From a daily question to smart support
“What’s for dinner?” is one of the most common questions families face every day. Ask Instacart is designed to make that answer simple, turning the app’s search bar into a true AI-powered personal shopping assistant.
How Ask Instacart works
Built directly into the search experience, the tool combines Instacart’s proprietary AI models with OpenAI’s natural language technology. Backed by a catalog of over one billion products across more than 80,000 retail locations, Ask Instacart can:
- suggest meal ideas and food pairings,
- recommend alternatives for missing ingredients,
- provide cooking tips and preparation techniques,
- generate tailored shopping lists based on recipes,
- offer inspiration aligned with dietary needs and personal preferences.
A search that anticipates your needs
Unlike a traditional search bar, Ask Instacart anticipates what customers might need. Personalized prompts appear in the search field, drawing on purchase history, taste preferences, and dietary choices. This not only saves time but also encourages discovery of new products and cooking ideas.
A smarter experience for brands too
Ask Instacart isn’t just useful for customers. By connecting consumer questions with relevant product recommendations, it also creates natural opportunities for brand partners to feature their products in context—making it easier for shoppers to discover and try them.
Why it matters
Ask Instacart represents more than a technology upgrade. It’s a clear example of how AI can make online grocery shopping more inspirational, personalized, and efficient—helping people make everyday decisions, spark creativity in the kitchen, and shop with greater confidence.
About Instacart
Instacart is North America’s leading grocery technology company, partnering with more than 1,200 retailers and 80,000 stores to power online shopping, delivery, and pickup. Millions of households use Instacart to access the groceries they need, while around 600,000 shoppers earn income by fulfilling orders on a flexible schedule. Through its enterprise platform, Instacart also provides retailers with e-commerce, advertising, and data solutions, helping transform the grocery industry.
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