As one of the largest supermarket chains in the United States, Kroger and its family of stores (including Fred Meyer, Ralphs, and Harris Teeter) offer a wealth of savings opportunities every week. The primary tool for any budget-conscious shopper is the Kroger ad this week's edition. This weekly flyer is packed with discounts, but Kroger's savings programs go much deeper, incorporating digital coupons, fuel points, and special sales events that can be combined for maximum value.

The "Mega Event": Kroger's Signature Sale

Perhaps the most popular promotion found in the Kroger weekly ad is the "Mega Event." These sales typically last for two weeks and offer an instant discount at the register when you buy a certain number of participating items. For example, a common Mega Event is "Buy 5 or more, Save $1 each."

How to Maximize Mega Events:

• Mix and Match: You can mix and match any of the hundreds of participating items across the store to reach the required number.
• Stack with Coupons: Kroger allows you to use a digital or paper coupon on each item purchased in a Mega Event, leading to "stacked" savings. A $1-off coupon on an item that already has a $1 Mega Event discount is a powerful combination.
• Check Your App: Use the Kroger app in-store to scan items and see if they are part of the current Mega Event.

Digital Coupons and the Kroger Plus Card

The Kroger Plus Card is essential for accessing any sale prices. However, its real power is unlocked when you link it to a digital account on the Kroger website or app. This gives you access to hundreds of digital coupons that you can "clip" and load directly to your card.

A pro tip is to look for "5X" digital coupons. These allow you to use a single digital coupon on up to five identical items in one transaction, which is fantastic for stocking up.

Before heading to the store, take ten minutes to scroll through the digital coupon section and clip offers for products on your list. Combine these with the sales highlighted in the Kroger ad this week's flyer. Sometimes, you may find a better deal at a competitor. For instance, comparing Kroger's meat prices to the ShopRite weekly ad can ensure you are getting the best value on big-ticket items.

Don't Forget the Fuel Points!

Every dollar you spend at Kroger earns you Fuel Points, which can be redeemed for discounts on gasoline at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating Shell stations. The weekly ad often features promotions to earn 2x, 3x, or even 4x Fuel Points on certain purchases, like gift cards.

Planning your shopping around these promotions can lead to significant savings at the pump. When considering a large purchase, also think about bulk options. A quick glance at the Costco sales ad can help you decide if it's more cost-effective to buy a particular item in bulk from Costco or to leverage a Kroger sale with Fuel Point multipliers.

By integrating all these elements—the weekly ad, Mega Events, digital coupons, and Fuel Points—you can develop a comprehensive savings strategy that makes Kroger one of the most rewarding places to shop.