Savings Guides, Deal Strategies & Verified Offers
Instacart, founded on July 1, 2012, in San Francisco by Apoorva Mehta, Max Mullen, and Brandon Leonardo, revolutionized grocery shopping by introducing an on-demand delivery service that connects customers with personal shoppers[1][2][3]. Mehta, leveraging his experience as a supply chain engineer at Amazon, created the company out of frustration with traditional grocery shopping inefficiencies, starting with a simple iOS app and crowdsourced shoppers for rapid 1-2 hour deliveries[1][4]. Backed early by Y Combinator, Instacart expanded quickly from San Francisco to nationwide coverage, partnering with over 1,000-1,400 retailers including Costco, Kroger, Albertsons, Whole Foods, and Safeway, serving more than 5,500 cities across the US and Canada[3][5]. The company went public via IPO in 2023 as Maplebear Inc., evolving from a consumer delivery marketplace to a comprehensive grocery technology platform offering enterprise solutions like online storefronts, fulfillment APIs, inventory management, and retail media advertising[2][4][5]. Instacart does not sell products directly but facilitates access to groceries, alcohol, ready-to-eat meals, and more from local stores through its app and website, with options for same-day delivery or pickup[3][6]. Shoppers pick, pack, and deliver orders, using AI for stock predictions, personalized recommendations, substitutions, and efficient matching[4]. Instacart+ (formerly Instacart Express, launched 2013) provides unlimited free deliveries for members, enhancing loyalty[1][2]. People shop at Instacart for unparalleled convenience, saving time on errandsโ the app even tracks ‘hours saved’โespecially appealing to busy professionals, families, and those preferring contactless service post-pandemic[4]. Its tech-driven model ensures speed, accuracy, and broad retailer selection, making it a leader in the $1 trillion+ US grocery market[5].
Best times include early mornings or weekdays to avoid peak-hour surge pricing and delays; major sales align with holidays or retailer promotions via partnerships.
Instacart+ (rebranded from Instacart Express in 2022) offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $35 for members, boosting loyalty and order frequency; priced as a subscription for frequent users[1][2].
Beyond promo codes, Instacart offers these year-round discount programs:
Instacart offers a military discount for active-duty service members, veterans, and military families. Verify your status through ID.me or SheerID to unlock savings. This discount is typically available online and in-store.
Students can save at Instacart by verifying their enrollment. Use UNiDAYS, Student Beans, or your .edu email address to unlock exclusive student pricing.
Teachers and educators receive special discounts at Instacart. Verify your teaching credentials through ID.me to access savings.
First responders can save at Instacart. Police officers, firefighters, EMTs, and other emergency personnel can verify through ID.me or GovX.
Maximize your savings with these insider tips:
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