Instacart updates its app to help Canadians save money

As food prices continue to rise, Instacart is rolling out features to its app that are designed to make online grocery shopping more affordable.

To further expand savings opportunities for online shoppers, the grocery delivery platform has added a ‘Deals’ tab, a ‘Dollar Store’ hub and is offering free or reduced delivery fees, as well as credit back on pickup orders.

“Online grocery shouldn’t be a luxury, and we’re committed to making Instacart the most affordable way for families across North America to get the food they need from the retailers they love,” said Asha Sharma, Instacart’s chief operating officer, in a press release.

Here’s a look at the new features and how they work:

Deals tab: Shoppers can quickly find sales items from both retailers and consumer packaged goods companies. Instacart says customers can browse sales in their area and save on weekly staples, bulk products or special occasion items, citing birthday cakes, steaks and seasonal décor as examples.

Reduced cost and free delivery: In select markets, Instacart is testing an option that will reduce or waive delivery fees on orders placed more than 24 hours in advance of the desired delivery date and time.

Credit back on Express pickup orders: Instacart Express members will receive 5% credit back on their eligible pickup orders that can be used towards future orders.

Dollar Store hub: Customers can now browse deals across several dollar store retailers, all in one area of the app.