From senior discounts to reward programs. Here's how to save at Florida grocery stores
How much do you spend on groceries?
On average, U.S. households spend $270.21 per week on groceries, or roughly $1,080 per month, according to HelpAdvisor.
Florida ranks in the top five states when it comes to grocery spending, with residents paying $287.27 a week.
So how's a person supposed to take a bite (couldn't resist) out of those numbers?
We've culled information across the internet, along with reaching out to Florida grocery stores, to see how you can save money on your grocery bill.
Grocery spending by the numbers
According to HelpAdvisor, which pulled from the U.S. Census Bureau Household Pulse Survey:
U.S. households spend an average of $270.21 per week on groceries, or roughly $1,080 per month.
Miami ranks No. 1 in the U.S. on the list of average household spending for groceries by cities, with residents paying $327.89 a week.
Average weekly grocery spending is highest in California ($297.72), followed by Nevada ($294.76), Mississippi ($290.64) Washington ($287.67) and Florida ($287.27).
Households in Wisconsin ($221.46), Iowa ($227.32) and Nebraska ($235.12) spend the least on groceries, on average.
Households with children spend an average of $331.94 per week at the grocery store, or 41% more than households without children.
A four-person household spends an average of $315.22 per week on groceries.
How to save money at Publix
Senior discounts available? No.
Weekly sales flyers: On average, there are 80 buy-one, get-one-free offers available each week.
Coupons: Clip digital coupons in the Publix app that are applied automatically on checkout. Also look for in-store coupons — usually seen in the front of the store — to save even more.
Rewards program: Join Club Publix, a free loyalty program, to find digital coupons, BOGO offers, notification of coming sales, and special perks that pop up throughout the year, such as a free birthday item or a random $2 off your purchase.
How to save money at Winn-Dixie
Senior discounts available? No.
Weekly sales flyers: Find Winn-Dixie weekly ads online.
Coupons: Printed coupons are mailed directly to customer homes throughout the year, and digital coupons are available to Winn-Dixie customers on its website, as well as in the app. Personalized coupons can be printed at in-store coupon kiosks by entering the phone number linked to the rewards account.
Rewards programs: Winn-Dixie's free rewards program allows customers to earn points every time they shop when they use the app or enter the phone number when checking out. "Through our loyalty program, customers can easily activate exclusive percent back offers and discover personalized digital coupons within the app and printed directly on customer receipts, providing savings on the products they love and need the most," a company spokesperson said via email.
How to save money at Aldi
Senior discounts available? No.
Weekly sales flyers: Online weekly sales are listed for you store on Aldi's website. You'll find not only what's on sale this week, but upcoming "Aldi Finds."
Coupons: Aldi does not accept manufacturer's coupons More than 90% of the items sold are Aldi-exclusive brands. However, on occasion, the store does offer regional promotions or coupons tied to an event, such as store's grand opening. Those coupons will always be printed and distributed in stores or mailed directly to you.
Rewards programs: "Because Aldi focuses on providing high quality food and everyday low prices to all of our customers, we do not offer rewards or rewards cards."
"Aldi is committed to offering customers fresh food at the lowest possible prices. In fact, Aldi has been recognized as #1 in Everyday Low Price by the dunnhumby Retailer Preference Index for seven years running," the company said in an email.
How to save money at Harris Teeter
Senior discounts available? Yes. Harris Teeter offers a 5% senior discount every Thursday for customers over 60.
Weekly sales flyers: See Harris Teeter's weekly sales online, including best deals for the week.
Coupons: Harris Teeter does accept coupons, including those from competitors, and doubles manufacturer's coupons up to 99 cents. The grocery store accepts 20 double coupons per day per customer/household with a VIC card. Digital coupons are available in the store's e-vic program.
Rewards programs: Harris Teeter has an e-Vic benefits program where customers automatically save on specially marked Vic items in the store. Members can link manufacturer coupons onto their Vic card and will receive an email on Wednesday and Friday about personalized savings. Digital coupons are automatically redeemed on checkout when the card is scanned. Each week, Harris Teeter gives away at least $100 in free groceries to an e-Vic member. Other prizes — including vacations, trips and tickets — can be won.
General suggestions on how to save money on groceries
Scattered around the internet are plenty of suggestions of how to save money when shopping for groceries. Among them are:
Never shop when hungry.
Make a list, and stick to it.
Check your pantry, fridge and freezer first so you're not throwing money away.
Plan your meals.
Compare prices between stores.
Try or consider buying store brands.
Sign up for any loyalty programs.
Clip those coupons — both digital and online — and use them.
Shop sales and plan your meals and lists around those sales.
Avoid pre-packaged and pre-cut food.
Follow your favorite brands on social media and sign up for their mailing lists.
Stock up on seasonal items after the holiday.
Download rebate apps.
Consider buying online if you don't trust yourself to stick to your list.
Buy in bulk when items go on sale, but only if you're going to use them. Have coupons? Even better!
Check out clearance sections.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Publix, Winn Dixie, Aldi, Harris Teeter. Senior discounts, rewards.
