Instacart launches app, end-to-end shopping in ChatGPT
Instacart is making a major overture to users of the ChatGPT next-gen artificial intelligence platform.
As a result of its integration with the OpenAI generative AI model ChatGPT, the grocery technology company is enabling ChatGPT users to surface the Instacart ChatGPT app 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. Once the Instacart app is opened and the user is signed in, the app will help them find desired products from local retailers and present a ready-to-review cart with the assistance of OpenAI models.
Customers can also securely pay directly in the Instacart app within ChatGPT leveraging "instant checkout," a feature from OpenAI that enables users to discover, browse, and purchase items directly from partner retailers within the ChatGPT environment, with no need to switch tabs. Items will then be shopped and delivered through the Instacart platform.
[READ MORE: Instacart launches new suite of AI grocery solutions]
"Instacart and ChatGPT are redefining what's possible in AI-powered shopping," said Anirban Kundu, CTO 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."
Instacart is the first app within ChatGPT's app ecosystem to offer checkout directly within ChatGPT, based on the open standard Agentic Commerce Protocol and utilizing Stripe. Initially in-app ChatGPT checkout will be available via credit card, with digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay supported in the coming weeks.
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.
Walmart and Sam’s Club recently began enabling shoppers to complete purchases directly within ChatGPT. Other retailers offering ChatGPT-enabled shopping include Target and online retailer Etsy. PayPal will allow its users to make purchases directly within ChatGPT beginning in 2026.
"With the Instacart app directly in ChatGPT, users can go from meal planning to checkout in a single, seamless conversation," said 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."
Over time, Instacart says it expects every generative AI company to connect more directly with its grocery engine, linking their consumer reach with the company’s network of retail partners in an effort to drive incremental demand.
Headquartered in San Francisco, Instacart partners with more than 1,800 national, regional, and local retail banners to facilitate online shopping, delivery and pickup services from nearly 100,000 stores across North America.
