Does Kroger Deliver Groceries in 2024? Everything You Need to Know

Over the past 3 years, grocery delivery services have rapidly expanded, with some analysts forecasting the online grocery market to reach $192 billion by 2028. Driving this growth is consumer demand for convenience – 72% of shoppers say delivery time is a primary factor when ordering groceries online.

Kroger, the largest US grocery chain, offers delivery through their own platform and third-party apps. But with varying fees, delivery windows, and eligibility by region – does Kroger deliver groceries in 2024 and how exactly does it work?

Here is a comprehensive guide examining how to get Kroger grocery delivery this year.

Overview: Kroger Grocery Delivery in 2024

Kroger provides two grocery delivery options in 2024:

• Kroger Delivery: Direct delivery service through Kroger‘s website and app
• Instacart: Third-party on-demand delivery app with access to Kroger groceries

Next-day delivery is available in most regions through Kroger directly. For more urgent same-day/1-hour delivery, Instacart offers additional flexibility.

Kroger vs Instacart Delivery: Key Differences

How Kroger Grocery Delivery Works

Kroger grocery delivery involves a few simple steps:

1. Sign Up: Create an account at Kroger.com or via mobile app
2. Shop: Browse items and add to your virtual cart
3. Checkout: Select delivery timeframe, enter payment and address
4. Delivery: Driver will deliver order within chosen timeframe

Eligibility and Availability

Kroger delivery is currently only available in areas near Kroger‘s ~2,800 grocery stores across 35 states. Some key requirements:

• Delivery zip code must be near an available Kroger store location
• $35 minimum order value
• Delivery times depend on store volume/demand
• Online payment is required for delivery orders

Enter your zip on their website to confirm if Kroger delivery is available in your area.

Instacart Grocery Delivery for Kroger Stores

In regions without direct Kroger delivery access, Instacart offers on-demand grocery delivery services for Kroger supermarket chains including:

• Ralphs
• Fred Meyer
• King Soopers
• etc.

With Instacart, orders under $35 incur additional fees and club store deliveries often have higher costs. Still, Instacart provides greater flexibility for quicker delivery including the following options:

• 1-Hour Delivery: Available for an additional fee in select areas
• Same-Day Delivery: Order by a certain time to receive within a few hours
• Next-Day Delivery: Schedule your order in advance

Check eligibility by adding your zip code on Instacart‘s website.

Understanding Kroger Delivery Costs and Fees

When using Kroger and Instacart for grocery delivery, additional fees apply on top of your order‘s cost:

Kroger Delivery Fees

• Delivery Fee: $9.95 – $11.95 per order depending on location
• Service Fee: None
• Minimum Order: $35
• Tipping: Not Required

So as an example, a $50 grocery order from Kroger would cost ~$60-62 with the delivery fee added.

Instacart Fees

• Delivery Fee: $3.99+ per order depending on time
• Service Fee: Varies, usually 5%+ of order cost
• Small Order Fee: For orders under $35
• Tipping: Recommended (~20% baseline)

Here is a breakdown of average fees for Instacart. With all costs added, a $50 Kroger grocery order could be ~$73 including:

• $50 Groceries
• $3.99 Delivery
• $2.50 Service (5%)
• $10 Tip (20%)
• $5.99 Possible peak/priority fees

So while Instacart offers greater speed and flexibility, the delivery costs are higher in most cases. Consider convenience vs price when choosing your grocery delivery method.

Delivery Wait Times and Scheduling

Kroger offers next-day time slots for most regions. Schedule your order by:

• 10-11PM the prior evening for next morning (8-11AM) delivery
• 2-4PM for next evening delivery

On Instacart, availability varies by store volume, distance and number of shoppers in your area. During peak days, delivery windows fill up further in advance.

For predictable delivery, schedule Instacart orders 1-2 days out or select a flexible delivery window. Rush hour and weekends generally have extended wait times.

Tipping Guidance and Delivery Prices

Kroger requests that you do not tip their delivery drivers.

However with Instacart, tips are customary as drivers rely on your tips as part of their compensation. Standard tip amount is approx. 15-20% of your order subtotal, but use your discretion on order size and service.

Should You Use Kroger Delivery in 2024?

With the rise of grocery ecommerce and delivery, services like Kroger and Instacart offer flexibility when everyday errands seem overwhelming. Consider the speed, costs and delivery times that best suit your shopping needs.

The bottom line – Kroger does provide grocery delivery through much of the US either directly or via Instacart partnership. Take advantage of next-day delivery slots to conveniently get the usual Kroger groceries without leaving home.