AI-powered grocery delivery is having a moment. But do consumers actually want an algorithm choosing their food? I asked 6 Americans to find out. And honestly? The responses were FIERCE interesting.
The Participants
We recruited 6 US adults aged 25-50 - health-conscious consumers who care about what they eat but are busy enough to appreciate convenience. The exact sweet spot for personalised grocery services.
Question 1: How Do You Currently Handle Meal Planning?
The pain is real. One participant described losing '25 minutes doomscrolling recipes while Nora yelled for crackers.' Meal planning is a chore for most people.
The chore part is decision fatigue. By Wednesday I'm just staring at the fridge hoping something suggests itself.
What they enjoy: discovering new recipes, the satisfaction of a good meal, eating together. What they hate: planning, shopping, figuring out what to make.
Question 2: How Do You Feel About AI Choosing Your Food?
The responses ranged from 'cautiously curious' to 'show me it works first.' Trust needs to be earned.
Needs to adapt quickly - 'if it keeps suggesting bell peppers after I reject them three times, I'm out'
Transparency matters - 'I want to know WHY it suggested this'
Easy overrides are essential - 'don't lock me into your choices'
Prove it understands preferences - 'quick wins build trust'
Question 3: What Would You Pay? What Proof Do You Need?
The price ceiling was clear: $1.50-2 extra per serving is acceptable. Beyond that, 'it smells like meal kit pricing and I'm out.'
I'm not paying a monthly fee to buy onions.
For proof of time savings, they want to see it on their own devices. 'Show me a timer on my own phone, not your servers.' Marketing claims aren't trusted - they want verifiable, personal evidence.
Key Takeaways for Product Teams
AI curation is intriguing but trust must be earned through visible adaptation
Time-saving claims need personal, verifiable proof
Price sensitivity is real - stay under $2 extra per serving
Monthly fees are a turn-off - fold costs into per-serving pricing
Quick personalisation wins build trust faster than promises
The full study with all responses is available to explore.
