The rise of grocery delivery has reshaped how we shop, but not everything translates well to an app. Certain foods are best picked in person—where you can see, touch, and choose for yourself.
There’s something to be said for the convenience of having groceries delivered straight to your doorstep. It feels like a little bit of magic every time a bag of goodies appears without you having to leave the house. Maybe it’s because you’ve had one of those days where the thought of battling a crowded parking lot is more terrifying than a horror movie. Or perhaps you’re just short on time, and every minute counts. The online ordering boom has been a godsend for many of us, making life a little easier.
But as with all good things, there’s a flip side. Sometimes, what looks perfect on a screen doesn’t quite live up to expectations in real life. It’s a bit of a gamble, and for some items, that gamble just isn’t worth it. Certain things simply need to be identified by a human, and often, that human is you.
Breads and Pastries
A fresh-baked baguette is a thing of beauty. A loaf that has been tossed around in a delivery van for a while is a sad, squashed imitation. When you’re standing in front of the bakery aisle, you can feel the softness of the bread and check for a golden crust. You can even get a whiff of that incredible, freshly baked smell. When you order bread online, it’s a toss-up whether you’ll get something that’s still pillowy soft or a brick.
Fresh Produce
Have you ever ordered a bunch of bananas online, only to have them arrive either green, like a shamrock, or speckled with brown spots, like a leopard? The online shopping process doesn’t let you give them a gentle squeeze or check for those telltale bruises. It’s like buying a lottery ticket where the prize is perfectly ripe fruit. USDA revealed that up to 40% of food is wasted, often due to spoilage. Picking your own produce can help you get precisely what you need, reducing this waste.
Meat and Seafood
This is a case where your senses are the best tool. You want to see the color of the meat, check for any off smells, and verify that the seafood looks bright and fresh, not dull or gray. For a special dinner or a weekend barbecue, you can’t afford a nasty cut. According to a report from the USDA, foodborne illnesses resulting from the improper handling of meat and seafood are a significant public health concern. Seeing the product in person allows you to make sure it’s handled and stored correctly.
Ice Cream
Picture this: you’ve had a long week, and all you want is a pint of your favorite rocky road. You order it online, and by the time it gets to your door, it could be a soupy, half-melted mess. The horror! The freezer aisle is a fortress of cold, where you can pick up a rock-solid container and know it’s ready to scoop.
Chips and Crackers
There’s no feeling quite like opening a bag of chips to find nothing but broken shards and dust. When you’re in the grocery store, you can feel the bag to make sure the contents are still intact. You’re searching for that perfect crunch, not a sad handful of crumbs.
Eggs
This one is a real no-brainer. The last thing you want is a carton full of cracked and gooey shells. When you’re in the store, it takes two seconds to open the carton and check for broken eggs. That’s a peace of mind that online ordering can’t give you. Some eggs shipped to the US may break due to improper handling, which can result in frustration if you receive them.
Deli Meats and Cheeses
When you’re at the deli counter, you have the power to ask for a specific thickness or a taste sample. Ordering online often means receiving pre-packaged slices that may not meet your taste preferences. You can inspect the quality of the ham or salami and select the exact amount you need.
Dairy Products
Milk, yogurt, and other dairy items have a particular expiration date. When you’re at the store, you can reach for a carton with the longest possible shelf life. With online delivery, you get what you get, and sometimes, that means a short window before it goes bad. Consumers prioritize checking expiration dates, with 88% of shoppers saying it’s a key factor in their purchasing decisions.
Speciality Items
If you’re hunting for a particular brand of artisanal cheese, a specific type of pasta, or a gourmet sauce, the online selection can be hit or miss. Visiting a specialty food store or a larger grocery store allows you to browse and discover hidden gems. It’s an adventure for your taste buds, and you can discuss their recommendations with the staff.
Pet Food
For some reason, the heaviest bags of pet food and cat litter always seem to arrive with a tear or a ripped seam. This can create a massive mess and a huge hassle. When you’re in the store, you can pick up an intact bag, and you know it won’t spill all over your floor as soon as you get it home. Plus, you can easily compare sizes and brands right there in person.
Disclaimer – This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information. It is not intended to be professional advice.
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