Summary
Instacart introduced a new feature for its smart shopping carts, called Caper Carts, to help people using SNAP benefits manage their grocery expenses better. This tool separates eligible and non-eligible items and shows a total on the cart's screen, making it easier for shoppers to keep track of their spending in real time.
Key Facts
- Instacart launched a feature on its Caper Carts that helps SNAP users by tracking eligible and non-eligible items separately.
- The cart's built-in screen provides a running total of the expenses, allowing shoppers to see their spending as they shop.
- The SNAP feature is part of Instacart's broader efforts to facilitate the use of SNAP benefits, building on its online EBT payment options.
- Customers can scan a bar code on the cart to make payments directly with their SNAP card.
- Instacart added other features like a Cart Cash rewards program, loyalty account linking, and digital coupons to enhance the shopping experience.
- Caper Carts have been used in stores like Kroger and Wegmans, but they are not yet widespread across all store chains.
- Competing companies like Veeve and Shopic are also developing smart-cart technologies for grocery shopping.
