Alexa+ adds new food ordering features with Uber Eats and Grubhub

Amazon has expanded the capabilities of its next-generation AI assistant, Alexa+, by adding a new feature that lets users order food from popular delivery platforms, Uber Eats and Grubhub, through natural, conversational interactions. The company says the experience is designed to feel similar to speaking with a restaurant server or placing an order at a drive-thru.

This latest addition to Alexa aims to make food ordering more intuitive and interactive. Beginning today, users can request a cuisine type, browse available menu options, ask follow-up questions, and customize their order — all within a single, continuous conversation. If a user decides to change their selection, add extra items such as dessert, or modify quantities, these adjustments can be made instantly without restarting the process.

To use the feature, customers need to connect their Uber Eats or Grubhub accounts through the Alexa application. Once linked, past order history is automatically synced, allowing users to quickly reorder favourite meals or explore new dining options. For example, a user can say, “I want to order Italian for delivery,” and Ale will present a range of restaurant choices. After finalizing selections, the assistant provides a detailed summary of the order, including item quantities and total pricing.

The rollout of this conversational ordering capability is beginning with Alexa+ users who own Echo Show 8 devices and larger models. Amazon describes this development as a key step in advancing adaptive interaction models, which aim to make digital assistants more responsive and context-aware. The company also noted that this approach could extend to additional services in the future, including grocery shopping and travel planning.

The update arrives as artificial intelligence continues to influence the food service industry. Several fast-food chains have experimented with AI-powered ordering systems at drive-thru locations, although accuracy has remained a challenge. In 2024, McDonald's AI ordering initiative was marred by a series of errors, including a case in which an automated system mistakenly added nine sweet teas to a single order. Similarly, Taco Bell has faced issues with its AI systems, with viral examples highlighting ordering mistakes.

Since its initial rollout in the United States and subsequent expansion into the United Kingdom, Alexa+ has continued to gain new features. These include customizable personality styles for the assistant, such as a “Sassy” mode, designed for adult users, along with other options like Brief, Chill, and Sweet, giving users more control over how the assistant communicates during interactions.