AI Shopping Assistant Now Available in Safeway App
Safeway customers can now get personalized shopping help through Ask AI, a conversational assistant built into the mobile app. The feature answers questions in natural language, suggests products based on your needs, and helps discover items you might not find through regular search.
What Ask AI Does
Ask AI works like talking to a knowledgeable store associate. Instead of searching for specific product names, you can describe what you need or ask open-ended questions. The assistant responds with product suggestions, asks follow-up questions about your preferences, and recommends complementary items.
The technology uses Google Cloud's artificial intelligence to understand context and provide relevant answers. It accesses Safeway's full product catalog and can explain differences between similar products, suggest substitutions, and help with meal planning.
How to Use the Feature
Open the Safeway Deals & Delivery app on your phone. Tap the search bar at the top of the screen. Type your question in natural language instead of just product keywords.
The assistant works on both iPhone and Android devices. You need a Safeway for U loyalty account to access it, but there's no additional subscription required. The feature is available now to all Safeway app users.
You can also find the feature on our website at https://www.safeway.com/assistant
Types of Questions Ask AI Handles
You can ask about recipes and meal ideas. Questions like "What can I make with chicken and rice?" or "What's a quick dinner under $20?" get specific product recommendations with recipe suggestions.
The assistant helps with product comparisons. Ask "What's the difference between cage-free and pasture-raised eggs?" or "Which olive oil is best for cooking?" to understand options before buying.
Dietary needs and restrictions work well with the assistant. Describe requirements like "gluten-free pasta options" or "low-sodium snacks" to see relevant products.
Shopping for occasions gets easier with conversational search. Try "What do I need for taco night for six people?" or "Ingredients for a kids' birthday party" for complete shopping lists.
Meal Planning Integration
The Safeway app includes over 8,000 recipes that work with Ask AI. You can ask for recipes based on dietary needs, cuisines, or ingredients you already have at home.
Recipes include one-click shopping that adds all ingredients to your cart. The system adjusts quantities to match what's sold in stores and provides a budget estimate before you order.
Filter options include vegetarian, vegan, keto-friendly, paleo, and other diet types. You can also search by preparation time, difficulty level, and specific dietary restrictions.
Benefits for Regular Shoppers
Product discovery improves when you describe needs instead of guessing keywords. The assistant surfaces items you might not find through traditional search, including seasonal products and new arrivals.
Complementary item suggestions help complete meals. When you ask about main course ingredients, the assistant recommends side dishes, seasonings, and beverages that pair well.
Time savings come from getting answers without browsing multiple categories. One question like "What do I need for homemade pizza?" returns dough, sauce, cheese, and topping options in a single response.
Shopping efficiency increases when the assistant remembers context within a conversation. Follow-up questions build on previous answers without repeating information.
Privacy and Data Use
The assistant uses your shopping history and preferences to provide relevant suggestions if you're signed into your Safeway for U account. You can use the feature without sharing personal data, but recommendations become more generic.
Conversations with Ask AI stay within the Safeway app and don't share information with third parties. The system uses data to improve responses but doesn't sell personal information.
You control what data Safeway collects through your account privacy settings. The AI follows the same privacy policies as other Safeway digital services.
Getting Started Tips
Start with broad questions to see how the assistant responds. Try "What's good for breakfast?" or "Show me quick dinner options" before narrowing down to specific products.
Mention dietary restrictions or preferences early in the conversation. The assistant adjusts all suggestions based on requirements you specify.
Ask follow-up questions to refine recommendations. If the first suggestion doesn't fit, explain why and the assistant will provide alternatives.
Use the assistant for inspiration when you're not sure what to buy. Questions like "What's in season?" or "What's new this week?" showcase products you might otherwise miss.
FAQ
Does Ask AI cost extra beyond my regular Safeway account?
No. The feature is free for all Safeway for U members. You don't need a separate subscription or premium account to use the AI assistant. The same applies to wine recommendations and meal planning features. FreshPass subscription provides unlimited delivery but isn't required for AI features.
Can I use Ask AI while shopping in the store?
Yes. The Safeway app works in-store with features like barcode scanning and aisle locations. You can ask the AI assistant questions while walking through the store to find products or get suggestions for items you see. Store Mode activates automatically when you enter a Safeway location.
How accurate are the product recommendations?
The assistant bases suggestions on Safeway's current product catalog and inventory data. Recommendations reflect what's actually available at your selected store. However, specific items may be out of stock despite appearing in suggestions. The assistant provides alternatives when your preferred items aren't available.
Does the AI remember my previous questions?
The assistant maintains context during a single shopping session. You can ask follow-up questions that build on earlier parts of the conversation. However, it doesn't recall conversations from previous days or shopping trips. Your purchase history influences recommendations if you're signed into your Safeway for U account.
What if the AI suggests products I'm allergic to?
Always check product labels and ingredients even when using AI recommendations. The assistant tries to respect dietary restrictions you mention, but it's not a substitute for reading actual product information. Specify allergies clearly in your questions to get appropriate suggestions.
Can I ask about product availability at my local store?
Yes. The assistant connects to your selected store's inventory when signed into your account. Recommendations focus on products available at your location. Real-time stock levels may vary, so items could sell out between when you ask and when you shop.
How does wine AI compare to in-store staff recommendations?
The wine AI analyzes hundreds of characteristics per bottle using machine learning. It considers your taste preferences, meal pairings, and budget to suggest options. In-store staff provide personal service and can discuss wines they've tasted. Both approaches help discover wines suited to your preferences. The AI is available anytime through the app, while store staff availability varies.
Can Ask AI help with special dietary needs like diabetes or heart health?
The assistant can find products based on dietary criteria you specify, such as low-sodium or low-sugar options. However, it doesn't provide medical or nutritional advice. Consult healthcare providers or registered dietitians for guidance on managing health conditions through diet. The AI helps locate products that fit criteria you've already determined.
Does the feature work for online orders and in-store pickup?
Yes. Ask AI works the same whether you're ordering for delivery, curbside pickup, or planning an in-store trip. Products the assistant recommends add to your cart for any fulfillment method you choose. The assistant suggests items available for your selected pickup or delivery time slot.
What happens if I don't like the AI's suggestions?
Tell the assistant why the suggestion doesn't work and ask for alternatives. The more specific you are about what you don't like, the better the next recommendations will be. You can also ignore AI suggestions and search for products the traditional way. The assistant is optional.
Can I use Ask AI to reorder items from previous purchases?
The assistant accesses your purchase history when signed in. You can ask questions like "What did I buy last week?" or "Reorder my usual groceries." The AI identifies patterns in your shopping and suggests reordering frequently purchased items.
Does the AI know about current sales and promotions?
Yes. Recommendations include sale items and digital coupons available through your Safeway for U account. The assistant can answer questions about what's on sale in specific categories. It factors promotions into suggestions when you mention budget considerations.
How does Ask AI handle product substitutions?
When you ask about specific brands or items, the assistant can suggest comparable alternatives if the exact product isn't available. It considers factors like price, ingredients, and customer ratings when recommending substitutions. You can specify if you prefer exact matches over alternatives.
Can I use voice commands instead of typing?
The current version requires typing questions into the search bar. Your phone's built-in voice-to-text feature lets you dictate questions rather than typing them manually. Future updates may include direct voice interaction.
What if Ask AI gives incorrect information?
Report issues through the app's feedback feature. The AI learns from corrections to improve future responses. Double-check important information like prices, ingredients, and product specifications before making purchase decisions. The technology is new and continues improving based on customer feedback.
Does the assistant work in Spanish or other languages?
The current version operates in English. Check your app settings for language options, as Safeway may add additional languages in future updates. Customer service representatives can help in multiple languages if you need shopping assistance in languages the AI doesn't support.
Can I share AI-generated shopping lists with family members?
Shopping lists and cart items sync across devices signed into the same Safeway for U account. Family members using the same account see items added through Ask AI. You can also share specific recipes or meal plans that include AI-suggested products.