on line grocery shopping

Used to buy groceries online, but too many substitutions or items not available or close to sell by date, and filthy delivery crates. But then I'm lucky and live within walking distance of a Sainsbury's and an M&S food, so I tend to shop daily and we have a market on a Saturday.

I just trundle off with my shopping trolley up the hill through the West Gate into town, wander around the few shops we do have, turn into Cocksparrow Lane and down to Sainsbury's, do my shop and tootle back across the Racecourse.

Job done, 5000+ steps added to my daily total.

I find weekly shopping so time consuming, as I live in countryside I find a trip takes half a day, whereas shopping delivered is put away in 15mins, and using a favorites list to select means even the ordering process is quick. OHs beer and wiskey makes sure we hit the right amount for reduced cost and I find a mid daytime slot is cheaper and leaves me half a day to spend in the garden!

I buy stuff like shampoo and deodorant on line and it all adds up. Cat litter x2 bags and semi skimmed long life milk 2x6 cartons increases the bill somewhat. I have no problem spending £40 and sometimes there is little food ordered. I live on my own.

I think the OP doesn't begrudge the £1 delivery charge , as no way could one drive to the nearest supermarket for under £4 and have the luxury of getting it delivered to your door without the hassle of parking, pushing a temperamental trolley, queing at the checkout et al. I think its having to get a £40 shop to qualify for a delivery at all is the problem . Someone living on their own might find it difficult to spend that much each week.... hence the suggestion of investing in a small freezer for meat etc. I even freeze milk as I'm afraid a pound for a litre in my local 8 til 8 is daylight robbery IMO. He does a great offer on 3 bottles of wine though...so maybe it's swings and roundabouts.

I shop with Morrisons on line and my bill is always well over £40 but admittedly I have enough loo rolls dish washer tablets etc. to last a long time. I save a bit of money also because I go for their offers and usually save around £14 when I shop 2-3 weekly. The most I spend for a convenient delivery slot is £1.50. The £1 slot times for me are inconvenient.

I pick a time when the delivery charge is reduced. It can be two or three pounds cheaper in the afternoon.

Worth every penny.

I don't see why the online supermarkets should offer free delivery to OAPs when they probably only spend a fifth of the average family shop.

As a singleton now I have an Ocado or Morrison's shop every 2 weeks usually around £60 each time. I have a fridge/freezer which is invaluable as I like to cook a varied diet. I buy a lot more frozen veg than I did when DH was alive as there seems to be less waste. I always look for the special offers online and don't spend as much as I do if I shop in person with DD. I don't think the online supermarkets could sensibly offer a reduced OAP rate as it costs to provide a delivery service.
Maybe trying to find a neighbour who would be happy to share a delivery as suggested would be the answer, or have you space for a small freezer? I have noticed that Morrisons try to encourage you to book a delivery when they are delivering in your area with a little green van logo on the time slot, ostensibly to be environmentally conscious, but as they don't offer a delivery fee discount how many people are going to bother?

£1 is probably a lot less than you would spend even getting to your local supermarket. You could always stock,up,on washing powder, dishwasher tabs, loopaper etc if you have difficulty reaching £40.
Personally I have trouble keeping it to £70 for 2 of us. Given the way things last, why not shop online fortnightly and just pop out for milk or bread etc as and when?

I think with Ocado you can share a delivery eg £20 each. It might be worth having a look online for terms and conditions. I'm not sure if other supermarkets do this.