It’s no surprise that the behemoth retailer Amazon, which sells just about everything a consumer might need, would want to claim a percentage of our grocery budgets, too. Because there are two different ways to get fresh groceries delivered to you, and the pricing structure is different for each one, understanding Amazon grocery delivery is a little confusing, but don’t worry. Once you actually learn to use the service, it’s easy – and worth it. If you are a Prime member and aren’t already using Amazon’s grocery delivery options, you may be missing out on a major benefit of Amazon prime membership.
Read on for everything you need to know about Amazon grocery delivery and what your membership affords you in the grocery aisles. Note that Amazon’s grocery delivery service pricing and terms often change, so be sure to check its site directly to confirm costs and availability.
What Is Amazon’s Grocery Delivery?
As long as you live within a covered area, Amazon Prime members can order online and get groceries delivered from Whole Foods Market (which is owned by Amazon) and/or Amazon Fresh. If you prefer, you can also schedule a time to pick up your groceries. Find out if you can shop Whole Foods Market or Amazon Fresh in your ZIP code.
This grocery delivery service is currently only open to Amazon Prime members.
More About Amazon Fresh Grocery Delivery
Think of Amazon Fresh as your traditional type of supermarket, with thousands of products — from fresh foods like fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy, as well as non-perishable canned goods, packaged foods, cleaning supplies, pet supplies and more. If you’ve ever ordered your groceries for same-day delivery from a company like Instacart, you’re familiar with the convenience of getting all of your goods from one place, with a shopper going through the aisles for you and bagging up your groceries for delivery (or pickup), saving you a ton of time and simplifying your life. In fact, you may never want to go back to supermarket shopping in person again.
More About Whole Foods Market Grocery Delivery
Whole Foods, which Amazon purchased in 2017 for $13 billion, is known for its organic offerings, their impressive array of fresh fruits and vegetables, and their prepared foods, bakery selection, meats, fish and cheeses. Though Whole Foods isn’t the cheapest place to get groceries, Prime members get an extra 10% off storewide sales (except alcohol) at Whole Foods as well as other Prime-only discounts and deals throughout the year.
Check out these and other Amazon Prime member benefits you can get at Whole Foods.
Is There a Fee for Amazon Grocery Delivery?
Amazon announced in early 2023, that it would be changing its grocery delivery fees.
Until Feb. 28, 2023: If your order meets the minimum threshold amount (that’s $35 in some areas, $50 in others), your delivery or scheduled grocery pickup is free for two-hour delivery.
After Feb. 28, 2023: The new minimum threshold for free Amazon Fresh grocery delivery will be $150. If you order less than that, your delivery fee will range from $3.95 to $9.95, depending on how much you order. Learn more.
When it comes to grocery orders through Whole Foods, nothing has changed If you’re picking up from Whole Foods Market, your pickup is free. However, if you’re ordering a delivery from Whole Foods, you’ll be charged a $9.95 service fee, and an additional rush order fee if you’re placing an order for one-hour deliveries.
Is Amazon Grocery Delivery Available Everywhere?
No. Though there are many areas where it is (and that number will continue to increase), you need to visit https://amazon.com/Fresh to see if you are in a covered area. In some areas, you might have the option to shop from Whole Foods but not Amazon Fresh, or vice versa.
Do You Have To Be Home To Receive Your Delivery?
In select regions, you can arrange to have groceries delivered inside your garage with Key by Amazon. Be advised that if your order contains any perishable items, they should not be left unrefrigerated/unfrozen.
What Can I Order for Amazon Grocery Delivery?
You name it, you can probably find it from Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods, from those everyday basics and mealtime staples to specialty foods, spices, and snacks. Depending on your state, you may even be able to get alcohol delivered, too.
Can You Get Same Day Delivery of Your Groceries?
Yes, you can (often) arrange for your Amazon Fresh or Whole Foods Market order to be delivered to you on the same day. That’s probably not going to happen on, say, the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, though, so don’t cut it close if you have any concerns.
How Does Tipping Work for Amazon Grocery Delivery?
When you are checking out online, you are given the opportunity to add an optional tip for your driver, and you can edit your tip amount up to 24 hours after delivery. Amazon says that “if you elect to leave a tip, the entire tip goes to your delivery driver.”
Are There Physical Amazon Grocery Stores, Too?
Yes, there are in-person Amazon Fresh stores (as well as other Amazon retail locations). Find one near you here.
Can You Use SNAP EBT Card on Amazon Fresh?
Though this depends on where you live, Amazon says that in most states, customers can use their SNAP EBT card to pay for SNAP EBT eligible food items on Amazon Fresh and arrange for a free delivery, without a Prime membership. Find out more at https://www.amazon.com/snap.
Can You Still Order Some Food Online Through Traditional Amazon Delivery?
Absolutely! Amazon still has plenty of non-perishable, shelf-stable food items as well as household staples available online, just like they always did. And if you haven’t already checked out Amazon Launchpad Grocery, do so! You can find all sorts of cool, newer brands.
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