Complete guide to the best online grocery shopping in Singapore

In my previous post, we delved into the world of Singapore’s finest grocery stores and supermarkets. But let’s face it, in this age of technological marvels, even the simplest tasks have evolved. Many of us have embraced the convenience of online grocery shopping, making our lives even more hassle-free. Let’s embark on a journey to uncover the top online grocery options that Singapore has to offer for all us lazy people.

Why shop for groceries online?

TL;DR - we’re lazy. To expand -

• Convenience: Shop from the comfort of your home, avoiding the need to travel to physical stores, stand in lines, or carry heavy bags. Many online grocery stores operate 24/7, providing the flexibility to shop whenever it’s most convenient for you, whether that’s early in the morning or late at night
• Time-saving: Quickly browse and select items, eliminating the need for a time-consuming trip to the store
• Price comparison: Compare prices easily across different brands and products, helping you find the best deals and discounts
• Subscription services: Schedule recurring deliveries for essential items, ensuring you never run out of household staples
• Detailed product information: Online platforms provide detailed product descriptions and customer reviews, helping you make informed decisions about the products you purchase
• Reduced Impulse Buying: Shopping online can help you stick to your shopping list and avoid impulse purchases, ultimately saving you money

Are prices better online?

Yes and no. It really depends on the quantity of goods you are purchasing. Online platforms usually have discount codes and incentivize bulk buying. However, you have to factor in whether delivery fees are high (if not waived at all).

Cons of online grocery shopping

• Grocery shopping is a lifestyle: To some, grocery shopping in stores is a borderline hobby. It is for me at least. I love visiting grocery stores to see what latest products are being featured. Shopping online just isn’t the same
• Delivery Fees: Many online grocery platforms charge delivery fees, which can vary based on factors like the order amount, delivery time, and location. You should factor in these fees when comparing prices.
• Minimum Order Requirements: Some online grocery stores may require a minimum order amount to qualify for free or reduced delivery fees. Be sure to check the terms and conditions.
• Quality and Freshness: Some individuals prefer to select their own fresh produce and items with a specific expiration date in physical stores to ensure quality. When shopping online, you are relying on the shopper’s judgment.

What are the delivery options?

Let’s take a look at the top 3 grocers in Singapore - Fairprice, Sheng Shiong and Cold Storage.

FairPrice Online

• Same-Day Delivery: FairPrice Online offers same-day delivery for orders placed before a specified cutoff time. This allows you to receive your groceries on the same day you place your order
• Next-Day Delivery: Next-day delivery is also available, giving you the convenience of receiving your groceries the day after you place your order
• Scheduled Time Slots: FairPrice Online provides a range of delivery time slots throughout the day, allowing you to select a convenient time for your delivery
• Weekend and Evening Delivery: You can schedule weekend and evening deliveries to fit your schedule, making it ideal for those with busy weekday routines
• Subscription Services: FairPrice Online offers subscription options, allowing you to set up regular deliveries based on your preferred frequency, such as weekly or monthly

Sheng Siong Online

• Next-Day Delivery: Sheng Siong Online typically offers next-day delivery for orders placed before a specific cutoff time. This means you can place an order one day and receive it the following day
• Scheduled Time Slots: You can choose from various delivery time slots when placing your order, including morning, afternoon, and evening options
• Weekend Delivery: Sheng Siong Online provides weekend delivery slots, which can be convenient for those who prefer receiving groceries on Saturdays or Sundays
• Express Delivery: Sheng Siong also offers an express delivery option, allowing you to receive your groceries within a shorter time frame for an additional fee

Cold Storage Online

• Same-Day Delivery: Cold Storage Online offers same-day delivery for orders placed before a specified cutoff time, allowing you to receive your groceries on the same day
• Next-Day Delivery: Next-day delivery is available for orders placed in advance, ensuring your groceries arrive promptly the next day
• Scheduled Time Slots: You can select a preferred delivery time slot that suits your schedule, including options for mornings, afternoons, and evenings
• Weekend and Evening Delivery: Cold Storage Online provides weekend and evening delivery slots for added convenience
• Express Delivery: Cold Storage offers express delivery options for those who need groceries urgently, with faster delivery times

Same same, but different

Top online grocers

As to nobody’s surprise, all the popular supermarkets and grocers in Singapore have an online presence.

RedMart (by Lazada)

• Pioneer in Online Grocery: RedMart is a household name in Singapore, known for being one of the earliest players in the online grocery shopping scene
• Wide Selection: It boasts an extensive range of products, including fresh produce, pantry staples, household items, and more
• Convenience: RedMart’s user-friendly platform and reliable delivery service make it a convenient choice for busy individuals and families

FairPrice Online

• Trusted Supermarket Brand: FairPrice is a well-established supermarket chain in Singapore
• One-Stop Shop: FairPrice Online allows customers to conveniently shop for groceries and household essentials
• Accessibility: The platform offers a familiar shopping experience for those who prefer a trusted brand

Amazon Fresh (by Amazon)

• Global E-commerce Giant: Amazon Fresh offers a variety of groceries and fresh produce for delivery in Singapore
• Amazon Prime Perks: Amazon Prime members can enjoy added convenience with access to this service
• Diverse Selection: Amazon’s vast product range ensures you can find just about anything you need

Shopee Mart (by Shopee)

• E-commerce Convenience: Shopee Mart is the grocery arm of Shopee, one of Singapore’s popular e-commerce platforms
• Promotions and Discounts: Shopee Mart often runs promotions and discounts, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious shoppers
• Variety: The platform provides a diverse selection of groceries to cater to various preferences

Cold Storage Online

• Premium Selection: Cold Storage is a premium supermarket chain in Singapore, and its online platform reflects its commitment to quality
• Imported and Specialty Products: It offers a wide range of imported and specialty items, making it perfect for those with specific tastes

Giant Online

• Convenient Shopping: Giant is another well-known supermarket chain in Singapore
• Online Ease: Giant Online allows customers to shop for groceries and household items from the comfort of their homes
• Trustworthiness: Giant’s reputation for quality carries over to its online platform

OpenTaste

• Farm-to-Table Experience: OpenTaste focuses on providing fresh produce and premium groceries directly from farms and suppliers
• Unique Offerings: It often features unique and hard-to-find items, making it a favorite for adventurous foodies

Little Farms

• Quality and Freshness: Little Farms specializes in fresh, high-quality produce, dairy, meats, and other groceries
• Health-Conscious Choices: They cater to health-conscious consumers looking for wholesome options Farm-to-Table Commitment: Little Farms offers a farm-to-table experience that many shoppers appreciate

What about Chinese / Japanese grocers?

Here’s where things get interesting. There are plenty of boutique grocers that deliver! Some own their own delivery platforms / operations, whilst others rely on popular e-commerce sites in town.

Japanese

• Don Don Don Ki Don don don Ki doesn’t cater their own ecommerce site. However, they do have an official store presence on 3rd party e-commerce sites like Shopee

Source - Example Don Don Don Ki ecommerce store

• Oishii Mart Oishii Mart is a Japanese online grocery store that focuses on bringing authentic Japanese products to Singapore. They offer a variety of Japanese snacks, beverages, ingredients, and more
• Isetan Online Isetan is a well-known Japanese department store in Singapore. They have an online platform that includes a selection of Japanese groceries and products for delivery
• Meidi-Ya Meidi-Ya is another Japanese department store with a presence in Singapore. They offer Japanese groceries, fresh produce, snacks, and more through their online store
• Sakuraya: Sakuraya specializes in Japanese seafood and offers an online platform where you can order fresh Japanese seafood and related products

Chinese

• Scarlett Similar to Don Don Don Ki, Scarlett has an official store presence on 3rd party ecommerce sites.

• Yue Hwa Yue Hwa, a well-known Chinese department store in Singapore, primarily focuses on selling Chinese cultural and traditional products, including gifts, clothing, and home goods. They’ve now expanded their offerings to online delivery. All orders are delivered by Yue Hwa’s in-house delivery service team. Delivery is available daily from 11am to 6pm, except Public Holidays.

• Hao mart ​​Hao Mart: While not exclusively Chinese, Hao Mart is known for its extensive selection of Asian groceries, including Chinese items. They have both physical stores and an online platform for convenient shopping

Personally, I’ve tried delivery for all three and they work swell.

To wrap things up, online grocery shopping offers unmatched convenience and an extensive range of options, streamlining our busy lives. However, the in-store experience remains a unique and irreplaceable aspect of grocery shopping. It allows us to explore new products, relish the sensory pleasures of selecting fresh produce, and connect with food on a personal level. So, while we embrace the modern ease of online grocery shopping, let’s not forget the timeless joy of strolling through physical stores to bask in the beauty of our food shopping journey. Thanks for reading this post! Don’t forget to subscribe to see more content like this.