Using Instacart for Thanksgiving? Here’s How Much More It Will Cost You

Arturo Torres / Instacart

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If you’re hosting Thanksgiving this year, you might consider time-saving shortcuts. Using Instacart to shop for your Thanksgiving feast can help you avoid the holiday grocery store crowds. But it may not be the budget-friendly option.

One study from FinanceBuzz revealed that ordering groceries through Instacart could cost as much as 24% more than shopping at a grocery store.

A reporter at CNBC.com recently ran the numbers for a typical shopping trip at Wegman’s in New York City compared to Instacart shopping and found items cost, on average 15% more from Instacart.

Plus, factor in the delivery fee and service fee, plus a 20% tip and groceries could cost up to 40% more through Instacart. On one shopping trip, the writer spent $152 on groceries in-store. The Instacart bill — with fees and tip — totaled $226. See the breakdown below, plus ways to save on your Thanksgiving meal.

Thanksgiving Ingredients Delivered vs Purchased in Store

Let’s break down the costs of a typical Thanksgiving meal ordered through Instacart or from a local grocery store — in this case, Stop & Shop.  

Granted, this is a basic list that would feed a small family, but it provides an idea of the price differences between Instacart and in-store shopping. Instacart delivery and service fees typically add as much as 10% to an order. That brings the Instacart order up to $62.89. Add a 20% tip and groceries that cost less than $50 in-store, now cost nearly $75, which represents a 50% markup.

Saving Money With Grocery Delivery

Instacart+ members get free delivery on purchases of $35 or more, but pay $99 per year. That works out to just under $2 per delivery for those who shop weekly or $4 for those who shop every two weeks. Instacart+ also provides reduced service fees.

Other services, like Amazon Fresh and Fresh Direct may cost less for delivery. A recent report from CNET found that an average shopping trip was only 10% more expensive through these services versus visiting a local Stop & Shop grocery store.

Other Ways To Save on Your Thanksgiving Feast

Just like last year, Walmart and Target offer Thanksgiving bundles that allow families to put together a feast for less than $7 per person. These inflation-busting sales are even cheaper than last year, Associated Press reported. Walmart’s 29-item special, designed to feed eight adults, costs just $55, while Target has a deal that serves four adults for $20.

Save even more by substituting some store-brand items or purchasing in bulk and using the extra items throughout the month. Costco, BJ’s and Sam’s Club offer significant savings on turkey and the trimmings this time of year. Shoppers who planned ahead to meet spending requirements may be able to claim a free turkey from BJ’s, Hy-Vee, Foodtown, Giant, Shoprite and other stores, according to EatThis.com.

For shoppers who can’t snag a free turkey, the good news is that the bird costs roughly 4% less this Thanksgiving than last year, according to Consumer Price Index figures. The prices for cranberries and salad have also dropped his year, Forbes reported.

_{Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.}

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