Do you find yourself dreading the grocery store? The long lines, the crowded aisles, the endless search for that one elusive ingredient? What if I told you there's a simpler way to get your pantry stocked, your fridge full, and your stomach happy – all from the comfort of your couch? Welcome to the world of online grocery ordering with Kroger! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step, ensuring a smooth and convenient shopping experience.
Ordering Groceries from Kroger: Your Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide
Kroger offers a fantastic online shopping experience, whether you prefer the convenience of home delivery or the speed of in-store pickup. Let's dive in!
Step 1: Are You Ready to Go Digital? Setting Up Your Kroger Account
Before you can fill your virtual cart, you'll need a Kroger digital account. If you already have one, great! You can skip ahead to the next step. If not, don't worry, it's quick and easy!
Sub-heading: Registering for a New Account
Visit the Kroger Website or Download the App: Open your web browser and go to
www.kroger.com Click "Register" or "Create Account": Look for a button or link that says "Register" or "Create Account." It's usually located in the top right corner of the website or prominently displayed on the app's home screen.
Enter Your Information: You'll be prompted to provide some basic details:
Your ZIP Code (this helps Kroger identify your local store).
An email address (this will be your login ID).
Your first and last name.
Crucially, link your Kroger Loyalty Card (Plus Card/Rewards Card) number or your alternative ID (like your phone number if you use it at checkout). This ensures you get all your personalized deals, digital coupons, and fuel points. If you don't have a physical card, you can often create a virtual one during this process. If you only use your phone number, you may need to call Kroger customer service to get your card number to link.
Create a Password: Choose a strong, secure password that you'll remember.
Confirm and Create: Follow any additional prompts to confirm your details and finalize your account creation. You might receive a verification email.
Sub-heading: Signing In to Your Existing Account
If you already have a Kroger account, simply click "Sign In" on the website or app and enter your email address and password.
Step 2: Finding Your Store and Choosing Your Shopping Method
Once logged in, it's time to tell Kroger where you want your groceries from and how you want to get them.
Sub-heading: Selecting Your Preferred Store
Enter Your ZIP Code: Even if you provided it during registration, double-check that your correct ZIP code is displayed. This is vital for showing you the right products and available services.
Choose Your Store: Kroger will typically suggest a local store based on your ZIP code. You can also manually change your preferred store if needed. This ensures you see accurate pricing and product availability for that specific location.
Sub-heading: Deciding on Delivery or Pickup
Kroger offers two primary ways to get your online order:
Pickup (formerly ClickList): This is a free service for orders over $35 (fees may apply for expedited 2-hour pickup or smaller orders). You shop online, and Kroger associates handpick your items and bring them out to your car at a designated pickup area at your chosen store. It's a great option for saving time without delivery fees.
Delivery: Your groceries are shopped and brought right to your doorstep. Kroger offers two main delivery options:
Kroger Delivery: Handled by trained Kroger associates, often using refrigerated blue trucks. You can schedule same-day or later delivery. Delivery fees typically range from $6.95 to $14.95, varying by time slot and location.
Delivery by Third-Party Providers (e.g., Instacart): Personal shoppers from services like Instacart will shop for you and deliver to your door, often in as little as 2 hours. Delivery fees apply, and Express Delivery (fastest same-day) might have an additional fee.
Choose the option that best suits your needs and schedule!
Step 3: Filling Your Cart – The Fun Part!
Now, let the shopping begin! Kroger's online platform makes it easy to browse and add items to your cart.
Sub-heading: Browse and Searching for Products
Browse Categories: You can explore various departments, just like in a physical store (e.g., Produce, Dairy, Meat & Seafood, Pantry, Frozen Foods).
Use the Search Bar: If you know exactly what you're looking for, use the search bar at the top of the page. Type in item names, brands, or even specific dietary needs (e.g., "gluten-free pasta").
View Weekly Ad & Digital Coupons: Don't forget to check the weekly ad and browse digital coupons! You can "clip" these coupons directly to your Shopper's Card, and the savings will automatically apply at checkout. This is where significant savings can be found.
Shop Your Favorites and Past Purchases: Kroger often tracks your past purchases, making it easy to reorder frequently bought items. Look for sections like "My Favorites" or "Recent Purchases."
Sub-heading: Adding Items to Your Cart
Click "Add to Cart": Once you find an item you want, simply click the "Add to Cart" button. You can often adjust the quantity before adding.
Special Instructions: For certain items, you might see an option to add special instructions (e.g., "ripe avocados" or "thinly sliced deli meat"). Utilize this feature to customize your order!
Keep an Eye on Your Total: As you add items, you'll see a running total of your cart, helping you stay within your budget.
Sub-heading: Managing Substitutions
One of the most common questions about online grocery is about substitutions. Kroger has a clear policy:
Allow Substitutions: When adding items or at checkout, you'll have the option to allow substitutions. If an item you ordered is out of stock, Kroger associates are trained to find a suitable replacement (e.g., a larger size, a different brand of the same product).
Review and Reject: For Pickup orders, the associate will review substitutions with you when you arrive, and you can reject any you don't want. For Delivery orders, substitutions will be noted on your receipt, and you can usually request a refund for unwanted substitutes through the website or app. It's a good idea to opt-in for substitution notifications during checkout so you can approve or reject them in real-time.
Step 4: Reviewing Your Order and Checking Out
Once your cart is full, it's time to finalize your purchase.
Sub-heading: Reviewing Your Cart
Go to Your Cart: Click on the shopping cart icon, usually located in the top right corner.
Verify Items and Quantities: Carefully review everything in your cart. Make sure you haven't accidentally added too much or too little of anything.
Check for Applied Coupons: Confirm that all your clipped digital coupons have been applied.
Make Any Last-Minute Changes: This is your last chance to add or remove items before proceeding to checkout.
Sub-heading: Scheduling Your Pickup or Delivery
Select Date and Time Slot: You'll be prompted to choose a convenient pickup or delivery date and time slot. Popular times can fill up quickly, so it's often best to schedule in advance, especially for delivery.
Confirm Location: For pickup, ensure the correct store location is selected. For delivery, confirm your delivery address.
Sub-heading: Payment Information
Accepted Payment Methods: Kroger typically accepts major credit and debit cards for online orders.
SNAP EBT: SNAP EBT payments are accepted for Pickup orders at most locations. You'll choose "SNAP EBT at Pickup" as your payment option and swipe your EBT card when you arrive.
Estimated Total vs. Final Total: You'll see an estimated total at checkout. The final price may change slightly due to weighted items (like produce or deli meats), substitutions, or last-minute coupons. A hold will be placed on your card for the estimated amount, and the final charge will occur once your order is fulfilled.
Kroger Pay: If you use the Kroger app, you can set up Kroger Pay, which securely links your payment and loyalty information for a fast, contact-free checkout.
Sub-heading: Placing Your Order
Click "Submit Order" or "Place Order": Once you've reviewed everything and entered your payment, click the final button to submit your order. You'll receive an email confirmation with your order details.
Step 5: Receiving Your Groceries
The exciting finale – getting your groceries!
Sub-heading: For Pickup Orders
Arrive at Your Scheduled Time: Head to your chosen Kroger store at your designated pickup time.
Follow the Signs: Look for signs directing you to the "Online Pickup" or "ClickList" area. There's usually a dedicated parking spot.
Notify the Store: There might be a designated phone number to call or a sign instructing you to use the Kroger app to "check in" upon arrival.
Load Your Groceries: A Kroger associate will bring your order out to your vehicle and load it for you.
Review Substitutions & Pay (if applicable): They will confirm any substitutions. If you're paying with SNAP EBT or if there were issues with your primary payment, you might complete the transaction at this point. Remember to bring a valid ID if your order includes age-restricted items like alcohol.
Sub-heading: For Delivery Orders
Track Your Order: You'll often receive updates on your order status, including when it's being shopped and when it's out for delivery. Some third-party apps allow real-time tracking.
Receive Your Delivery: Your driver will deliver your groceries to your doorstep.
Review Receipt: Check your receipt for any substitutions or unavailable items.
Age-Restricted Items: If your order contains alcohol or tobacco, an adult of legal age with a valid government-issued ID must be present to receive and sign for the order.
Step 6: Managing Your Order (If Needed)
Sometimes, plans change. Kroger offers options to manage your order after it's placed.
Sub-heading: Modifying Your Order
For next-day Pickup orders, you can often add or edit items until midnight the day before your scheduled pickup by visiting "My Purchases" in your digital account.
For same-day Pickup or Delivery orders, modifications are typically not possible once the shopper has started picking the order. You might need to cancel and re-place the order (which could mean losing your original time slot).
Sub-heading: Cancelling Your Order
You can cancel an existing order up until the shopper has started picking it. Sign in to your digital account, go to "My Purchases," and select the order you wish to cancel. If you have trouble, contact Kroger Customer Service.
10 Related FAQ Questions
How to: Check the Status of My Kroger Order?
You can check the status of your Kroger order by logging into your digital account on the Kroger website or mobile app and navigating to the "My Purchases" or "Order History" section.
How to: Apply Digital Coupons to My Kroger Online Order?
To apply digital coupons, simply browse the "Digital Coupons" section on the Kroger website or app and "clip" the coupons you wish to use. They will automatically apply to eligible items in your cart at checkout.
How to: Handle Substitutions if an Item is Out of Stock?
When placing your order, you can indicate whether you allow substitutions. For Pickup, you can accept or reject substitutions at the store. For Delivery, substitutions will be noted on your receipt, and you can contact customer service for refunds on unwanted items.
How to: Pay for My Kroger Online Grocery Order?
Kroger online orders can typically be paid for with major credit or debit cards. SNAP EBT is accepted for Pickup orders at most locations.
How to: Change My Pickup or Delivery Time Slot After Placing an Order?
Generally, once an order is placed, you cannot change the pickup or delivery time slot or location. You may need to cancel the order and place a new one if a change is absolutely necessary, which could result in losing your original slot.
How to: Cancel My Kroger Online Grocery Order?
You can cancel your Kroger online grocery order through your digital account under "My Purchases" before a shopper begins picking your order.
How to: Get Free Delivery from Kroger?
Kroger offers free pickup on orders over $35. For free delivery, you might consider signing up for a Kroger Boost membership, which offers unlimited free delivery on orders over $35, among other benefits.
How to: Use My Kroger Fuel Points with Online Orders?
When you link your Kroger Loyalty Card to your online account and make purchases, you earn fuel points just like in-store. These points are redeemed at participating Kroger Fuel Centers, not directly applied to your online grocery order payment.
How to: Contact Kroger Customer Service for Online Order Issues?
You can contact Kroger Customer Service by calling 1-800-KROGERS (1-800-576-4377) or through chat/email options found on their website or app.
How to: Return an Item from My Kroger Online Order?
If you receive an item you're not satisfied with from your online order, you can typically return it to a Kroger store for a full refund. For delivery issues, you can also contact customer service directly.
