Kroger has become a household name for shoppers across the United States, and for good reason. From everyday groceries to special holiday treats, Kroger offers a wide variety of products often at competitive prices. But did you know there are numerous ways to make those prices even lower? In this post, we’ll explore tried-and-true tips and tricks to help you uncover the best deals at Kroger. Whether you’re new to bargain hunting or a seasoned pro, these strategies will help you stretch your dollar further every time you shop.
1. Check the Weekly Ad Before You Go
One of the simplest ways to find great deals at Kroger is by reviewing the weekly ad. Published online and often available in print form, the weekly ad highlights discounted items, buy-one-get-one deals, and special promotions. By planning your meals around these sales, you can significantly reduce your grocery bill.
- Pair with Coupons: See if any discounted items in the ad also have matching digital coupons in your Kroger account. That way, you stack both the sale price and the coupon discount.
- Keep a Grocery List: Jot down what you need at home and cross-reference it with the ad. This practice ensures you don’t end up buying items you won’t use.
2. Download and Use the Kroger App
The Kroger mobile app is a treasure trove of savings. By simply having it on your phone, you can:
- Clip Digital Coupons: Find and save coupons directly to your loyalty account.
- Track Your Fuel Points: Know exactly how many points you have at any time.
- Use the Shopping List Feature: Keep all your needs in one organized place.
Downloading the Kroger app allows you to avoid the clutter of paper coupons and ensures that you don’t miss out on any special promotions.
3. Stack Coupons Like a Pro
Kroger allows digital coupons to be “stacked” with store deals, giving you double the opportunity to save. Here’s how you can do it efficiently:
- Shop During Special Promotions: Kroger frequently has events like “Mega Sales,” where buying multiple items will unlock bigger discounts.
- Combine Manufacturer and Store Coupons: If you have a manufacturer’s coupon and Kroger’s own store coupon (often digital), you may be able to use both for a single product, as long as both coupons’ terms allow it.
4. Time Your Shopping Trips
Believe it or not, the day and time you shop can make a difference in the deals you find. Kroger employees often mark down perishable items like meat, dairy, and bakery goods during certain times of the day. By identifying these markdown periods, you can find great discounts on items nearing their sell-by date.
- Early Mornings: Some stores do mark-downs in the early morning.
- Late Evenings: Other stores do mark-downs right before closing. It varies by store, so ask an employee or pay attention to patterns.
5. Buy Gift Cards for Extra Fuel Points
Kroger’s fuel points program is one of its standout features. Earning points is straightforward—usually 1 point for every dollar you spend on groceries. However, gift card purchases can sometimes earn 2x, 4x, or even more points during special promotions. If you regularly shop at or dine in specific places, consider buying a gift card from Kroger first to earn those extra points. Then, redeem those gift cards for your usual spending.
6. Track Your Fuel Points for Big Savings
Once you’ve accumulated enough fuel points, you can redeem them at the pump for significant discounts on gas. Keep track of how many points you have in the Kroger app or on your receipt. Some tips:
- Check Monthly Limits: Fuel points often expire at the end of the month after you earn them, so don’t let them go to waste.
- Split Transactions If Needed: If you’re making a large purchase, consider splitting it into two or more transactions so you can earn multiple sets of fuel points.
7. Look for Manager’s Specials and Clearance Aisles
Kroger usually designates areas in the store for clearance and manager’s specials. Items could be anything from out-of-season products to slightly dented packaging or close-to-expiration goods. While some items might not always be the right fit, you can sometimes find hidden gems at steep discounts.
8. Sign Up for Kroger’s Email Newsletter
If you don’t mind adding another newsletter to your inbox, Kroger’s email list is often a valuable resource. You’ll receive updates on sales, special event promotions, and sometimes even exclusive coupons. When combined with other saving techniques, these exclusive deals can translate to even deeper savings.
9. Ask for Feedback Opportunities
Kroger is constantly looking to improve, which is why they offer customer feedback surveys. Participating in these surveys can sometimes lead to extra savings or promotional codes. You can look for more details about the survey on your receipt or the store’s website. Speaking of which, you can visit krogersurvey.us, Krogerfeedback, or take part in krogerfeedback survey – www.krogerfeedback.com (50 fuel pt bonus) for a chance to provide your input and potentially snag some rewards.
10. Don’t Be Afraid to Try Kroger Brands
Kroger’s in-house brands offer excellent value without sacrificing quality. Brands like Simple Truth, Private Selection, and Kroger Brand are known for their taste and affordability. In many cases, these items are produced in the same facilities as name-brand items, but priced more competitively.
- Simple Truth: Focuses on organic and natural products.
- Private Selection: Offers premium items that are often gourmet or specialty goods.
- Kroger Brand: Everyday products that match or exceed the quality of national brands.
11. Seasonality Matters
Plan your meals according to what’s in season or on promotional rotation. Seasonal produce is generally cheaper, fresher, and more flavorful. Kroger often has weekly or monthly themes that highlight these items, making it an excellent opportunity to experiment with seasonal recipes at a lower cost.
12. Earn Cash Back on Certain Items
Kroger’s Cash Back program lets you earn money on select items, which can be applied to future purchases. Simply activate offers in your online account, buy the participating products, and Kroger will keep track of your earnings. Once the funds become available, you can either request a cashout or apply them to a future Kroger shopping trip.
13. Keep Your Eyes Open for BOGO Deals
Buy-one-get-one (BOGO) deals can significantly reduce your grocery costs, especially when it’s for items you use frequently. While scanning the aisles, look for brightly colored signs or tags that call out these deals. If you combine BOGO promotions with digital coupons, you may end up paying pennies on the dollar for your groceries.
Final Thoughts
Finding great deals at Kroger doesn’t have to be complicated. From checking the weekly ad to leveraging digital coupons, and from timing your shopping trips to exploring clearance aisles, there are numerous ways to stretch your grocery budget. With a bit of planning and awareness, you’ll be surprised at just how much you can save. The best part is that these practices become second nature once you integrate them into your regular shopping routine.
So, next time you make a grocery list, remember these tips and tricks. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you!
