Instacart has introduced new features for its AI-powered Caper Carts, aiming to provide more savings and a better shopping experience for customers. The updates include tracking EBT SNAP-eligible items, digital coupon clipping, cash back rewards through Cart Cash, and the ability to sign up for loyalty programs directly on the cart’s screen.
David McIntosh, Chief Connected Stores Officer at Instacart, said, “Caper Carts are transforming everyday grocery trips into a more affordable, rewarding, and personalized experience for customers. With the ability to track EBT SNAP eligibility, access digital coupons, and sign up for loyalty programs directly on the cart, we’re giving customers powerful new ways to save right in the aisle.” He added that retailers benefit from increased omnichannel purchases and customer loyalty. In the past year alone, Instacart has nearly tripled the number of stores with Caper Carts across almost 100 cities in 15 states.
The carts now allow users to see which items qualify for EBT SNAP benefits as they shop. Customers can view real-time totals of both eligible and non-eligible items to avoid surprises at checkout. Payment can be completed by scanning a barcode displayed on the cart’s screen at the register.
Instacart began accepting EBT SNAP payments online in 2020 and was first to offer this service in all 50 states plus Washington D.C., reaching about 98% of households using these benefits.
With Cart Cash rewards available through retailer loyalty programs—which shoppers can join via phone number or QR code on the cart—customers earn cash back by clipping coupons or completing shopping milestones. According to Instacart data from one major retailer, one out of four new Caper users enrolls in a store loyalty program using this feature.
Additional tools like Buy It Again help shoppers quickly find previously purchased products or use digital lists saved during their visit. The platform also sends reminders about promotions before visits and suggests deals while shopping based on location within aisles or past purchases. After checkout, special discounts are provided for future orders placed online through Instacart-powered sites or apps.
Caper Carts are currently used by several U.S. and international retailers such as Coles, Kroger, Schnucks, Wakefern Food Corp., McKeever’s Markets and others. The latest savings features are now available at select locations including McKeever’s and certain Wakefern supermarket banners.
Tim Cosens, Chief Technology Officer at McKeever’s Markets said: “Caper Carts have made shopping more efficient for our customers, while helping them stay on budget. With new savings features on Caper Carts, 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 from Wakefern Food Corp.’s Digital Customer and Loyalty division stated: “When customers shop with Caper Carts, our Wakefern Members want to provide them with a convenient way to access their EBT SNAP benefits. Caper Carts offer convenience and discretion, letting customers monitor their running grocery bill as they shop,” he continued. “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.”
A video overview of these capabilities is available at https://www.instacart.com/company/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/New-Caper-Carts-Savings-Capabilities-Video.mp4