Amazon starts same-day delivery of perishable groceries across US

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Amazon is making it easier for people to get fresh groceries delivered the same day they order them. 

Shoppers in about 1,000 US cities can now buy perishable foods, like fruits, vegetables, dairy, meat, seafood, and baked goods, through Amazon’s Same-Day Delivery service. 

These items can be ordered alongside other products, such as household supplies and electronics. 

The company plans to more than double the service’s reach to over 2,300 cities by the end of the year.

To keep food fresh, Amazon uses a network of temperature-controlled facilities. 

Orders go through a six-step quality check, and items that need to stay cold are delivered in insulated bags. 

This is meant to ensure that products arrive in good condition, whether they’re milk, strawberries, or seafood.

For Prime members, same-day delivery is free if the order total is at least $25. If the total is less, they can still use the service for $2.99. 

Customers who aren’t Prime members can get same-day delivery for a flat $12.99 fee, no matter how much they spend.

Amazon says customers have responded well in cities where the service first launched, like Phoenix, Orlando, and Kansas City. 

Popular items include bananas, milk, eggs, and bread, with fruits such as strawberries, Honeycrisp apples, limes, and avocados among the most-ordered products.

This expansion comes as Amazon tries to compete more directly with grocery delivery services like Instacart and Walmart+. 

It’s also part of the broader “quick-commerce” trend, where companies race to deliver groceries and other essentials within hours.

The move may also help Amazon boost its grocery business overall, especially since the company has struggled to draw shoppers to its physical stores. 

By making fresh food available for fast delivery alongside its huge selection of other products, Amazon is aiming to become a one-stop shop for customers who want both convenience and speed.

Will Amazon’s same-day grocery delivery help it finally compete with Instacart and Walmart in the grocery space? Do you think the convenience of ordering fresh food alongside regular Amazon products is worth the delivery fees, or would you stick with dedicated grocery services? Tell us below in the comments, or reach us via our Twitter or Facebook.