Ah, the quest for early morning groceries! There's nothing quite like waking up to a fully stocked fridge without having to step foot outside. If you're wondering how early Kroger delivery starts, you've come to the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about getting your Kroger groceries delivered at the crack of dawn, or as close to it as possible!
Let's dive in, shall we?
Understanding Kroger Delivery Options: It's More Than Just One Service!
Before we pinpoint the earliest delivery times, it's crucial to understand that Kroger offers a few different delivery avenues, and the earliest available times can vary depending on which service you use and your location.
Sub-heading: Kroger's Own Delivery Service (The Blue Trucks!)
This is Kroger's direct delivery service, often utilizing their signature blue refrigerated trucks. When you choose this option, Kroger associates handle the picking and delivery.
Sub-heading: Delivery by Instacart (Third-Party Partner)
Kroger also partners with Instacart, a popular third-party delivery service. Instacart shoppers will pick up your order from a local Kroger store and deliver it to your door. This option often provides faster delivery windows.
Sub-heading: Express Delivery (Instacart's Fastest)
For those "need it now" moments, Instacart offers Express Delivery through Kroger. This is the fastest same-day delivery option.
Step 1: Check Availability in Your Area – The Absolute First Thing To Do!
Before you even think about delivery times, the most important step is to confirm that Kroger delivery is available at your address. Availability can vary significantly by location.
How to do it:
Visit Kroger.com: Go to the official Kroger website (
www.kroger.com Enter Your ZIP Code: You'll typically find a prompt to enter your ZIP code or address to check for local services.
Select "Delivery": Once your location is confirmed, make sure "Delivery" is selected as your preferred shopping method.
Pro-Tip: Don't skip this step! Even if you've used Kroger delivery before, new services or changes to existing ones can happen. It's always best to double-check.
Step 2: Navigating the Kroger Website or App to Find Delivery Windows
Once you've confirmed delivery is available, it's time to explore the actual delivery windows. This is where you'll find out how early you can expect your groceries.
Sub-heading: Adding Items to Your Cart
Start Shopping: Browse the vast selection of groceries and add your desired items to your digital cart. Take your time, explore the weekly ads, and clip those digital coupons!
Don't Forget Substitutions: As you add items, you'll often have the option to set your substitution preferences. This is important for early deliveries! If an item is out of stock in the morning, a pre-approved substitution can save you time and hassle. You can choose to allow "best match," "specific item," or "no substitutions."
Sub-heading: Proceeding to Checkout and Selecting Your Time Slot
Go to Checkout: Once your cart is full, click on the shopping cart icon and proceed to checkout.
Choose Your Delivery Method: You'll be prompted to confirm your delivery method. Select "Delivery."
Behold the Time Slots! This is the moment of truth. Kroger's system will display available delivery time slots. These are typically presented in one-hour increments.
Kroger's Own Delivery (Blue Truck): For Kroger's direct service, you'll usually find slots starting in the morning hours. While it's difficult to give an exact universal start time (as it varies by store and fulfillment center), many locations will offer slots beginning as early as 7 AM, 8 AM, or 9 AM local time. Some fulfillment centers may even have earlier options, like a 6 AM start in certain areas, particularly for larger, dedicated delivery hubs.
Instacart Delivery: Instacart can often offer even earlier delivery windows, sometimes starting as early as 6 AM or 7 AM local time, depending on local store opening hours and shopper availability. Instacart aims to deliver "in as little as 2 hours" for same-day orders, so the earliest available slot will depend on when you place your order relative to the store's opening.
Express Delivery (Instacart): For Express Delivery, the focus is on speed. While it's about getting it fast rather than early, if you place an order right when stores open (often around 6 AM or 7 AM), you could potentially have your groceries within a couple of hours, which means a very early morning delivery if you order promptly.
Booking in Advance: One of the best ways to secure an early morning slot is to book your delivery in advance. Kroger allows you to reserve delivery times for future days, sometimes up to several days or even a week out. Popular early morning slots fill up quickly, especially on weekends or before holidays, so planning is key!
Step 3: Understanding Factors Affecting Early Delivery Times
Several factors influence how early Kroger delivery is available in your specific area. Being aware of these can help you strategize your orders.
Sub-heading: Local Store Hours
The earliest delivery times are often tied to the opening hours of the Kroger store or fulfillment center that will be processing your order. If a store opens at 6 AM, it's unlikely delivery will start much before that, as shoppers need time to pick the items.
Sub-heading: Driver/Shopper Availability
Especially with third-party services like Instacart, the availability of shoppers and drivers in your area plays a significant role. In areas with high demand or fewer available personnel, early slots might be scarcer.
Sub-heading: Delivery Volume
During peak times (e.g., Sunday mornings, holidays), delivery slots, especially early ones, can be booked very quickly.
Sub-heading: Location (Urban vs. Rural)
Urban and suburban areas with higher population density and more Kroger stores generally have more frequent and earlier delivery options compared to more rural locations.
Step 4: Tips for Securing the Earliest Possible Delivery
Want to maximize your chances of getting those groceries before the sun fully rises? Follow these expert tips:
Sub-heading: Order in Advance
This is the most critical tip! As mentioned, booking your delivery several days ahead of time gives you the best selection of available slots, including the coveted early morning ones.
Sub-heading: Check Regularly
If you're looking for a last-minute early slot and don't see one, keep checking the app or website. Sometimes, slots open up due to cancellations or increased driver availability.
Sub-heading: Be Flexible
If a 7 AM slot isn't available, consider an 8 AM or 9 AM slot. Even an hour or two later can make a big difference in availability.
Sub-heading: Consider Kroger Boost Membership
Kroger Boost is a membership program that offers benefits like free delivery on orders over a certain amount (often $35) and 2x Fuel Points. While it doesn't guarantee earlier slots, the free delivery might make you more inclined to use the service regularly, and consistent use helps you learn the patterns of slot availability in your area.
Sub-heading: Have Substitution Preferences Set
To avoid delays or cancellations of items, ensure your substitution preferences are clearly set. This allows the shopper to make quick decisions without needing to contact you, streamlining the process, especially for early orders where time is of the essence.
In Summary: How Early Does Kroger Delivery?
While there's no single, universal "earliest time" for all Kroger deliveries, you can generally expect:
Kroger's Own Delivery (Blue Truck): Often starts between 7 AM and 9 AM local time, with some dedicated fulfillment centers potentially offering slots as early as 6 AM in certain areas.
Instacart Delivery: Can start as early as 6 AM or 7 AM local time, depending on the local Kroger store's opening hours and shopper availability.
The key to early delivery is to check your specific location's availability on the Kroger website or app and to book your desired time slot in advance.
Happy shopping, and enjoy the convenience of early morning grocery delivery!
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to check if Kroger delivery is available in my area?
You can check if Kroger delivery is available by visiting Kroger.com or opening the Kroger app and entering your ZIP code or full address. The system will then confirm availability for your location.
How to select an early morning delivery slot on Kroger?
After adding items to your cart and proceeding to checkout on Kroger.com or the app, you will be prompted to select a delivery time slot. Scroll through the available options to find the earliest morning slots, often starting from 6 AM to 9 AM, depending on your location.
How to modify a submitted Kroger delivery order?
You can generally modify a submitted Kroger delivery order (e.g., add or remove items) until the shopper begins picking your order. For Kroger's own delivery, this cutoff is often the night before your scheduled delivery (e.g., 11:59 PM local time the day before). For Instacart orders, you might need to chat directly with Instacart support once shopping has begun.
How to cancel a Kroger delivery order?
You can cancel an existing Kroger delivery order through your account on Kroger.com or the app, typically until the shopper has started picking the order. Look for your "My Purchases" or "Order History" section to find the cancellation option.
How to avoid delivery fees for Kroger?
Kroger Boost members often receive free delivery on orders over a certain threshold (e.g., $35). Without a Boost membership, delivery fees typically apply, ranging from $6.95 to $9.95, depending on the service (Kroger's own vs. Instacart) and whether it's an express delivery.
How to set substitution preferences for Kroger delivery?
During the online shopping process, as you add items to your cart or at checkout, you will have the option to set substitution preferences for each item or for your entire order. You can choose to allow "best match," "specific item," or "no substitutions."
How to track my Kroger delivery order?
Once your order has been placed and is being prepared or is out for delivery, you will typically receive real-time updates via email or text messages (if you opt-in for notifications). You can also often track your order's progress directly within the Kroger app or on the website's "My Purchases" section.
How to contact Kroger customer service about a delivery issue?
You can contact Kroger customer service by calling their toll-free number (often 1-800-KROGERS or 1-800-576-4377), or through their online chat support, usually available on their website during business hours.
How to get same-day delivery from Kroger?
Kroger offers same-day delivery through both its own service and Instacart. For the fastest same-day option, look for "Express Delivery" via Instacart, which can deliver in as little as 2 hours. Availability depends on current demand and time of day.
How to know if my Kroger delivery will be by a Kroger associate or Instacart?
When you select your delivery time slot at checkout, the system will usually indicate whether the delivery is fulfilled by "Kroger Delivery" (their blue trucks) or "Delivery by Instacart." The fees and exact time windows might also differ slightly between the two services.
