11 Smart Ways to Save on Online Grocery Shopping

The quickest savings on online groceries come from three places: avoiding delivery fees (Walmart+ and Kroger Boost waive them on orders of $35 or more, Instacart+ on grocery orders of $10 or more), clipping the store's digital coupons before checkout, and adding a cashback offer on top. The 11 tips below cover those and the habits that keep an online cart cheaper than an in-store trip.

1. Add a Cashback App

Ibotta pays cash back on groceries bought through its app or in store. Activate offers before you check out, then combine them with the store's own digital coupons and a promo code from our coupon pages where one exists.

2. Join Store Loyalty Programs

Most grocery chains run a free loyalty program with digital coupons that also apply to online orders, and several sell paid memberships that waive delivery fees. Safeway for U, for example, gives members digital coupons and points that can be used for groceries and gas.

Grocery loyalty and delivery memberships

Store	Program	Benefits	Cost
Amazon	Amazon Prime	Free Amazon Fresh delivery above an order minimum; smaller orders pay a fee	Paid Prime membership
Walmart	Walmart+	Free delivery on orders of $35 or more, fuel savings	$12.95 a month or $98 a year
Kroger	Kroger Boost	Free delivery on orders of $35 or more, 2x fuel points	Two paid tiers, monthly or yearly
Safeway	Safeway for U	Digital coupons, points for groceries and gas	Free
Instacart	Instacart+	$0 delivery fee on grocery orders of $10 or more (service fees apply)	$9.99 a month or $99 a year

3. Use Subscribe & Save for Pantry Staples

Amazon's Subscribe & Save takes a discount off household and pantry items you schedule for repeat delivery, and you can skip or cancel any delivery. It works best for items you use at a steady pace, like paper towels, coffee or pet food.

4. Compare Prices Across Stores

The same item can cost a different amount at Walmart, Amazon, your local chain's own app and a delivery app like Instacart. Price a few staples you buy every week in each, and use Google Shopping to compare packaged goods.

5. Buy Staples in Bulk

Warehouse clubs such as Costco and Sam's Club sell large packs at a lower price per unit, and both deliver groceries. In October 2026 Walmart added a $120-a-year membership that bundles Walmart+ with Sam's Club Plus.

Coupons: See today's Costco and Sam's Club coupons.

6. Choose Store Brands

Store brands such as Walmart's Great Value and Costco's Kirkland Signature usually cost less than the national brand on the next shelf, and online you can sort or filter by brand to find them quickly.

7. Avoid Delivery Fees

Delivery fees and order minimums decide whether online groceries cost more than shopping in person. Walmart+ and Kroger Boost waive delivery on orders of $35 or more, and Instacart+ waives the delivery fee on grocery orders of $10 or more, though service fees still apply. If you order less than once a week, pay per order instead and compare.

8. Buy Produce in Season

Certain foods are cheaper when they are in season. Buying seasonal produce can save you money and ensure fresher, better-tasting food.

9. Check Student, Military and Senior Discounts

Some stores and memberships give discounts to students, military families and seniors, usually after you verify through ID.me or SheerID.

Guides: Current student discounts, military discounts and senior discounts.

10. Plan Meals Around the Weekly Ad

Build the week's meals around what is on sale in your store's weekly ad, and write the list before you open the app so you only add what you planned.

11. Use Digital Coupons and Promo Codes

Clip the store's digital coupons in its app, then check for a promo code before you pay. We list current codes for Walmart, Kroger, Instacart, Safeway and Target.

Coupon and cashback sites

Website	Features	Types of Coupons	Best For
DealHack	Store promo codes	Grocery, retail, online services	Codes to use at checkout
Coupons.com	Printable and digital coupons	Grocery, household items	Manufacturer coupons
RetailMeNot	Coupon codes and cash back	Many categories	Comparing codes
Ibotta	Cash back offers	Groceries	Cash back in the app or in store
Honey	Automatic coupon testing	Online shopping	Applying codes at checkout

Bottom line

Online groceries cost the least when you avoid delivery fees, stack the store's digital coupons with a cashback offer, and choose store brands. A delivery membership pays off only if you order often enough to beat the per-order fees.

FAQ

How do coupon extensions work?

Browser extensions such as Honey test available coupon codes at checkout and apply the one that saves the most. Cashback apps like Ibotta work differently: you activate offers first and get money back after the purchase.

What are price tracking tools, and how can they save me money?

Price tracking tools monitor the prices of items over time and alert you when they drop. This helps you buy items at their lowest price, ensuring you never overpay.

Why should I join grocery store loyalty programs?

Loyalty programs offer exclusive discounts, purchase points, and personalized offers based on your shopping habits. They can significantly reduce your grocery bill over time.

What are the benefits of subscribing to grocery delivery services?

Subscription services often provide discounts on repeat purchases, automatic delivery of essentials, and the flexibility to adjust, pause, or cancel subscriptions as needed.

How can I find the best deals when shopping for groceries online?

Use sales and clearance sections, compare prices across multiple stores, and utilize store apps for exclusive deals. Additionally, leveraging digital coupons and promo codes can further maximize your savings.

Is buying in bulk always cheaper?

Buying in bulk can save you money, especially for non-perishable items. While the upfront cost is higher, the price per unit is usually lower, leading to long-term savings.

Are store brands as good as national brands?

Store brands often provide the same quality as national brands at a lower price. Many store brands are made by the same manufacturers as national brands, ensuring comparable quality.

How can I avoid delivery fees?

Use a membership's free-delivery threshold: $35 at Walmart+ and Kroger Boost, or $10 for grocery orders with Instacart+. Without a membership, combine orders so you place fewer, larger ones.

What is price matching, and how can I use it?

Price matching involves a store matching a competitor's lower price. To take advantage of this option, research competitors' prices, check store policies, and provide proof of the lower price.

How can I use digital coupons effectively?

Clip the store's digital coupons before checkout, add a cashback offer if one exists, and check DealHack for a promo code. Read each coupon's terms, since many limit use to one per order.