Product Category [product_category] Field for Product Feed

Required for All Products in ChatGPT

The product_category attribute specifies the hierarchical classification of a product within your catalog.
It helps ChatGPT correctly interpret what the product is, display it in relevant contexts, and improve product matching for user queries.

When to use

This field is required for all items and should always be provided.
A clear and consistent category structure ensures that ChatGPT can accurately display and compare products within the same domain.

• [product_category] should:
  • Represent your product’s category path, from broad to specific.
  • Use the “>” symbol as a separator between levels.
  • Be aligned with your store’s own taxonomy or naming system.
  • Remain consistent across all variants and related products.

Example structure: Apparel & Accessories > Shoes > Athletic Shoes > Running

Relation to Google Product Category

ChatGPT’s product_category field functions similarly to the Google Product Category (google_product_category) attribute, which classifies items according to Google’s internal taxonomy.
However, while Google relies on a predefined list of numeric IDs or taxonomy paths, ChatGPT supports free-text hierarchical paths — as long as they clearly describe the product’s structure.

✅ If your Google feed already includes google_product_category, you can reuse its text path version for product_category in ChatGPT.

Format

• Type: Category taxonomy (string)
• Separator: > (space before and after recommended)
• Levels: Minimum 2 (broad > specific)
• Repeated field: No
• Schema.org property: Product.category

Examples:

Minimum requirements

Note: Missing or poorly structured categories may cause incorrect product grouping or lower visibility in ChatGPT results.

• Always include this field for every product.
• Use clear and logical category hierarchies.
• Match your website’s or Google’s taxonomy for consistency.
• Don’t use vague categories like “Miscellaneous” or “Other.”
• Don’t use IDs or codes without text unless directly imported from Google.

SEO / AI Tip

A well-defined product_category improves how ChatGPT groups and understands your products.
It enhances search visibility, strengthens contextual matching, and helps users discover your products faster through category-based browsing and recommendations.

Official Source: ChatGPT Product Feed Specs