You’re probably aware that shopping at your local farmers' market is a great way to support your community and pick up fresh goods that haven’t been hanging on a grocery store shelf for ages. But it can be tough for even the most devoted farmers' market fan to make it out every single week. Throw in cold weather, and there may not even be a market in your area during certain times of year at all. 

While hitting your local grocery store is an option, larger chains have been struggling with stock issues and soaring prices on essentials like eggs, dairy products, and meats. With the threat of tariffs and higher prices looming, it’s understandable to have strong, not-so-great feelings about grocery shopping right now, which is where direct-to-consumer markets are stepping in.

What's a direct-to-consumer market?

A growing number of people are turning to direct-to-consumer (DTC) markets. These online shops allow you to pick up fresh produce, meats, dairy products, and even baked goods that support local farmers and vendors without the stress of having to schedule time to get to your market.

Several direct-to-consumer shops say business has been thriving lately, especially as regular grocery store-goers struggle to have affordable essentials in stock. “Sales have increased sitewide. We're up about 70 percent year over year,” says Michael Ray Robinov, co-founder and CEO of Farm To People, which serves the New York City metropolitan area. 

Robinov says that many new customers came to the store for eggs, which they’ve been able to consistently offer, and are now doing full shopping sessions. The brand’s foods don’t travel more than 300 miles from the farm to your doorstep either, he points out. “This has so many benefits: Less food miles and carbon emissions, [and] fresher foods, which lead to it being healthier with higher nutrient density,” Robinov says. 

Misfits Market, an online organic market that delivers products that are “a little funny looking,” has also seen a jump in sales. “We’ve seen a huge uptick in produce and proteins,” says Stephen Edelman, senior director of grocery at Misfits Market. Edelman says his market is also seeing more bargain shoppers than before. “So we’re focused on providing even more value with affordable staples and limited-time savings on items we save from going to waste or lesser outcomes,” he says. 

But while shopping at these stores is convenient, it could also do you a solid in the nutrition department, according to dietitians. Here’s why. 

Why are DTC grocery stores more popular lately?

A lot has happened in the grocery world lately that’s directed more people to these websites. “DTC grocery sites have gained traction due to a combination of rising food prices, convenience, and a growing interest in food sourcing,” says Scott Keatley, RD, co-owner of Keatley Medical Nutrition Therapy. “With inflation affecting staples like eggs and meats, consumers are looking for cost-effective alternatives that still deliver high-quality products.” 

Convenience is also a big factor, says Jessica Cording, RD, author of The Little Book of Game-Changers. “Each DTC grocery store is different, but you may be able to sign up for a subscription and get reminded what to buy,” she says. “Plus, you don’t have to go anywhere.”

While weekly farmer’s markets can be limited in stock and variety, DTC platforms tend to offer year-round access to fresh, often sustainably-sourced foods, Keatley says. “Plus, they eliminate the middleman, potentially leading to better pricing and fresher ingredients delivered directly to consumers' doors,” he adds. 

Can DTC grocery stores help you to eat better?

Possibly. Cording says she’s seen shopping this way versus going to a store or market be helpful for some of her patients. “I’ve had so many people tell me that they find this useful because they’re not getting sucked into impulse purchases,” she says. 

These markets also tend to focus on whole, minimally-processed foods like meats, eggs, and products. “Those form the foundation of a balanced diet,” Keatley says. “By shopping this way, consumers are more likely to plan meals around nutrient-dense, whole ingredients rather than ultra-processed convenience foods.”

That doesn’t mean everything in these stores is healthy, Cording says—but the core products that they offer usually are. Still, you need to shop smart when using one of these online markets. "Regardless of where you purchase foods, the nutritional quality of a product should be kept in the forefront when making buying decisions," says Liz Weinandy, RDN, a nutritionist and instructor of dietetics and nutrition at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. 

Are DTC grocery stores cheaper?

It depends on what you’re shopping for, how much you buy, and the actual store. Some stores charge a flat rate for shipping, but will waive it after you hit a certain amount. Individual prices on products can vary, too. 

Misfits Market, for example, currently sells its Odds & Ends organic, pasture-raised eggs from Mennonite farmers for $6.99. Many grocery stores have higher prices for a dozen eggs that are from caged chickens and aren’t organic. But those cheaper prices aren’t universal for every product. 

Cording also suggests figuring out what you’d typically spend for gas or public transportation to go to a physical store or farmers' market when deciding if a service like this works for your budget.

Ready to check out? Here are some fan-favorite DTC grocery shops

There are a lot of local and regional direct-to-consumer grocery stores, and it may require a little online sleuthing on your end to find the best option for your particular area. Still, these are some of the more popular DTC grocery stores people are hitting up every week. 

Farm to People

The online store links a network of more than 150 farms within 300 miles of New York City to consumers. It offers more than 800 products, including seasonal produce boxes. The store also offers some packaged foods, like pastas, sauces, pre-made meals, and even kombucha. 

Misfits Market

Misfits Market focuses on reducing food waste by selling high-quality, organic produce that looks different. That can mean it’s considered too big, too small, or an unusual shape. Some products are also just surplus. The company has expanded to selling short-date items (the best-by date is less than six weeks away), cooking supplies, and pantry staples. 

Seasonal Roots

This online farmer’s market connects farmers in Maryland and Virginia with local shoppers. Seasonal Roots distributes produce boxes, with the option to add in additional items like bread, meat, eggs, and some sauces. 

Farmbox California

This DTC store allows shoppers in California to create their own boxes of produce, straight from farms around the state. Users can also add in extras, like cage-free eggs, butter, fresh bread, and pantry items. 

Farmhouse

Farmhouse sells a range of products to consumers in Texas. The brand offers produce boxes, along with ad-hoc fruits and vegetables, meat, seafood, eggs, dairy, and bakery items. You can also pick up prepared foods like soups and frozen items, along with snacks and pasta.