I really dislike grocery shopping. It ranks alongside cleaning the bathroom, emptying the diaper genie and folding laundry as one of my least favorite chores. But, alas, we must eat, and being the control freak that I am, I am usually the one who makes the trek to the grocery store each week.
For the last six years, I did most of my grocery shopping on Friday afternoons, since I used to work from home on Fridays, which was quite convenient. But now that I’m commuting to Boston five days a week, my days of Friday grocery shopping are over.
So when I learned our local Stop & Shop grocery store recently started offering a Peapod pick-up service, I was totally on board. I’d been curious about these grocery shopping services for years, but I never tried them out because I wasn’t crazy about the idea of having a stranger select my produce for me.
However, when faced between that and not having to spend precious weekend time marching up and down the aisles at the grocery store, avoiding shopping carts left by oblivious shoppers and coming home in a cranky mood, it was really a no-brainer.
Last week, I sat down and created my Peapod account, then went to work on our weekly meal plan and shopping list. Right away, I noticed a couple of things. There isn’t as much of a selection of certain products as you’d find in the store, which was a little frustrating, but really not that big of a deal.
But one thing I loved was being able to see how much I was spending, as each item was added to my order. I swear, I spent probably $20-30 less than I would when I go to the store in person, probably because I’m more concious of what I’m spending, and I’m not making spur-of-the-moment decisions.
I scheduled my pick-up for Sunday between 9-10am, so that morning I put the kiddos in the car in their PJs and slippers and drove the 10 minutes to Stop & Shop. I pulled into one of the spots designated for Peapod Pick-Up, and within 30 seconds, a store employee came out to confirm my order. Minutes later, he was unloading my bags of groceries from insulated plastic bins and packing them in my trunk.
So I guess you could say I did my grocery shopping in 15 minutes. And I didn’t even have to take my kids out of the car. Dreams do come true, friends.
When I got home, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the produce I was so nervous about was … perfectly fine. I really liked how they packed my green beans, grapes and other items in plastic containers (a la Trader Joe’s), rather than in plastic bags that are more prone to squishing.
However, while unpacking, I did notice that I forgot to add staples like broccoli and bread to my list. That’s because I’m one of those shoppers who doesn’t always write every single item down because it’s just become routine to grab a few broccoli crowns or a loaf of bread. Mental note for next time!
Also, it’s a bummer that you can’t use your reusable shopping bags. Maybe there’s a way in the future that shoppers can at least select paper bags instead of plastic ones?
But either way, I will definitely be doing Peapod Pick-Up again. Here’s why:
- It was FAST, convenient and free (with no minimum).
- I didn’t have to spend two hours of my precious weekend time at the grocery store (where I’d most likely have a whining, complaining kid or two in tow)
- The produce was in perfect condition and all my dairy and frozen items were at the appropriate temperatures.
- I was able to track how much money I spent and was actually able to save some cash!
- If you’re a weekly meal planner, it’s super easy to add items to your list as you’re perusing through Pinterest or the Food Network website for recipe ideas.
- You have up until 24 hours before your scheduled pick-up to change or edit your order, which is nice when you realize in a cold panic that you forgot to add your daughter’s precious frozen pancakes to the list.
You know you’re intrigued, right? Well, good, because I am giving one $50 Stop & Shop gift card away to one lucky KMS reader! You don’t necessarily have to use it for Peapod services, but I highly encourage it – especially if you live near one of the Stop & Shop locations that offer it (check here). C’mon, you KNOW this will come in handy as you get ready for all that holiday cooking!
To enter, simply fill out the entry form below. This giveaway will end on Wednesday, November 27 at 12am ET. Good luck!
Disclaimer: I received a $50 Stop & Shop gift card to facilitate my review but my text and opinions are, as always, my own.
Julia Magnusson (@notlikeacat) says
yes, peapod delivery. as a bring-my-own-bags person, i didn’t like the zillion plastic bags i ended up with! but i’d use this card to shop in-store.
Jessica says
I know, I always bring my bags to the store. That is probably the one thing I’d change about the service. Right now I have a giant plastic bag collection in my trunk to bring to one of those recyclable bag locations.
Carla says
Love Stop & Shop! And delivery is so essential to my sanity lol
Michele says
I love to use the Peapod delivery service, it was essential last summer when my husband was sick and I was managing the house solo. This pick-up service sounds great, I must check now to see if it is available in my area!!!!!
Barbara says
I recognize that Stop & Shop- lol!
I have a $15 coupon to try it out. Maybe I’ll do it this weekend, have been wondering if it was worth it.
I did hear that they pick the best produce for the peapod customers.
Jessie C. says
I have never tried a grocery service before
Sara Hammer says
This is such a great idea! Especially when you work full time and don’t want to waste special time with the kids running errands. I tried this too recently, and my biggest problem was the sizes of things- I wasn’t sure which size canned corn to purchase since I usually just eyeball that in the store. But now I know, so it won’t be an issue.
Erin says
We have Peapod pick up and I ADORE it! Such a time saver! And a money saver too!
Aline says
I’d love to try PeaPod- I hate grocery shopping too.
Kari says
Ive never tried a grocery service before
Lisa Deck says
I have always been curious about trying such a service. Love your commentary about it. Thanks!
jen says
hmmm … sounds interesting ๐
Amanda Sakovitz says
yes i have
Rosie says
Not a service, but I do order food online all the time. I know people who use Peapod, it can be a lifesaver esp for older people who can’t get around.
Thomas Murphy says
I have never tried a grocery service before.
Dollops of Diane says
I used to do Peapod when Daniel was first born and the others were just 2 and 1!
Jennifer Butler Basile says
Thanks for the great info on grocery pick-up. About to pick up my first order and was nervous I’d have to sit in the parking lot for an hour waiting! Glad I found your post to set my mind at ease!
Jessica says
Hope it went well, Jennifer ๐
Ann says
I moved to an area recently that offers this service, are you supposed to tip the person who loads everything in the car? If so, how much?
Thanks!
Jessica says
Hi! If I recall correctly, there’s a note on the sign designating the Peapod pickup parking spots about “no tipping please.”
Carmen Mebus says
This is the best service ever. I use it before company comes so I can be at home doing other things. I also use it after a long vacation.