If you're trying to learn how to save money at Publix, here are 14 secrets to know before you shop. Take advantage of these and save huge!
How to Save Money At Publix (beyond BOGOs)
Love shopping Publix?
Oh my.
Me.
too.
But, did you know that Publix shopping really isn't as expensive as it seems?
Yup. You can save big at Publix if you just know how.
So, here are a few secrets that will help you save big every time you shop.
Top 14 Tips to Save Money at Publix
1. Publix accepts certain competitor coupons.
Depending on your area, Publix will accept some competitor coupons. Each store chooses which locals stores are store is considered a competitor, so this varies (a lot!) by area.
Typically Publix requires that the stores considered competitors are “traditional grocery stores”, meaning they have a meat and deli department. Some stores accept Target, Kroger, Winn Dixie, Whole Foods, Walmart, Food City and more.
2. To get the most bang for your buck, use your “big” coupons first.
When shopping Publix, if you happen to have lucked into a coupon like a $10/$50 coupon (sometimes they have special store coupons like this, and occasionally you'll find a competitor like this one as well), be sure to stack that one ON TOP of your other coupons.
That way, Publix will take that $10 off first before other coupons if they drop your total to below $50, which can make your savings even greater.
3. Publix issues rainchecks when they are out of stock on products. Publix will give you a digital raincheck that you can use up to 3 months from the time they issue it.
4. Always be on the look out for Publix store coupons.
In addition to these store fliers AND the weekly store ad, Publix also regularly comes out with store coupons found at the front of the store in a kiosk with other fliers, as well as throughout the store. Keep your eyes peeled for new coupon booklets as they pop up fairly regularly and can really help you save at Publix!
5. Publix allows one manufacturer and one store/competitor store coupon per item.
If you have a manufacturer coupon for an item, you can “stack” a store coupon will have a LU number (OR a competitor coupon, but not both) to get a greater savings on that same item.
If this seems a bit overwhelming, you can check out our Publix Mini Coupon Class over HERE!
6. Publix’s computers allow one coupon per item.
Most Publix stores will allow you to use as many coupons as you want. However, if the number of coupons exceeds the number of items purchased (for example if you have 20 items and 22 coupons because you have a few competitor coupons), the computer will automatically question it.
Typically your cashier will send for a manager and they will override it, however they have the option not to, so just be aware of this.
7. Publix offers a TON of Publix BOGO (Buy One Get One Free) sales each week (these are the savings you really want to focus on). If something you regularly use goes on sale with a BOGO deal, buy enough to last you a bit of time to get the most savings!
I love this. If you're a Publix shopper, watch for their weekly Buy One Get One Free sales to get the very best discounts.
Secret tip?
Unless you're in Florida, you don't have to buy two to get the second one free.
So, if Cheerios are on sale Buy One Get One Free and you only want 1 box, you'll get them each for half price.
BUT.
If you're in Florida, you'll get what folks call “TRUE BOGO” meaning you really have to buy one to get a second one free. While some folks don't like this, you'll get two items free if you luck into a Buy One Get One Free coupon for a Buy One Get One Free item at Publix. Because of the coupon, both items will actually be free!
8. Publix offers digital coupons.
In addition to their store coupons, you can check out Publix digital coupons online each week. Remember these are manufacturer coupons that cannot be stacked with other manufacturer coupons. (However, you can stack them with store coupons.)
9. Save even more at Publix by taking advantage of mobile rebate apps.
There are several rebate apps that you can use at Publix to save even more when you shop, and what I love is that you can “double dip” on savings by purchasing one item and getting a rebate back through several rebate sites (if the offer is available at more than one store.) Here are the rebate sites I use when shopping Publix:
10. The super sweet baggers at Publix bag your groceries and takes them to the car for you – no tipping accepted.
I love that.
11. Publix partners with schools.
If you shop Publix, be sure to pick up a key chain card that they scan at checkout for a local school (you can choose which school to donate to.) For every $37,500 spent in groceries, Publix gives your schools $250. That money really adds up, and you can even see a few totals over HERE (I love this program!).
12. Publix has lots of clearance items around the store. There are sometimes sections in the store for clearance items. Ask the customer service if your store has one.
13. The Publix bakery will give your child a cookie every time they stop and ask for one
And, many Publix floral departments will give your child a free balloon to take home as well. (Our Publix offered coloring books to kids too!).
14. Publix store brand generics are well worth trying.
If you're willing to try Publix store brands, you'll easily save throughout the store. Our family has tried out Publix cleaning supplies, snacks, toiletries and more and always been pleased with them.
If you love shopping Publix but aren't sure how to save big there, we'd love to help you get started – the Publix weekly ad is a great place to start!
Dolly says
My “Publix” in Florida offers free treats for your birthday and also a member-exclusive perk for joining Club Publix on my anniversary.
For your birthday, they offered a choice of one (1) free quart, half-gallon, or four-quart container of Publix, Publix Premium, or GreenWise brand ice cream, frozen yogurt, or non-dairy frozen dessert, or one (1) free Publix Bakery bar cake.
As a thank-you for joining Club Publix, they offered a beautiful Salsa floral bouquet.
Just received this email…Your half birthday calls for half off a treat of your choice: a container of Publix, Publix Premium, or GreenWise ice cream or frozen yogurt; or a Publix Bakery bar cake.
I think this is pretty special.
Katelyn Jones- PPP Team says
I love that Dolly!
Douglas Roy says
A majority of the items marked CLEARANCE do not have a reduction in price.
sunny says
Same here.
Candie says
Rainchecks are only for one month here in Madison, AL
Laurie M. says
Our Publix, in South GA, also has a small kiosk area with a basket for the kids to pick up a piece of fruit! It’s next to the banana’s and usually has apples, banana’s, and tangerines available. Awesome healthy alternative for those who can’t have a cookie.
Laurie says
How fun Laurie ~ LOVE that! 🙂
Leslie Parrott- Letourneau says
Same here in Eustis Fl Woodland Center Location
Robin says
I love Publix but would like to know why they don’t double coupons inFl. We have so many shopping options now, I am going to check out Aldi next week. Thanks, just curious if there is a good reason.
Laurie says
I (think?) it may be because they don’t have competitors in Florida that offer double coupons (although Winn Dixie may double? I’m not sure!) Now that Kroger isn’t doubling I wonder if they’ll change their policy…. I hate it for you (but love having the Publix option – I still think just using their Buy One Get One Free offers and a few coupons you can really save there if you shop purposefully!