Shopping for groceries online has never been easier, especially with Instacart’s convenient delivery service. But did you know you can also save money using Instacart’s deals and discounts? From leveraging loyalty programs to stacking cashback offers, this guide will show you how to get the most out of your Instacart shopping experience while keeping costs low.
- Instacart’s Deal-Finding Features
Instacart offers several built-in tools to help you find the best deals:
- “Deals” Section: Browse the “Deals” tab in the app to find discounts, BOGO (buy one, get one free) offers, and price reductions across stores.
- Highlighted Savings: Items on sale are clearly marked in your store’s catalog with tags like “$ Off” or “BOGO.”
- Personalized Recommendations: Instacart uses your shopping history to suggest discounted items you’re likely to need.
- Exclusive Coupons: Some deals are exclusive to Instacart shoppers, such as free delivery on specific brands or categories.
- Stack Discounts with Loyalty Programs and Cashback Apps
Maximizing your savings is all about combining multiple offers:
- Store Loyalty Programs: Link your grocery store loyalty card to your Instacart account to automatically apply discounts and earn points. Stores like Kroger, Meijer, and Publix offer loyalty perks that stack with Instacart deals.
- Cashback Apps:
- Fluz: Purchase Instacart gift cards through Fluz and earn cashback on your order.
- Ibotta: Upload receipts or shop directly through the app to get cashback on qualifying purchases.
- Rakuten: Earn cashback when placing your Instacart order through Rakuten’s portal.
- Digital Coupons: Combine Instacart deals with store-specific digital coupons available in the app or on the retailer’s website.
- Tips for Free Delivery and Cost-Efficient Shopping
Delivery fees can add up, but here’s how to minimize or eliminate them:
- Instacart Express: Subscribe to Instacart Express for a flat annual fee to get free delivery on orders over $35. This is ideal for frequent shoppers.
- Batch Orders: Plan your weekly grocery list carefully and place fewer, larger orders to avoid repeated delivery fees.
- Look for Free Delivery Offers: Some stores or brands offer free delivery promotions, especially on bulk or specific product categories.
- Use Group Orders: Split grocery orders with family, friends, or roommates to share the delivery fee.
- Instacart-Specific Meal Planning Hacks
Instacart can simplify meal planning while saving you money:
- Shop Sales for Your Meal Plan: Plan your weekly meals around the items currently on sale. For example, if chicken thighs and bell peppers are discounted, plan for stir-fry or roasted chicken.
- Buy Versatile Ingredients: Opt for staples like rice, beans, and frozen vegetables that can be used across multiple meals.
- Reorder Favorites: Use the “Reorder” feature in the app to quickly restock items you frequently use, saving time and avoiding unnecessary extras.
• Filter by Deals: While building your meal plan, filter search results to display only discounted items.
