One In Five UK Households Now Shop For Groceries Online

One in five households in the UK placed at least one online grocery order in recent months, according to new data reported by The Grocer, underlining how digital food shopping continues to embed itself into everyday consumer behaviour.

The figures highlight the growing appeal of online grocery shopping, driven primarily by convenience, time-saving benefits and the availability of promotions.

Younger shoppers, in particular, are increasingly comfortable using apps and digital platforms as part of their regular grocery routines, rather than viewing online ordering as an occasional alternative to the weekly store visit.

While the data shared by The Grocer does not provide a detailed breakdown of individual retailer performance, it comes against the backdrop of steady growth across the UK’s online grocery market. In value terms, online orders have been among the fastest-growing parts of the grocery sector in recent months, even as overall food price inflation has begun to ease.

The trend reflects longer-term shifts in shopping habits that accelerated during the pandemic, when online grocery demand surged. Although footfall in physical stores has recovered and in-store shopping remains the dominant channel, online grocery has retained a loyal customer base and appears to have secured its place in the retail mix.

Industry observers point to improved delivery capacity, more flexible fulfilment options and increasingly personalised digital experiences as key factors supporting continued adoption. For retailers, the challenge now lies in balancing online growth with profitability, while ensuring product availability and quality — particularly in fresh produce — meets customer expectations.

With online grocery now firmly established, further innovation across logistics, technology and range is expected as competition for digitally engaged shoppers intensifies.