Facebook addicts can now order their groceries while staying in touch with friends and family.

The new My Shopping Assistant application allows members of the social networking site to add items to their shopping list and plan meals while using Facebook, before transferring them to the checkout at Tesco.com.

The application was created by third party web developer James Mills, who took part in the retailer's TJAM technology open day last August. Tesco technology guru Nick Lansley said it was just one of a number of new applications from third-party developers to be rolled out in the next few weeks. Mills is also working on an application for O2's Joggler device.

Developers who direct traffic to Tesco.com earn a small commission on each transaction and for each new customer.

The move is part of a wider strategy to improve Tesco's online operation, which included an upgrade to its grocery website earlier this year, known internally as 'Project Martini'. A Tesco spokesman told The Grocer 70% of users had now been moved to the new site, which launched earlier this year, and the rest would soon follow.