Twenty-five years ago, the internet was hardly a blip on the radar, yet innovative websites were starting to bloom. In fact, in 1989, the era of floppy disk and dial up, brothers Thomas and Andrew Parkinson developed Peapod, the first online grocery store. 64 million bananas ordered and twenty five years later, Peapod has changed the way we think about grocery shopping, and quite simply, has made life easier.
I’ve tried my hand at all the online grocery stores, but Peapod is one I don’t get to use all that often. So, in honor of Peapod’s 25th anniversary, I was thrilled to be able to take the service for a spin once again.
The online site features a user friendly interface. It’s easy to navigate, has clear instructions and a functional search tool. When you first log in to Peapod, it asks you to pick a delivery or pick up option and time. Keep in mind: if you logout or end your session, you’ll have to reconfigure the delivery or pickup. This is my main grievance with online grocery shopping. I’m one of those people who always forgets things so I need to go back to the grocery store on the fly. I appreciate the way the specials and sales are highlighted; this is something I look for since I try to buy things on sale to match them up with coupons.
I bought mostly produce, deli meat and fresh meat, so I didn’t have a chance to use many coupons, other than what was offered on the site. The site is organized by categories and the photos of each product is clear with the information and price posted concisely. Some of my recipe sites have the option of creating a grocery list, which is helpful if you’re organized.
That said, Peapod has a tab that features lists that you can create. Peapod allows you to configure your lists in three different categories: it has a Past Purchases, My Specials and Personal Lists. Past Purchases is especially helpful if you buy the same sort of food every week. If you’re in a big hurry, be sure to check out the Express Shop tab which allows you to enter your list and Peapod then finds the items for you. Easy peasy!
As always, the actual shopping part is a lengthy process for me. After I was able to narrow down my grocery list, I found it extremely easy to enter my shopper rewards information and then my payment information. It was fast, secure and straight forward.
Since I opted for the pick up method, it was helpful to arrive at the store and be able to park at the front at the designated Peapod pick up spots. I waited just two-three minutes and called the number listed on the sign.
The delivery person saw me since I was the only person waiting for groceries. She quickly loaded my groceries from the outside storage unit and then promptly placed my groceries in my trunk. I loved not having to get out of the car, but I did step out to say thank you. This was my only verbal exchange with the Peapod worker.
Though it was quick and efficient transaction, it was also impersonal. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, it was just something I noticed since I’m so used to speaking to people at the grocery store. Above all, on that cold and rainy day that I chose to pick up groceries, I loved not having to disturb a sleeping toddler to go grocery shop. This, in itself, was worth the pick up fee.
Speaking of fees, prices vary for Peapod.com depending on delivery or pick up. For deliveries over $60, it’s $9.95. For deliveries over $100, it’s $6.95. The Pick Up Fee runs you about $2.95 I live on a hill so we have a lot of stairs. On these freezing winter days, the delivery fee is worth every penny. You just have to reserve your delivery slot early!
As for food prices at Stop and Shop, I felt they were on the more expensive side. I hit Costco every two weeks for our most-used items, so it was a bit difficult for me to pay almost twice the amount of certain items just to have them delivered. I paid about $75 for several bags of essential items; and quite frankly, these items barely made it to the end of the week. So, if you’re a frugal grocery shopper, shopping online and having it delivered might not be an every-week scenario for you. Most of the stuff I bought was pre-packed which attributed to the higher price, including the fresh meat and produce. I know someone commented on my Instagram photo, worried about the produce selection when someone else picks it for you. I was pleased with everything I bought, and even more impressed with the packaging of certain items that aren’t typically packaged when I shop elsewhere.
The convenience and accessibility that Peapod.com allows you is worth the investment and time and sanity saved scouring the store with kids who may have not be cooperative or downright tantrum-y. For parents who work outside of the home, having this convenience is yet another way to simplify the day to day rituals, giving you more time at home.
Above all, Peapod is a revolutionary online grocery shopping portal that takes the brainwork out of an otherwise tedious task. Peapod allows you to save time and effort, while bringing your groceries to your doorstep or trunk! Here’s to 25+ more years, Peapod!
Full disclosure: I was provided with a promo code to facilitate this review. As always, all opinions on NKT are my own.