No matter the state of the economy, there is no way around the fact that you have to eat. With tariffs and inflation driving the cost of all goods to startling new heights, however, purchasing the same groceries is only becoming more expensive.
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Fortunately, many supermarkets and grocery stores have customer loyalty programs that offer exclusive discounts, weekly ads, perks and other rewards — including discounts on gas through fuel points — that can soften the blow of hefty prices. Here are a handful of top grocery loyalty programs around the country you should consider before your next food run.
Albertsons for U
The Albertsons for U reward program has several awesome perks. The program for this Southwestern grocery chain comes with a free birthday treat, personalized offers, discounts on groceries and gas, digital coupons and a free item every month. Users can also earn “pet perks,” which provide discounts on pet meds and other pet products, in addition to earning points on purchases.
After signing up, you’ll earn a point for every $1 you spend on groceries and two points for every $1 you spend on gift cards. Every 100 points adds up to a grocery store reward, which you have the option on turning into $1 off your total at checkout. You’ll also receive digital coupons for free products from your favorite brands every month.
Kroger Plus
Kroger’s loyalty program offers perks aimed at online shoppers, though the deals translate to in-person stores and gas stations as well. When you create your free digital account, you get access to $600+ in digital coupons each week. Not only are there coupons and offers, but there’s also weekly sales and specials, all just for members.
Your account gets your access to the Kroger website and app, which you can use to shop, manage your grocery list, view your receipts and check your Fuel Points. When shopping, you’ll earn one Fuel Point for every $11 spent on groceries and general merchandise, which you can redeem to save up to $1 per gallon at Kroger Fuel Centers and participating fuel stations. You’re also able to preview the weekly ad early in the app to help you plan ahead with savings in mind.
Where Kroger Plus is free, there is also Kroger Boost, which is a paid membership that builds on the Kroger Plus program by offering free delivery, double fuel points and exclusive offers for an annual or monthly fee.
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Piggy Wiggly Rewards
Piggy Wiggly stores have a rewards program that pays customers back in “Pig Points,” which add up to discounts on food and gas. Just scan your rewards card at Piggly Wiggly stores, and look for in-store “Pig Points” tags to find items that you can redeem your points for. For every 100 points accumulated, you earn $1 off a purchase, every 500 points translates to $5 off and 1,000 points to $10 off.
You can also use Pig Points for gasoline. For every 300 Pig Points you accumulate, you earn a one-cent per gallon discount. Look for “Pig Points accepted here” signs at participating gas stations to see where you can get the most use out of your rewards. You’ll want to use your points before too long, however — Pig Point balances are capped at 200,000 points.
Club Publix
Publix Supermarket customers can sign up for Club Publix, which is a free loyalty program. Members of the program receive a number of great perks, including personalized deals, birthday treats and digital coupons.
Members will also be the first to hear about buy one, get one (BOGO) sales, get weekly sneak peeks of sale items and have the ability to save shopping lists for easy re-ordering. You can even pay through the Publix app. In limited areas, you can use the app to donate funds to a public school of your choice.
Sprouts Rewards
Download the Sprouts app, and you can gain access to the grocery store’s weekly specials, monthly grocery deals and other discounts. With the app, you are also entitled to department discounts such as 10% off vitamins and body care on every $100 you spend, 10% off four or more bottles of wine and access to great bulk products at a discount.
In addition, Sprouts offers a monthly free sampling program, designed to introduce customers to new products. When you sign up, you can receive coupons for up to five products free.
Stop & Shop, GO Rewards
Stop & Shop GO Rewards is a loyalty program you can access through the Stop & Shop app and at stopandshop.com. As a member, you earn 10 cents per gallon for every 100 points you receive from Stop & Shop. Your GO Points stack with other Fuel Rewards savings in your account, with some exclusions.
You can also earn additional points with special offers in your online account. These offers will be personalized to you and your shopping preferences. Your points can be used at Stop & Shop gas stations and participating Shell gas stations. You have 60 days from the earn date of your points to use them before your points expire.
Winn-Dixie Rewards
The Southeastern grocery store offers the Winn-Dixie Rewards program, which allows members to earn one point for every $2 spent at Winn-Dixie. Every 100 points gives you $1 off groceries, and points translate to cash off your groceries.
Through the app, you’ll receive deals of the week, reward boosters that give you additional points for buying specific items or quantities of items, and “mystery bonus” points that multiply your points for certain items. Some exclusions do apply, particularly on things like tobacco, gift cards, lottery tickets, check cashing fees and money order fees.
Walmart+
While Walmart is more than just a grocery store, they have a huge selection of food and produce. For the truly dedicated Walmart shopper, you can join Walmart+, a loyalty program that earns you a lot of perks, though it isn’t free.
For $98 per year, you earn 10 cents off each gallon of gas or member pricing on fuel at participating gas stations, which includes more than 14,000 participating locations. You’ll also receive free delivery from local Walmart stores on orders over $35, and free next-day and two-day shipping from Walmart.com with no order minimum.
The program grants its users access to a mobile “scan-and-go” program for those who prefer a contactless checkout process and want to avoid lines. You’ll also have access to a free Paramount+ streaming subscription, free online pet care through Pawp and Walmart+ Travel perks.
Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 8 Best Grocery Store Loyalty Programs
