Maximize Your Commissary Savings

Shopping at the commissary offers military families access to significant savings on groceries and household goods. There are even more ways to maximize your savings by taking advantage of paper and digital coupons, seasonal promotions, and special events like sidewalk sales. Here’s a breakdown of how to get the most out of your commissary shopping experience.

Paper and Digital Coupon Strategies

One of the easiest ways to save money at the commissary is by using coupons. Both paper and digital coupons can help you slash your grocery bill, especially when stacked with existing sales.

1. Paper Coupons: Manufacturer coupons from newspapers, magazines, or printable sources are accepted at most commissaries. Commissaries do not typically double coupons, unlike civilian stores, but the savings can still be significant. Watch for coupons in military publications, as they often include special deals exclusively for commissary shoppers. You can also find coupon booklets at the commissary entrance or near checkout aisles.
2. Digital Coupons: Use the digital coupon platform. The Commissary Rewards Card allows shoppers to load digital coupons directly onto their card, which is then scanned at checkout to automatically apply savings. To get started, you can sign up for a rewards card at your commissary and download the corresponding app to load coupons before you shop.
3. Stacking Coupons: One of the biggest advantages of commissary shopping is combining manufacturer coupons with store sales and promotions. For example, if the commissary has a sale on a seasonal item like pumpkin puree, you can pair that discount with a manufacturer coupon to maximize your savings.
4. Military-Specific Coupons: Don’t forget about special military-only offers. Companies often release coupons specifically for military families, pick up these coupons at the commissary entry.
5. Digital Coupon Apps: After using coupons at check-out, applications like Ibotta and Fetch allow you to submit receipts for item coupons. Coupon deals must be added to your application before checking out.

Take Advantage of Special Promotions

The commissary frequently runs special promotions, offering deep discounts on popular items. There may be promotional events with further coupon deals. Be sure to check the commissary’s website or flyer for information on upcoming events, as these promotions are excellent opportunities to stock up on pantry staples, canned goods, and frozen items.

Some commissaries also host “case lot sales” or “sidewalk sales” which allow shoppers to purchase large quantities of items at a lower price. These events are a great opportunity to stock up on essentials like laundry detergent, paper products, canned goods, and snacks. These are particularly useful for non-perishable goods, which you can store and use over time, ensuring long-term savings. Check for a sidewalk sale near you here.

Shop Seasonal Produce for the Best Value

Buying seasonal produce is one of the easiest ways to save money while still eating fresh, healthy foods. When items are in peak season, they are plentiful and offer the best price. Here’s a guide to shopping seasonal produce in the commissary:

• Fall: Look for deals on apples, pumpkins, squash, sweet potatoes, and Brussels sprouts.
• Winter: Citrus fruits like oranges, grapefruits, and lemons, along with root vegetables like carrots and turnips, are abundant.
• Spring: Asparagus, peas, strawberries, and artichokes are typically in season and lower in price.
• Summer: Berries, watermelon, corn, and tomatoes are usually available at the best prices during the summer months.

Planning your meals around seasonal ingredients ensures that you are getting the freshest produce for the lowest price, which is great for both your health and your wallet.

Additional Tips for Maximizing Savings

• Shop on Paydays or Early in the Morning: Commissaries often restock their shelves and put out new deals early in the morning or around payday, so shopping at these times can give you first dibs on sales and fresh produce.
• Join Commissary Facebook Groups: Many military communities have Facebook groups where shoppers share deals, coupons, and sales happening at the commissary. These groups can be a great resource for finding hidden gems and staying on top of promotions.

Shopping at the commissary offers military families a valuable opportunity to save money on everyday groceries. By utilizing paper and digital coupons, taking advantage of special promotions and sales, and focusing on seasonal produce, you can significantly reduce your grocery bill while still providing nutritious meals for your family. Keep an eye out for sidewalk sales and case lot events, where you can stock up on essentials at even deeper discounts. With a bit of planning and smart shopping, you’ll be able to maximize your commissary savings and stretch your budget further.