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We’ve all gone to the store tired and hungry, only to end up mindlessly eating a bag of Keebler Double Fudge cookies in the car, having spent an extra $40 on snacks that definitely weren’t on the list. Or even worse, getting home only to realize that you’ve managed to pick up everything EXCEPT for what you went to the store for in the first place. Add kids into the equation and that last-minute stop for toilet paper becomes an obstacle course of temptation and potential meltdowns. Whether it’s the last stop after an already long day, or a major fixture of your weekend, grocery shopping can be a surprising drain on your time and energy. It’s no wonder so many people are turning to Instacart.
With thousands of daily downloads, Instacart has become the standard for grocery delivery, but it’s far from perfect. The quality of the experience can vary dramatically based on who your shopper is, the cost of delivery is subject to rush pricing, and with a 20% tip, the cost can quickly add up. From consistent service to more small local grocery options, this list of Instacart alternatives in Seattle has something for everyone.
Amazon Fresh
Chances are, if you have Amazon Prime, you’ve at least dabbled with Amazon Fresh. The familiarity of the interface, two-hour delivery window, and ability to add what you want without worrying about substitutions make it one of the more obvious options on this list. You can also collaborate on a grocery list or cart within Amazon, which can make it a particularly appealing option for families.
Deliveries are put together by Amazon employees rather than a third-party shopper, then delivered by one of Amazon’s fleet of drivers. If you find yourself picking up the same thing each week, subscribing lets you save a little bit on your purchases. While Amazon Fresh doesn’t require a subscription to use, service and delivery fees are reduced or even waived for Prime members depending on the size of your order.
Like many Amazon services, however, packaging can be excessive, with a small order split between multiple bags. It’s also easy to end up ordering from different departments in Amazon without meaning to, which can result in multiple deliveries (and fees). Amazon also doesn’t provide any kind of insulated packaging for its deliveries.
Mercato
If you’re interested in getting more of your food from local grocers or your weekly staples go beyond what you can find at a standard box store, check out Mercato. This online marketplace lets you browse cultural stores and independent grocers (along with some of the bigger stores) in your area, then partners with Grubhub drivers for deliveries.
Shopping at just one store is time-consuming enough, but add in a trip to the butcher for a fresh cut of meat, or a detour to the Asian market, and it can quickly eat up a whole day. Mercato lets you buy from multiple local stores with a single checkout.
You don’t have to subscribe to try Mercato, but if it’s something you would use often, you can sign up for Mercato Green to receive free delivery. Mercato also works with food assistance programs and health care providers to create nutrition plans that meet dietary and cultural needs.
While Mercato’s orders are put together by the stores they partner with, you’re still reliant on gig delivery drivers. This can mean the quality of items in your order is higher, but you’re still vulnerable to the same issues as Instacart like missed delivery windows and unexpectedly canceled orders.
Smith Brothers
Smith Brothers has been delivering milk around the Seattle area for over 100 years now, but they’ve expanded their services to include grocery staples, including brands like Alki Bakery, Cafe Vita, and Carlton Farms. Smith Brothers provides fresh milk and dairy products, local eggs, and even fresh roasted coffee. They focus heavily on sticking to Seattle and Portland options when they can, while filling in gaps with national options.
Your order is put together once a week and delivered on a consistent route, which makes it easy to plan around. Each order is packed in a metal, insulated box with ice, so you can go about your day as normal, confident your food will still be cool and fresh when you get home.
Delivery is free as long as you hit the minimum order of about $20, with no need to tip, no surge pricing, and no worry your order will be canceled unexpectedly. You can also run your orders on repeat, with the option to add items on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, or include them as a one-time purchase only.
Smith Brothers does have limited options for produce, however, and a very minimal pantry section, which means you may find yourself needing to supplement your box with an occasional grocery or farmers market trip. While the pricing is pretty similar to a nice grocery store, the cost can become an issue if you’re on a strict budget and need to get the most out of each dollar.
Milk Run
Milk Run is a grocery subscription service that brings food from local farms and artisans to your door. You can choose from a variety of curated boxes, from produce- or meat-focused boxes to more general staples. You also have the option of adding individual items like fresh milk and eggs to your order.
Milk Run’s focus is less on replacing your trip to the grocery store and more on introducing you to healthy and delicious food grown or made in your area. Its basic staples box includes fresh produce, eggs, and bread, with the option to include either beef or chicken. The boxes also come with information about the farms and recipe ideas, which can make it a fun option for adventurous eaters or anyone who feels like they’ve been stuck in a food rut.
The subscription/curated box model isn’t as flexible as putting together your own order, however. You’ll still need to venture out for pantry staples like beans, rice, or any kind of spices. But if you’re the kind of person who loves picking up the vast majority of your food at the farmers market when they’re in season, this could be a good option for the fall and winter.
Best Instacart Alternatives
While Instacart has normalized grocery delivery, it is not the only option. All of these services free up time and energy, but some of them also provide higher-quality, fresher options than you would find at a normal grocery store. Whether you’re intrigued by the possibilities of a curated subscription service like Milk Run, want something quick like Amazon Fresh, want to combine multiple orders in one like Mercato, or are drawn to the dependability and quality of Smith Brothers, grocery delivery makes it easy to explore options beyond the familiar big box stores.
