Many grocery stores offer senior discount programs. Kroger was one of the first to do so, with the Kroger senior discount programs coming into effect in the early 2000s.

Since then, the grocery chain has discontinued the program. They still occasionally host senior discount days and offer other ways to save for those over 55. Continue reading to learn about Kroger’s coupons and discounts as well as some of the best grocery store senior discounts at other chains.

Key takeaways

  • Kroger’s doesn’t have a senior discount program, though they occasionally host senior discount days for those over 65. 

  • To lower grocery costs, Kroger also offers digital coupons, a free loyalty card, and a paid membership program.

  • There’s other ways to save on groceries as well, including developing smart shopping habits, using a Medicare OTC card, and shopping at a grocery chain that offers senior discounts. 

What was the Kroger senior discount program?

Kroger used to offer a senior discount program which offered those over 59 a 5-10% discount on Korger branded groceries. The program began in the early 2000s and was slowly discontinued between 2017 and 2024.  

Occasionally, Kroger still hosts senior discount days. The dates and exact savings differ since the grocery chain runs discounts by state, meaning the dates and eligibility requirements vary from state to state. On May 5, 2025, for example, Kroger ran a senior discount day where those over 55 received an additional 5% off food and household items at participating stores.

How Kroger senior savings compare to competitors

While Kroger doesn’t currently offer a senior discount program, some of their competitors do. Senior discount programs can start at different ages, usually ranging from 55 to 65, and may be on certain days of the week or only for eligible loyalty card holders. Individuals often need to show ID with their birth date listed or a loyalty card.

Who qualifies for Kroger senior benefits

Those over 55 years old may qualify for senior discount days, though there isn’t set eligibility criteria or predetermined frequency for these days.

How to get Kroger senior discounts

Though Kroger’s doesn’t have a senior discount program, they offer other ways to save:

  • Kroger digital coupons: Kroger’s regularly offers over 200 digital coupons. These coupons usually apply to groceries and household items, not Kroger’s pharmacy. This is different from some competitors, such as Walmart, who do offer coupons for their pharmacy.

  • Kroger Plus membership: Kroger’s free membership program includes additional digital coupons, free grocery pickup, and the ability to earn fuel points for every $1 spent on groceries or household products. 

  • Kroger Boost Essential: For $69 a year, the Boost Essential program offers additional coupons on groceries and household items, Boost exclusive offers, free grocery pickup, free Disney+, Hulu, or ESPN streaming service for six months, and double the Kroger points. The Boost Essential program is $69 a year. 

  • Kroger Boost: For $99 a year, the regular Boost membership includes all of the above, plus an ongoing free streaming service (as opposed to a six month trial) and discounted express grocery delivery. 

To sign up for any of these programs or access coupons, click the corresponding link and follow instructions on Kroger’s site. 

Along with savings programs hosted by Kroger, some Medicare Advantage providers offer over-the-counter (OTC) cards. Medicare OTC cards are similar to prepaid debit cards, except their funds are reserved for pre-approved purchases. This may include groceries or household products, depending on the terms of an Advantage plan. 

Kroger senior discounts vs other grocery store programs

Kroger doesn’t offer a discount program exclusive to older adults, but plenty of other grocery store chains do. Options to explore include: 

StoreDiscount + Terms
American Discount Foods10% off when shopping on Monday for those 62+
DeCicco Family Markets5% off on Wednesdays for those 62+ with a loyalty card
Fred Meyer10% off for those 55 and over on the first Tuesday of the month
Fry's Food Stores10% off on the first Wednesday of the month for those 55 and over
Gristedes Supermarket10% off when those 65 and over shop on Tuesdays
Harris Teeter5% off on Thursdays for those 60+
New Seasons10%
Piggly Wiggly5%
Publix5%
Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace5%

Maximizing your Kroger senior savings

Alongside exploring Kroger’s membership options and digital coupons, there are other ways to save on groceries:

  • Plan before you shop: Having planned meals and an idea of what to buy eliminates food waste. The U.S. Department of Agriculture offers free resources on how to meal plan. 

  • Consider frozen fruits and veggies: Frozen options are often cheaper and deliver the same nutritional value as fresh fruits and veggies. 

  • Opt for low cost protein: Meat is often the biggest grocery expense. To save, opt for low-cost protein like chicken, turkey, chickpeas, lentils, and beans. If you prefer fish, canned seafood is often more affordable than fresh seafood.

  • Expiration date: Check the sell-by date before purchasing, purchasing options that will last longer. 

  • Drink more water: Water isn’t just healthy. It’s an affordable alternative to sodas and other sugary beverages. 

Bottom line 

While Kroger doesn’t offer a senior discount program, there are other ways to save at this grocery chain, including with their digital coupons, free membership program, and $69-99 Boost program. Those over 65 can also utilize Medicare OTC cards and smart grocery shopping habits to bring down costs.

Frequently asked questions about Kroger senior discounts

Does Kroger offer a senior discount day? 

Kroger occasionally runs senior discount days. On the one in May of 2025, for example,  shoppers over 55 saved 5% on groceries and household products at participating locations. 

What age do you need to be for Kroger senior discounts? 

Kroger’s does not have a formal senior discount program. They occasionally host senior discount days for those over 55.

Can you use manufacturer coupons with Kroger senior discounts? 

Kroger offers a variety of digital coupons that may be used with other offers. Read the terms and conditions for a specific discount day or program to check this is the case. 


Sources

Clark, C. (2024). Kroger supermarkets to cut senior discounts. The Senior List. https://www.theseniorlist.com/senior-discounts/groceries/kroger/ 

Selasky, S. (2017). Senior shoppers 55 and up get a 5% discount at Kroger on wednesday. Detroit Free Press. https://eu.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2025/05/06/kroger-shoppers-55-discount-wednesday-what-to-know/83479945007/ 

Kroger. (n.d.). Digital coupons. https://www.kroger.com/savings/cl/coupons/ 

Kroger. (n.d.). Kroger plus. https://www.kroger.com/pr/free-membership 

Kroger. (n.d.). Boost benefits. https://www.kroger.com/pr/boost 

U.S Department of Agriculture. (2020). How to save more on fruits and vegetables. https://www.usda.gov/about-usda/news/blog/how-save-more-fruits-and-vegetables 

U.S Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Food shopping and meal planning. https://www.nutrition.gov/topics/shopping-cooking-and-meal-planning/food-shopping-and-meal-planning 

U.S Department of Agriculture. (n.d.). Shop smart. https://www.myplate.gov/eat-healthy/healthy-eating-budget/shop-smart 

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