Grocery retail technology firm Instacart claims first of kind integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT

Instacart says that it is the first grocery partner to launch an app on ChatGPT and the first to offer an embedded, end-to-end shopping and Instant Checkout, all within the context of a ChatGPT conversation.

The aim here is to make it easier for people to go from meal inspiration to doorstep delivery, using Instacart’s real-time grocery network and fulfillment capabilities with the help of OpenAI frontier model capabilities. 

“Instacart and ChatGPT are redefining what’s possible in AI powered shopping,” says Anirban Kundu, Chief Technology Officer at Instacart. “Built on Agentic Commerce Protocol, this experience brings intelligent, real-time support to one of the most essential parts of daily life: getting groceries to feed your family.”

“Together, we’re creating a seamless and secure way for people to turn simple conversations into real-world action, helping customers go from inspiration to a full cart delivered from the store to their door with ease.”

“With the Instacart app directly in ChatGPT, users can go from meal planning to checkout in a single, seamless conversation,” says Nick Turley, VP, Head of ChatGPT. “It’s another step toward bringing our vision to life - where AI delivers helpful suggestions and connects directly to real-world services, saving people time and effort in their everyday lives.”

The Instacart ChatGPT app experience with Instant Checkout is currently available on desktop and mobile web; the Instacart ChatGPT app is available on iOS and Android, with Instant Checkout rolling out to these native platforms in the coming weeks.

ChatGPT can surface the Instacart ChatGPT app when a user asks for it by starting a prompt with Instacart, such as “Instacart, can you help me shop for apple pie ingredients?” During their first use, users install the app by signing into their Instacart account. To enable Instant Checkout on iOS, they should ensure they have updated to the  latest version of ChatGPT in the iOS App store.

Once the app is opened and the user is signed in, the app will help them find what they need from their local retailers and present a ready to review cart with the help of OpenAI models.

When they’re satisfied with their selections, they can pay directly in the app right in ChatGPT with Instant Checkout, with no need to switch tabs. Their items will then be shopped and delivered through Instacart’s platform. 

RTIH AI in Retail Awards

RTIH proudly presents the first edition of its AI in Retail Awards, sponsored by 3D Cloud and EdTech Innovation Hub.

As we witness a digital transformation revolution across all channels, AI tools are reshaping the omnichannel game, from personalising customer experiences to optimising inventory, uncovering insights into consumer behaviour, and enhancing the human element of retailers' businesses.

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Our 2025 winners will be those companies who not only recognise the potential of AI, but also make it usable in everyday work - resulting in more efficiency and innovation in all areas.

Winners will be announced at an evening event at The Barbican in Central London on Thursday, 29th January. This will kick off with a drinks reception in the stunning Conservatory, followed by a three course meal, and awards ceremony in the Garden Room.