Grocery shopping in the digital age has never been easier, thanks to services like Instacart. Whether you’re a busy parent, a student with a packed schedule, or just someone who values convenience, Instacart brings groceries from your favorite stores straight to your door. But while the convenience is undeniable, many wonder: Can you actually save money using Instacart?
The answer is yes — if you know how.
Here’s a detailed guide packed with smart strategies to help you stretch your grocery budget while still enjoying the perks of Instacart.
1. Take Advantage of Instacart Coupons and Promotions
Instacart regularly offers coupons and promotions that are easy to apply at checkout. These digital coupons are automatically applied when you add eligible items to your cart. To maximize your savings:
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Browse the “Deals” section in the app before you start shopping.
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Look for “Buy One, Get One Free” (BOGO) deals.
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Use the “Today’s Deals” feature — it’s often updated daily.
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Stack manufacturer coupons (yes, some brands offer digital versions right on Instacart!).
Pro Tip: Check for new-user promotions if you’re just signing up. You might score free delivery or discounts on your first order.
2. Compare Prices Across Stores
One of Instacart’s hidden gems is its ability to let you shop from multiple stores. Prices can vary greatly depending on where you shop, and some stores on Instacart don’t mark up prices at all!
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Use the app to compare prices of staples (like milk, eggs, bread) across your local grocery stores.
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Discount grocers like Aldi often have lower prices than premium chains.
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Avoid convenience stores for regular groceries — they tend to have the steepest markups.
Bonus Tip: Instacart sometimes flags stores with a “lower prices” badge, helping you spot affordable options quickly.
3. Subscribe to Instacart+ (But Only If It Makes Sense)
Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express) offers free delivery on orders over a certain amount, plus reduced service fees.
If you shop weekly or more, the annual or monthly fee can pay for itself. Here’s when it makes sense:
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You place frequent orders (at least 2–3 times per month).
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You prefer bulk shopping and bigger orders.
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You want to share your account with family members (Instacart+ allows account sharing!).
Caution: If you’re an occasional user, stick with the free version and time your orders to avoid delivery fees.
4. Plan Your Orders to Avoid Small Order Fees
Instacart charges a small order fee (usually around $2) if your order doesn’t meet the minimum (typically $35). To dodge this fee:
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Plan meals ahead of time and build a full cart before checking out.
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Stock up on pantry staples, frozen foods, or household items to hit the threshold.
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Combine orders with friends, family, or neighbors for one big shop.
5. Be Smart with Delivery Timing
Flexible delivery windows are often cheaper. Instacart sometimes charges less if you choose:
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Longer delivery windows instead of short, rush deliveries.
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Off-peak times (early mornings or late evenings) for lower fees.
Insider Tip: If you’re not in a rush, look for “priority delivery” deals — occasionally, stores run promotions with reduced or waived delivery fees during specific times.
6. Use Cashback and Rewards Apps
You can stack savings by using cashback apps or credit card rewards with Instacart purchases:
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Link your Instacart account to apps like Rakuten or Ibotta for cash back.
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Pay with a credit card that offers bonus points for grocery purchases.
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Some banks and cards run special promotions with Instacart — keep an eye on your cardholder offers!
7. Avoid Impulse Buys (It’s Easier Than You Think!)
One underrated perk of Instacart? It helps prevent impulse buys.
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Without flashy in-store displays or tempting end caps, you’re less likely to throw extra snacks in your cart.
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Stick to your list! Pre-planning your groceries means fewer spontaneous (and costly) add-ons.
Bonus Tip: Shop with a meal plan in mind. Organized shopping not only cuts costs but reduces food waste.
8. Buy Store Brands
Most major grocery chains on Instacart offer their own budget-friendly store brands. Think:
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Good & Gather (Target)
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Simply Nature or Clancy’s (Aldi)
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Kirkland Signature (Costco — if available through Instacart in your area)
These often cost significantly less than national brands and are just as good in quality.
9. Watch Out for Service Fees and Adjust Tips Manually
By default, Instacart adds service fees and auto-suggests a tip.
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The service fee is different from the delivery fee — always review it at checkout.
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Tips are crucial for supporting your shopper, but you can adjust the amount based on the size and complexity of your order. Consider tipping generously for excellent service!
10. Use Grocery Lists and Stick to a Budget
Finally, treat Instacart like an in-store trip:
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Use the app’s grocery list feature to stay organized.
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Set a budget and track your cart total in real-time to avoid surprises at checkout.
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Skip repeat purchases of items you don’t need (Instacart sometimes “nudges” you to reorder).
Final Thoughts: Yes, You Can Save Money with Instacart!
While Instacart is undeniably convenient, it can also be budget-friendly with the right strategies. By leveraging coupons, comparing prices, shopping smart, and avoiding fees, you’ll make the most of your grocery dollars — all without stepping foot in the store.
So next time you’re filling your virtual cart, keep these tips in mind and enjoy the balance of convenience and savings!
P.S. Want even more savings? Sign up for your favorite grocery store’s loyalty program and connect it to Instacart for extra deals!
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