5 Smart Tips To Save Money on Instacart

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1. Always Compare Prices Before Adding to Your Cart

You know that little “add to cart” button that feels harmless? Yeah, that’s where your grocery budget disappears quietly.

Before you tap it, take a second to check if another store has a better deal.

Here’s what you can easily compare inside Instacart:

• Check per-unit prices. It’s sneaky how a smaller bag can cost more.
  
• Compare multiple stores. Target, Aldi, and Publix often price the same milk differently.
  
• Use “Sort by Price”. It’s your best friend for spotting budget options fast.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Before checking out, scan your cart for duplicates across stores and switch to the cheapest one.

Make It Easy: Keep a small notepad near your desk or kitchen to jot down price trends each week.

2. Schedule Deliveries During Off-Peak Times

You’d be surprised how much those “busy hour” fees add up. They’re like surge pricing but sneakier.

Pick quiet times instead, and you’ll save without changing a single grocery item.

Here’s how you make the timing work for your wallet:

• Avoid weekends and evenings. They’re usually the most expensive.
  
• Choose weekday mornings. Fewer orders mean lower service fees.
  
• Plan. Schedule delivery 24 hours early to grab cheaper slots.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Next time you shop, glance at the delivery time options and pick one with a lower fee.

Make It Easy: Use a magnetic calendar on your fridge to plan grocery delivery days.

3. Skip Brand Names and Choose Store Alternatives

Let’s be real. 90% of the time, store-brand mac and cheese tastes the same.

The only difference? A fancy label that costs extra for the same noodles.

Here’s how to make brand swaps that actually save you cash:

• Look for the “store brand” tag. It’s usually right under the name brand.
  
• Read reviews. Instacart lists ratings for store products, too.
  
• Try one or two swaps per order. It adds up over time without overwhelming you.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Pick one pricey product in your cart and replace it with a store brand this week.

Make It Easy: Use a pantry organizer bin to keep similar store-brand items grouped for easy swaps later.

4. Avoid Small or Multiple Orders to Save on Fees

Each delivery might look innocent, but those tiny orders are draining your grocery fund faster than you think.

Batch them together instead. Fewer trips mean fewer fees and less tipping pressure.

Here’s how to get the most from each delivery:

• Combine your lists. Groceries, snacks, and pet food can ride in one order.
  
• Hit the free delivery minimum. Most stores waive fees once you reach it.
  
• Set a schedule. order twice a month instead of random runs.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Wait until your list feels full, then place one big order instead of three small ones.

5. Use “Pickup” Instead of “Delivery” When Possible

If you don’t mind a quick drive, switching from delivery to pickup can save you up to $10–$20 every time.

You skip the delivery fee, tip, and those random “busy area” surcharges Instacart loves to sneak in.

Here’s why pickup is secretly the best hack:

• No hidden fees. You pay for groceries, not the ride.
  
• Same convenience. Staff still do your shopping.
  
• Faster turnaround. Most stores have your order ready in two hours.
  

👉 Here’s How You’ll Do It: Next order, choose “pickup” instead of “delivery” at checkout. Your wallet will thank you.

Make It Easy: Use Instacart+ for free pickup benefits and extra savings if you shop often.

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