Instacart cuts grocery delivery to 30 minutes in select locations

A new “Priority Delivery” option from Instacart aims to bring the in-store express lane shopping experience online.

Instacart, which recently began offering alcohol delivery from select 7-Eleven stores in as fast as 30 minutes, is launching grocery delivery across more than 300 store locations in as fast as 30 minutes in more than 15 of the largest U.S. cities. The company’s new Priority Delivery service is available from participating stores of grocers and specialty retailers including Ralphs, Safeway, Sprouts Farmers Market and Stater Bros., in cities including Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle. 

Priority Delivery gives customers a real-time view of the fastest available delivery windows, indicated by a new lightning bolt icon. After the initial launch, Instacart plans to bring 30-minute delivery to more cities across more retailer locations over the coming months. Additionally, as part of the Priority Delivery rollout, Instacart is also expanding 45-minute and 60-minute delivery for more customers in more cities nationwide.

“We know that no two grocery shops are created equal – whether it’s a bulk buy for the week ahead or just a few ingredients for tonight’s dinner – so we’re launching new features that support the many ways people shop for their groceries today,” said Daniel Danker, VP of product at Instacart. “For many customers, every minute counts when they’re in a pinch and need something in a hurry. With today’s launch of Priority Delivery, we’re redefining the ‘quick run to the store’ and bringing the grocery express lane online for customers.”