It’s snowing outside, your fridge is nearly empty, and the last thing you want to do is brave the grocery store crowds. Wouldn’t it be great if someone could do the shopping for you? That’s exactly what Instacart promises—delivering groceries right to your door with just a few taps on your phone. But does the convenience really outweigh the costs?

In this post, we’ll break down how Instacart works, its pricing structure, hidden fees to watch out for, and whether it’s truly worth it for different types of shoppers. We’ll also explore how to use Instacart wisely to get the best value for your money.

What is Instacart?

Instacart is an online grocery delivery and pickup service that partners with major grocery stores. Shoppers can browse a wide selection of products through the Instacart app or website, place an order, and have their groceries delivered straight to their door within hours. The service is available in various neighborhoods in Toronto, from downtown Toronto to North York, Scarborough, and Etobicoke.

Some of the major stores available through Instacart in Toronto include:

• Loblaws
• Costco (no membership required)
• Walmart
• Metro
• No Frills
• Real Canadian Superstore
• Sobeys
• Bulk Barn
• PetSmart (for pet owners)
• Rexall (for pharmacy items)

Whether you need fresh produce, household essentials, or even last-minute snacks, Instacart provides a flexible way to shop without stepping foot in a store.

How Instacart Works?

Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how it works:

1. Create an Account – You can sign up for free using an email or Google account.
2. Select Your Store – Instacart partners with local grocery stores like Loblaws, Costco, Walmart, and more (availability depends on your location).
3. Build Your Cart – Add items to your cart, just like you would in a physical store.
4. Choose Delivery or Pickup – You can opt for home delivery or pick up your groceries curbside at the store.
5. Schedule a Time – Select a delivery window, which can be as soon as within an hour or scheduled for later.
6. Check Out and Pay – Review your order, pay (using credit card, debit, or PayPal), and wait for your shopper to start picking items.
7. Live Updates & Delivery – You can chat with your shopper in real-time and approve substitutions if something is out of stock. Once done, your groceries arrive at your doorstep.

The Costs of Using Instacart

The big question remains: is Instacart worth it when you factor in the costs? Let’s break down the expenses you’ll encounter when using Instacart.

1. Delivery Fees

Instacart charges a delivery fee that typically starts at $3.99 to $7.99 for orders over $10 and can go up based on demand and order size.

2. Service Fees

In addition to the delivery fee, Instacart charges a service fee, typically 5% to 10% of your order total. For orders under $35, there’s a minimum service fee of $3.

For example, a $100 order could have an additional $5–$10 in service fees.

3. Tip for the Shopper

Instacart recommends tipping shoppers at least 5% of your total order, but 10%–20% is more common. This means on a $100 order, you’ll likely be tipping anywhere from $5 to $20. While tipping isn’t mandatory, it’s strongly encouraged since shoppers rely on tips as part of their earnings.

4. Markups on Groceries

One of the hidden costs of Instacart is price markups. While some stores offer the same prices as in-store, many charge higher prices when you shop through Instacart. For example, a bag of tangerines that costs $6 in-store might be $6.50 or $7 on Instacart. These small markups can add up over time.

5. Instacart+ Membership (Optional)

If you use Instacart frequently, you might consider Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express), which costs $99 per year or $9.99 per month. This membership offers:

• Free delivery on orders over $10. This alone can save you hundreds of dollars over the course of a year.
• Lower service fees: Instacart+ members enjoy reduced service fees, meaning more savings with every order.
• Exclusive offers: Instacart+ members also get access to special promotions and discounts, making it even more cost-effective.
• Ability to share benefits with family members by creating a family account.

If you order groceries weekly, the savings from free delivery could offset the membership cost, but it still adds to your overall grocery budget.

6. Priority fees

If you select a priority delivery window at checkout, an additional fee will apply. This option ensures faster delivery based on shopper availability, but the cost varies. Keep in mind that priority fees aren’t available for all orders.

Instacart App Features

The Instacart app is incredibly user-friendly and packed with useful features. Here are some highlights:

1. Easy-to-Navigate Interface
   The app is designed to make shopping online just as simple as browsing the aisles in-store. You can search for specific items, browse by department, or view special deals for extra savings.
2. Real-Time Shopper Communication
   As mentioned earlier, one of the best features of Instacart is the ability to communicate directly with your shopper. If they can’t find an item on your list, they’ll suggest a substitution and send you a message through the app. This ensures you get the right items, even if the store is out of stock.
3. Order Tracking
   You can track your order from the moment it’s placed until it’s delivered. The app provides real-time updates, so you know exactly when to expect your groceries.
4. Multiple Store Shopping
   Need items from more than one store? No problem. With Instacart, you can shop at multiple stores in a single order, making it easier to get everything you need from different retailers in one go.
5. Exclusive In-App Deals
   Instacart often features exclusive discounts within the app. These can range from percentage-off promotions to buy-one-get-one deals, helping you save even more on your grocery bill.

Instacart Pickup

If you’d rather pick up your groceries than have them delivered, Instacart offers a pickup option at select stores. It works similarly to delivery: you place your order through the app, and when it’s ready, you go to the store to pick it up at a designated time. This is a great alternative for those who want to avoid delivery fees but still enjoy the convenience of having someone else do the shopping.

Pros and Cons of Using Instacart

To determine whether Instacart is worth it, let’s weigh the pros and cons.

✅ Pros of Instacart

✔ Convenience – Get groceries delivered straight to your door, perfect for busy schedules, parents, or seniors.
✔ Avoid Impulse Buys – If you tend to overspend at the store, shopping online can help you stick to your list.
✔ Access to Multiple Stores – Shop from multiple stores without making separate trips.
✔ Same-Day Delivery – Great for last-minute grocery needs.
✔ Exclusive Discounts – Some stores offer Instacart-exclusive deals.

❌ Cons of Instacart

❌ Higher Costs – Delivery fees, service fees, and markups can make groceries significantly more expensive.
❌ Tipping Adds Up – While tipping is optional, not tipping can feel unfair to the shopper.
❌ Item Substitutions – If an item is out of stock, substitutions may not always match your preference.
❌ Limited Discounts – You might miss out on in-store promotions, price matching, or clearance deals.
❌ Limited Item Availability – Some products may not be available online.
❌ Limited Availability in Some Areas – While Instacart is widely available, there may be fewer store options in rural or less populated areas.

How to Save Money on Instacart in Toronto?

Although Instacart can be more expensive than in-store shopping, there are several strategies to make it more budget-friendly.

1. Look for Instacart-Exclusive Discounts

Some stores offer exclusive deals that aren’t available in-store. Always check the app’s “Deals” section before placing an order.

2. Use Coupons and Promo Codes

Instacart regularly provides promo codes for first-time users or special occasions. Additionally, some grocery stores allow you to apply digital coupons at checkout.

3. Opt for Pickup Instead of Delivery

Many grocery stores in Toronto offer free curbside pickup via Instacart, helping you save on delivery fees and tipping while still saving time. However, some stores may charge a small service fee even for pickup orders.

4. Buy in Bulk from Costco

One of the biggest perks of Instacart Toronto is that you can order from Costco without a membership. This is a great way to buy bulk items at wholesale prices without the annual membership fee.

However, keep in mind that if you order from Costco through Instacart without a membership, prices will be marked up.

5. Compare Prices Across Stores

Some stores charge higher prices on Instacart. Since Instacart allows you to shop at multiple stores, you can compare prices on similar items and choose the best deal.

6. Use an Instacart Express Membership

Instacart Express is a subscription service that offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $10. If you use Instacart at least 2-3 times per month, the membership could save you money in the long run.

7. Choose No-Rush Delivery

Selecting a longer delivery window often reduces fees, making your order more affordable.

8. Avoid Peak Times

Delivery fees are often higher during peak shopping hours. If possible, schedule your delivery during off-peak times to avoid extra costs.

9. Avoid Small Orders

Instacart charges higher fees for smaller orders, so try to do one large grocery run instead of multiple small ones.

10. Stick to a Grocery List

Impulse purchases can add up quickly. Plan your meals and stick to a shopping list to avoid overspending.

11. Use Your Credit Card Rewards

If you have a cash-back or rewards credit card, use it to pay for your Instacart order to maximize savings. Many cards offer bonus rewards on grocery purchases, helping to offset delivery fees.

For example, the Amex Cobalt Card earns you up to 5 points per $1 spent at eligible grocery stores in Canada, making it a great option for frequent Instacart users.

Related content:

• Credit Card Stacking to Multiply Your Discount While Shopping

My Experience Using Instacart: The Good, The Bad, and The Confusing

I remember the first time I placed an Instacart order. It was a hectic weekday, work was piling up, and a heavy snowfall made the idea of venturing outside less than appealing. So, I opened the Instacart app, selected my local grocery store, and started adding items to my cart. “This is going to save me so much time!” I thought. But as I navigated the app and later received my groceries, I realized Instacart had both its perks and challenges.

Navigating the App: A Learning Curve

At first, the process wasn’t as straightforward as I had hoped. Scrolling through endless product listings took longer than expected. While the app suggests items based on past purchases (a handy feature for regular users), I didn’t have any previous orders to rely on. The biggest challenge? Finding the right balance between my preferred brands and what was actually available.

The Quality of Groceries: A Hit or Miss?

One of my biggest concerns with Instacart was the quality of fresh produce. I’m picky about selecting my own fruits and vegetables, so I wondered—would my shopper be just as discerning?

When my groceries arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. Everything was packed neatly, the produce was fresh, and I didn’t have to lift a finger. At that moment, I thought, “Maybe Instacart is worth it after all.”

However, I’ve also had a few disappointing experiences, like underripe avocados or a bag of bruised oranges. Thankfully, Instacart allows you to rate your order and leave feedback. If something isn’t up to standard, they’re usually good about issuing refunds or credits.

Convenience vs. Cost?

The biggest appeal of Instacart is convenience. Think about how much time a typical grocery trip takes—driving to the store, navigating crowded aisles, waiting in checkout lines, and then hauling everything home. It can easily eat up an hour or more. With Instacart, I can shop from my couch and free up time for other things.

Since I don’t have a car, Instacart has been especially helpful for bulk shopping at Costco. Having everything, including heavy items, delivered right to my door saves me a ton of hassle.

That said, the convenience comes at a price. Instacart adds service fees, delivery fees, and tips for the shopper, which can make grocery shopping more expensive. To get the most value, I now plan larger orders instead of making frequent small purchases.

Mastering Substitutions

One of Instacart’s most helpful features is real-time communication with the shopper. If an item is out of stock, they’ll suggest a substitution, and you can approve or decline it instantly. This transparency eliminates guesswork and streamlines the process.

Early on, I realized the importance of being specific with substitution preferences. If you have a preferred brand of milk or a specific type of pasta, it’s crucial to set those preferences in the app. I learned this the hard way after receiving low-fat milk instead of my usual skim milk.

To further improve my experience, I started adding simple notes to my orders—like, “Please pick ripe avocados.” This small step made a huge difference in ensuring I received the groceries exactly as I wanted them.

When Instacart Is Really Worth It

While Instacart can be a bit pricier, there are situations where it’s absolutely worth it for me:

• Busy schedules: When I’m balancing work and other responsibilities, Instacart saves me valuable time.
• During illness: Avoiding the grocery store when I’m sick—both to protect myself and others—is worth every penny.
• Bad weather: Whether it’s snowing or pouring rain, I don’t have to trudge through bad weather with bags of groceries.
• Special occasions: If I’m hosting a party or holiday dinner, Instacart prevents those last-minute stressful store runs.

Is Instacart Worth It in Toronto?

The value of Instacart depends on your priorities. If convenience and time savings outweigh the extra fees, then it’s a great service. However, for those on a strict budget, in-store shopping may still be the better option.

Here’s a comparison of when Instacart makes sense:

Scenario	Instacart Recommended?
You have a busy schedule and no time for grocery runs.	✅ Yes
People without a car who would otherwise rely on public transportation or rideshares for groceries.	✅ Yes
Parents with young kids who find shopping with children stressful.	✅ Yes
Seniors or those with mobility issues who prefer home delivery.	✅ Yes
You want to avoid long checkout lines or winter weather.	✅ Yes
You need same-day delivery for an urgent grocery item.	✅ Yes
You’re shopping for a small order.	❌ No
You live near a grocery store and don’t mind in-store shopping.	❌ No
Budget-conscious shoppers who want to maximize savings.	❌ No
Those who prefer choosing their own produce and meat.	❌ No

Final Verdict: Is Instacart Worth It?

The answer depends on your personal priorities. If you value convenience over cost, Instacart can be worth it, especially for busy individuals, parents, and those without easy access to grocery stores. The ability to shop from multiple stores and have groceries delivered to your doorstep can save time and effort.

However, if you’re focused on saving money or sticking to a tight budget, especially when it comes to selecting fresh produce, the extra fees and markups on Instacart might make it a less appealing option.

For me, a hybrid approach works best—using Instacart for busy days, emergencies, or special situations while doing in-store shopping for major grocery hauls to maximize savings.

Have you used Instacart in Toronto? Was it worth it for you? Share your experience in the comments! 🚛🍎