As subscription services become increasingly intertwined with our daily lives, companies are offering bundle deals that attempt to sweeten the customer experience. One of the more intriguing combinations is the recent offering from Instacart, allowing users to upgrade to a Peacock Premium Plus subscription as part of their Instacart+ membership. This has sparked a flurry of questions: Is this upgrade truly valuable? Does it enhance the grocery delivery and streaming experience or is it simply another marketing attempt to keep you subscribed?
TLDR:
If you’re already subscribing to Instacart+ and enjoy streaming, the Peacock Premium Plus upgrade might be a worthwhile perk, especially considering its ad-free content and live access to local NBC channels. However, if you’re not a frequent Peacock user or don’t watch live TV, the benefit may not justify the added cost. For Prime or Netflix loyalists, the upgrade might just collect digital dust. But for Peacock fans, this is a clever value add with real potential.
What Is the Instacart Peacock Premium Plus Upgrade?
The collaboration between Instacart and NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock provides Instacart+ subscribers an upgraded version of Peacock Premium, called Peacock Premium Plus. This bundle, introduced in 2023, offers access to:
- All Peacock content with no ads (excluding a few live broadcasts)
- Live streaming of your local NBC channel
- Ability to download and watch content offline
The standard Peacock Premium (ad-supported) typically comes free with Instacart+, but for a little more per month, users can unlock Premium Plus with all its distinctions. The question is — do those distinctions justify the cost?
How Much Does the Upgrade Cost?
Instacart itself does not charge directly for the Peacock Premium Plus subscription. Instead, through the bundle, it’s integrated into your existing Instacart+ membership. Depending on when and how you’re subscribed, the cost for Instacart+ is around $9.99/month or $99/year.
The Peacock Premium Plus plan outside of this deal is normally $11.99/month. When bundled, the upgrade may offer savings — or at the very least convenience — by packaging everything into a single subscription experience. This offers a compelling reason to consider the merge, especially if you’re already committed to one of the services.
Who Benefits Most From the Upgrade?
This bundle isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The value it delivers depends heavily on your media personality and lifestyle. Here’s a breakdown of who might benefit most:
1. Streaming Enthusiasts
If you’re already streaming shows regularly and enjoy NBC-style content (think of shows like The Office, SNL, or Parks and Recreation), the Premium Plus tier eliminates those pesky ad breaks and may make binge-watching even smoother.
2. Sports and Live Event Fans
With Premium Plus, you gain access to your local NBC affiliate. That means you can watch NFL Sunday Night Football, live news, award shows, and more in real time — an essential for sports lovers or those who don’t want to miss big live moments.
3. Families and Shared Accounts
With multiple profiles and offline downloads, Peacock Premium Plus is also appealing to households looking for flexible viewing options across devices. Kids can stream cartoons while parents catch up on live news or a drama series — all without ads interrupting the flow.
Comparing Value: Peacock Premium vs. Premium Plus
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison that highlights the key differences:
| Feature | Peacock Premium | Peacock Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Price (alone) | $5.99 | $11.99 |
| Ad-free Streaming | No | Yes (except live) |
| Live NBC Local Channel | No | Yes |
| Offline Downloads | No | Yes |
This breakdown makes it clear that Premium Plus caters to viewers who want more control and more access — especially to live and local content without annoying ads. For the avid user, that extra $5–$6 per month is likely a worthwhile trade-off.
Is the Content Worth Upgrading For?
Content is king when it comes to streaming platforms. Peacock has made strong moves by securing exclusive rights to fan-favorite titles. Some of the most raved-about content includes:
- New NBC hits: Law & Order, Chicago Fire, The Voice
- Classic favorites: The Office, 30 Rock, Monk
- Movies: Including Universal Pictures releases shortly after theater runs
- Live sports: Premier League, WWE, Sunday Night Football
If any of the above sits in your “must-watch” bucket, it’s likely more than worth the upgrade price. For those who enjoy boutique and niche series, Peacock also features originals like Dr. Death, The Resort, and Bel-Air, offering a fresh break from the conventional streaming content pool.
What About the Instacart Side?
The streaming perks are tempting, but don’t forget we’re talking about Instacart here. The core value of Instacart+ lies in:
- Unlimited free delivery on orders over $35
- Lower service fees
- Exclusive promotions and deals from partnered stores
- Option to share benefits with another family member
If you use grocery delivery more than a couple times a month, the subscription practically pays for itself. Add in a Premium Plus subscription — normally $11.99/month — as a benefit, and it becomes a wallet-saver for households that value both convenience and entertainment.
Are There Any Downsides?
Of course, no service is perfect. While the Instacart-Peacock bundle is undoubtedly attractive, there are a few potential drawbacks:
- You may already have a streaming service overload. Between Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+, adding another could cause subscription fatigue.
- Limited available content compared to competitors. While Peacock has recognizable shows and licenses, it might not live up to the vast libraries of some competitors.
- Not a significant discount if you’re already subscribed to both. If you already pay separately, the overall savings may be minimal depending on your subscription tier for each.
Final Verdict: Should You Upgrade?
So is the Instacart Peacock Premium Plus upgrade worth it? The short answer is: it depends on your usage patterns.
If you’re an Instacart+ subscriber who doesn’t already have (or want to pay separately for) Peacock Premium Plus and you watch a fair share of NBC content, the upgrade offers a seamless and cost-effective way to bundle two useful services. It’s especially valuable for families or users looking for a low-ad or ad-free experience, live local NBC access, and mobile downloads.
However, if Peacock’s offerings don’t align with your viewing habits or if you’re already well-covered with other platforms, then this bundle might be more sizzle than steak. In that case, it’s worth checking your usage and considering a trial to determine real-world value.
Bottom line: For the right household, this bundle is more than the sum of its parts — combining groceries and great television under one surprisingly affordable umbrella.
