Shoppers Have Adopted AI Tools for Purchases

A new industry report finds that a majority of consumers are now using artificial intelligence to aid their shopping.

Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Shopping — General

Bold vector editorial illustration of a brass balance scale with simple geometric shapes in the pans, representing AI-assisted consumer product comparisons. — A new industry report highlights that sixty-six percent of U.S. shoppers now use artificial intelligence to conduct product research and price comparisons. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you plan to let artificial intelligence tools make your product purchasing decisions?

Sixty-six percent of shoppers report using AI tools to assist with product research and comparisons. The integration of these tools has shifted brand loyalty, with many consumers testing new products based on AI suggestions.

Why it matters

Consumers are increasingly relying on AI to save both time and money during their shopping journeys. This shift indicates a growing comfort with machine-driven assistance for daily household decisions.

Thirty-four percent of shoppers report using generative AI tools, while 22% of users now trust AI agents to handle purchasing decisions entirely. Additionally, 40% of AI-influenced shoppers have opted to try a brand they had never purchased before.

The players

Acosta Group

Acosta Group is a full-service sales and marketing agency that provides data and analytics for the consumer goods industry.

The details

Shoppers primarily utilize AI tools to weigh various product options against each other through automated research and comparisons. Younger demographics, specifically Gen Z and millennial shoppers, are the most frequent adopters of these purchasing technologies.

October 7, 2026: The Acosta Group released its report on AI purchasing habits.

Culture Shift

The widespread integration of AI in shopping reflects a broader societal shift toward automation in routine decision-making processes. This trend follows the patterns set by the Acosta Group report on AI purchasing habits, which highlights how digital tools are rapidly displacing traditional, manual research methods.

Adopting AI tools for product research can significantly reduce the time spent comparing prices and features for common household items. Shoppers may find that these tools offer personalized recommendations, leading them to discover new brands that fit their specific needs or budgets.

The takeaway

Consumers can leverage AI tools to streamline their shopping routines and potentially uncover better value for their money. As these technologies evolve, shoppers should remain mindful of how algorithmic suggestions shape their brand preferences and purchasing habits.