Which Supermarket really delivers? Online grocery shopping compared!

Shopping is moving more and more online and the Covid-19 pandemic has only accelerated this trend further. Grocery shopping had been one of the slower categories to move with the times but over the past few months it has really begun to change. Here we take a look at what various supermarkets have to offer:

Supermarkets that offer online grocery shopping in Ireland:

1. Tesco

2. SuperValu

3. Buymie App – handy app that lets your order from Lidl and Tesco

4. Iceland – you can’t order online but can get free home delivery when you shop instore.

5. Centra have just launched a delivery service at some of their stores. (More information to follow on this at a later date)

Surprisingly, quite a few supermarkets do not offer any online shop, these include Dunnes Stores, Aldi, Spar, M&S and other smaller outlets.

What delivery areas are covered?

• Tesco – claims to be basically nationwide and on checks we did, that does seem accurate.

• SuperValu – stores throughout Ireland offer delivery but it varies depending on the store. Supervalu recently announced these stores are starting to offer the service. If you live outside the main urban areas, the easiest way to see if they deliver to you is to enter your address into their online shopping page.

• Buymie App – available in Dublin City, Dublin County and suburban parts of East Kildare and North Wicklow.

• Iceland – Free delivery available in the areas around their Dublin stores, plus - Gorey, Limerick, Middleton, Tralee, Wexford.

What do you have to spend to get home delivery?

• Tesco – orders must be above €30 for a one-off shop. Below that a €3 minimum basket charge applies in addition to the standard delivery fee.

• SuperValu – minimum order of €50.

• Buymie – minimum order of €30.

• Iceland – minimum order of €30.

Here are the one-off delivery fees:

• Tesco delivery charges range from €3 to €7 depending on the time slot.

• SuperValu charge €4 to €8 per delivery depending on time slots.

• Buymie – it’s complex as it can apply a fee of 13.75% to 15.75% dependent on order value. A fee of €3 also applies with orders below €40.

• Iceland – Free at the moment.

If you get a home delivery service frequently, then it might be better to subscribe:

Two providers offer this. You pay a regular amount each month. You can get multiple deliveries as long as each order is above the minimum required amount:

• Tesco Delivery Saver - €10 per month for deliveries any day or €7.50 a month for mid-week only deliveries.

• Buymie Plus - €11.99 month or €99 per year to avail of services. Each order needs to be at least €30.

What about the click and collect facility?

Three brands offer this handy service at selected stores:

• Tesco – available at these stores. No fee is charged.

• SuperValu – available at these stores. No fee is charged.

• Centra - now offer it too. Check their website for details.

Here's how you can avail of some sign-up bonuses

At the time of writing, you can also enjoy some discounts and bonuses for signing up:

• Tesco - €10 back when you spend €60. Enter code RXX4TY4 at checkout. Can be used for delivery or click and collect.

• SuperValu - €15 back when you spend €75. Automatically applied at checkout. Can be used for delivery or click and collect.

• Buymie - €15 off first shop via a voucher and free delivery. Enter FIRST15 for €15 discount. Free delivery applied automatically.

• Iceland – Free delivery (have to shop instore).

Other money-saving hacks:

• Tesco – combine the above new customer discount offer with your Clubcard vouchers to maximise your discount.

• SuperValu – as per with Tesco, you can stack the new customer offer with SuperValu Money Back vouchers or spend and save vouchers.

• Buymie – yes if you refer a friend – they’ll get €10 off and you’ll get an additional €10 off your next shop.

So, we’ve given you the facts above, but here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each site/app. We’ve left Iceland out as it’s a limited service.

Tesco

Pros

• Good low delivery fees if you sign-up for subscription and shop regularly.

• You can use Clubcard vouchers to get money off your shop.

• You can earn Clubcard points on your online shop

• At €60, the threshold to qualify for the new customer discount is lower than Supervalu's.

Cons

• Website and app are not as user-friendly as others.

• Click and collect stores limited in rural regions.

SuperValu

Pros

• You can shop online through both desktop and app.

• Experience is easy to use and navigate.

• Remembers your previous shops - which can be handy.

• €15 back on first shop – though you do need to spend €75.

• You can earn Super Real Rewards points on your online shop and use Money Back vouchers to get discounts.

Cons

• Hard to find where they deliver to and which stores allow you to click and collect.

• Need a separate app to use the Real Rewards programme.

Buymie

Pros

• Easy-to-use app that lets you quickly add items.

• Allows you to shop with Lidl or Tesco.

Cons

• Can't earn rewards points or coupons.

• Greater Dublin centered focus.

• Expensive and complex pricing model.

Click here to see our latest supermarket offers.