I’ve Been a Loyal Kroger Shopper for Years—These Are My Top Tips and Tricks
How do you tend to grocery shop? Are you utterly loyal to one store? Do you shop around and buy what you need based on where you can save the most money? Or are you like me and find yourself falling in the middle somewhere? I shop at a few stores, and my first grocery stop every week is Kroger.
Each week when I sit down to make my grocery list, I open my Kroger app (more on that in a little bit) to see what's on sale and which digital coupons are available to help figure out how to get the most bang for my buck.
There are tons of Kroger fans like me out there, but there are also plenty of people who've never set foot in the grocery chain. Whether you're a first-timer or a long-time fan, I've got tips, tricks and info to help you max out your Kroger run.
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What is Kroger?
Founded in 1883 by Bernard Kroger in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger operates more than 2,700 stores under their various banners in 35 states. These include marketplace stores, combo stores, multi-department stores and more.
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What stores are in the Kroger family?
Depending on where you are in the United States, you might not have heard of Kroger before. However, you might have a store that's closely related! The name might be different, but many of the characteristics are the same! While pricing might vary by location, they all offer the same savings program. Here are some of the Kroger Co. family of stores:
Kroger
Ralphs
Bakers
City Market
Dillons
Food 4 Less
Fry's
Metro Market
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What is Kroger Marketplace?
If your local Kroger store happens to be a "marketplace," then count yourself extra lucky. These super-size Krogers have groceries, plus a lot more, including apparel and housewares. Sometimes there's even a Fred Meyer Jewelry location inside the marketplace because that brand is another member of the Kroger family. Who doesn't want to pick up a gallon of milk, a new pair of shoes and a diamond bracelet all in one stop?
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Does Kroger have a store brand?
Not only does Kroger have one store brand, but they have a few! Banner brands carry the name of the flagship store (i.e., Kroger, Ralphs, Fry's, etc.) and are referred to as "our brands" by the company. Private Selection items are offered to compete with more expensive gourmet brands and are thought of as being a little more upscale. Simple Truth is Kroger's natural and organic brand.
Throughout the store, you'll also find department-specific brands. Here are a few examples.
Bakery Fresh Goodness: fresh-baked goods
Comforts: baby products
Pet Pride: pet food
Everyday Living: home goods
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Does Kroger have a loyalty card?
They absolutely do, and it is my #1 reason for loving this store so much. With their free Kroger card, you get exclusive sale prices, earn fuel rewards and can even earn cash back on certain purchases.
Krista Marshall
But hands down my favorite thing about the Kroger loyalty card is the ability to link it with your favorite local charity through their Kroger Community Rewards program.
Once you have a loyalty card, all you have to do is create a digital account on their website, search for your favorite organization from their list of participants and link your card. Every time you make a purchase that organization earns a percentage of the profits. It is an easy way to give back to a local charity, church or school group.
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Does Kroger have an app?
Yep! And if you are thinking about taking a shopping trip to Kroger, the first thing you need to do is download it. My Kroger app is the key to my best shopping experience.
Krista Marshall
I use the app to "clip" digital coupons, browse the weekly ad, make shopping lists, shop for a pickup order, track my fuel points and more.
Krista Marshall
How do I earn Kroger Fuel Rewards?
It is so easy, free to sign up and comes with no added cost. Each time you spend one dollar, you earn one fuel point. Every one hundred points earns you ten cents off per gallon at a Kroger gas station, up to one thousand points.
There are also ways to earn extra fuel points. Gift card purchases always earn double fuel points, but several times throughout the year Kroger offers a digital coupon to earn four times the fuel points on gift cards. Just the other day I bought forty dollars worth of gift cards and earned 160 fuel points immediately. We all buy gift cards anyway, so why not get some perks when we do?!
As you can see in the photo, I now have over 500 points to use, which means the next time I fill up I will save 50 cents!
Krista Marshall
My Best Kroger Shopping Tips
Over the years I've become a bit of a Kroger shopping pro. Here are my best tips and tricks.
Circle Wednesday on the calendar: This is when the new weekly ad is released, weekly digital deals are revealed and new coupons are loaded to the app. Even if I don't plan on shopping until later in the week, I always log onto the app on Wednesday morning.
Get a Kroger card: Some store loyalty cards don't seem to really get you any perks. NOT Kroger's! You have to get one if you are going to become a Kroger pro too. Visit the service desk to sign up.
Download the app: I can't stress enough how handy the Kroger app is. It really is my "brain" when it comes to a successful Kroger run.
Sale prices are key: Kroger stores' base prices are probably more than other big box stores. However, if you leverage their weekly sales and coupons, it can quickly become cheaper and save you some major cash.
Get an alternate ID: When you set up your loyalty card, you'll have the chance to create an alternate ID. (Most people use their phone number.) This is SO valuable. There have been countless times when I've popped in for something and realized I didn't have my Kroger card. No worries because I could use the alternate ID instead to get the extra savings and still earn points.
Store brands are just as good: Don't turn your nose up at store brands. Kroger has some of the best around. They're the same quality as their more expensive counterparts and the savings really add up quickly.
