When it comes to grocery savings, there’s no single trick that unlocks huge discounts—there’s a strategy. By stacking multiple savings methods like coupons, loyalty rewards, and discounted gift cards, you can turn a routine grocery trip into a low-cost win. This approach is especially helpful for budget-conscious families and meal planners looking to maximize every dollar.
What Does “Stacking” Mean in Grocery Shopping?
Stacking refers to the practice of combining multiple discounts or offers on the same purchase. For example, you can:
- Use a store sale
- Add a digital or manufacturer coupon
- Redeem loyalty points
- Pay with a discounted gift card
Each layer of savings brings the total cost down without changing what you buy.
Step 1: Start With Store Sales and Weekly Ads
Every major grocery chain runs weekly promotions, which form the base of your stack. Check flyers or digital ads from respective chains.
Look for BOGO offers, markdowns on meat and produce, and limited-time discounts.
Step 2: Add Digital and Manufacturer Coupons
Next, layer in coupons. Use:
- Store-specific apps like Kroger’s digital coupons or Albertsons Just for U
- Manufacturer coupons from sites like Coupons.com
- Cashback apps that offer coupon-style deals on eligible products, like Ibotta and Rakuten
Step 3: Use Loyalty Program Rewards
Earn points or cashback from your store’s loyalty program. For example:
- Kroger Plus offers fuel points and exclusive pricing
- Albertsons Just for U gives cash discounts and bonus point days
- Meijer’s mPerks tracks spending for tailored rewards
These programs usually work automatically when you scan your loyalty card or enter your number at checkout.
Step 4: Pay with Discounted Gift Cards
One of the most overlooked ways to save on groceries is by paying with a gift card purchased at a discount. With Fluz, you can earn cashback with grocery gift cards from major retailers like Kroger, Albertsons, and Safeway. Just buy a digital gift card for the exact amount of your purchase and apply it at checkout—either online or in-store. It’s fast, easy, and built for real-time savings. To explore all participating stores, visit the Fluz store directory or get started by creating your account at the Fluz homepage.
Example of a Stacked Grocery Purchase
Let’s say you’re buying cereal and milk:
- Cereal is on sale for $2.99 (down from $4.49)
- You clip a $1 digital coupon
- You use your store rewards card for an additional $0.50 discount
- You pay with a Fluz gift card and earn cashback
Final cost: $1.49 + cashback—stacked savings from four different sources.
Tips for Success
- Always read coupon terms—some cannot be combined with other offers.
- Use apps to organize and track coupons.
- Check cashback offers before heading to the store or completing your online order.
- Match your gift card value closely to your order total for seamless checkout.
Final Thought
Grocery stacking may take a little preparation, but the payoff is worth it. By coordinating store discounts, coupons, rewards, and gift cards, you’ll transform how you shop—saving more without changing what you buy.
