By Courtney Frazer, Bankrate.com (TNS)
Food costs represent a significant portion of household budgets, and rising grocery prices make strategic shopping essential. While cutting back isn’t the only solution, smartphone apps can provide substantial grocery savings through cash-back rewards, digital coupons, discounts and loyalty programs.
Here’s a comprehensive guide to 10 effective food savings apps for both grocery shopping and dining out.
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. The app allows users to 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 Rewards allows users to earn points on any receipt from grocery stores, pharmacies and even gas stations, making it a versatile option for shoppers.
Unlike other cash-back apps, Fetch Rewards doesn’t require users to select offers before shopping. Instead, they can scan any eligible receipt and automatically earn points, which can be redeemed for gift cards to major retailers.
Pros
No pre-selection of offers required
Compatible with numerous retailers
Bonus points available through referrals
Cons
Limited earnings on generic brands
Gift card redemption only
No direct cash rewards
3. Flipp
Flipp helps users save by compiling weekly ads and sales from major retailers in one easy-to-use app. The app enables users to search for specific items, compare prices across stores and create shopping lists based on current promotions, 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, similar to Ibotta but with a slightly different selection of offers. Users can upload their receipts to the app after purchasing selected products to earn cash back. The app refreshes its offers every Thursday, so users have new savings opportunities each week.
Pros
Simple, user-friendly interface
Works across multiple stores
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. Coupons.com is a solid option if you enjoy the simplicity of using coupons without the hassle of clipping.
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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. 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 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 can take time to accumulate
Some offers have minimum purchase requirements
8. RetailMeNot
RetailMeNot offers a diverse selection of coupons and cash-back opportunities for groceries, restaurants and local services. The platform supports both 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. Dosh
Dosh is a cash-back app that connects directly to your debit or credit card, providing automatic cash-back on purchases made at participating stores. The app covers grocery stores and restaurants, eliminating the need for receipt scanning or coupon clipping.
Pros
Automatic savings tracking
Allows stacking of rewards with other loyalty programs for maximum savings
Regular bonus promotions
Cons
Only works with participating merchants
Cash-back percentages can vary, and offers may change frequently
Redemption process can be confusing for some users
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
Meal options can be unpredictable
The bottom line
Food savings apps provide multiple ways to reduce grocery and dining expenses without compromising quality or variety. You can more effectively manage your food budget by combining these tools with strategic shopping habits. Consider your shopping preferences and habits when selecting apps, and remember that using multiple platforms may maximize potential savings.
©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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