Let’s be honest, grocery shopping isn’t exactly the highlight of anyone’s week. For many of us, it’s a necessary evil: wandering the aisles, trying to remember what’s run out, dodging tempting specials, and then lugging it all home.

And if you’re shopping online, filling your cart, comparing prices, and planning meals can still take a long time.

But what if we told you there’s a new way to shop that could save you time, money, and even make your meals healthier—all with the help of a little artificial intelligence?


That’s exactly what one clever Woolworths shopper, Jared Kirkwood, discovered. He knocked a whopping $60 off his weekly shop and banished his 'most hated chore' by letting AI do the heavy lifting.

And the best part is that he didn’t even have to ask it to choose healthy options—it just did!

Jared used ChatGPT, a popular AI platform, in what’s called 'Agent mode.' Unlike the usual back-and-forth Q&A, Agent mode lets the AI act more like a personal assistant, handling tasks for you if you give it enough information.


Jared simply told the AI he wanted to do his weekly Woolies shop on a $180 budget, needed three meals a day to fuel his marathon training, and wanted enough leftovers so he only had to cook every second day.

The result? The AI filled his cart with everything he needed, planned out his meals, and kept the total to just $120, saving him $60 right off the bat.

All Jared had to do was review the cart and choose whether to have it delivered or pick it up with Click & Collect.

The whole process took less than half an hour, compared to the hour or more he’d usually spend.

Jared didn’t stop there. He asked the AI to create a PowerPoint presentation explaining what to cook each day, what ingredients he’d need, and how to prepare each meal.

Now, he’s got his entire week’s meals planned out, with easy-to-follow instructions—no more last-minute 'what’s for dinner?' panic.

As someone who admits to being 'seduced' by supermarket specials when shopping in person, Jared found that using AI helped him stick to his list and avoid impulse buys.

Let’s face it, meal planning and grocery shopping can get tedious, especially if you cook for one or two or manage dietary needs.

AI can take the guesswork out of planning, help you stick to a budget, and even suggest healthier options without you lifting a finger.

Plus, with the option to have your groceries delivered or ready for pickup, it’s a huge time and energy saver.

AI is already changing the way we do so many things, and grocery shopping is just the beginning.

The technology is only going to get smarter and more helpful, from helping with meal planning to managing budgets and even suggesting recipes based on what’s in your fridge.


Have you tried using AI to help with your shopping or meal planning? Would you give it a go, or do you prefer the old-fashioned way? Share your thoughts, tips, or questions in the comments below.

Read more: ‘Easy savings, guys’: Why this AI trick is helping Aussies outsmart checkout prices