DoorDash Embeds ChatGPT in Grocery Push, Eyes Expanded AI Commerce

DoorDash Inc. has launched a grocery shopping feature within ChatGPT, partnering with OpenAI to bring the service to consumers. This move comes just a week after rival Instacart introduced a similar capability. Users can now ask ChatGPT for recipe ideas and have the ingredients automatically added to a grocery list, which can be ordered through DoorDash according to the report. The feature aims to streamline the process of meal planning and grocery shopping by integrating AI with on-demand delivery.

The integration with ChatGPT allows consumers to create grocery orders based on recipe suggestions, making it easier to shop from local stores. This initiative is part of DoorDash's broader strategy to expand beyond restaurant delivery and into the grocery delivery market. The company's largest market segment remains food delivery, but it has been investing heavily in non-restaurant services like grocery and retail deliveries.

DoorDash said it is focusing on recipe inspiration and meal planning as key use cases for ChatGPT, given the high engagement in these areas. The company expects the integration to expand its reach and improve customer convenience. DoorDash's grocery and retail sales accounted for 17% of its observed sales through the third quarter of 2025, up from 12% in early 2023 according to financial data.

Market Competition and Strategic Moves

Instacart, a major player in the grocery delivery space, also introduced a similar feature within ChatGPT according to industry reports. However, Instacart allows users to complete their purchases entirely within the chat, whereas DoorDash redirects users to its own app to finalize their orders. The differences highlight how companies are adapting to consumer behavior and AI capabilities.

The integration of AI into everyday services like grocery shopping marks a shift in how consumers discover and use products. DoorDash and other companies are leveraging AI to enhance user experience, reducing friction in the shopping process and creating more personalized interactions. OpenAI's recent announcement encouraging developers to integrate their services into ChatGPT has opened new opportunities for brands to innovate.

DoorDash is also expanding beyond grocery shopping through new AI-powered tools. The company recently launched Zesty, a food discovery app that uses AI to recommend restaurants in San Francisco and New York according to a Bloomberg report. Zesty aggregates data from multiple sources, including Google Maps, TikTok, and Reddit, to provide personalized recommendations. It currently includes a social element but does not yet allow users to order food through the app.

Implications for Local Businesses and AI Integration

The integration of DoorDash into ChatGPT supports local retailers by connecting them to consumers at the moment of decision-making. Local grocers can now reach customers searching for specific ingredients or meal ideas through a new channel. This development aligns with DoorDash's goal of empowering local economies by making it easier for consumers to shop from nearby businesses.

As AI becomes more integrated into consumer services, companies must balance innovation with user expectations and regulatory requirements. DoorDash and OpenAI have emphasized the importance of creating seamless experiences that save time and effort for users. The expansion of AI tools into commerce reflects broader trends in the digital economy, where convenience and personalization drive customer engagement.

DoorDash's partnership with OpenAI also reflects a growing trend among tech companies to embed AI directly into everyday services. By making grocery shopping more accessible through ChatGPT, DoorDash is responding to consumer demand for convenience and speed. The company plans to expand the integration beyond groceries in the future, depending on user feedback and the potential value of additional shopping categories according to the company's strategy.