I used to love shopping in-store, but Walmart's new delivery service changed me forever
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There are so many things that, just a year ago, I never thought I would do: have a job interview on my couch, make a designation between daytime sweatpants and nighttime sweatpants, say the word 'quarantini.' I certainly never thought I would get my groceries delivered to my house.
The thing is, I love grocery shopping. Wandering through the produce section, seeing what’s fresh and in season and looks like something I want to cook, is one of my supreme simple pleasures in life. When the pandemic hit — when grocery shopping went from something I loved to something I waited in line outside the building for, six feet apart from everyone else — in-store perusing not only didn’t feel safe, but it left me feeling sad afterwards.
So I, like everyone else, started getting my groceries delivered. And for the most part, it was fine, but it was only fine. Each delivery service has its perks, but each has its downsides too. Instacart inflates the prices to sometimes double what you’d pay in-store, with a delivery fee on top of that.
Whole Foods has great fresh foods, but a $35 minimum for free delivery even with Prime, and it lacks those few name-brand things I can’t live without (I’m looking at you, Mr. Thomas E. Muffin). Amazon Fresh has good pantry staples, but has that same $35 minimum, and is sometimes missing the basics.
That’s why I was so pleasantly surprised when I tried Walmart+, the retailer's new, subscription-based grocery delivery service. The signup was easy—a risk-free trial gives you 15 days, but a quick three-question survey will tack on two more weeks. After your 30 days are up, you’ll be charged $12.95 per month or $98 per year depending on what you select.
I found all of the items I was looking for — even organic skincare — through just one platform, rather than having to place multiple orders through different sites. Even better: The prices were in keeping with what you’d pay at your local Walmart.
Some things were even less expensive, and once you pay the annual or monthly subscription fee, there’s no minimum to spend for free delivery.
I was able to score next-day delivery (I wanted same-day but didn't get it) — I think it just depends on what's available at the moment you sign on. When I ordered early in the morning on a Wednesday, all the slots were full until late Thursday afternoon. But still, to save money and time, I’m happy to order a day in advance if necessary.
I’m currently on the trial, and so far, so good! Here’s what I ordered:
Thomas' Original Nooks & Crannies English Muffins, Fork-Split
I am fully, completely, weirdly obsessed with Thomas (and only Thomas) English Muffins. If I don’t have at least two kinds in my house at all times, things just don’t feel right to me. (For the record, I also bought the Cinnamon Raisin ones.) They’re so versatile! Feeling sweet? Apricot jam. Feeling savory? Peanut butter. Feeling like you were too busy to eat breakfast and now it’s noon? English Muffin pizzas. Problem solved.
Shop it: Thomas' Original Nooks & Crannies English Muffins, Fork-Split, 6-count, $3, walmart.com
Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted Snap Pea Crisps
My pandemic intake of salty snacks has made me a true connoisseur of crunchy munching. My stress-induced indulgence has led me to find healthier alternatives, like these Harvest Snaps. I know, it sounds weird to snack on peas, but these are delicious: lower in calories and higher in protein than potato chips, and with much more vegetable content than those 'veggie chips' that are still mostly potato.
Shop it: Harvest Snaps Lightly Salted Snap Pea Crisps, 3.3-ounce, $2, walmart.com
Great Value Zesty Ranch Veggie Straws
Ok ok, I ordered the veggie chips too. I can’t help it. I love them too much. Given that I eat veggie straws until the roof of my mouth hurts, I don’t let myself buy them very often, but hey, for a story, I’m willing to treat myself.
Shop it: Great Value Zesty Ranch Veggie Straws, 7-ounce, $2, walmart.com
Beyond Meat, Beyond Burger Plant - Based Patties
I’m an omnivore (seriously, pretty much everything except bananas) but I’ve been trying to make more plant-based choices in my home cooking. For a quick meal on a busy day, these Beyond Burgers are my go-to, and Walmart+ had the best non-sale price I’ve seen, even when shopping in-store.
Shop it: Beyond Meat, Beyond Burger Plant - Based Patties, 8-ounce, $5, walmart.com
Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese Veggie Tots
Green Giant Veggie Tots are another pandemic discovery I made when my stress-consumption of tater tots became, shall we say, a problem. I love the potato-free Cauliflower Tots, which are the hands-down best of the cauliflower-based alternative snacks I’ve tried, but these Broccoli & Cheese tots are brand new to me. To say I’m excited to try them is an understatement.
Shop it: Green Giant Broccoli & Cheese Veggie Tots 14-ounce bag, $3, walmart.com
Bubly Sparkling Water, Grapefruit
If we’re being honest, I ordered three cases of Bubly seltzer, not just this one. It’s much more flavorful than that French one everyone is obsessed with, and it has a cute little message on the tab.
Shop it: Bubly Sparkling Water, Grapefruit, 12-ounce Cans, 8-count, $3, walmart.com
Renpure Coconut Milk Body Wash
One of my pandemic coping mechanisms has been to make my house feel as transportive as possible. Will this all-natural coconut body wash actually trick my mind into thinking I’m in Hawaii? Of course not, but when I’m in the shower and my whole bathroom smells like a beach, I can close my eyes and pretend, just for a minute.
Shop it: Renpure Coconut Milk Body Wash 24-ounce, $5, walmart.com
Mumm Napa Brut Prestige Sparkling Wine
Weekend prep starts now. This bottle of bubbly will be chilling in the fridge until Friday happy hour, just waiting for me to close my laptop and unplug for a couple of days. Cheers.
Shop it: Mumm Napa Brut Prestige Sparkling Wine, 750-milliliters, $22, walmart.com
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