I used to scroll right past the digital coupons in the Kroger app, thinking they’d only save me a few cents here and there. But once I actually started using them intentionally, I realized just how much those little clips can stretch our grocery budget.
Now, before I ever place a single order (or step foot in the store), I sit down with my phone, open the Kroger app, and start clipping. It takes about five minutes, and I regularly save around $60 every trip—without cutting a single paper coupon or carrying a binder around. This is all on things that my family ACTUALLY buys and eats anyways. I do not buy things just because they’re a “good deal”. I only buy things that I would have already bought at full price.
Step 1: Clip Before You Shop
Every Wednesday when the new Kroger ad drops (but there is a preview the day before so I usually check it out!), I open the app and head to the “Savings” tab. I scroll through the digital coupons and clip anything I might use—even if I’m not sure it’ll make it into my cart that week.
Some weeks there are special weekly digital deals that you can use up to five times in one transaction (like cheese, chicken, or lunch meat). Those are the best ones to plan meals around. If you plan your week around those five-time-use coupons, you’ll automatically start saving more without spending extra time couponing.
I always check the expiration dates too. Some coupons last two or three weeks, so you can save them for a future sale.
Step 2: Match Coupons to Weekly Deals
Here’s where the real savings happen. Kroger runs new sales every Wednesday, and the best deals come from stacking digital coupons with sale prices.
For example, if shredded cheese is on sale for $1.88 and you’ve clipped a $1.00 off two digital coupon, that drops your price per bag even lower.
That’s how I build my meal plans each week—starting with the best coupon and sale combos. If you want to see how I turn those into actual meals, check out a lot of my previous posts here!
Step 3: Use “My List” in the App
This might be my favorite feature. When you clip a coupon, tap “Add to List.” It keeps everything organized in one spot so you can see exactly what you’re saving on.
That way, when I’m walking through Kroger, I’m not aimlessly grabbing things—I’m shopping with a plan. And when I get to checkout, my total is always lower than expected (which is the best feeling).
Seeing my savings right there on the receipt reminds me why those few minutes of planning are so worth it.
Step 4: Double Check Before Checkout
This one’s important. Kroger’s system only applies a digital coupon if you’ve clipped it before the cashier starts scanning. Make sure everything you plan to use is clipped in your account ahead of time.
When I’m doing pickup or delivery orders, I love that I can see the exact total in my cart before checking out. If I’ve gone a little over budget, I just remove a few items and keep my total where I want it. Not being chained to a checkout counter is such a relief.
Step 5: Think Big Picture
Digital coupons aren’t just about saving a few dollars—they’re about building smart grocery habits that help your family stay on budget week after week.
Sometimes I’ll use my extra savings to stock up on meat when it’s marked down, or I’ll grab a few pantry staples for later. Other weeks, I just smile knowing I stayed under budget without stress.
If you want to see how I stretch those savings into real-life meal plans, you might like these posts:
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