Instacart in Canada 2026: Pricing, Hidden Fees & Is It Worth It?

Grocery delivery has exploded in popularity across Canada. Instacart has become one of the most-used services, offering delivery from banners like No Frills, Loblaws, Costco, Metro and many others. But how do you use it smartly without letting fees eat into your savings?

How Does Instacart Work?

Instacart is a platform that connects consumers with personal shoppers:

1. You choose your store on the app or website
2. You select your products from the online catalogue
3. An Instacart shopper goes to the store, does your shopping and delivers it
4. You pay for products + service fee + tip

Fees to Expect

• Delivery fee: varies by store, time slot and order (free with Instacart+ above a minimum order)
• Service fee: a percentage of your order total
• Price markup: prices on Instacart are often higher than in-store
• Tip: plan for one (the shopper does real physical work)

Real cost: delivery fee, service fee, markup and tip add up; check the total before you pay. That's the price of convenience.

Which Stores Are Available in Canada?

Major banners on Instacart:

• No Frills — Low prices, good selection
• Loblaws — Large selection, local products
• Metro — Available in many regions
• Costco — Ideal for bulk buying (no membership needed via Instacart)
• Shoppers Drug Mart — For pharmacy and household products
• Canadian Tire — For non-food items

The Costco Without Membership Trick

A little-known advantage: you can order from Costco via Instacart without being a Costco member. Prices are marked up, but it's sometimes still cheaper than regular grocery for bulk sizes.

Instacart+: Is It Worth It?

The Instacart+ subscription is paid (yearly or monthly) and offers:

• Free delivery above a minimum order
• Reduced service fees
• Exclusive offers

The math: compare the subscription price with the delivery fees you pay in a month. The more often you order, the more likely it pays for itself.

How to Save on Instacart

1. Combine with Flyer Deals

Flyer discounts are often reflected on Instacart. Check JustShoppingSmart to see the deals spotted in this week's flyers, then order those products on Instacart as a priority.

2. Order in Bulk

The bigger your order, the more fixed fees, like delivery, are diluted. Group your shopping into fewer orders.

3. Choose the Right Time Slot

• Scheduled delivery: Cheaper than express delivery
• Off-peak slots: Early morning or late evening = lower fees
• Avoid Sunday afternoon: That's peak demand, fees are often higher

4. Use Promo Codes

Instacart regularly offers:

• New user codes: discounts are often offered on your first orders
• Seasonal promotions: Discounts on delivery fees
• Cashback through apps like Rakuten

5. Be Flexible with Substitutions

When a product isn't available, the shopper suggests a substitution. If you accept substitutions:

• You sometimes get a larger size for the same price
• Your order is complete (no missing items)
• The shopper may choose an equivalent product that's on sale

Instacart vs Alternatives

For pickup: PC Express. Instacart is ideal when you need home delivery or want to combine products from multiple banners.

When to Use Instacart vs Going to the Store?

Use Instacart when:

• You're short on time (busy day, sick kids)
• You want to avoid impulse buys (you see the total in real time)
• You need Costco products without a membership
• It's -30°C outside (welcome to Canada!)

Go to the store when:

• You want the lowest possible prices
• You're buying fresh fruits/vegetables (you pick the quality yourself)
• You want to take advantage of last-minute clearance deals
• You have paper coupons or in-store-only offers

The Optimal Strategy: JustShoppingSmart + Instacart

Here's the ideal weekly routine:

1. Thursday: Check JustShoppingSmart for the new deals
2. Plan: Let the tool generate your meal plan and your list, with this week's flyer prices
3. Decide: Go to the store for fresh produce, order the rest on Instacart
4. Do the math: compare the delivery fees with the deals spotted on your list before you order

With this approach, you get the convenience of delivery while keeping your savings through smart planning. On JustShoppingSmart, your plan always comes with the deals spotted in your list, even if you use Instacart regularly.