How Much Can You Really Save with Grocery Coupons

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How Much Can You Really Save with Grocery Coupons

When I first started using couponing 15+ years ago, I would save between 10 – 15 percent on my shopping trips. Then, I still called myself a true saver. I was clipping and saving, but things have changed, and kids happened, and our budget got tighter.

On top of all those changes, our grocery list got bigger. My savings mindset changed quickly, and I learned to shop sales (with coupons), stock up, and stick to my list. As well as other little tips and tricks. Such as weekly menu planning, not always buying name-brand products, shopping with a list, and using my store loyalty card.

While the world of couponing continues to change, I started wondering how many people say they use coupons and what percentage they are saving on their grocery bills. Especially as we are entering into the digital age of savings. We are now finding fewer paper-produced resources. No one carries money anymore. We use a credit card instead.

Searching for exact numbers for my questions, I found some statistics released by the Juniper Research Company. I found it shocking. I never thought that the number of digital coupons available versus the redemption rate would have been so low. Here is what I dug up.

Don’t Forget to Read More Grocery Saving Tips & Tricks from Inspiring Savings

Statistics that might surprise you

There were approximately $91 billion in coupon redemptions by 2022.

In 2019, only 31 billion digital coupons were redeemed in 2019.

In 2021, there were more than 145.3 online coupon users

In 2023, Ibotta, Inc. recorded 8.2 million redeemers, with 2 million from Direct-to-Consumer (D2C) channels and 6.2 million from third-party publishers. 

80% off all coupon redemptions in 2022 were digital.

American consumers spend 13 million hours per week searching for online coupons. However, half of the time is wasted as they stumble upon expired grocery coupons or incorrect coupon codes.

Read Benefits of Couponing.

Couponing to Save

According to recent research from the Promotion Marketing Association’s (PMA) Coupon Council, many consumers already take advantage of the savings opportunities.

The recent PMA Coupon Council Internet survey of 1,000 people found that:

89% of the overall population report that they use coupons when shopping (for grocery, household, and healthcare items at supermarkets). – This number is based on people who have reported using one or more coupons in one month. I would say those people are not considered true couponers, but for this research project, it was considered as such.

97% of primary shoppers report that they use them at their local grocery store.

Coupon users report an average of seven percent savings on their grocery bill with coupons.

The typical family saves between $5.20 and $9.60 per week using coupons.

Those who spend 10 minutes or fewer per week clipping and organizing their coupons (46 percent of consumers) still achieve an average of $7.00 weekly savings on their grocery bill.

SEVEN Percent….. is what the average couponer is saving – I know that according to this research stats, most of us fall way out of this percentage range and are saving much more than this. I am not the average couponer and I know that many of you are not either.

What percentage are you saving each week by using coupons? Because I know you are NOT in the 7% savings range. Leave us a comment below.

Why Use Coupons

Simply put… because coupons do help you cut costs. It is the best way to reduce the cost of food (much inflation). But for some, couponing is a way of life.

It’s a simple and easy way to save money on the grocery bill and put that hard-earned cash to use somewhere else—like saving up for your next family vacation.

And for others, it’s just a great way to save a dollar or two on something they were already in the market for. I know for our family it is now a way of life. I honestly feel like if I won the lotto, I would still use all the savings I could get my hands on. Being frugal is being smart with your money. Spending frivolously can cause more harm than good.

Coupons are a great way to save money on things you are already going to purchase. So why not use them?

The Bottom Line – Are they worth it?

Here’s the deal: couponing is only worth what you save.

If you are not consistently using and find you are too out of sorts trying to pair coupons with a sale, it can make grocery shopping more confusing. I say it isn’t worth it for you. However, if you understand and feel comfortable clipping coupons, then it is worth it. Especially when you look at the bottom of your register receipt and see all the savings add up. There is no need to pay full price on any item.

There’s nothing wrong with couponing, especially if you’re trying to save money at checkout. However, just make sure you’re not being lured into spending money on an item that you won’t use.

Just because you can save $1 doesn’t mean you need to spend it. And all for the thrill of saving. The best way to use coupons is to use them on items you need.

Frequently Ask Questions

How do you find manufacturer coupons and promo codes?

There are many types of coupons. We can often find manufacturer rebates in the Sunday paper, or in digital form within your grocery store’s website. Plus, you can save even more by using free apps that offer reward programs. You can view my favorite cash-back apps here.

How do digital rebates & coupons work?

It is a simple process. Browse your local grocery store’s website for “coupon saving” section. Before clipping these offers, you may have to log in or create an account. Once you clip your digital coupons, they are taken off automatically at checkout. You may be surprised by the coupons you find. Some stores offer store-brand coupons. Please make sure to purchase the correct item that correlates with the coupon. Oftentimes, it is we who make the mistake of grabbing the wrong variety.

I still do not understand how to use coupons at my local grocery store.

Your local store wants to make this process simple for you to understand. This is why you need to check your store’s coupon policy. It covers everything from their rewards program, their mobile app, exclusive deals, sale times, coupon codes, what coupons they accept, and how to use them at their store.

More Grocery Saving Articles

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What Are Loss Leaders And How Can They Save You The Average Shopper Money

The Big Secret to Saving Money at The Grocery Store

Outsmart The Experts: How to Avoid Marketing Tactics When Grocery Shopping

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