Let’s be honest – your day is already full before it even starts. Between work schedules, school pickups, after-school activities, and the never-ending list of household chores, there’s a lot you’re juggling. Add decision fatigue into the mix, and even simple tasks can feel exhausting by afternoon.
Grocery shopping is one of those tasks that sounds manageable on paper but eats up far more time than most people realize. Once you factor in driving, navigating a crowded store, waiting in checkout lines, and unloading everything at home, what seemed like a “quick errand” can easily become a two-hour ordeal.
Grocery delivery is changing that for a lot of moms – and the benefits go well beyond just convenience.
The Hidden Time Cost of Grocery Shopping
Here’s what a typical grocery trip actually looks like when you break it down:
- Driving to the store: 10-15 minutes each way
- Shopping: 30-60 minutes
- Checkout lines: 5-15 minutes
- Unloading at home: 10-15 minutes
A single trip can easily consume 1-2 hours of your day, time that could be spent on something (or someone) that matters more.
“If you shop twice a week, that’s potentially 8-16 hours every month spent on groceries alone.”
When you see it laid out like that, it’s hard to argue that grocery delivery isn’t worth exploring.
Less Impulse Spending
Here’s a benefit many moms don’t expect: grocery delivery can actually save you money.
When you shop in person, you’re surrounded by temptation at every turn – promotional displays, seasonal decorations, random snack items, and clearance bins that seem impossible to walk past. Online, you’re searching for what you need instead of wandering past hundreds of extra items. You’re far less likely to add things to your cart that weren’t on your list to begin with.
Over time, those small savings add up and often offset delivery fees entirely.
It Reduces Decision Fatigue
Research suggests that the average person makes thousands of decisions every single day. For moms, that number feels even higher. By the time dinner rolls around, the mental energy needed to figure out what to buy, what’s already at home, and what the family will actually eat can feel overwhelming.
Grocery delivery helps ease that load:
- Previous orders can be reordered with a few taps
- Favorite items are saved and easy to find again
- Shopping lists are simpler to maintain and share
Spending less mental energy remembering what everyone needs means more energy for everything else on your plate.
No More Dragging Tired Kids Through the Store
If you’ve ever tried to grocery shop with small children, you already know. The meltdowns in the cereal aisle. The requests for every toy and candy in sight. The complaints about being bored after five minutes. The mental gymnastics of trying to keep your focus on your list while simultaneously keeping everyone occupied and calm.
Ordering groceries from home eliminates all of that. You can place your order after bedtime, during nap time, or at any time that works for you – without an audience. It’s a small shift that makes a surprisingly big difference in your stress levels.
Easier Meal Planning
Most grocery apps are built with convenience in mind, and that extends to meal planning. Many platforms allow you to:
- Save lists by meal or week
- Build weekly meal plans directly in the app
- Add ingredients to your cart quickly from saved recipes
- Schedule deliveries around your routine
When you’re not scrambling to figure out what’s in the fridge at 5 p.m., you’re less likely to default to last-minute takeout. That’s a win for both your budget and your family’s meals.
For more ideas on keeping dinner simple, check out:
Easy Dinner Ideas When You’re Tired of Chicken
Easy Meal Prep Products for Busy Moms
It Helps During Busy Seasons
Life doesn’t slow down – it just changes what it’s throwing at you. Grocery delivery can be especially valuable during:
- Back-to-school season, when schedules are in chaos
- The holidays, when your to-do list doubles overnight
- Summer break, when the kids are home and underfoot all day
- Sick days, when leaving the house isn’t an option
- Weeks with heavy work deadlines and zero spare time
Having delivery as a tool in your routine means you’re not scrambling when life gets overwhelming. It’s one less thing to worry about during the moments when you can least afford another stressor.
The Best Grocery Delivery Services for Moms
Not sure where to start? Here’s a quick look at a few popular options:
- Instacart: Works with many local grocery stores; great for same-day delivery
- Walmart Grocery: Competitive pricing with free delivery for Walmart+ members
- Amazon Fresh: Convenient if you’re already an Amazon Prime member
Each service has its own fee structure and store options, so it’s worth trying one or two to see what fits your area and shopping habits best. A full comparison is worth its own post.
Is Grocery Delivery Worth the Cost?
It’s a fair question. Delivery fees and tips can add up, and for families on a tight budget, every dollar counts. But here’s how to think about it:
“If grocery delivery saves two hours and reduces stress every week, many moms find the convenience fee well worth it.”
Your time has real value. Two hours a week adds up to over 100 hours a year – time you could spend with your kids, working on something you love, or simply resting. When you factor in less impulse spending at the store, the cost difference often narrows more than you’d expect.
Final Thoughts
Grocery delivery isn’t about being lazy. It’s about using the tools available to make family life more manageable. For busy moms juggling work, kids, and household responsibilities, getting groceries delivered can free up valuable time and take one more source of daily stress off your plate.
If you haven’t tried it yet, it’s worth a test run. You might be surprised how much lighter your week feels.
Thanks for this detailed comparison! I’ve been curious about trying both Instacart and Walmart delivery options, and your insights really helped me understand the pros and cons, especially around pricing and substitutions. I also appreciate the tips on cashback apps like Rakuten and Ibotta — every little bit helps when grocery shopping for a family! Sticking with Walmart Pickup sounds smart if you want to save money without sacrificing convenience. Looking forward to trying some of your hacks to keep my grocery budget in check!
Great post, Victoria! Your comparison of Instacart and Walmart Pickup is really insightful. I hadn’t realized the price differences and will definitely check out the cashback apps you mentioned. Thanks for the practical tips!
Great comparison! Walmart’s pricing and pickup convenience make it a winner for me too. Instacart is handy for emergencies, but Walmart helps keep grocery costs in check!
I use Instacart, but you told me some things I need to consider. I like Aldi and that’s the only service that I know that delivers from Aldi.
I wish we had delivery service where I am. We have to do the pick-up because no one comes out this far.
I have never used a grocery service before. It sounds like it would be convenient, but there are also these pros and cons to consider.
Very often I really need a delivery option like this! Thanks for these important details!
I haven’t tried any grocery delivery for me. I have gotten it for my mom in another state though.
I’ve had a pleasant experience with Instacart, however, I prefer going to the store myself and grabbing what I need.
I use walmart grocery pick up all the time. It saves me so much time and energy as a single mom. plus, with chronic pain bringing them inside and putting them away is hard enough.
Doordash is no longer fulfilling walmart delivery orders. There is another company doing it.
Oh wow, looks like I’m behind regarding DoorDash. I just did a grocery delivery order for them a few weeks ago and it was delivered by Doordash. Thanks for the update though.
It seems like sticking with walmart is the better choice!
I think I should really try this one! How ever Instacart should improve their website more to be a user-friendly website. Thanks for sharing your feedback.
Thanks for offering a comparison, and sharing your experience.
I am sure this would be helpful with a busy schedule! There’s a lot of positive and negatives towards having food delivered.
I enjoy shopping in the store. I used Instacart in 2020 and I so agree.
I honestly have never tried it. I prefer to go on my own. I actually like grocery shopping. I’m sorry it didn’t work well for you!
I would never allow someone to touch my food.
You couldn’t pay me’ to have someone shop for me.
Did they wash after the bathroom?
Are they sick? Is it transmitted?
Are they just pissed off for whatever reason and decide the food that just dropped, can be put back in the cart? You don’t know. I’ve had bags drop and lunch meat fall out.
Is the food fresh? Does it look fresh?
Who is touching my tomatoes? My kale to bag it?
Is this person pissed off about their life and spits in my food? Doesn’t happen? Oh yes it does. Google it. Is there ever a good enough reason for a maniac to do it? No -but do they? Yep!
No! Way!
Everyone picks up their food.
Has meals prepared and shipped. Etc etc..
The thought of that is terrifying enough, add in the cost… Um NO, I’ll pass thank you very much.
Especially where my family is concerned.
Or has it delivered via shoppers.
Pricing… Um what do you expect? You’re gonna pay, in some cases, dearly. Like your experience here.
Do you think these people care about you?
Like you care about you, and your family? No, they don’t.
Not to say they are all that way, not at all.
Could some be? Absolutely! Are they gonna admit it? No way.
Not sure what would happen if bad things ever happened really bad in this country. People can’t even shop, and cook anymore?
Really? Life is THAT busy?
Mine is too. My families is too. However, we’d never allow anyone to do any of that and feel good eating it.
If you do, you really can’t complain.
My truth may seem harsh, but if you think about it, honesty, you’ll conclude, it’s not farfetched.
I’ll stay with it the way my grand mama did, my mama did it, I’ll do it, my own kids are doing it, and hopefully my grand daughters or sons will do it.
Anything to easy to get, is never really as good, as the hard work put in, to get it.
Really can’t lay blame at anyone else when it doesn’t go as you think it should.
This made me laugh out loud.. The things you complained about were ridiculous. She chose items for you because you never chose replacement items yourself. I laughed and read out loud everything you complained about and my whole family just laughed along with me. You are the definition of a Karen my friend. Feel bad for any retail person that has to deal with you.
Thanks for your feedback. Please keep in mind this review was originally published several years ago when they probably didn’t have all of the kinks worked out as they may, or may not, have improved now.
I have worked as an Instacart shopper. The app tells the driver to “leave at door” by default. Customers can leave instructions to ring the bell. I have had customers ask me to bring the badge inside. I don’t feel comfortable going onto someone’s home during this pandemic, so, not happening. Replacements. Please select a replacement, no replacement, or refunds item. Shoppers are paid a flat rate and are also shopping for up to 3 customers at a time. Shoppers are trying to accommodate but must complete orders quickly in order to earn a fair wage. Also, tips are based on a percentage of the order, so when something is out of stock, grabbing a cheaper replacement lowers the tip. Also, Instacart marks up just about every item. I compared muy own Costco order to my receipt shopping myself. $1-5 mark ups.
Thanks for your feedback. This post was published in 2018 when I first tried Instacart. I’m still a Walmart Grocery Pickup person till this day so thanks for providing some insight from an Instacart shopper’s point of view.
It seems that they may have improved the leave at door issue. I wouldn’t want someone to enter my home and bring my groceries in, but it would be nice to have the bell rung just in case I’m upstairs or in the back and don’t hear/see someone at the door and have food sitting outside until I check a device to see what’s taking so long.
I have used a local grocery delivery service years ago, but the company went out of business . And I haven’t used a similar service since. I keep hearing people speaking good things about Instacart, but I’m glad you shared your honesty about them. I think I’ll stick with going to a grocery store myself and shopping.
#ProductReviewParty
Insatacart sounds really great I would love to try this, This looks so easy and hassle-free.
This sounds really great. great job from Walmart. I have to check this out.
I like the idea of having my groceries delivered… even ready for me at pickup, but there is a part of me that also wants to pick it out myself. I think I would use this service though.
I really appreciate your honest feedback about this one and for sharing your experience. I’ll check more about this for sure.
ok wow. So glad you wrote your experience with it. I won’t be using it now. I had heard of it but nope you just saved me money by writing this! I can’t believe she didn’t ring door bell. I love your comparing it to Walmarts service.. I had not yet tried them. #productreviewparty
Hi Susan,
No problem. I hate to see others wasting money and since this service is popping up everywhere now I figured I should give some insights into what to expect.
It’s a couple of years later and instacart has gotten worse. This is my last rodeo with them. We’re not talking the need for high level performance – 2 active brain cells should do the trick. If they pick and choose which orders they shop they shouldn’t be doing the job. Grab the ticket, grab the dang groceries, check out and deliver. Simple – if you can’t do it find another gig!
This looks so easy and hassle-free. Great idea from Walmart. I think I should try this one
What a great idea from Walmart. I think I should try this one. Looks like it is so easy and no hassle at all.
It is nice to read about stories that did not go well. And I love how you explained all the positive and negative aspects of the both services.
We don’t have grocery delivery in my area but we do have WalMart pickup and I LOVE it! The people are so dang friendly and I still feel like I get good deals on my items!!
I have never gotten my groceries delivered. I feel like I need to touch and see the food… and I often shop a few times a week for recipes. BUT, this would be super helpful on those insanely busy weeks. I need to look into it more for our family!
I’ve never heard of Instacart until now. I still have not used any of the grocery ordering sites yet, I actually like going when the kids are in school.
Amy,
I used to do that but it seems even busier then. Plus, I get so worn out from shopping, then putting the groceries away that it makes me less productive for work. On occasion when I’m out I will get things that have to be picked up in person such as fresh seafood, but that’s a 10 minute in-store visit max lol.
I have not tried having someone do my grocery shopping for me. I am that picky! If I would go that route, I would rather do it with larger, more reputable companies, i.e. Walmart. Thank you for your honest review.
InstaCart looks like a great service! I think it would be much more convenient to have groceries delivered, although I do like walking around the store. I’m not sure if we have something like InstaCart in the UK so I’ll need to do some research!
I’ve never tried this because our grocery store is across the street, but I’ve always been curious. It definitely doesn’t sound like something I’ll ever do.
Thanks for the warning about Instacart. Maybe they’ll improve this service. I would love if it worked with Sprouts and Kroger. But I think Kroger has a click list option, but they charge where Walmart is free.
Delivered groceries are seriously the future. Just had my first time and I don’t think I will go to the store again.
I love the grocery pick up!!! I do this once a week and it saves so much time and has actually helped me to budget my groceries better because I can fill up my grocery list while staring at my fridge or pantry and know exactly what I need without assuming. It’s been a godsend. I still go to Sprouts for my organic produce unless Walmart happens to have it, but it’s really helped me so much!!
Heather,
I love grocery pickup too. It is what keeps me within my food budget each month. My SO usually gets the groceries after he gets off work and all I have to do is put them away.
I am so sorry to hear that you had such a negative experience with Instacart. I haven’t used this service myself but I can imagine that if it were set up properly it would be a helpful thing!
Nancy,
Absolutely, I love the idea, especially for when you’re cooking and realize that you’re missing something. But, unfortunately, since the service has been around for at least 2 years if they aren’t implementing customer feedback and making changes based off that I think it’s not very likely that they will be changing anything.
WOW! That sounds like such a negative experience. I have not thought to use this to be honest. I do shop online through click and collect sometimes and have always found that to be a positive experience.
I’ve never done any of the grocery delivery programs other than Amazon. I need to try the Walmart option though. Time’s precious, and if I could cut out an errand or two I’d be happy. Sorry your experience with Instacart was a slum dunk
Heather,
I haven’t tried Amazon’s grocery delivery program. I may have to check it out to see if it could be another grocery delivery option for me. Well, that is if it’s even available in my area yet.
This is the best thing to ever happen to us, haha! I’ve also used it before and it’s FANTASTIC! It definitely makes life much easier – especially when you’re in the middle of cooking a huge meal and you forget something!
Oh dear it doesn’t sound very well thought out, I am sorry you had such a bad experience. I do prefer to do my own grocery shopping as I like to pick of my fruit and veg myself instead of getting what I am given.
That’s definitely a terrible experience with them. Also, I love saving money and I don’t like the fact that they have the option to replace brands that I prefer over more expensive ones or different ones. Looks like Walmart has better service.
I have never tried having my groceries delivered. I would use a service like this if I could figure out a reliable one. Sounds like this was a frustrating online shopping experience from start to end. I am sure this is an area that will be offered at many many stores. I like the idea.
For a busy person like me, this is something that I really need. Looks like it is user-friendly and no hassle at all. I’m gonna check this on Walmart.
It seems like this was more of a headache than a help! I don’t think I’ll try out the service if they can’t even have items pictured on their site.
Kendra,
Yes, the website definitely needs more to make it user-friendly. If it’s like this on the shoppers end it makes me wonder if it’s any better on the person’s end who is actually getting the groceries.
Wow, instacart really raked you over badly. I believe we have that here although, I have never used it or thought about using it. I will think about it now, NOT to ever use it kinda thought!
I’m old fashion!! I love going to Walmart and being IN store. I’m sure that the grocery delivery would save time and money (there’s no things to tempt you in the check out!), but I use the alse to remind me of thing I may need that I didn’t write down!
Jennifer,
I used to love shopping in store too. However, with three kids it’s more hassle than it’s worth. While having groceries delivered to my home did seem like a good idea at first, I’ll settle for grocery pickup for now.
Oh, it doesn’t seem to be too user-friendly and at this point, I’m not really looking to change services or learn a new platform. But I could see how it could benefit others!
That sounds like it was a mess. It sounds like they need to revamp their entire website to work a lot more smoothly. I have never tried Walmart pick up either but I have been wanting to do that.
We have instacart options here but I have never tried it. I’m too picky with my vegetables and fruit so I wouldn’t be able to have someone else shop for me.
Ashley,
I know what you mean. I only had limited fruit needed this week, so it wasn’t too much of a big deal. I’ve been a faithful Walmart grocery pickup customer for months and never had a problem with their fruit and veggie picks though. Also, with the fruit, I did get via Instacart that turned out good.
Yeah, I would rather use Walmart myself. It’s so easy to see everything, and it’s incredibly user friendly.
We tried to get groceries delivered when we were in the states.
The set up was really easy and quick but we couldn’t actually use it as our resort didn’t except deliveries from other venders. 🙁
Haven’t tried it here in Canada yet but would love to!!