DoorDash is reportedly in advanced talks to buy Instacart in a deal valued at roughly $17 billion. However, an acquisition has not been officially confirmed in the reporting available as of October 27, 2026.
Reuters reports that negotiations are underway, while Semafor reports that the companies are in exclusive talks. An agreement could reportedly arrive as soon as this week, although negotiations could still fall apart.
What Is the Status of the DoorDash–Instacart Deal?
The potential acquisition remains at the negotiation stage. Reports of advanced talks signal that discussions have progressed, but they do not establish that the companies have signed an agreement or completed a transaction.
Three milestones matter when following this story:
- Acquisition talks: The companies negotiate price and other terms.
- A signed agreement: The companies formally agree to a transaction, subject to its conditions.
- Closing: The acquisition is completed after applicable requirements are satisfied.
For now, the available reporting places DoorDash and Instacart at the first stage.
How Much Could DoorDash Pay for Instacart?
Reuters reports a potential transaction value of approximately $17 billion. That figure remains a reported valuation rather than an officially announced purchase price.
Until the companies announce an agreement, details such as the final price, payment structure and expected closing date remain uncertain.
Why Would DoorDash Want to Buy Instacart?
A combination would bring together DoorDash’s restaurant delivery business and Instacart’s grocery-focused platform. Semafor describes the potential transaction as creating a larger home-delivery business spanning both categories.
The strategic appeal is straightforward: prepared meals and grocery orders serve different household needs. Combining the businesses could give DoorDash a broader role in how customers order food and everyday essentials.
That is a potential rationale for the acquisition, rather than a confirmed integration plan from either company.
What Could an Acquisition Mean for Customers and Shoppers?
It is too early to know whether a deal would change delivery fees, subscriptions, app features or shopper pay.
A combined business could explore closer connections between restaurant and grocery delivery. However, the reports cited here do not establish plans to merge the apps, combine memberships or change how delivery workers receive orders.
Customers and shoppers should treat specific claims about those changes as speculation until the companies publish details.
Has DoorDash Tried to Buy Instacart Before?
Yes. According to Semafor, DoorDash previously pursued Instacart in 2021. Those discussions took place at a substantially higher valuation and did not result in an acquisition.
The earlier talks provide context, but they do not guarantee that the current negotiations will produce a deal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is DoorDash buying Instacart?
DoorDash is reportedly negotiating to acquire Instacart. As of October 27, 2026, the available reporting does not confirm a signed or completed deal.
Is the reported Instacart acquisition worth $17 billion?
Reuters reports a potential value of roughly $17 billion. The companies have not announced a final purchase price in the reporting cited here.
When could DoorDash announce an Instacart deal?
Reports suggest an agreement could come as soon as this week. That timing is uncertain, and an announcement would not necessarily mean the acquisition had closed.
Will Instacart shoppers become DoorDash drivers?
There is no confirmed plan in the cited reporting explaining how an acquisition would affect shopper accounts, work arrangements or pay.