This page is currently in DUH editorial.
Where buying online actually costs less
The categories below are the ones where online ordering tends to beat a store run. Nothing here is a current price: treat the platform names as starting points and check the number yourself before you order.
| Food category | Why it can be cheaper online | Platforms named in the source material | What to keep in mind |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bulk and non-perishable staples | Lower per-unit pricing on large packs; fewer hands between producer and buyer | Gopuff (GoXL), Amazon, Walmart, bulk co-shopping platforms | Shelf-stable items only, and you need somewhere to put them |
| "Imperfect" produce and surplus food | Rescues food that fails retail cosmetic standards and sells it at a discount | Misfits Market, Imperfect Foods, Martie | Fine for cooking and smoothies; appearance varies |
| Store and delivery-service house brands | No brand marketing cost, and often produced by the same manufacturers as the name brands | Amazon Grocery, Walmart Great Value, Target Good & Gather | Reported to compete with discount-grocer pricing on cereal and frozen vegetables |
| Subscription items | Discounts attach to scheduled repeat deliveries | Amazon Fresh, supermarket-run subscription services | Worth it only for true staples — coffee, pet food, diapers — or you overstock |
Sources cited in the original page: Supermarket News, MoneyLion, Money Talks News, Business Insider Africa, Innovation Factory.