40 Eye-Opening Online Grocery Shopping Statistics
Online grocery shopping has transformed the way people stock their kitchens, offering unparalleled convenience and accessibility. What began as a niche option for tech-savvy consumers has now become a mainstream choice for households across the globe!
Whether you’re a busy parent juggling a packed schedule or someone looking to avoid the crowds, online grocery platforms provide a flexible, efficient way to meet your shopping needs. This shift has been driven by several factors, including advancements in technology, the rise of app-based shopping, and a growing demand for contactless delivery options. As more consumers turn to digital platforms, questions often arise about how to get the most out of the online grocery shopping experience. Statistics do a great job of illustrating the growth and importance of a particular movement—let’s look at some for online grocery shopping.
General Online Grocery Shopping Statistics
Online grocery shopping has become a staple for many households, offering the convenience of shopping from home, saving time, and avoiding crowded stores. Since the pandemic, online grocery shopping has continued to thrive, revolutionizing the way consumers purchase food and essentials. But just how big is this shift?
- In 2023, 54.3% of US consumers purchased groceries online
- The online grocery market has boomed, and sales in the US were expected to reach $219.9 billion by 2024
- Online grocery shopping is expected to go by 2026, making up a projected 19% of all ecommerce sales
- In just four years, the amount of people grocery shopping online has gone up from 52% in 2020 to 67% in 2024
How Often People Shop For Groceries Online
Online grocery shopping has become a regular activity for many, with consumers forming new habits around digital purchases. Whether they’re making weekly orders or mixing it up with in-store shopping, one thing is clear: online grocery shopping is no longer a novelty, but a part of everyday life for many households.
- Around 25% of people shop for groceries online weekly. Meanwhile, 28% do so monthly
- The number is rising as time goes on, however—57% mentioned that they are spending more online than they did just one year prior
Average Order Size For Online Grocery Shopping
One of the clear advantages of online grocery shopping is the ability to buy in bulk or stock up on multiple items with ease. This trend often leads to larger order sizes compared to traditional in-store purchases, which is reflected in the numbers. As shoppers become more comfortable with online platforms, they’re adding more items to their carts, increasing the average size of their orders.
- The average online grocery order is valued at around $109 per transaction. This is much higher than the average in-store purchase, which is only $44.02
Why Do People Shop For Groceries Online?
The rise of online grocery shopping is driven by several key factors, all revolving around the convenience and flexibility that digital platforms offer. Shoppers are increasingly turning to online services not just for the ease of use, but for a host of practical benefits that improve their overall shopping experience.
According to a survey conducted by Chicory:
- 74% shop online for the convenience factor
- 37% say that price is the main driving factor
- 35% cite accessibility as the reason why they shop for groceries online
- 24% say it’s because they’ve built a habit
- 22% shop for groceries online for health concerns
- 20% are motivated by a loyalty program
- 19% simply prefer the experience to in-store shopping
Online Grocery Shopping Demographics
Online grocery shopping attracts a diverse group of consumers, but certain demographics are more likely to engage with these services than others. Understanding who is shopping online helps retailers tailor their offerings and target the right audiences.
- Younger adults are more likely to shop for groceries online—18 to 35 year olds are around 119% more likely, to be exact
- Around 40% of Millennials and Gen Z shop for groceries online every week
- In 2023, a study done by PYMNTS showed that 43% of men shopped for groceries online. Compare this to just 35% of women
- Those with higher income are more likely to shop for groceries online—76% of people earning over $100,000 per year vs. 61% of shoppers earning $25,000 per year
- City size also has an effect on online grocery shopping. According to a PowerReviews survey:
– 77% of people living in a city with a population over 500,000 shopped for groceries online
– 71% of people living in a suburban area within 30 miles of a major city
– 74% of people living in a city with a population between 50,000 and 500,000
– Only 65% of people living in a city with a population under 50,000
– 86% of people living with children shopped for groceries online. Compare this to 61% of people living with a significant other. Meanwhile, 60% of single adults shopped for groceries online.
The Most Popular Online Grocery Shopping Categories
When it comes to online grocery shopping, certain product categories consistently rank as the most popular among consumers. Shoppers often look for convenience in purchasing staple items, but there is also growing interest in fresh and perishable products. Here is some information courtesy of the Chicory online grocery report:
- Snack foods take the top spot at 73%
- Grains and starches are at 64%
- Condiments, sauces, and dressings come in at 63%
- Sweets come in next at 47%
- Baking needs are at 44%
- Bakery items themselves come in at 37%
It doesn’t stop there, though. Shoppers are certainly comfortable purchasing perishable items online, too!
- 64% of shoppers reported purchasing dairy online
- 60% purchased produce
- 55% purchased meat
- 55% purchased frozen food or meals
- 33% purchased alternatives to dairy or meat (vegan, vegetarian, etc.)
- 22% purchased seafood
Online Grocery Shopping FAQs
Online grocery shopping has rapidly grown in popularity, offering a convenient and time-saving alternative to traditional in-store shopping. As an online grocer, FreshDirect often gets questions about how it works, what to expect, and how to make the most of the experience. For more information about ordering groceries online at FreshDirect, head to the FAQ page.
How does online grocery shopping work?
Online grocery shopping allows you to browse a retailer’s website or app, add items to your cart, and then choose either delivery or pickup. Once your order is placed, the store prepares the items, and you can schedule a delivery or pick-up at a convenient time. Many services (such as FreshDirect) also offer on-demand, same-day, and next-day delivery, providing ultimate flexibility for busy lifestyles.
Is online grocery shopping more expensive than shopping in-store?
While prices for products are typically the same, online grocery shopping can include additional fees such as delivery charges, service fees, or minimum order requirements. However, shoppers may find savings in avoiding impulse purchases, using digital coupons, and taking advantage of exclusive online discounts. Additionally, some platforms offer subscription services that waive delivery fees for frequent shoppers, such as FreshDirect DeliveryPass.
Can I buy fresh produce online?
Absolutely! Fresh produce is actually one of the top-selling categories for online grocery shoppers. Many platforms have indicators for freshness and ripeness (such as FreshDirect’s Peak Quality label), and services ensure that perishable items are handled with care. Some retailers guarantee the quality of fresh produce, offering refunds or replacements if the delivered items don’t meet your expectations.
Can I buy alcohol online?
In the United States, regulations regarding the sale of alcohol vary by state. In New York, you can buy alcohol online if you are at least 21 years old and provide identification to the delivery person. FreshDirect Wine & Spirits offers a full selection of bottles and you can even get them with your groceries in our New York delivery zones.
Wine and spirits are sold by FreshDirect Wine & Spirits, License # 1277181 3 Flushing Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11205. Tel. (718) 927-1515 Mon–Sat: 10 AM–8 PM Sunday: 12 PM–8 PM
Are online grocery orders safe during delivery?
Yes, online grocery services take food safety seriously, especially for perishable items like dairy, meat, and fresh produce. Groceries are typically packed in insulated bags or coolers to maintain appropriate temperatures. Many services also offer contactless delivery options to minimize handling, ensuring both safety and convenience for customers. Learn more about food safety at FreshDirect here >>
How do I save money when shopping for groceries online?
There are several ways to save money when shopping for groceries online. Look for digital coupons, use promo codes, sign up for loyalty programs, or take advantage of bulk-buying options. On FreshDirect, you can head to the Deals & Sale page to browse all of the current discounts. Many services also offer special deals for first-time shoppers or those who meet a minimum order threshold. Comparison shopping between different platforms can also help you find the best prices.
Get Your Favorite Grocery Items Delivered To Your Door
Whether you’re in Manhattan, the Bronx, Brooklyn, or elsewhere in the New York area, you can have all the grocery items you need delivered straight to your door! Together with our farm partners, FreshDirect has hassle-free same-day delivery for produce, meats, and other products. You can also get basic grocery items, snacks, bakery items, and much more. FreshDirect can make sure that you have what you need. Start your order today!