Kroger and its family of stores provide a variety of free offers to customers through digital coupons, promotional events, and membership programs. These opportunities range from weekly free downloads to limited-time giveaways and exclusive member freebies. The availability of these offers often requires specific actions, such as downloading coupons on designated days or signing up for promotional boxes. While many offers are available at no cost, some are tied to paid membership programs that offer additional savings.
Weekly Free Friday Downloads
A consistent method for obtaining free products at Kroger and its affiliated stores is the "Free Friday Download." This program provides a weekly digital coupon for a complimentary item. The offer is released on Fridays and must be downloaded on that specific day. Once downloaded, the eCoupon typically remains valid for approximately two weeks, allowing customers time to redeem it in-store.
The specific product offered varies each week. Past examples have included items such as barbecue sauce, coffee creamer, yogurt, and candy. The Free Friday Download is available at all Kroger family stores, which include Fry’s, Dillions, Ralphs, Smith’s, King Soopers, Fred Meyer, QFC, Copps, City Market, Food 4 Less, and Baker’s.
To utilize this offer, a customer must have a Kroger card and account. They must sign in to their account, locate the specific eCoupon for the week, and download it to their card. When the item is purchased in-store within the redemption window, the discount is applied automatically at the register. It is noted that digital coupons generally do not double and may not be used in conjunction with traditional paper coupons for the same item. If a digital coupon fails to apply correctly, customers are advised to contact the Digital Coupon department to request a credit to their account.
Limited-Time Promotional Giveaways
In addition to the weekly downloads, Kroger periodically hosts larger, limited-quantity giveaways to celebrate specific events or product launches.
The Hour Back Box
Ahead of Daylight Saving Time in March, Kroger launched the "Hour Back Box" to help customers adjust to the time change. The company offered 39,000 of these free boxes, which included a selection of breakfast essentials. The boxes contained Kroger-brand items such as Private Selection Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate, Simple Truth Oatmilk Creamer, and Kroger Frozen Breakfast Sandwiches. Additionally, each box included a gift card providing a one-year subscription to the Kroger Boost membership program.
Customers could sign up online for the Hour Back Box starting March 4. The offer was available while supplies lasted. For customers who were unable to secure a box, Kroger also provided a digital coupon for 39,000 free breakfast items.
Summer Ice Cream Giveaway
To celebrate the start of summer on June 20, Kroger distributed 92,000 pints of free ice cream. This promotion was part of the "Summer in a Pint" collection. Customers were required to visit a specific website, FreeKrogerIceCream.com, to download a single-use digital coupon starting at noon ET on June 20. The coupon was available while supplies lasted.
The coupon could be redeemed for one of the new Summer in a Pint flavors or any classic Kroger Brand ice cream. The redemption period ran from June 20 through July 4 at participating Kroger stores.
Boost Membership Freebies and Discounts
The Boost membership program offers benefits such as free grocery delivery, 2X fuel points, and savings on groceries. Kroger has held promotional events, such as "Boost Bonus Days," which offer exclusive access to additional discounts and free items for members.
During these events, new members may receive a discount on the annual membership fee, such as 50% off. Current members may also have the opportunity to extend their membership at a discounted rate. In addition to membership discounts, Boost members have received offers for free select Kroger brand items. Examples of free products offered to members include:
- Simple Truth or Simple Truth Organic Place and Bake Cookies
- Any variety of Kroger brand spices
- Any size or variety of Kroger brand cold cereal
- Private Selection dry pasta (16-ounce size)
- 1 pound of any variety of Kroger bacon
- Kroger brand sandwich bags
To access these free products and membership discounts, members are typically required to clip a digital coupon for the specific item and the membership offer within the Kroger App during the promotional period.