11 ways to save even more at Kroger

With nearly 2,800 grocery stores in 35 states, you’ve probably shopped at Kroger before.

While most locations are under the Kroger banner, stores like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Dillons and Harris-Teeter are also part of the Kroger family. In fact, Kroger is the nation's second largest grocer behind Walmart. 

Read more: 8 things you didn't know about Kroger

11 ways to save more & spend less at Kroger 

To remain competitive with Walmart, Kroger has cut prices "substantially" on 1,000 items at its 120 Mid-Atlantic stores, according to The Robin Report — but the savings don't stop there! 

Read on for some ways to save even more while shopping at Kroger.

Kroger Plus Card

If you don't have a Kroger Plus Card, what are you waiting for? This is your passport to savings! Head over to the customer service desk to sign up for a free card. It's the only way to get Kroger's sale prices. 

Free Friday Download 

Once you get a Kroger Plus card, you can create a Kroger.com account, which makes it so much easier to check your weekly circular and load digital coupons to your card.

And on Fridays, you have a chance to get something absolutely free!

Log in to your account every Friday and go to the "My Coupons" section for the Free Friday Download. You'll have two weeks to redeem the free offer. It's loaded automatically to your discount card.

10 for $10 sale 

The 10 for $10 sale is one of Kroger's most popular promotions, offering various products throughout the store for just $1. And if you don't want to buy 10 items, no problem! Each will ring up for $1.

Mega Events 

Jenny Martin from SouthernSavers.com explains that a true Mega Event features hundreds of sale items, too many to fit in the circular! 

For example, my store is currently running a Buy 5, Save $5 promotion. All you have to do is mix and match five participating items, which will be tagged throughout the store, to instantly receive $5 off.

These Mega Events generally run for two weeks, according to SouthernSavers.com.

Digital and print coupons 

You can download digital coupons right from the Kroger app, but the chain also accepts manufacturer's coupons. Maximize your savings by using a cash back app, such as Ibotta, SavingStar or Checkout 51. 

Read more about Kroger's coupon policy.

Buy generic â€‹

Kroger says it has more than 10,000 quality private-label items, which it manufactures and markets at a discount compared to national brands.

Here are just some of Kroger's brands you might want to try: 

• Kroger
• Big K®
• Fresh Selections by Kroger®
• Home Sense®
• Comforts for Baby®
• Private Selection™
• Simple Truth®
• Heritage Farm™ brands
• P$$T
• Pet Pride 

Closeouts 

If you're looking for a really good deal, keep an eye out for the white closeout tags. These items are usually available nationwide, but they can disappear pretty quickly!

KrogerKrazy.com updates a weekly list of closeout deals.

Manager's specials 

Kroger's clearance section is typically tucked away in the back of the store, and you'll find a random assortment of non-perishable items that may have been overstocked or have damaged packaging. 

But be on the lookout for manager's specials in other areas of the store as well.

Dairy products and bakery items may be discounted because they are close to their "sell by date," "best-by date" or near expiration date, a Kroger spokesman told Clark.com.

Here we found â€‹an example of that in the meat department: 

Since many of these items are nearly expired, you can always put them in the freezer if you don't have plans to use them up the same day you buy them. â€‹

Senior discount

Are you 60 or older? Kroger’s Atlanta Division offers a 5% discount on Kroger brands to seniors on Wednesdays. Not all Kroger stores will have a similar program, but it's worth asking your cashier!

Earn fuel points faster

When you use your Plus Card, you’ll earn one fuel point for every $1 you spend at Kroger. But a few times a year, you can earn four times the fuel points on gift card purchases — so stock up on cards then! 

Of course, you redeem fuel points for a discount at Kroger Fuel Centers and some Shell stations.

Kroger credit card

Want to earn free groceries? If you really like shopping at Kroger, you may be interested in reading more about the benefits of the 1-2-3 REWARDS Visa Card. There is no annual fee. 

Cardholders also receive some coupons available exclusively to them.

Read more: 9 money-saving tricks grocery stores don't want you to know