Catalog API overview

You can use the Catalog API to create new products or update existing products and items. When you use the API to update your catalog, only the attributes contained in the API request are updated.

For more information about using the Catalog API, contact your Instacart representative.

Data format requirements

Unlike inventory files, the Catalog API does not support data conversion or column mapping. You must format all data exactly as specified in the API documentation. For example, if the API requires a monetary amount as an integer (such as 399), you cannot use a decimal value (such as 3.99). Instacart does not convert values sent in an unsupported format.

Product API

Products are the same for all of a retailer's stores. This API includes common attributes like item_name, item_details, and remote_image_url. When you create a new product, it can take 1-3 business days for the product to appear on the storefront. When you update a product, it can take 2-3 hours for the changes to appear. For more information, see Product API.

Item API

Items contain information that can vary from one retailer's store to another. This API includes unique attributes like price, available, and order_lead_time, which can be different for each store. When you update an item, it can take 2-3 hours for the changes to appear on the storefront. For more information, see Item API.