Ridesharing driving services might pose security risks. 
• Competition with other drivers.
• Income varies with customer needs.

Key Features

• Affordable Fees: Delivery from \$3.99 based on order size and distance.
• Real-Time Tracking: Track your order live on the map.
• Flexible Delivery: Same-day or scheduled at your convenience.
• Fair Pricing: Transparent rates with no hidden fees.
• Flexible Delivery: Same-day or scheduled to fit your needs.
• Membership Perks: Plans with discounts and free delivery.

Is the Instacart app still popular?

Instacart, with a staff of 10,000 workers, is among the major online grocery delivery services in the United States. In 2021, its valuation was $39 billion, but it has fallen to $24 billion in 2022. Instacart boasts almost 10 million regular users and over 600,000 Instacart Shoppers.

Instacart’s success comes from its strong partnerships with retailers like Costco, Albertsons, Safeway, Aldi, and more, providing customers with access to a wide range of groceries, from budget-friendly essentials to premium products, all in one place. Instacart can meet several customer needs, whether they are seeking basic household items or exclusive specialty foods.

Conclusion

Grocery delivery apps like Instacart have completely changed the way we shop, letting you get everything you need delivered straight to your doorstep with just a few taps. With plenty of options available, you can pick a service that matches your budget, location, and schedule. Whether you want the cheapest delivery fees, the quickest turnaround, or access to unique local items, these platforms are constantly improving to make grocery shopping easier, more affordable, and tailored to your needs.

Progatix is the go-to partner for businesses looking to launch or grow in the grocery delivery and eCommerce space. They specialize in building high-performance, easy-to-use apps that make operations smoother, boost customer satisfaction, and help brands scale fast. With features like advanced order tracking and secure payment systems, their tailored solutions give you the edge to compete with big names like Instacart, offering quality, innovation, and reliability all in one.

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Author: Progatix

Progatix, a well-known software development company, has been delivering innovative digital consultancy services & custom software solutions encouraging business growth since 2003. Our remarkable solutions involve strategic digital consultancy, legacy system migration, DevOps, and stellar testing services.

Reviewed By: Progatix

Progatix, a well-known software development company, has been delivering innovative digital consultancy services & custom software solutions encouraging business growth since 2003. Our remarkable solutions involve strategic digital consultancy, legacy system migration, DevOps, and stellar testing services.