Instacart Launches Fizz: Party Drinks & Snacks Delivered

Instacart Introduces Fizz: A Dedicated App for Social Ordering of Drinks and Snacks

Instacart recently unveiled Fizz, a new application specifically designed for the delivery of beverages and snacks, as was announced on Tuesday. This app, intended for individuals aged 21 and over, facilitates streamlined ordering for social events and gatherings with friends and family.

Collaborative Party Planning with Fizz

The app’s functionality centers around collaborative party planning. A host can extend invitations to guests, granting them access to contribute to a shared Fizz shopping cart. This allows each attendee to select their preferred items for the event.

Eliminating Bill Splitting is a key feature of Fizz. The app automatically calculates individual costs, ensuring each person only pays for their selections, thereby removing the need for manual expense division.

Insights from Instacart’s Chief Product Officer

Daniel Danker, Instacart’s chief product officer, explained to TechCrunch the rationale behind Fizz. He noted the increasing trend of shared contributions to party expenses, followed by the often-cumbersome process of bill splitting via platforms like Venmo.

“We recognized an opportunity to completely bypass that step and create a more effortless experience,” Danker stated. “Fizz aims to simplify the process of contributing to and paying for shared party supplies.”

Expanding Instacart’s Reach and Revenue

The introduction of Fizz represents a diversification of Instacart’s revenue streams and an effort to attract a new customer base. The app’s social and party-focused features are designed to appeal to a younger demographic that may not currently utilize Instacart’s primary services.

Hosts can easily initiate a party cart and share a link within their group chat. Guests can participate in adding items, even without having the Fizz app installed.

Orders are placed and delivered for a flat $5 fee, with guests exempt from any additional delivery or service charges.

Focus on Beverages and Snacks

Unlike Instacart’s broader range of offerings – encompassing groceries, restaurants, retail, and express delivery – Fizz concentrates on a specific category: drinks and snacks. This includes items such as beer, seltzer, non-alcoholic beverages, chips, dips, healthy snacks, and party essentials.

Customers earn “Snack Bucks” with beverage purchases, redeemable for discounts on snacks.

Items within a party cart are sourced from local grocery stores within the Instacart network and delivered by Instacart shoppers.

Adapting to Evolving Social Dynamics

Danker highlighted that Instacart’s development of Fizz was informed by observed shifts in how people socialize and gather. Older generations traditionally assumed full hosting responsibilities, while younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, prefer to share the financial burden and ensure diverse preferences are accommodated.

Fizz is intended to address these evolving needs in a cost-effective manner.

Fizz as a Standalone Option

Danker also believes Fizz has the potential to attract individuals seeking a simplified ordering experience, even outside of group settings.

“Instacart is geared towards regular, recurring grocery shopping, with additional orders placed as needed,” he explained. “Fizz offers a streamlined, lightweight experience. There’s no need to select a store upfront, and delivery is a flat $5 fee.”

“Unlike Instacart, which often benefits from a membership, Fizz requires no subscription, making it accessible and simple. The Snack Bucks reward program further enhances the appeal.”

Integration with Partiful

Event planning application Partiful has integrated Fizz directly into its invitation system. Hosts and guests can now access a Fizz link within Partiful invites to collaboratively build a party cart, with the entire cart visible on the event page.

Shreya Murthy, CEO of Partiful, stated to TechCrunch, “Our new Fizz integration resolves the logistical challenge of stocking up for gatherings and ensuring everyone’s preferences are met, all within a few taps.”

Differentiating from Drizly

The launch of Fizz follows Uber’s discontinuation of alcohol delivery service Drizly, which was acquired in 2021. While both apps share some similarities, Instacart is differentiating Fizz through its emphasis on social interaction and its broader focus on both snacks and beverages.

Availability and Legal Compliance

Fizz operates in compliance with all applicable local laws and regulations concerning alcohol sales. The app is currently available in Alabama, Arizona, California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana (select areas), Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Jersey, New Mexico (select areas), New York, Nevada (select areas), North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Texas, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, and Wyoming.