If you’re serious about saving money on groceries in 2025, you might want to consider a strategy that seems counterintuitive at first: spending money to save money. In a YouTube video, budget guru Frugal Fit Mom (also known as Christine) dives into whether paid grocery store memberships, specifically Kroger Boost, are actually worth it.
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Here’s a closer look at her breakdown, including how the math works, what perks you get and who might benefit the most from this kind of membership.
The Cost of a Grocery Membership
Frugal Fit Mom decided to test out Kroger Boost, a premium membership that costs $69 per year or $8.99 a month for the Essential Plan. Occasionally, Kroger offers a promotional rate as low as $30 for the year which brings the monthly cost closer to just $2.50.
Here’s what you get for that price:
- Free grocery delivery on orders over $35
- Exclusive digital coupons only available to Boost members
- Double fuel points on groceries
- Free streaming services like Hulu, Disney+ and Paramount+
“This is the one I really wanted to touch on,” she said, referring to the exclusive digital coupons. “Will it add up to a $69 savings over the entirety of the year or $6 in savings per month?” She puts that question to the test in her recorded grocery trip.
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How the Savings Add Up
During one Boost-fueled grocery run, Christine saved $20.50 just from Boost-exclusive digital coupons. Here’s how:
-
Private Selection Bread:
- Regular price: $2.99 a loaf
- Boost member price: $1.49 a loaf
- She bought five equaling $7.50 saved
-
Kroger Tortilla Chips:
- Regular price: $2 a bag
- Boost price: 99 cents a bag
- She bought five equaling $5 saved
-
Oscar Mayer Deli Meat:
- Regular price: $4 a container
- Boost price: $1.99 a container
- She bought equaling $8 saved
- Total saved: $20.50
“That means I am 30% of the way towards earning back my cost of the membership,” she explained. “And this was only in one week.”
If she shopped this way once a month, she estimated she’d save around $250 per year which is well over the $69 membership fee.
How To Know If It’s Worth It for You
So when does it actually make sense to pay for a grocery membership? Here are some factors to consider:
You Have a Bigger Household (Especially Kids or Teens)
Frugal Fit Mom has three teenage boys who like to eat. With that kind of food demand, stocking up during sales can make a massive difference.
If you’re constantly buying groceries in bulk or feeding multiple people with hearty appetites, you’ll use those Boost coupon limits (often up to five of each item) and get your membership’s worth fast.
You Have Freezer Space
Many of the best Boost deals are on freezable items like deli meats, sausage and bread. If you can stock up and store them, you’ll maximize savings.
Christine explained that she freezes bread loaves in their original packaging and just flips them upside down on the counter to thaw. “I’ve never had an issue freezing them,” she added.
You’re Already a Kroger Shopper
The membership only works if you regularly shop at Kroger or its affiliated stores. If it’s not already part of your grocery rotation, the perks might not justify the cost.
Bonus Value: Streaming and Fuel Points
Even beyond groceries, there’s added value. With Kroger Boost specifically, they offer a free streaming account for Hulu, Disney Plus or ESPN+ with ads.
Depending on how long those streaming perks last that alone could be worth $50 to $100 depending on your current subscriptions. Double fuel points on groceries can also help you save at the pump which is another bonus for families who drive often or commute regularly.
Other grocery store membership programs like Walmart+ offer streaming and fuel savings as well, so be sure to compare other offers to see what might work best for you.
Just be sure to only stock up on grocery store items your family will eat and don’t get too carried away with earning points or getting rewards. If you stick to the staples your household already loves and freeze what you can, a paid grocery membership could become your budget’s secret weapon for saving money all year long.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: This Grocery Saving Tip Will Cost You Now, But Save You Money in the Long Run
