Shoppers spend a third more to buy online groceries on delivery apps - plus fees

07 January 2023 , 18:18

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Shoppers pay more for groceries when using delivery apps (Image: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

Shoppers can pay around a third more for ­groceries on apps like Deliveroo and Uber Eats.

The online firms already charge fees to deliver from stores like Sainsbury’s, Co-op and Pret A Manger.

But on top of that, we found some items – taken from the shelves on the same supermarket – with huge mark-ups.

Pret’s 40g sea salt crisps were £1.30 in-store but nearly 35% more on Deliveroo and Uber Eats at £1.75. Litre bottles of Robinson’s Real Fruit Squash cost £1.25 in the Co-op but £1.65 on Deliveroo – an increase of 32%.

Delivery apps charge more than supermarkets (NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Tins of Heinz Baked Beans and Bisto Gravy granules at the same Co-op were marked up by around a quarter on Deliveroo. And two litres of Diet Coke would cost £2.60 if bought in the store but Deliveroo charges £3.45 – or 32.5% extra.

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The findings come as the cost of fresh food has increased by 15% year-on-year, while more than 14 million are now living in poverty. Jeannette Jackson, a nutritionist from Manchester Stress Institute, said: “Because of the spiralling cost of living, it is essential big businesses are responsible. These price hikes are another stealth tax on people trying to feed their family. Many will have no idea they are paying so much more. It’s not right.”

At present, Deliveroo customers buying from either Pret, Sainsbury’s or Co-op are subject to a £1.99 delivery fee, a 99p service fee and small order fee of £2 – applied for anything under £10.

Deliveroo and Uber Eats sell 1.75l Coca-Cola Original for £2.80

In September, Deliveroo announced a 50% year-on-year rise in revenues to £1.5billion, while Uber Eats increased revenue by £7billion, up 72%.

Uber Eats said: “Everyone who partners with Uber Eats sets their own prices and we encourage them to match prices offered in-store.”

Sainsbury’s said: “Customer feedback is very important to us and since launching our rapid delivery service we’ve been working hard to continually improve the service.”

The Co-op said “shoppers will generally pay more for the ease and convenience” of the service.

Deliveroo said: “The prices are set by our grocery partners. Deliveroo always seeks to deliver great choice, availability and value. We have agreed price-matching with our grocery partners, including Co-op, across hundreds of items.”

Pret declined to comment.

Un-appy shopping

Sainsbury's

Coca Cola Original - 1.75l

IN STORE - £2.45

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DELIVEROO - £2.80, up 14%

UBER EATS - £2.80 - up 14%

Pret a Manger

40g sea salt crisps

IN STORE - £1.30

DELIVEROO - £1.75, up 34.5%

UBER EATS - £1.75, up 34.5%

Co-op

Bisto Gravy 190g

IN STORE - £2.30

DELIVEROO - £2.85, up 24%

UBER EATS - £2.35, UP 2%

Bisto Gravy costs £2.30 at Co-op and £2.85 on delivery apps

Co-op

Diet Coca-Cola 2l

IN STORE - £2.60

DELIVEROO - £3.45, up 32.5%

UBER EATS - £2.85, up 9.5%

Ben Griffiths