The Real Cost of Convenience: Delivery Apps Inflate Grocery Bills While Healthy Food Gets Left Behind

Lanham Media on behalf of Box Divvy

New research by CHOICE has revealed that groceries ordered through delivery apps such as Uber Eats, DoorDash and Milkrun can cost up to 40 per cent more than in-store, a finding that community grocery network Box Divvy says exposes how the “convenience trap” is costing Australians far more than money.

The CHOICE comparison of 13 everyday grocery staples found that prices averaged 11 per cent higher on delivery apps than in-store, with some items, such as ice-cream and dairy products, costing up to 40 per cent more once delivery and service fees were included.

“Every mark-up on basic groceries doesn’t just hit household budgets, it fuels a food system that leaves farmers squeezed and communities disconnected,” said Jayne Travers-Drapes, Co-Founder of Box Divvy. “People are paying more, eating more ultra-processed foods, and losing touch with where their food comes from.”

Operating like a modern co-op, Box Divvy connects neighbours through local Hubs to share orders of fresh, seasonal produce and pantry staples, keeping costs down for households and fair for farmers. On average, members pay around 30 per cent less than supermarket prices while supporting mostly Australian growers and suppliers.

“When you compare that 30 per cent saving with CHOICE’s finding that grocery items on delivery apps are around 11 per cent more expensive on average, and up to 40 per cent higher for some products, the gap is striking,” Travers-Drapes said. “It’s proof that convenience has become too costly, for our wallets, our health, and the people who grow our food.”

Box Divvy’s model is expanding across Victoria, NSW and the ACT, giving more Australians access to affordable, good-quality food without hidden costs or supermarket dependence. Most Hubs are run by a neighbour from their own garage, a simple but powerful way to rebuild local connection.

Unlike many supermarkets, Box Divvy’s pricing is transparent and consistent — members pay the same fair price across regional, metropolitan and city areas within each state.

“True convenience should mean having good food that’s affordable, fair and close to home, not another inflated delivery fee on a packet of chips,” Travers-Drapes said.

At a time when families are being told to shop faster and click more, Box Divvy says it’s worth asking what real convenience looks like. Because sometimes, the most convenient option isn’t an app, it’s walking next door to pick up your groceries from your neighbour.

Five Ways to Rethink Convenience

• Look beyond the app. Check the real price: delivery mark-ups and hidden fees can add 30–40% to grocery bills.
• Buy fresh, not fast: The quicker the food, the more likely it’s ultra-processed. Fresh, seasonal produce saves money and health.
• Keep it local: Supporting nearby suppliers and growers keeps food systems fair and resilient.
• Shop with your community: Sharing orders through a local Hub means lower costs, less waste, and more connection.
• Redefine convenience: Sometimes the easiest, smartest option isn’t digital — it’s the one that brings you closer to real food and real people.

About Box Divvy

Box Divvy is a community-powered grocery network helping Australians access fresh, seasonal food at transparent prices. With more than 330 Hubs and 15,000 members, Box Divvy supports local suppliers and households alike — reducing waste, cutting costs, and strengthening neighbourhood connections.

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Media Enquiries: Greg Townley, 0414 195 908, [email protected]