Introduction to Saving on Food with Apps
High food prices have American families feeling the pinch — grocery trips cost around 20% more than they did four years ago. Not only are outright costs higher, but shoppers are also dealing with “shrinkflation,” where products shrink in size while maintaining their price point. There are ways to save other than opting for generic brands or skipping meat. Smartphone apps can help you save on your monthly grocery bill with loyalty programs, cash-back rewards, digital coupons, and app-only savings.
Top Food Savings Apps
1. Ibotta
Ibotta is one of the most popular cash-back apps available. It’s known for offering cash-back rewards on everyday purchases at major retailers like Walmart, Costco, Trader Joe’s, and Whole Foods. The app is simple to use, but you have to plan ahead: Users select offers before shopping and earn rewards by scanning receipts afterward.
Its browser extension enables cash back on online grocery purchases, and partnerships with retailers provide exclusive deals on essential household items.
Pros
- User-friendly interface
- Multiple redemption options, including PayPal and gift cards
- Wide acceptance at major retailers
- Bonus rewards for reaching specific goals, such as trying new products or completing a certain number of offers in a month
Cons
- Requires pre-selecting offers
- The cash-out minimum takes time to reach
- The interface can be overwhelming with numerous offers
2. Fetch Rewards
Fetch allows users to earn points on any receipt from grocery stores, pharmacies, and even gas stations, making it a versatile option for shoppers. You can earn points on over 600 brands, including Huggies, General Mills, and L’Oréal.
Unlike some other cash-back apps, Fetch doesn’t require users to select offers before shopping. Instead, you can scan any eligible receipt and automatically earn points, which can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Starbucks.
Pros
- No pre-selection of offers required
- Compatible with hundreds of retailers
- Bonus points available through referrals
Cons
- Limited earnings on generic brands
- Gift card redemption only
- No direct cash rewards
3. Flipp
Flipp is like a digital coupon clipper — it compiles weekly ads and sales from major stores like Whole Foods and Walmart in one easy-to-use app. You can search for specific items, compare prices across stores, and see the best current promotions based on your shopping list, making it valuable for strategic grocery planning.
Pros
- Great for sale matching, providing easy access to local deals and promotions
- Integrates with loyalty programs, allowing users to clip digital coupons directly from ads
- Reduces the need for multiple apps by combining local deals and digital coupons in one place
Cons
- Focused on weekly ads, without cash-back or rewards
- May not include all local stores
- Deals are limited to specific weekly promotions
4. Checkout 51
Checkout 51 offers weekly cash-back deals across various stores and brands. It works similarly to Ibotta in that users have to choose offers before shopping, but it has a slightly different selection of offers.
You can upload your receipts to the app after purchasing selected products from brands like Kellogg’s and Nestle or stores like CVS or Dollar General to earn cash back. The app refreshes its offers every Thursday, so you get new savings opportunities each week.
Pros
- Simple, user-friendly interface
- Works across multiple stores and brands
- Seasonal promotions often boost cash-back percentages on select items
Cons
- Limited cash-back options for fresh foods
- High cash-out minimum
- Requires prompt receipt uploads to avoid missing cash-back opportunities on eligible items
5. Coupons.com
Coupons.com streamlines digital coupon usage by connecting with store loyalty cards for automatic savings at checkout. The platform offers both digital and printable coupons across various brands and retailers, such as Amazon and Thrive Market, as well as popular restaurants like Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse and Pizza Hut. It’s a solid option if you enjoy the simplicity of using coupons without the hassle of clipping.
Pros
- Automatic discount application through loyalty programs
- Wide variety of frequently updated coupons
- Convenient and user-friendly, with no need for physical coupons at participating stores
Cons
- Limited to specific partner stores
- Some coupons have restrictions or expiration dates
- Requires keeping track of coupon terms
6. Kroger App
The Kroger App provides exclusive discounts, digital coupons, and personalized savings offers for shoppers who frequent Kroger and its affiliated stores, such as Harris Teeter and Ralph’s. The platform integrates with the store’s loyalty program and includes fuel rewards for additional savings.
Pros
- Customized offers based on purchase patterns
- Integrated fuel rewards for added savings
- Allows users to scan receipts to earn additional rewards on select items, boosting the overall value
Cons
- Limited to Kroger and affiliated stores
- Not all promotions are available in every local store
- Some benefits may be too store-specific
7. Target Circle
Target Circle combines the retailer’s loyalty program with exclusive discounts and rewards. Members can save money on a variety of grocery items and other household essentials, and the app frequently features special offers and bonuses for members.
Pros
- Seamless online and in-store integration
- Easy to use for both in-store and online shopping
- Allows users to participate in community support by voting on charities
Cons
- Limited to Target stores
- Rewards only redeemable at Target stores and can expire
- Some offers have minimum purchase requirements
8. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot offers a wide variety of coupons and cash-back opportunities for restaurants and local services. The platform supports over 20,000 stores and restaurants, and users can make in-store and online purchases.
Pros
- Extensive range of discounts across multiple categories
- In-store and online coupons, plus a cash-back portal for extra savings
- User-friendly with easy access to deals for a variety of needs and preferences
Cons
- Coupon values can vary, and some offers may come with restrictions
- Limited cash-back features
- Not all coupons are guaranteed to work at every store
9. Krazy Coupon Lady
The Krazy Coupon Lady’s app makes you feel like you’re being let in on a secret. The app shows users how to combine deals to get grocery and home items (along with lots of other products) for free — or even more than 100% off. For example, if you combine a store coupon with a deal in another cash-back app, you may end up spending nothing for the item.
It will take some work because the deals are for lots of different stores, but if you have the time, this app may make it worth it.
Pros
- Deals are verified by the KCL team
- Search by favorite store or type of product you’re looking for
- Create shopping lists to track your deals
Cons
- Doesn’t offer cash-back rewards
- Takes some work to track all of the money-saving opportunities
- The website has a lot of pop-up ads
10. Too Good To Go
Too Good To Go is a unique app that helps users save on food by purchasing surplus from local restaurants and bakeries at a discount. Users can pick up these surplus meals at a reduced price, making it both budget-friendly and environmentally friendly.
Pros
- Offers a unique savings model that focuses on reducing food waste while providing affordable meal options
- Environmentally friendly, contributing to sustainability efforts by repurposing food that would otherwise go to waste
- Variety of meal options from local businesses
Cons
- Limited market availability concentrated in cities
- Meal options are unpredictable because users get a Surprise Bag
Next Steps
With food prices continuing to rise, these money-saving apps offer practical solutions to stretch your grocery budget further. The best approach may be to combine several apps based on your shopping habits — you could use Flipp to plan your shopping trips, a cash-back app like Ibotta or Fetch to earn rewards on purchases, and store-specific apps for retailers you frequent most.
You can start by downloading one or two apps that align with your shopping patterns, then track your savings for a month. Remember that the biggest savings come from strategic planning. Taking a few minutes before each shopping trip to load offers and check for deals can translate to hundreds of dollars saved annually.
Conclusion
Saving on food with apps is a smart and efficient way to manage your grocery budget. By utilizing the right combination of cash-back, coupon, and store loyalty apps, you can significantly reduce your spending on food. Each app has its unique features and benefits, so it’s essential to explore and find the ones that best fit your shopping habits and preferences. With a little planning and the right tools, you can enjoy savings and make the most out of your grocery shopping experience.
FAQs
- Q: How do these apps make money?
A: Many of these apps make money through affiliate marketing, where they earn a commission for each sale made through their platform, or through partnerships with retailers who pay them to promote their products. - Q: Are these apps safe to use?
A: Yes, the apps mentioned are reputable and safe to use. However, always ensure you’re downloading apps from official app stores and read reviews to understand any potential privacy or security concerns. - Q: Can I use multiple apps at once?
A: Yes, using multiple apps can maximize your savings. For example, you can use a cash-back app like Ibotta and a coupon app like Coupons.com together to save even more on your grocery shopping. - Q: Do these apps work for online shopping?
A: Many of these apps offer savings for both in-store and online shopping. Some, like RetailMeNot, specialize in online coupons and cash-back deals. - **Q:
