Coupon Basics Part Five – Couponing at Kroger

FREE SUMMER
SURVIVAL RECIPES!

Name

Email

sign up

I started this Coupon Basic series and got four posts started, only to completely stop on Kroger (can you tell I'm a little addicted to Publix?)  Well Kroger really does offer some wonderful deals, you just have to be willing to do a little more planning in advance.  Here's some very basic info on couponing at Kroger . . .

You need to have a Kroger card to get the best deals at Kroger. In order to get Kroger's deals, you almost have to have a Kroger Card (I'm sure you guys knew that one!)  If you already have a Kroger card, be sure to register it online so that you can have additional deals mailed to you at home and to your inbox.

Kroger doubles all manufacturer coupons, up to $.50. As far as I know every Kroger and all of their affiliates double coupons all the time, up to $.50.  Kroger does not accept competitor coupons.

Kroger allows you to stack internet coupons and manufacturer coupons. Kroger has lots of way to load coupons to your Kroger card, all you have to do is take few minutes to sign up!  Add Kroger e-coupons to your card through Cellfire, Kroger E-coupons, Shortcuts, and P&G Saver.  I have had a few folks comment on having problems stacking these coupons, however as long as I have bought exactly the item listed (correct item/size), these have worked for me without any problem. I will say that they are a pain to keep up with, so you may want to print out a list of coupons you've loaded to make your life a little easier (of if you have an i-phone or blackberry you could even load them in the store!)  Kroger e-coupons do not double, and are limited to one per card, so if you add one to your card you will only save on one of the items that you purchase. UPDATE:  Kroger no longer allows you to stack internet coupons and manufacturer coupons, so be sure to pick the coupon with the highest value, usually the manufacturer coupons, especially since your e-coupons won't double.

Kroger frequently offers “Buy . . .  Save . . . ” deals. This is one you really have to plan for.  Usually at least a few times a month, Kroger offers deals on specific products such as “Buy 8 items, Save $4”.  These can make for some amazing savings, but it's very important that you plan your trip wisely so that you get exactly eight of each deal (otherwise the price on the deal is usually too high!)  One tip I've heard is to take your reusable grocery sacks and place eight items in each one so that you're not constantly counting (or you can be like me and keep counting 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 as you run through Kroger!)

Kroger offers loads of Catalina deals. This one is another way to snag fabulous deals at Kroger, but you really have to make sure you purchase the right products!  Recently I was in Kroger and bought the wrong size cereal (actually the bigger box), and the catalina didn't print because it was the wrong size box.  Because there was a sign for the catalina in the store,  the customer service person was very sweet and honored the deal, but it was a pain to wait in line for a catalina that didn't print!

What other tips do you have on shopping Kroger?  I've found Kroger's prices in general to be a little lower on their everyday deals, but the Publix BOGO's and acceptance of competitor coupons always leads me back to Publix 🙂  I do quite frequently stock up on meat and produce at Kroger, so like I said, there are definitely deals to be had!

If you're a new couponer and would like to read more check out Couponing at Publix, Basic Coupon Lingo , How to Organize Your Coupons, my Super Cute Coupon Organizer, and How to Get a Stash of Coupons.