10 Ways to Get Deep Discounts on Groceries Without Using Coupons

Shop Aldi

Tremendous savings can be had on produce by shopping at Aldi, but don’t neglect the refrigerated cases, where you can find artisan cheeses and deli meat on deep discount, from herb goat cheese logs to smoked salami. In fact, Aldi has partnered with Bon Appétit magazine to feature gourmet recipes that incorporate these ingredients.

While the produce is sometimes riper than you would find at other grocery stores, you’ll save significantly by buying it there. For example, you can often purchase seasonal fruits for as little as 99 cents per quart, such as blueberries. Melons are typically one to three times cheaper than varieties sold at other grocers. Aldi discounts organic produce, but the section is small, so selection is limited.

Pro Tip: Bring a quarter to use a grocery cart and pack your own shopping bags.

Look for Kroger’s Discount Stickers 

By far one of my favorite foodie activities, besides cooking, is taking advantage of the red and yellow sticker savings on Kroger groceries. This sale is not the same as a Manager’s Special deal, which is another opportunity to save money. These stickers are orange and black.

For example, I purchased Odom’s Country Sausage for $1.79 on a Manager’s Special, which was about a 50% discount. I made Sausage Caprese Stuffed Portobellos with sausage purchased from Kroger’s and mushrooms from Aldi, which is one of my most popular recipes on Instagram. 

Pro Tip: Talk to the department manager if you see them facing meats and dairy in the refrigerated cases. They often carry a reel of WooHoo Good Deal stickers, and if asked, will tell you what they are marking down. Don’t forget to shop in the nearby floral department, where you can often find a bucket of fresh packaged flowers marked down to 99 cents a bouquet. These flowers last longer if you swing by the counter and snag a free package of flower food powder.

Shop Back of Store Exit Door Deals

Items marked with discount stickers are displayed, albeit somewhat haphazardly, on shelves near the back of the store, next to the employee exit doors. You can also grab deals on day-old baked items and clearance items from various departments. Many store-baked items lack the preservatives found in the bread aisle, and they expire quickly. Need a white sheet cake at half the price? How about hoagie rolls for tonight’s barbecue cookout? They’re half price.

Pro Tip: Buy discounted bread exit-door deals and freeze them for later use.

End Cap Marked-Down Merchandise

You can find ripe produce, from bananas to squash, in this bin, usually located at an end cap in the produce section.

Pro Tip: Can’t find the bin? Ask the produce manager where it is located. If your store doesn’t have one, ask whether they plan to sell any ripe fruits and vegetables and whether you can get a discount. Stores often throw away slightly ripened fruit if it is blemished or softening. Pre-bagged salad greens are prone to spoilage, so be sure to check those shelves as well.

Shop The Ad’s Bonus Buys 

We have a small hometown grocery store, Leeker’s Family Foods, that sells bananas for 18 cents a pound on Thursdays. They limit you to ten pounds. Ha! Do you know if your local grocer advertises a similar deal?

Pro Tip: Look for a random grocery cart full of discounted produce bagged by the manager. I bought ten limes for $2 and made this Spiked Watermelon Lemon-Lime Cocktail and Beach Berry Blast with extra limes.

Buy Dollar Store Pantry Staples

Pay a dollar for white rice, dried pasta, canned beans, and basic spices for your pantry. Your family members or dinner guests are never going to say to you, “Hey, this isn’t Uncle Ben’s white rice!”

Pro Tip: Buy breadcrumbs at a dollar discount store. Who wants to make their own breadcrumbs when you can get them at rock-bottom prices?

Purchase Dehydrated Fruits And Nuts At Menards

While the discount is slight, it is worth seeking savings at Menards on fruits and nuts. These items are usually located near the canned goods and spices toward the back of the store.

Pro Tip: You can buy retro candies in bulk there and package them individually for future birthday party favors. Make my Nutty Granola With Cranberries and Raisins for a grab-and-go snack or yogurt topper, using their bulk-packaged sunflower seeds.

Cruise The Post-Holiday Seasonal Aisles

I bet your kids love candy and peanut butter-stuffed crackers. You can find these kid-friendly snack items at deep discounts after Back-to-School, Halloween, Easter, and Christmas promotions. Add crushed discount chocolate candy to tonight’s vanilla ice cream dish for a super sweet treat.

Pro Tip: Arrive early the day after the holiday to save up to 75%. These snack items and candy bags go quickly! 

Buy Discounted Grab-and-Go Deli Case Food

Having worked in a grocery store deli, I know firsthand that last night’s deli case leftovers become tomorrow’s grab-and-go savings for you. That’s why you see the meatloaf and mashed potatoes sitting next to General Tso’s chicken in prepackaged containers with orange stickers. This pre-packaged food isn’t bad; it’s just as good as eating leftovers from your fridge, and you didn’t have to cook. Typically, you save 50% on these dinner options.

Pro Tip: Save money on weekday lunches by buying discounted deli items in the morning on your way to work. 

Make Farmer’s Market Deals During the Last Hour

Although farmers’ markets are only open during warmer months, you can find great deals on homegrown produce there.

Pro Tip: Ask a vendor during the last hour of the day’s sale whether they are willing to offer a lower price on lettuce, kale, or soft-skinned fruits that haven’t sold. You’re doing them a favor by keeping them from packing it back up on the truck and you score savings. Where else are they going to sell it that day, right?

Why overspend on groceries when you don’t have to?

If you have a great way to save money without using coupons or store apps, write it in the comment section below!