SAN FRANCISCO — Instacart is enhancing its Caper Carts with a new set of features designed to make grocery shopping more affordable, engaging, and digitally connected. The smart carts, already in use at leading supermarket banners, now support real-time EBT SNAP eligibility tracking, on-cart loyalty program sign-up, digital coupon clipping, and expanded omnichannel savings tools.
For retailers, the move underscores the growing importance of connected-store technology in driving larger baskets, fostering loyalty, and seamlessly integrating in-store and online shopping experiences.
“Caper Carts are transforming everyday grocery trips into a more affordable, rewarding, and personalized experience,” said David McIntosh, chief connected stores officer at Instacart. “In just the last year, we’ve nearly tripled the number of stores with Caper Carts across 100 cities and 15 states, underscoring the demand to bring digital convenience into the grocery aisles.”
Budget-Conscious Capabilities
Caper Carts are the first smart carts to integrate EBT SNAP tracking, allowing customers to view eligible and non-eligible running totals as they shop. Instacart, which began offering online EBT SNAP acceptance in 2020, now serves nearly 98% of SNAP households nationwide.
Loyalty and Rewards on Wheels
Through Cart Cash, a new rewards feature, customers can clip coupons, earn cash back, and redeem savings at checkout. Loyalty enrollment is available directly on the cart’s screen—via phone number or QR code—simplifying participation. Retailers are reporting meaningful results: at one major chain, one in four first-time Caper users are signing up for loyalty programs on the cart.
Omnichannel Reach
The latest upgrades extend beyond the store. Shoppers who opt in receive personalized deals via email and text before their trips, see location-based offers in the aisle, and get post-shop discounts redeemable on Instacart-powered e-commerce platforms.
Retailer Adoption Expands
Caper Carts are already deployed across banners, including Coles, Kroger, Schnucks and Wakefern, with new features now live at select Wakefern Member stores and McKeever’s.
“Caper Carts have made shopping more efficient for our customers, while helping them stay on budget,” said Tim Cosens, chief technology officer at McKeever’s. “With new savings features like EBT SNAP tracking and Cart Cash, we’re excited to continue offering ways for our customers to manage their budgets and maximize benefits as they shop.”
Christopher McCrae, digital customer and loyalty lead at Wakefern, added: “We’ve heard first-hand from customers that they love how easy it is to access coupons and shop at their own pace with Caper Carts. We continue to expand our Caper Cart footprint across more Wakefern Member stores, as we believe every customer deserves a seamless, personalized shopping experience.”
