Online grocery shopping has become increasingly popular, offering convenience for busy people who need household items but have limited time. But many customers wonder: Does Instacart deliver cigarettes?
The answer is definitively no. According to Instacart’s official documentation, tobacco products, including vapes, are explicitly prohibited from their service.
Their policy clearly states that “tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vapes” are “not available for fulfillment” through their platform.
This prohibition is part of Instacart’s broader policy on restricted and prohibited items. While they do handle some age-restricted products like alcohol, tobacco falls into their prohibited category alongside items such as gift cards, weapons, and lottery tickets.
The restriction applies across all retail locations and delivery addresses throughout North America. No matter which local store you’re ordering from through the Instacart app, cigarette delivery is not an eligible service.
For customers seeking same-day delivery of tobacco products, alternative delivery apps or specialized cigarette delivery services would need to be considered instead of Instacart.
And don’t worry! I’ll cover that below.
Understanding these limitations can save you time when placing your delivery order and help you avoid searching for items that won’t appear in your favorite stores’ digital catalogs on the platform.
Ready to start ordering from Instacart?
CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.
What else won’t Instacart deliver?
Instacart’s website shows they don’t deliver the following items:
- Live animals, including feeder animals for pets
- Appliances
- Electronics and electronic peripherals
- Furniture
- Non-alcoholic age-restricted products like tobacco and over-the-counter items containing nicotine
- Items containing pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine
- Holiday trees
- Currency
- Photos
- Lottery Tickets
- Gift cards
So, which delivery platform can you order cigarettes from? We’ve got you covered below.
Which states does Instacart deliver alcohol to?
I’m glad you asked. Actually I break down all 14 states, including limitations, restrictions, and if liquor is included, in this recent article.
Just click the link to read it on my site.
Can you order cigarettes on DoorDash?
Unlike Instacart, DoorDash has a limited path for cigarette delivery. They don’t allow tobacco products to be sold directly through their main delivery app.
However, in some retail locations where it’s legal, merchants with special agreements can request cigarette delivery for orders placed directly through the local store. This isn’t available in all zip codes across North America.
These orders are treated differently from standard delivery orders. Age-restricted items like tobacco require strict verification at your front door. Dashers must check a valid ID showing you’re at least 21 in the US (18 in some other places).
Cigarette delivery is not allowed to certain addresses like schools, hospitals, college campuses, or sports venues. Dashers cannot deliver tobacco to any pickup order locations like P.O. boxes or lockers.
You can’t add cigarettes to your order through the customer service chat or by asking the Dasher directly during a regular delivery. Such requests must be declined for legal reasons.
If you’re interested in same-day delivery of tobacco products, it’s best to contact your favorite stores directly to see if they offer this service through DoorDash.
So, yes, technically, you can order cigarettes from DoorDash. (source)
Also note that DoorDash does not allow its representatives to deliver cigarettes to the following locations:
- Other businesses that sell tobacco
- Locker or similar package storage facility
- P.O. Boxes
- Prison, reformatory, veteran’s home or state capitol grounds
- College campus (e.g. frat house)
- Sport venues
- Hospitals and health care facilities
- Public or private school
I’ve also had people tell me that not every state allows this. So double-check with DoorDash. If you’re not familiar with DoorDash, you can read a recent article of mine. Just click the link to read it.
Ever wondered why different cigarette packages come in different colors?
Click here to read my complete guide to cigarette package colors and what they mean. I even get into how to compare the colors of 1 brand to another, and the 1 exception when it comes to color packaging and different brands.
Can you order cigarettes on Uber Eats?
Yes, Uber Eats does offer tobacco delivery in many areas, unlike Instacart. Their service for cigarette delivery varies widely depending on your delivery address.
The process starts by entering your zip code or exact location into the Uber Eats app. This allows their system to show only eligible items available in your area from local stores that partner with them.
Not all retail locations work with Uber Eats for delivering age-restricted items like cigarettes. Availability depends entirely on the laws in your area and which stores have signed up for this service.
Once you find participating stores, you can place a delivery order just like you would for household items or food. The same-day delivery option brings tobacco products right to your front door, though additional service fees may apply.
Since tobacco products require ID verification, you’ll need to show proof of age when the driver arrives. This works similarly to alcohol delivery near you, with strict age checks required by law.
Many delivery apps have different policies regarding tobacco, so checking each service individually gives you the most accurate information for your specific location.
Why doesn’t Instacart deliver tobacco products?
Instacart explicitly prohibits tobacco products from its delivery service. According to their official policy, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and vapes are not available for fulfillment, regardless of which retail locations you order from.
This prohibition exists alongside other restricted items like gift cards, lottery tickets, and controlled substances. While the Instacart app does support some age-restricted items like alcohol delivery, tobacco remains completely off-limits.
When you place a delivery order through Instacart, only eligible items will appear in your cart. The system automatically filters out prohibited products, even if they’re available at your favorite stores for in-store price.
This policy applies to all delivery addresses across North America, including areas like Puerto Rico. Even if you’re willing to pay additional service fees, tobacco products won’t be available for same-day delivery or curbside pickup.
The restriction also means cigarette delivery isn’t an option for first-time orders or for club members like those from Sam’s Club. The list of prohibited items helps protect Instacart shoppers from potential legal complications.
For customers who need tobacco products, alternative delivery apps or visiting your local store directly remain the only options. Instacart focuses instead on household items, fresh produce, and other everyday essentials.
Should you tip its shoppers when they provide products to you?
This is an issue some people find a tad confusing. This is why in a recent article of mine, I took the time to answer the questions and also shared some vital info you’ll like to know about Instacart.
Just click the link to read it on my site.
Is it legal to deliver cigarettes?
The legality of cigarette delivery varies widely across the United States. Different states have their own specific regulations about how tobacco can be sold and delivered.
In some states, tobacco delivery is completely prohibited. Other states allow it only under strict conditions, including rigorous age verification processes. The laws are designed to prevent minors from accessing these age-restricted items.
Several major cities have their own additional restrictions on tobacco delivery. For example, New York City has very specific rules about which businesses can legally deliver cigarettes and how they must verify customer age.
Federal law also impacts cigarette delivery.
The PACT Act (Prevent All Cigarette Trafficking Act) requires anyone who ships cigarettes to register with the ATF and local tax administrators. They must also verify the age of customers upon delivery and collect all applicable taxes.
This complicated legal landscape is likely why many delivery apps avoid tobacco products entirely. The verification requirements at delivery are much stricter than those for alcohol, making cigarette delivery more legally complex and risky for companies.
Companies like Instacart may choose to avoid tobacco delivery not just for policy reasons, but because navigating the various state and local regulations would be extremely challenging across their entire service area.
Does this mean that you can go ahead and order cigarettes online? And if so, is it cheaper that way compared to the store?
Click here to read my complete breakdown of ordering cigarettes online. I get into how to do it, if it’s cheaper, and which websites to go to.
Can we order cigarettes online?
Yes, you can. There are still many stores that sell cigarettes online.
That being said, online cigarette ordering is complicated in the United States. While traditional e-commerce websites for cigarettes are limited, some delivery apps do offer tobacco products.
Apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats allow cigarette delivery in certain areas, working with local stores rather than shipping from warehouses. These services require ID verification upon delivery and follow strict age verification protocols.
Major cigarette brands like Marlboro, Newport, and Camel have official websites, but they don’t ship products directly to consumers. These sites require age verification and only offer coupons or promotional information.
Cigar websites are more common for direct shipping. Popular sites include Famous Smoke Shop, JR Cigars, and Thompson Cigar. These retailers specialize in cigars rather than cigarettes.
Some tribal reservation websites like Seneca Smokes and Smokers Outlet Online sell cigarettes for delivery. These operate under different tax rules, though their legality varies by state.
International websites such as Ciggiesworld do ship cigarettes to the US, which technically violates federal law. Customs frequently seizes these packages, and buyers face legal penalties.
Always check your state’s specific laws before attempting to order tobacco products online. Many states prohibit such deliveries entirely.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been hoping to add cigarettes to your next Instacart order, you now have a definitive answer. Tobacco products are officially on Instacart’s prohibited items list and cannot be delivered through their service.
Instacart offers impressive convenience with same-day delivery of thousands of eligible items from your favorite stores. From fresh produce to toilet paper and household items, their service covers most everyday needs.
While Instacart does handle some age-restricted items that require ID verification at your front door, tobacco products are entirely different. The company’s policy is consistent across all delivery addresses and retail locations in North America.
If you need cigarettes delivered, you’ll need to explore other delivery apps specifically designed for tobacco products. Alternatively, many local stores offer their own delivery services or curbside pickup options.
For first-time Instacart users, this limitation might be disappointing, but the platform still provides excellent customer service for all the items they do deliver. Their real-time shopping updates and flexible delivery time slots make grocery shopping remarkably convenient.
The Instacart app remains a popular choice for busy people who value their time. With features like contactless delivery and the ability to specify an acceptable substitution for out-of-stock items, it continues to improve the online shopping experience – just not for cigarettes.
Ready to start ordering from Instacart?
CLICK HERE to go to the Instacart order page.
Can’t wait for a delivery and think you’ll grab some smokes at TJ’s? Does Trader Joes even sell tobacco products in its stores?
The answer I give in a recent article might surprise you. That’s especially considering that the brothers who started Trader Joe’s and Aldi had a huge falling out over selling cigarettes.
Just click that link to read it on my site.
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I live in Merrillville, In I’ve tried to get delivery, I everyone I’ve tried said no, can you help me out here? Do you think you can do me a favor and see if you can find someone? Tre his is a really handy information you share.
Thanks,
Hi Ron
I see you have both Meijer and Target in your town. Not sure about your proximity to them, but both do offer grocery deliver. Have you tried those?
Thanks
Jeff