Wolt Charges Significantly Higher Prices for Basic Food Items Compared to Major Supermarkets

A recent investigation by C14 reveals that the food delivery app Wolt charges substantially higher prices for basic grocery products compared to large supermarket chains in Israel. The report highlights that even before adding delivery fees, service charges, and tips, the prices of everyday items on Wolt are inflated by tens of percent, making it an expensive option for consumers.

The comparison includes five common products: an 8-pack of chocolate milk costs 25.90 shekels on Wolt versus 22.10 shekels at Carrefour online; 1 liter of 5% Bulgarian cheese is 28.90 shekels on Wolt compared to 24.90 shekels at Carrefour; a 500 ml Ayran drink is 12.90 shekels on Wolt versus 10.90 shekels at Carrefour; 20% goat feta cheese is 37.90 shekels on Wolt compared to 32.40 shekels at Carrefour; and 300 grams of Arla cream cheese is 31.90 shekels on Wolt versus 19.90 shekels on Carrefour’s online platform.

These figures demonstrate that Wolt’s pricing strategy involves systematic overcharging on essential products, which, combined with additional fees, results in a costly shopping experience for Israelis facing rising living expenses. Wolt responded by stating that prices on its platform are set solely by the businesses themselves, offering a wide selection of supermarkets and products at various price points, with full price transparency to enable informed consumer choices.

C14 plans to continue daily price comparisons to help consumers better navigate the cost of living challenges by identifying overpriced products on delivery apps like Wolt.