44 Top Food & Drink Companies

What to check before ordering food and drink online

Food is perishable, so timing matters more than in most categories. A parcel that arrives a day late can mean a refund claim instead of a meal. Before you order, look at delivery windows, fees and how the company handles spoiled or missing items.

Delivery apps and grocers

• Fees on top of menu prices: delivery fees, service fees and small-order charges can add up. Some apps also set menu prices higher than in the restaurant.
• Substitutions: grocery services may swap out-of-stock items. Check whether you can refuse substitutes.
• Missing or wrong items: find out how to report them and how quickly. Photos help.
• Memberships: free-delivery plans usually renew automatically.

Meal kits and subscriptions

Meal kit and coffee subscriptions often start with a large discount. The full price applies from later boxes. Learn how to skip weeks and cancel before you subscribe, and note any cut-off time for changes. If you have allergies, check how the company labels allergens and whether ingredients are packed in a shared facility.

Alcohol, tobacco, vapes and CBD

These products have age limits, and rules on selling and shipping them differ between countries and regions. A legitimate seller should check your age, and some deliveries require an adult to sign. CBD rules in particular vary widely, so check what is allowed where you live. Be wary of products making health claims.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Warm or spoiled deliveries: unpack chilled items as soon as they arrive. Report problems the same day with photos.
• Refunds as app credit: some apps refund to an in-app balance. Ask for a refund to your card if that is what you want.
• Wine clubs that keep shipping: read the commitment and cancellation terms.
• Unknown online grocers: look up the store's CandorRated page for its domain age, the business behind it and a contact address before you prepay for a large order.

Use the country and city filters to find restaurants, grocers and delivery services that actually serve your area.

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if my food delivery is missing items?

Report it through the app or to the seller as soon as possible, with photos of what arrived. Many services set a short time limit for claims.

Can I cancel a meal kit subscription at any time?

Usually, but changes often need to be made before a weekly cut-off. A box that is already being packed may still be charged.

Why does an alcohol delivery need ID?

Sellers must make sure buyers are over the legal age where the item is delivered. Have ID ready when the courier arrives.