Many of us dabao meals regularly but there’s nothing that can match a good home-cooked meal. Instead of shopping at the supermarket, where you’ll have to wait in long queues and carry heavy grocery bags, consider ordering your groceries online.
Here is a comparison of the best online grocery stores in Singapore, from delivery costs to in-store promotions. Online grocery delivery services may be more budget-friendly than you think.
Where can I buy groceries online in Singapore?
Cold Storage
Cold Storage offers a low minimum order for free delivery, making it very competitive with other grocers even though its product prices are not always as affordable. The simple flat fee structure of S$7 for any order below S$59 also keeps the shopping process straightforward since there are no hidden charges.
Another upside to Cold Storage’s delivery is the option to make customised arrangements such as special timing and location. Even though additional fees apply, it is still a very convenient option for shoppers with tighter schedules.
If you prefer to shop online to avoid the in-store crowd but don’t mind picking up the order yourself, select the Click & Collect Service where you can enjoy the convenience with only a S$3 service fee.
Want even more savings when you shop at Cold Storage? Shop with grocery rebate credit cards such as UOB One Card where you’ll be entitled to as much as 10% rebates. Also, you can shop via Deliveroo and get S$5 off plus free delivery when you use discount code “FRESH&FAST5”.
Giant
Giant’s grocery delivery, Click & Collect service, and fee structure closely mirror Cold Storage. This is probably because both grocery stores are part of the Dairy Farm Group, a pan-Asian retailer that owns brands such as Giant, 7-Eleven, Jasons, Market Place, Guardian, and Cold Storage.
However, Giant is more of a budget supermarket, unlike Cold Storage that offers a more premium range of products. In terms of product pricing, Giant is one of the most affordable online grocery stores in Singapore.
It also owns house brand products that are priced economically for budget-conscious shoppers. If you are not a picky shopper, you’ll probably acquire more groceries using the same budget that you spend at other grocers when you shop at Giant.
A tip for those who use the Click & Collect service, now you can hire GrabExpress to pick up your order if you don’t have time for self-collection. You can even enjoy 15% off with discount code “GIANT15” when you book the delivery.
Alternatively, you can shop via Deliveroo to get S$5 off when you use the discount code “FRESH&FAST5”. To save even more on your grocery bill, using the right credit card can let you take home 10% cashback on groceries.
NTUC FairPrice
FairPrice is probably the most popular supermarket in Singapore but the fees chargeable on their online platform seem less favourable.
The minimum order is S$79, which is higher compared to most online grocery delivery services in Singapore. There are additional charges for selecting preferred delivery slots.
Lastly, you’ll need to pay an additional S$3.99 service fee for all online orders, which means even if you reach the minimum order of S$79 for free delivery, you’ll still have to pay S$3.99. This makes FairPrice the most expensive online grocery store.
Interestingly FairPrice’s Click & Collect service is free with a minimum order of S$3.99, a very low amount which suggests the supermarket might be more interested in a self-collection model rather than delivery.
If you are a fan of FairPrice, don’t fret, you can still shop there with some of the best credit cards that offer extensive rewards and cashback to help you save on your grocery bill.
You can also consider joining the FairPrice Digital Club membership at S$9.90 per month where you’ll receive free delivery, a service fee waiver, exclusive promotions, and other benefits.
This membership may be worth it if you have high grocery expenses every month.
Redmart
Redmart started in 2011, before any of the other online grocery delivery services. The eCommerce shopping platform offers free delivery if you spend above S$60 or pay delivery fees between S$5.99 for 2-hour slots to S$3.99 for 6-hour slots. What's most interesting about Redmart is its Price Match Promise.
The online grocer promises prices that are lower or equal to applicable online grocery retailers in Singapore and it is willing to offer a refund if shoppers can find a lower price at other retailers’ platforms after purchasing a Price Match Promise product from RedMart.
If you are a first-time shopper at Redmart, here’s a piece of good news - Redmart offers S$60* off your first four orders. Also, all orders above $60 are guaranteed with free delivery to your doorstep.
How does RedMart voucher work?
- S$12 off a minimum spend of S$60
- S$14 off a minimum spend of S$80
- S$16 off a minimum spend of $100
- S$18 off a minimum spend of S$100
Sheng Siong - Allforyou
Sheng Siong’s online store, Allforyou, is another supermarket that offers a wide range of budget-friendly groceries and household products. However, the online grocer’s minimum order for free delivery is less budget-friendly. You’ll need to spend S$100 before you’ll be entitled to the free perk.
Given that most families spend around S$350 to S$475 per month on groceries (including food, beverage, alcohol and tobacco), ordering groceries from Allforyou may make sense for larger families but not for couples or smaller families on a budget.
If Sheng Siong has always been your top choice grocer, you can still get pretty good deals on the online platform. Look out for the ‘Promotion’ tab, where lots of items are uploaded at discounted or bundle prices. Remember to check out using the right credit card to optimise savings!
Which Grocery Delivery Service is Best in Singapore?
Cold Storage and Giant online are the best online grocery delivery services in Singapore. Both offer consumers the lowest minimum order for free delivery.
Redmart is also a good choice since it offers the cheapest island-wide delivery at S$3.99. Budget-conscious shoppers may avoid FairPrice and Sheng Siong’s Allforyou because they are less budget-friendly, given their additional service fees and high minimum order for free delivery.
This article was first published in ValueChampion and republished on theAsianparent with permission.
ALSO READ:
Here’s How Cost Effective Online Grocery Delivery Services Can Be
Supermarket Creates Grocery Shopping Guide For Clueless Husbands