26, 2026 6:30 pm EST
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Online grocery shopping has really taken off since the pandemic. In fact, 61% of U.S. households were buying their groceries online as of July 2025, with mobile sales reaching $10 billion – a 26% increase from the previous year. It’s easy to see why – it’s super convenient! But there can be some extra costs involved, like delivery fees and inflated prices. Don’t worry though, true budget shoppers have some tricks up their sleeve to cut those costs and still enjoy the perks of online shopping.
From dodging delivery fees to making the most of coupons and cash back, these strategies can help you save serious cash on your online grocery orders. Even things like leveraging loyalty programs and watching out for dynamic pricing can add up to big savings. It just takes a little know-how to become a true online grocery ninja!
1. Dodge the delivery fees
Eggeeggjiew/Getty Images Delivery fees can really add up, but there are ways to avoid them. Signing up for membership programs that offer free delivery, like Amazon Prime or Walmart+, is an easy solution. You might even get free delivery just for being a member of a service you already use. And even if you don’t want to pay for a membership, keep an eye out for free delivery promotions – many services offer those for new customers or on your first few orders.
2. Make the most of coupons and promotions
mangpor2004/Shutterstock Online grocery stores love to offer special deals and discounts. Sign up for their email and text lists to stay in the loop on the latest promotions. You can also find coupon codes and cash back opportunities through sites and browser extensions. Just a little bit of digging can save you a ton on your grocery bills.
3. Claim your cash back
Moon Safari/Shutterstock On top of coupons, many sites offer cash back on your grocery purchases – usually 1-2%, but sometimes even 5% or more. It may not seem like much, but that can really add up over time, especially if you’re a frequent online shopper. Just be sure to take advantage of any cash back opportunities before you check out.
4. Leverage your loyalty
Linaimages/Shutterstock Many online grocers have free loyalty programs that can score you some sweet perks – think points, discounts, member pricing, and more. Just be sure to check if there are any fees associated with the program before you sign up. The more you use these programs, the more personalized the deals and savings can become.
5. Prevent dynamic pricing pitfalls
Artistgndphotography/Getty Images Some online grocery services use dynamic pricing, where they adjust prices based on factors like demand and your shopping history. This can lead to you paying more for the same items. To avoid this, limit the info you give these companies by clearing your cookies or using incognito mode. You can also test for dynamic pricing by logging in with different accounts to see if the prices vary.
