“Ever thought about earning money while running errands? What if I told you your next grocery run could put $1,000+ in your pocket this month? Thanks to top 45 Grocery delivery apps like Instacart and Shipt, thousands of people across the U.S., UK, Canada, and beyond are turning their shopping trips into a flexible side hustle—no special skills or 9-to-5 schedule required.”
Grocery delivery apps are booming in 2025, and it’s easy to see why. Busy families, students, and part-time hustlers are signing up to shop for others while earning cash on their own terms. Whether you’re grabbing avocados at Whole Foods or hunting for gluten-free pasta at a local market, these apps let you make money online by doing something you already do: shop.
Why This Matters in 2025:
Flexibility: Work between classes, after your day job, or on weekends.
Low Effort, High Reward: Most apps only require a smartphone, a reliable mode of transport (car, bike, or even walking in cities like London or New York), and a keen eye for ripe produce.
Growing Demand: With remote work still thriving and time-strapped households opting for convenience, grocery delivery gigs are here to stay.
What You’ll Learn Here: By the end of this guide, you’ll:
Discover 20 top grocery delivery apps (yes, we’ll cover hidden gems!) paying shoppers in 2025.
Learn how to maximize your earnings with insider tips (like snagging peak-hour bonuses).
Find the perfect app for your location—whether you’re in Sydney, Toronto, or Berlin.
Why Trust This Guide?
We’ve combed through hours of driver reviews, tested sign-up processes, and compared pay rates so you don’t have to. No fluff, no jargon—just actionable steps to start earning.
2. Why Grocery Delivery is a Top Side Hustle in 2025
“Imagine getting paid to pick up milk, bread, and snacks—tasks you’d do anyway. In 2025, grocery delivery isn’t just a convenience for customers; it’s a golden opportunity for you to earn extra cash on your own terms. Let’s break down why this side hustle is exploding in popularity.”
Flexibility That Fits Your Life
No rigid schedules. No boss breathing down your neck. Grocery delivery apps like Instacart and Shipt let you clock in whenever it works for you—whether that’s during your lunch break in Chicago, after dropping the kids off at school in Manchester, or on weekends in Melbourne.
No Experience Needed: All you need is a smartphone and a way to get around (car, bike, or even walking in cities like Paris or Amsterdam).
Work as Much—or as Little—as You Want: Perfect for students, parents, or anyone juggling multiple gigs.
Why Demand is Skyrocketing
The post-pandemic world isn’t slowing down. Busy professionals, retirees, and time-crunched families are all saying the same thing: “Just deliver it.”
63% of Shoppers Prefer Delivery: A 2024 Nielsen report found that convenience still rules, especially in urban hubs like New York, London, and Sydney.
Tech-Savvy Seniors: Older adults are adopting app-based services faster than ever, creating more orders (and earning opportunities).
Corporate Partnerships: Big retailers like Walmart and Tesco are doubling down on delivery, meaning more gigs for you.
Earning Potential: How Much Can You Really Make?
Let’s cut to the chase:
$15–30/hour: Earnings vary by app, location, and hustle. For example:
Instacart shoppers in Los Angeles average $22/hour (with tips).
Uber Eats grocery runners in Toronto report $18–25/hour during peak dinner rushes.
Bonuses & Tips: Many apps reward high ratings or completing a set number of orders. A friendly smile and careful packing can boost tips by 20%!
But Is It Worth It?
Low Costs, High Returns: Unlike rideshare gigs, you’re not burning gas for hours. Most trips are short, and apps like GoPuff even offer fuel discounts.
Scalable Income: Treat it as beer money (200/week)orgofull−throttle(200/week)orgofull−throttle(1,500+/month).
The Gig Economy’s Secret Star
While food delivery and rideshares get all the hype, grocery shopping is quietly becoming the most sustainable side hustle of 2025. Why?
Predictable Demand: People always need groceries.
Less Competition: Fewer shoppers = more orders for you.
Feel-Good Factor: You’re helping busy parents, seniors, or someone recovering from surgery—it’s work that matters.
3. How to Choose the Best Grocery Delivery App
With so many apps out there, how do you pick the right one? Should you go with Instacart’s huge user base or a niche app like Jokr for faster orders? Let’s simplify your decision.”
Four Key Factors to Consider
Not all grocery delivery apps are created equal. Here’s what to prioritize:
1. “Is This App Available in My Area?”
Apps like Shipt dominate in the U.S. but aren’t in Europe. Meanwhile, Rappi rules Latin America, and Zapp (UK) focuses on quick convenience runs.
Pro Tip: Check the app’s website or Google “Does [App Name] operate in [Your City]?”
App Name
Coverage Area/Country
Specialized Delivery Type
Instacart
U.S., Canada
Grocery delivery from local stores
Shipt
U.S.
Grocery shopping/delivery (Target-owned)
Amazon Flex
Select cities globally
Amazon Fresh/Whole Foods deliveries
Walmart Spark Delivery
U.S.
Walmart groceries and general merchandise
Cornershop by Uber
Latin America, Canada, select regions
Grocery shopping/delivery (Uber-owned)
Gopuff
U.S., UK, France
Snacks, groceries, essentials (micro-fulfillment)
Point Pickup
U.S.
Partnered with Walmart for deliveries
DoorDash
U.S.
DashMart grocery/convenience store deliveries
Uber Eats
Global (select markets)
Grocery and convenience store deliveries
TaskRabbit
Global
Personal shopping/grocery delivery services
Fiverr
Global
Freelance grocery shopping services
Dumpling
U.S.
Independent grocery delivery business setup
Fetch Rewards
U.S.
Cashback via grocery receipt scans
Earning Station
U.S.
Rewards for shopping and receipt scans
Zapp
UK
Quick grocery deliveries (London, UK cities)
Getir
Europe, U.S.
10-minute grocery deliveries
Gorillas
Germany, UK, France
Rapid grocery delivery
Swiggy Genie
India
Grocery, package, and general deliveries
Picnic
Netherlands, Germany
Pre-packed grocery deliveries via electric vans
Dunzo
India
Grocery, medicine, and package delivery
BigBasket
India
Direct grocery delivery employment
Milkman
Ireland
Local grocery and dairy delivery
Twiga Foods
Kenya
Fresh produce delivery
HappyFresh
Southeast Asia
Grocery shopping/delivery
WeeCart
U.S. (small towns)
Grocery delivery in rural areas
Food Rocket
U.S. (e.g., San Francisco)
15-minute grocery delivery
Snappy Shopper
UK
Local grocery delivery
Jiffy
UK (London, Manchester)
Rapid grocery delivery
Grabr
Global
International grocery/item delivery
Airbnb Experiences
Global
Grocery tours/specialty shopping for tourists
Zeel
U.S.
Grocery runs for clients (wellness platform)
Mercato
U.S.
Specialty/local market deliveries
Weezy
UK (suburban)
Suburban grocery delivery
Burpy
U.S. (Texas, Oklahoma)
Regional grocery delivery
Postmates
U.S.
Groceries from Walmart/7-Eleven
Stuart
Europe
Partnered supermarket deliveries
Glovo
Europe, LatAm, Africa
“Anything” delivery (including groceries)
Lalamove
Asia
On-demand grocery/goods delivery
Ibotta
U.S./Global
Cashback for grocery receipts
Rakuten
Global
Cashback for online grocery orders
OLIO
Global
Surplus grocery distribution (volunteer/paid)
Roadie
U.S.
Grocery/package delivery during travel
Deliv
U.S.
Partnered retail/grocery deliveries
2. Pay Structure: Hourly vs. Per Order
Instacart: Earn per order + tips (great for quick shoppers).
Amazon Flex: Fixed rates for 2–4 hour blocks (ideal for planners).
DoorDash: Pay varies by distance + tips (best for multi-taskers).
3. Customer Tipping: The Hidden Game-Changer
Apps like Shipt and Instacart let customers tip after delivery. Friendly service = bigger tips (think: $5–20 extra per order).
Warning: Some platforms, like GoPuff, don’t allow tipping—relying solely on base pay.
4. Worker Reviews: The Real Scoop
Search Reddit threads or Glassdoor for honest takes. Example:
“Instacart is busy in NYC but oversaturated in rural areas.”
“Uber Eats grocery slots fill up fast in London weekends.”
How Much Do Grocery Shoppers Really Earn? (2025 Rates)
Let’s compare top apps in major regions:
App
Avg. Pay per Order
Hourly Estimate
Best For
Instacart
$10–20 + tips
$18–30
Urban areas (U.S./Canada)
Shipt
$12–16 + tips
$16–25
Suburbs (U.S.)
DoorDash
$6–15 + tips
$15–22
Quick grocery runs
Rappi
$5–12 + tips
$10–20
Latin America
Zapp
£8–15 + tips
£12–18
UK convenience orders
Real-World Examples:
“I earn $25/hour with Instacart in Chicago by stacking 2–3 orders.” – Sarah, part-time shopper.
“Rappi pays less per order, but I get 10+ requests daily in Mexico City.” – Carlos, full-time gig worker.
Global Apps like Instacart and DoorDash offer steady work but face competition.
Quick-Commerce apps (GoPuff, Getir) prioritize speed and urban areas.
Regional/Niche Platforms (Tasteport, Picnic) often pay better with less saturation.
Action Step
Ready to Start?
Pick 2–3 apps from your region.
Compare sign-up bonuses (e.g., Instacart offers $500 for 30 orders).
Diversify: Mix quick-commerce gigs with higher-paying niche apps.
Next Up: Tips to maximize earnings and avoid rookie mistakes!
5. How to Maximize Earnings as a Grocery Shopper (Tips for 2025)
Want to turn your grocery gig from side hustle to serious cash? Whether you’re delivering in Dallas or Dublin, these insider strategies will help you earn $1,000+ a month—without working twice as hard.”
A. Work During Peak Hours: Timing is Money
Why It Works:
Busy periods mean more orders, surge pay, and better tips. Think of it like rush-hour pricing for your time.
Best Times to Work:
Weekends: Saturday mornings (9 AM–12 PM) are gold for family grocery runs.
Holidays: Thanksgiving week, Christmas Eve, and Super Bowl Sunday = chaos (in a good way).
In Dubai, avoid delivery delays during Ramadan’s Iftar (sunset meal).
In Tokyo, prioritize politeness—customers tip more for immaculate service.
Leverage Local Apps:
Mexico City: Rappi’s “cash pickup” feature adds extra gigs.
Singapore: Use RedMart’s “priority slots” for office lunch rushes.
Weather = Opportunity:
Toronto/New York: Snowstorms = surge pricing + $5–10 extra tips.
Mumbai: Monsoons = higher demand for instant deliveries.
Key Takeaway
“Peak hours vary wildly by city, but one rule is universal: Busy people pay for convenience. Learn your city’s rhythm, pair it with the right apps, and watch your earnings soar.”
B. Stack Orders with Multi-App Strategies
Why It Works: Combine gigs from 2–3 apps to fill downtime and double your earnings.
Avoid Overlap: Stick to apps with flexible deadlines (e.g., avoid Amazon Flex’s rigid blocks).
Real-Life Example: “I use Instacart for morning grocery orders and switch to Uber Eats at lunch. Made $200 last Saturday!” – Jake, part-time shopper in Toronto.
C. Boost Customer Ratings for More Tips
Why It Works: Higher ratings = priority access to orders. Happy customers tip bigger—sometimes 20–50% more.
Pro Tips:
Communicate Early & Often:
Send a quick “Hi! I’m starting your shop—let me know if you need swaps!”
Update them if substitutions are needed (“No organic strawberries. Grab regular?”).
Pack Like a Pro:
Keep cold items separate.
Double-bag heavy items (customers notice!).
Go the Extra Mile:
Drop off groceries at the door (not the driveway).
Leave a thank-you note (“Enjoy your week! – [Your Name]”).
Bonus: Track Expenses to Keep More Cash
Mileage: Use apps like Stride to log miles for tax deductions.
Fuel Discounts: Apps like GetUpside save 10–25¢/gallon.
Final Takeaway: “Your earning potential isn’t just about hours—it’s about strategy. Master these tips, and you’ll turn grocery gigs into a paycheck that rivals a part-time job.”
CTA: Ready to put these hacks to work? Sign up for [Your Top 3 Apps] and start earning smarter today!
6. Regional & Niche Platforms: Less Competition, More Pay
“Why fight for orders on crowded apps when niche platforms can put more money in your pocket? From delivering halal meats in Chicago to organic groceries in Berlin, specialized apps offer higher pay, loyal customers, and less hustle. Let’s explore these hidden gems.”
Why Regional & Niche Apps Pay Better
Less Competition: Fewer shoppers = more orders for you.
Loyal Customers: People seeking specific products (e.g., gluten-free, halal) tip generously for reliable service.
Local Partnerships: Apps like Rosie partner with small grocers, meaning steadier gigs in smaller towns.
Top Regional & Niche Apps to Try in 2025
Why Go Niche? Specialized and regional apps often offer higher earnings due to loyal customers, fewer shoppers, and unique demand. Skip the Instacart crowds and explore these platforms instead.
Ethnic & Specialty Grocery Apps
1. Tasteport
Regions: U.S., Canada
What It Is: Delivers halal, kosher, and global foods (Middle Eastern, Asian, Latin).
Earnings: $20–35/hour + tips.
Why Recommended: High tips from customers seeking cultural expertise.
2. Mercato
Regions: U.S.
What It Is: Gourmet and specialty foods (organic, artisanal).
Earnings: $25–40/hour.
Why Recommended: Affluent customers tip generously.
3. Weezy
Regions: UK
What It Is: Organic, vegan, and eco-friendly groceries.
Earnings: £15–25/hour.
4. HappyFresh
Regions: Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand)
What It Is: Fresh produce and pantry staples.
Earnings: $10–18/hour.
Not Recommended in 2025: Recent layoffs and reduced service areas.
Regional Stars
Latin America
5. Rappi
Regions: Mexico, Colombia, Brazil
What It Is: Groceries, pharmacies, and cash pickups.
Earnings: $12–20/hour + tips.
6. Cornershop by Uber
Regions: Chile, Peru, Canada
What It Is: Partners with local and big-box stores.
Earnings: $15–25/hour.
Europe
7. Cajoo
Regions: France
What It Is: 15-minute grocery delivery in Paris/Lyon.
Earnings: €14–22/hour.
8. Gorillas
Regions: Germany, Netherlands, UK
What It Is: Rapid delivery of snacks and essentials.
Earnings: €15–20/hour.
9. Picnic
Regions: Netherlands, Germany
What It Is: Eco-friendly electric van deliveries.
Earnings: €12–18/hour.
Asia/Africa
10. BigBasket
Regions: India
What It Is: Largest online grocery platform.
Earnings: ₹150–300/hour.
11. Checkers Sixty60
Regions: South Africa
What It Is: 60-minute delivery from Checkers stores.
Earnings: R120–200/hour.
12. RedMart (Lazada)
Regions: Singapore
What It Is: Delivers heavy household items.
Earnings: $18–25/hour.
Hyperlocal & Small-Business Focus
13. Rosie
Regions: U.S.
What It Is: Partners with independent grocers and farmers’ markets.
Earnings: $18–25/hour.
14. Dumpling
Regions: U.S.
What It Is: Build your own grocery delivery business.
Earnings: $20–35/hour (you set prices).
Not Recommended for Beginners: Requires upfront effort to build clientele.
15. Zapp
Regions: UK
What It Is: Quick convenience store deliveries.
Earnings: £12–18/hour.
Quick Commerce (15-Minute Delivery)
16. Getir
Regions: UK, Germany, France
What It Is: Lightning-fast snacks and essentials.
Earnings: €12–18/hour.
Not Recommended in 2025: Overexpansion led to order shortages in some cities.
17. Jokr
Regions: U.S., Latin America
What It Is: Rapid grocery delivery.
Earnings: $15–25/hour.
18. Jiffy
Regions: UK
What It Is: Instant delivery for busy urbanites.
Earnings: £10–15/hour.
Not Recommended
1. Burpy
Why: Shut down operations in 2024 due to funding issues.
2. Milkman (UK)
Why: Limited to dairy products; very low order volume.
3. Swiggy Genie (India)
Why: Pivoted to food delivery, reducing grocery focus.
4. Postmates
Why: Merged with Uber Eats; grocery orders are scarce.
5. Fiverr
Why: Not a delivery app—focuses on freelance services.
Key Takeaways
Top Picks: Tasteport (ethnic), Rappi (Latin America), Rosie (local stores).
Pro Tip: Combine a regional app (e.g., Cajoo) with a global one (e.g., Instacart) to maximize earnings.
Regional Gems by Location
Region
Top Apps
Why They Shine
Latin America
Rappi, Cornershop
High demand, cash tips, and diverse delivery tasks.
Europe
Cajoo (FR), Gorillas (DE)
Focus on eco-friendly deliveries and rapid service.
Asia
HappyFresh (ID), RedMart
Cater to expat communities with imported goods.
Africa
Checkers Sixty60 (ZA)
Dominates South Africa with 60-minute delivery promise.
How to Succeed on Niche Platforms
Learn the Product:
Study specialty items (e.g., halal certification, organic labels) to avoid mistakes.
Build Customer Relationships:
Regulars on apps like Tasteport often request the same shopper for consistency.
Multitask Regionally:
Combine Rosie (local stores) with Instacart (big retailers) to fill your schedule.
Pro Tips for Higher Earnings
Sign Up Early: Niche apps like Jokr often offer bonuses for joining during city launches.
Leverage Cultural Knowledge:
Bilingual shoppers earn more on Tasteport (e.g., Spanish speakers in Miami).
Track Seasonal Demand:
Ramadan = surge in halal orders;
Diwali = specialty Indian groceries.
7. Comparison Chart: Best Apps for Your Needs:
App
Avg. Pay/Hour
Flexibility
Best For
Instacart
$18–25
High
Urban areas, surge bonuses, weekend shoppers
Shipt
$16–22
Moderate
Suburban Target orders, part-time schedules
Amazon Flex
$18–25
Low (Block-based)
Guaranteed pay, Whole Foods/Amazon Fresh runs
DoorDash
$15–22
High
Combining food + grocery gigs
Rappi
$12–20
Moderate
Latin America (Mexico, Colombia, Brazil)
GoPuff
$15–22
On-demand
Quick snack/alcohol runs (24/7 availability)
Walmart Spark
$17–28
Moderate
Bulk orders, rural/U.S. suburbs
Cornershop
$15–25
High
Latin America & Canada (Uber partnership)
Gorillas
€15–20
On-demand
Rapid delivery in Berlin, Paris, Amsterdam
Cajoo
€14–22
High
Fresh produce in France (15-minute delivery)
Rosie
$18–25
Moderate
Local stores, SNAP/EBT orders (U.S.)
Getir
€12–18
On-demand
Europe quick-commerce (10-minute drops)
8. FAQs: Answering Top Grocery Delivery Gig Questions
General Questions
Q: “Do I need a car for grocery delivery?” A: Not always! Apps like Uber Eats and Zapp (UK) allow bike, scooter, or even walking deliveries in cities like London or NYC.
Q: “Is grocery delivery a good side hustle for students?” A: Absolutely! Apps like DoorDash and GoPuff offer part-time shifts between classes. Many students earn 200–200–500/month.
Q: “How old do I need to be?” A: Most apps require you to be 18+ (21+ for alcohol deliveries).
Q: “Do I need commercial insurance?” A: In the U.S./Canada, personal insurance usually works, but check your policy. In the EU, some platforms like Gorillas provide coverage.
Earnings & Payments
Q: “Which app pays the most?” A:Instacart and Walmart Spark top U.S. earnings ($18–30/hour). In Europe, Cajoo (France) and Gorillas (Germany) lead.
Q: “How do taxes work?” A: You’re an independent contractor. Track mileage (deductible) and set aside 25–30% for taxes. Apps like Stride help.
Q: “When do I get paid?” A: Most apps pay weekly via direct deposit. GoPuff and Instacart offer instant cashouts for a fee.
Q: “Can I work for multiple apps?” A: Yes! Multitask with Instacart (groceries) + DoorDash (food) to maximize earnings.
Logistics & Challenges
Q: “What if an item is out of stock?” A: Communicate quickly with the customer via the app. Offer substitutions (e.g., organic → regular) to keep tips high.
Q: “How do I handle heavy orders?” A: Use foldable carts for apartments. Apps like Walmart Spark often have bulk orders—strength helps!
Q: “Are there bonuses or incentives?” A: Yes! Instacart offers 100–100–500 referral bonuses. Amazon Flex has holiday surge pay.
Q: “Is grocery delivery safe?” A: Stick to well-lit areas, avoid cash payments, and use in-app safety features (e.g., Uber’s emergency button).
Regional & Niche Queries
Q: “Can I deliver groceries in rural areas?” A: Yes! Rosie (U.S.) and Checkers Sixty60 (South Africa) focus on smaller towns.
Q: “What’s the difference between grocery and food delivery apps?” A: Grocery apps (Instacart) involve shopping + delivery. Food apps (DoorDash) focus on pickup/dropoff.
Q: “Are there apps for delivering ethnic groceries?” A: Try Tasteport (U.S./Canada) or HappyFresh (Southeast Asia) for global foods.
Student-Specific Tips
Q: “What are the best student side hustles in 2025?” A: Grocery gigs (flexible hours) + receipt-scanning apps like Fetch Rewards (earn gift cards while shopping).
Long-tail: “can you do grocery delivery without a car” (Q1), “best student side hustles 2025” (final Q).
Tone: Friendly, practical, and jargon-free—perfect for gig newbies and hustlers alike!
Next Step: Ready to start? Pick your app and hit the road! 🚗💨
9. Conclusion & Next Steps
Our Grocery Delivery Side Hustle Starts Now
Whether you’re a student in London, a parent in Toronto, or a gig hustler in Sydney, 2025 is the year to turn grocery shopping into cash. From household names like Instacart and Shipt to niche platforms like Tasteport (ethnic groceries) and Cajoo (France’s rapid delivery), the opportunities are endless.
Why This Works in 2025:
Flexibility: Work around school, family, or a 9-to-5.
Scalability: Earn 200/weekforfunmoneyor200/weekforfunmoneyor1,500+/month for serious income.
Global Reach: Apps like Rappi (Latin America) and Gorillas (Europe) let you earn anywhere.