If you swear by delivery or drive-up, this might change your mind.

AJ_Watt / Getty Images

Shopping online is nothing new.

Instacart, one of the early online grocery delivery services, was founded in 2012.

grocery store aisle with ambient lighting

Credit:AJ_Watt / Getty Images

Amazon Fresh launched online order pick-up and delivery in partnership with Whole Foods in 2017.

You’re almost guaranteed to save money.

You have access to a larger selection.

In-person shopping offers a wider selection," Coleman says.

“Online platforms may not showcase the stores full inventory.”

The average supermarket shelves a whopping50,000 products, according to Lempert, which gives you quite the assortment.

When youre online shopping, youre only seeing a limited amount of products.

You retain the power of quality control.

They could even miss a small spot of mold hanging out on a block of cheese.

However, there’s always the risk your chosen alternative might be sold out, too.

4. you could try samples and dine at the on-site food court or restaurant.

all in one go.

You might make new friendsand learn something new.

The majority of online shopping experiences are pretty boring, Lempert says.

At the supermarket, you see your neighbors and the cashier youve known."

1 benefit of these interpersonal interactions is probably hiding out in the specialty department.

“This also applies for cheesemongersyou can often get stellar deals on yourfavorite cheeses.”

Make a list and check it twice.

To make it easier to flesh out yourshopping list, start with your last receipt.

About 80% of what we buy week to week is the same, Lempert says.

Consider the meals you might want to cook that week, and add any bonus ingredients required for those.

Then check the sales for any standout items," Coleman suggests.

This helps you avoid having to walk in circles as you fill your cart or basket.

Plan for unexpected purchases.

Discovering new products is part of the fun of getting groceries in the store.

Were always going to buy impulse items, but we often buy too many," Lempert says.

“Youll save money if you limit it to three.”

Have an in-store strategy.