6 Helpful Tips For Online Grocery Shopping

Roughly 150 million Americans utilize online grocery shopping for everything from premium produce to global-inspired spices. It’s no wonder that virtual shopping is here to stay. You don’t have to bother with long lines and you can order at your convenience. Plus, with an average grocery trip taking 41 minutes, online shopping saves time for busy home cooks! If you want to maximize your online grocery shopping experience, read through our top tips for any digital shopper. 

Time-Saving Techniques for Buying Groceries Online

Are you looking for some tricks of the trade when it comes to shopping for household staples online? We have you covered! These six tips can boost your shopping experience, save on grocery costs, and give you more free time. 

1. Order In the Morning for Same Day Delivery

Like in-store shopping, the best time to shop online is early in the day. Most bulk grocery stores do a full restock of proteins, produce, and dairy after hours. So, shopping in the morning means you’ll have the best chance of getting all the items on your list. Another point is to add items to your online cart the evening before, then select the earliest delivery or pick-up slot the following morning. 

2. Be Flexible When Searching for Items

Store inventories are typically in a state of flux. There could be instances where some items might not be available and alternatives need to be considered.. For example, if you are hoping for family burger night and your restaurant supply store is low on ground beef, consider turkey or even salmon as a fun alternative. Look into meal planning and recipe apps to help you develop creative dishes, no matter what ingredients end up in your online basket.

3. Save Your Favorite Grocery Items

Maximize your time shopping online by cataloging your most frequently purchased items. Instacart, for example, has a “Your Items” tab that instantly saves your previous purchases. Navigate through that tab to quickly reorder your most-loved ingredients instead of browsing categories. 

4. Order Before You Run Out

Keep tabs on your home kitchen inventory and don’t wait until your cupboard is bare to restock on ingredients. Instead, try to order a day or two before your staple items run out. That way, you can plan if your restaurant supply store is low on high-demand items. This goes for everything from coffee to dairy products, paper goods, and more. 

5. Pick Off-Peak Hours for Delivery

Weekend afternoons between 1 and 3 PM tend to be popular times to shop for groceries. If you want to shave off on online grocery delivery costs, choose less popular hours for delivery to reduce higher surge pricing.

6. Store Pickup Over Delivery

Store pickup is another way to reduce online shopping fees. It also might be more efficient for you if your schedule doesn’t quite work with available delivery windows. Store pickup orders can still be placed online through a third-party platform or directly from your bulk food supplier. After your order is assembled, all you have to do is swing by and grab your goodies. 

Online Grocery Shopping at US Foods CHEF’STORE

Bulk up on all your home kitchen needs with CHEF’STORE! Order and track purchasing habits with our exclusive online shopping tool, Click&Carry. Simply place your order for fresh produce, dry goods, beverages, cleaning supplies, and more. Then grab all your goodies at your convenience. Want food delivered directly to you? We partner with exceptional third-party grocery delivery companies to help you get the items you need quickly and conveniently.