Grocery Price Hacks You Haven’t Tried Yet
It’s no secret that grocery prices are on the rise, but if you’ve already tried the usual tricks—like coupon clipping or shopping generic—there are still lesser-known strategies that can help you save. From payment methods to timing your trips, these underrated hacks can stretch your food budget further without adding more to your to-do list.
Here are seven grocery price hacks most shoppers overlook—but you’ll wish you tried sooner.
- Use Digital Gift Cards for Real-Time Cashback
Instead of swiping your debit or credit card at checkout, try buying a digital gift card for the exact amount of your purchase using a cashback app like Fluz. You’ll pay the same price, but with the added benefit of earning instant cashback—no waiting periods, no converting points. This method works seamlessly whether you’re in line at the register or placing an online order. Fluz supports major grocery retailers such as Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and BJ’s Wholesale Club, making it easy to save on everyday essentials with zero extra effort.
- Shop Earlier in the Week for Fresh Markdowns
Many stores restock and mark down perishables on Monday or Tuesday to make room for new inventory. Shopping early in the week gives you access to clearance meat, bakery items, and produce before they’re picked over.
- Skip Pre-Cut and Pre-Packaged Items
Pre-chopped fruit, bagged salad kits, and shredded cheese cost significantly more per ounce than their whole counterparts. Buy the whole block of cheese or head of lettuce, and do the prep at home to cut costs by up to 30%.
- Use Rebate Apps Alongside Gift Cards
Combine cashback from digital gift cards with rebates from apps like Ibotta and Rakuten to double up on savings. Many rebate apps allow receipt uploads even when you pay with a gift card, so you won’t miss out on stacking.
- Watch the Unit Price, Not the Shelf Price
Bigger packaging doesn’t always equal a better deal. Always check the unit price (cost per ounce, pound, or piece), which is listed on the shelf tag at most major grocery stores. This helps you compare products more accurately.
- Look Up and Down—Not Just Eye Level
Brands often pay for prime shelf space, meaning the best deals are often placed higher or lower. Scan the top and bottom rows of grocery aisles for off-brand or store-brand versions that deliver the same quality for less.
- Time Your Trips Around Weekly Ads
Grocery sales usually launch on a consistent day each week. For example:
- Kroger starts new deals on Wednesdays
- Safeway also refreshes midweek
- Albertsons follows a similar cycle
Shopping on ad release day gives you the widest selection of discounted items before they sell out.
Final Thought
If you’re already shopping smart, these price hacks will take your savings to the next level. By tweaking your timing, switching your payment method to cashback-enabled gift cards from platforms like Fluz, and stacking rebates, you can unlock hidden value in your regular grocery routine—without sacrificing what you buy.
