If you live in New York, you know that grocery shopping can be a challenge. Between busy schedules, crowded stores, and the sheer variety of options, it’s no wonder more New Yorkers are turning to grocery delivery services. But with so many choices, which delivery service truly delivers the best value for your money?
To help fellow New Yorkers cut through the noise, I decided to test four grocery delivery services that are either popular or fast-growing in NYC: Quicklly, Instacart, Kesar Grocery, and Swagat Grocery. I looked at real-world stuff—how easy it was to order, how fast things arrived, whether the produce was actually fresh, and whether the pricing made sense in a city where everything’s already expensive.
Here’s what I discovered: which service I recommend.
Table of Contents
What NYC Shoppers Actually Need
Before jumping into the comparisons, it’s important to highlight a few real-life challenges that grocery delivery services need to solve in NYC:
- Time efficiency: You may be ordering between meetings or while standing on a packed train.
- Product variety: From oat milk to kasuri methi, New Yorkers shop globally.
- Freshness: We notice wilted herbs and bruised fruit.
- Storage limitations: Studio living means thoughtful buying.
- Customer service: If something’s off, you want a real human to help, not a bot.
These aren’t “nice-to-haves” here; they’re essentials. And it’s through this lens that I approached each service.
1. Quicklly: Top Choice for Indian & South Asian Groceries
Quicklly is a #5 star in Indian grocery delivery services in New York, especially for those seeking authentic South Asian groceries, meal kits, and even restaurant-prepared meals. Unlike generic grocery apps, Quicklly partners with local Indian stores and restaurants, offering a curated selection you won’t find elsewhere.
Think of it as a curated marketplace of the best Indian stores, all brought online with surprising polish.
I ordered a mix of veggies, spices, and a tiffin ready-to-eat meal kit to see how diverse their offerings really were.
What I Loved:
- Specialty Selection: From fresh produce and paneer to hard-to-find spices and snacks, Quicklly’s inventory is unmatched for Indian/South Asian cuisine.
- Fast Delivery: Same-day delivery is available in NYC, and some items arrive in as little as 60 minutes.
- Competitive Pricing: Free delivery on orders over $25, and a reasonable $4.25 fee otherwise.
- One-Stop Shop: Order groceries, meal kits, and even restaurant meals together.
My Experience:
Ordering was simple, and the website is easy to navigate. My groceries arrived fresh, well-packed, and exactly as described. Customer service was responsive when I had a question about substitutions.
Best For:
Anyone seeking authentic Indian groceries in New York. Quicklly is also a great alternative to Instacart for specialty items.
2. Instacart – Fast, Familiar, But Pricey
Instacart is the most well-known grocery delivery service, offering access to major chains like Whole Foods, Costco, and local favorites. It’s convenient, but there are some trade-offs.
Pros:
- Wide Store Selection: Shop from multiple stores in one order.
- Flexible Delivery: Same-day and scheduled delivery options.
Cons:
- Fees Add Up: Delivery fees, service charges, and tips can make small orders expensive.
- Substitutions & Quality: Substitutions are common, and some users report issues with product freshness.
- Customer Service: Mixed reviews, with some users experiencing slow or unhelpful responses.
My Experience:
Delivery was quick, but my order had two substitutions and a missing item. Resolving the issue with customer service took several days.
Best For:
Those who want to shop from big-name stores and don’t mind paying extra for convenience.
3. Kesar Grocery: Reliable for Indian Groceries, But Limited Support
Kesar Grocery is a Jersey City-based service specializing in Indian groceries, serving much of the NYC metro area.
Pros:
- Fresh Produce: High marks for quality and freshness.
- Same-Day Delivery: Great for last-minute needs.
- Easy Refunds: Refunds are typically processed quickly.
Cons:
- Customer Service: Some users report delays or a lack of communication.
- Pricing: Slightly higher than some competitors, and delivery fees vary.
My Experience:
My order arrived on time, and the produce was excellent. However, I received no notification about a substitution, and it took a few days to get a response from support.
Best For:
Shoppers who want authentic Indian groceries and prioritize freshness.
4. Swagat Grocery: Freshness First, Frills Later
Swagath Grocery is another local option for Indian groceries, with a solid selection and competitive prices.
Pros:
- Good Variety: Offers many staples and snacks.
- Affordable: Prices are generally lower than other specialty stores.
Cons:
- Delivery Issues: Some customers report delays or order mix-ups.
- Customer Service: Can be hit-or-miss.
My Experience:
Ordering was easy, but my delivery arrived later than scheduled. The products were fresh, but communication could be improved.
Best For:
Budget-conscious shoppers who want Indian groceries and are flexible about timing.
A Few Honest Learnings Along the Way
- Speed vs. Soul: Instacart is unbeatable in speed, but it lacks the personality and care you get from Quicklly or Swagat.
- You Get What You Pay For: Lower prices (like Kesar’s) mean fewer bells and whistles, sometimes less quality.
- Cultural Connect Matters: If you’re shopping for a cuisine-specific pantry, generalist services will likely fall short.
Final Thought:
Each of these services fits a different lifestyle. Quicklly is your grocery portal to everything in NYC, Instacart wins on speed, Kesar stretches your dollar, and Swagat brings rare items. So we brought where each shines that helps you shop smarter, not just faster.
