Uber Eats, Instacart target grocery savings as food prices rise

• Both companies are betting that value-conscious households — especially those relying on SNAP benefits — will stick with the platform that helps stretch their grocery dollars the farthest.

Driving the news: Uber Eats is leaning on "Fresh Days" weekly deals of up to 50% off, a nationwide Aldi launch (2,500+ stores, with day-one SNAP EBT acceptance) and a new Fresh Guarantee refund policy.

• Instacart said it is embedding real-time savings tools in its AI-powered smart Caper Carts, including on-cart SNAP-eligible item tracking and loyalty sign-ups.

State of play: Food prices are up about 3.2% year over year, with food-at-home (groceries) rising 0.6% in August from July, according to the latest Consumer Price Index.

• Coffee, fresh produce and meat remain among the biggest pinch points for households.

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