The best grocery delivery services in Chicago

This tech startup has become the answer to city dwellers' prayers (especially of the non-vehicle–owning variety). Dubbed the "Uber for Groceries," InstaCart delivers any goods of your choosing from your favorite Chicago grocery stores—Mariano's, Jewel-Osco, Whole Foods, Costco, Plum Market, Pete's Fresh Market, even Petco, CVS and Binny's. Prices are also the same as in-store for many retailers. Delivery starts at $5.99 for orders over $35.

With a history that dates back to the ’90s, Peapod is considered the pioneer of grocery delivery. It's not so much a "delivery service" as it is an online grocer, as a subsidiary of international food provider Ahold Delhaize. That being said, this option is best for those who like to plan ahead. You can schedule orders for delivery as soon as the following day or up to two weeks in advance. Plus, Peapod doesn’t just sell private label items, they offer a full grocery assortment.

As if Amazon Prime could get any more convenient, it turns out they also deliver groceries. For free. Yes, those with an Amazon Prime subscription living in Chicago can take advantage of free on-demand grocery delivery. While the company's local grocer partnership list is limited to Whole Foods and Fresh Thyme Farmers Market, the beauty is that you can get the bulk of the goods you'd typically buy at good ole Jewel directly through Amazon—a handy perk come winter.

We knew it was only a matter of time before Google began dipping its toes in the grocery delivery world. But Google Express delivers goods not just from grocery stores (Whole Foods, Treasure Island, Costco) but pretty much any other retailer you can think of: Buy Buy Baby, Fry's Electronics, Walgreens, Ulta, Bed Bath and Beyond, Staples and a lot more. Delivery minimums are pretty appealing, too, and you can get everything you need on your doorstep on the same day, the next day or choose two-day or two-hour delivery.

Though most people use Postmates for late-night Shake Shack deliveries, the on-demand service will also stop by Mariano's, Whole Foods, Jewel-Osco, Plum Market and Aldi to pick up your everyday groceries. The best part? A friendly fleet member will be at your door fast—often between 45 and 60 minutes. 

If you're looking for craft goodies and Chicago-made products—think Bang Bang Pie, Metric coffee, Lagunitas beer and FEW gin—shop the curated selection at Foxtrot Market. The local company has brick-and-mortar locations in the West Loop, Lincoln Park, River North and Wicker Park but will happily deliver all kinds of funky goods to your door. 

These companies deliver quality arrangements, fast and without hassle