Grocery costs did increase throughout the year, and that’s expected to continue. The USDA Food Price Outlook for 2025 predicts that grocery costs will increase by 1.6%. For comparison, the prediction for 2024 was 1.2%. That means you’re likely to face higher costs when doing your grocery shopping. But there are ways to cut back on this expense.

Many supermarkets offer discount programs and deals, including additional discounts for seniors. But how do you know which ones are worth your time? Let’s go over some tips on comparing grocery discount programs, so you can get the most out of this cost-saving solution!

Which Stores Offer These Programs?

Many grocery store chains have some type of discount program available. How they work and how much savings they offer can vary. Some stores you’ll find these at include:

• Aldi
• Albertsons
• Food Lion
• Harris Teeter
• Kroger
• Publix
• Safeway
• Wegmans
• Whole Foods

You can also find grocery discount programs at online marketplaces and membership warehouse clubs, such as Amazon Fresh. Big box stores with grocery sections, like Target, can also help you save more.

How Do You Join?

Signing up for a discount program might be as simple as filling out a form or providing a cashier with a few details to get started. But some programs might require you to pay a membership fee to take advantage of lower prices and other deals. If that’s the case, consider whether or not the fee is worth it — depending on how good the discounts are and how often you’ll shop there.

How Do You Save Money?

This also varies by store. Some programs have a reward structure that lets you earn points that you can redeem to save money on fuel or use for other rewards. Note that in some cases, you have to join a store’s discount or loyalty program in order to get discounted or sale prices on items.

Some supermarkets offer other ways to save money in addition to discounts. When you join their program, you might also have access to cost-saving options, such as:

• Digital coupons
• Exclusive sales and discounts
• Birthday freebies
• Discounted rates on delivery fees

When comparing grocery discount programs, look over all of the discounts and other perks you get for joining. Sign up for programs that help you save on items you buy frequently and offer perks that you benefit from the most, such as saving on gas money if you drive around a lot.

Where Can You Find Senior Discounts for Groceries?

Some supermarket chains offer discounts for seniors, though how much you save, how old you have to be, and other factors vary. Check the supermarket chains in your area for available discounts. Some that offer these include:

• Albertsons
• Bi-Lo
• Fred Meyer
• Fry’s Food and Drug
• Harris Teeter
• Hy-Vee Stores
• New Seasons
• Tops Friendly Markets

What about independently owned grocery stores? Some of these may offer senior discounts. Call a few of these stores in your area to ask if and when they’re available.

Are You Eligible?

Each grocery store has its own eligibility rules for senior discounts. Most of these have a minimum age required to receive discounted prices.

Some stores, such as Albertsons and Fred Meyer, have a minimum age of 55. Others have higher minimum ages, such as 60 and up at Harris Teeter and 65 and up at New Seasons. When signing up for these programs, you’ll usually have to show ID as proof of age.

How Much of a Senior Discount Do Stores Offer?

This also varies from store to store. But most places offer at least a 5% discount for older individuals. Combining this with other store discounts, coupons, and other deals can add up to significant savings over time. Some examples of senior discounts that are currently offered include:

• 5% at Harris Teeter and Bi-Lo
• 10% at Fry’s Food Stores and New Seasons

Note that some grocery stores have a discount that varies instead of a set discount. Others only offer discounts on select items, not on any items. Paying attention to these details can help ensure you get your money’s worth.

Keep in mind that some grocery store chains only offer these discounts at select locations. Others offer them at all locations.

When Are Senior Discounts Available?

This might just be the most important detail to note for these discounts. Most stores only offer them at certain times. Some supermarkets give seniors discounted prices on a certain day of the week each week. But others only offer these once a month, such as the first Tuesday or Wednesday of the month.

Check with stores ahead of time to see when senior discounts are available, so you plan your grocery shopping accordingly.

Tips to Make the Most of Grocery Discount Programs

You don’t have to limit yourself to just one program. Consider which stores you shop at the most, and sign up for their discount programs. This allows you to enjoy more savings, rack up points for rewards, and save in other ways.

To make sure you get the most from these programs:

• Sign up for emails to receive weekly ads, new deals and savings, and other money-saving info for each store
• Consider using an app to quickly compare weekly ads and deals for multiple grocery stores
• Check out the features you get with each store’s app, such as the option to make grocery lists or clip digital coupons that are automatically scanned at the store

With regular grocery discount programs and senior discounts, you can save big — and keep your kitchen well-stocked!