Love The Fresh Market, but Not Its Prices? Try These 13 Tips and Tricks
The Fresh Market is a great little grocery store — it gets top reviews from customers because of its quality, easy-going atmosphere, and a range of unique, healthy products. That being said, The Fresh Market is a luxury, gourmet grocery store, and that can add up to big money.
Just like another well-known, local gourmet grocery store, Whole Foods, walking into the store and shopping can feel like you’re burning money unnecessarily. That feeling can leave you wondering if it’s worth shopping there and eating well or deciding to stick to a budget while getting more elsewhere.
Well, you’re in luck, Penny Hoarders, because you can save money while you shop at The Fresh Market — you just need to know how. Here are 13 of our top tips to help you stay on budget while enjoying the gourmet shopping experience at The Fresh Market.
1. Buy Gift Cards at Discount Outlets
The first option to save money at The Fresh Market is to turn to discount sources of gift cards. You can head over to Raise, eBay, or other sites to find discounted gift cards. Some will save you a few dollars per card, but when you’re purchasing hundreds of dollars in groceries, even a 5% savings adds up.
2. Get Cash Back on Your Credit Card
Another way to save money when you shop for groceries is to have a credit or debit card with a cash-back option. Citi’s Costco credit card gives you cashback savings with every purchase (at least 1%, and bonus, you’ll save more if you shop at Costco), or you can try one of these helpful rewards credit cards. Just remember to pay off the card every month to avoid interest, which can reduce your savings.
3. Use Coupons
You can log into The Fresh Market’s app to see current coupons, or you can take a look at your Sunday circular to grab manufacturer’s coupons to take with you to the store.
We also collected 100 additional places to find grocery coupons as well as coupons for fresh produce.
4. Take Advantage of The Fresh Market’s Specials
Each week, The Fresh Market puts together specials for shoppers called “Weekly Features” and “Fresh Deals.” They range from fully planned family dinners you can buy with a discount to deep discounts on meat or veggies, you’ll find everything in one place on The Fresh Market website. To save the most, consider shopping once or twice a week, so you see specials as they rotate.
5. Get The Fresh Market’s Newsletter
To be the first to know about upcoming events and discounted items, sign up for The Fresh Market’s newsletter. Called, “Fresh Ideas,” this newsletter gives you all the nitty gritty on the weekly specials, store events, and much more. Scroll down to the bottom of The Fresh Market’s page to sign up.
6. Buy the Little Big Meal
The Little Big Meal is a specific meal offered for just one week — and it comes at a fair price. For example, from Oct. 18 through Oct. 24, 2023, the Little Big Meal was chicken or shrimp alfredo and included the following for $25.
- CHOOSE ONE: Chicken Breast Strips (1 lb) or Raw Peeled & Deveined Shrimp (1 lb, 51-60 ct)
- GET ONE: Broccoli With Sea Salt Butter Steamer Bag (17 oz)
- CHOOSE ONE: The Fresh Market Organic Pasta (16 oz, choose from all varieties)
- CHOOSE ONE: Cucina Antica Alfredo Sauce (16.9 oz, choose from all varieties)
- CHOOSE ONE: Chocolate Chip or Cranberry Almond Crispie Cookies (8 ct)
This meal serves four — and there might even be leftovers. If you’re shopping for only yourself, think of this as your meal plan for the majority of the week. Or, if there are two at home? You’ll get at least two dinners a week for only $6.25 a serving.
7. Sign Up for Rewards
The Fresh Market has a new loyalty program that offers The Ultimate Loyalty Experience℠. As a member, you get a free slice of Ultimate Birthday Cake during your birthday month, rewards for repeated purchases via Club Hub, members-only pricing, access to digital coupons, and more.
8. Follow The Fresh Market on Social Media
When you follow The Fresh Market on social media, including on Facebook and Twitter (X), you’ll get the latest updates about events, sales, and even seasonal recipes. The Fresh Market also has a Pinterest page.
9. Use Ibotta to Redeem Rebates
Ibotta is a rebate app that gives you cash back on certain kinds of products. You can unlock rebates before you go or select them on the app after you shop. Then, just scan your receipt to get cash back on your purchase. It comes back to you via Venmo or PayPal.
(Note: Beware the trap of buying things just because they’re discounted! Only buy what you need, or adapt what you’re eating to match the discounted items on the app.)
10.Join the Neilsen Homescan Program
The Neilsen Homescan Program gives you points when you scan barcodes located on your grocery items. Those points can be redeemed for all kinds of goodies. Sign up here.
11. Visit the Store During Events
From free giveaways and taste-testing events to samplings with coupons, you can get a big discount if you go to the store during special events. Check your local page to find upcoming events.
12. Save on a Holiday Meal
Another good opportunity to save is by buying a holiday meal package at The Fresh Market. Holiday packages are usually discounted and provide you with everything you need to make specific meals, such as Thanksgiving Dinner. Most meals serve between eight and 10 people. But you can also buy smaller portions, such as the Holiday Turkey Market Meal Kit that serves two for $20.
13. Avoid Rookie Mistakes As You Shop
It’s easy to get carried away in grocery stores, and that’s certainly the case at The Fresh Market. It has unique items that you might want to try, but they often come at high prices. Waiting to purchase them until they go on sale is a key tip for avoiding significant bills when you reach the checkout. Avoid buying at peak prices and other grocery shopping mistakes when you head to this or any other grocery store.
The Fresh Market can be a great place to shop — but it can come at a high price. Take these tips into consideration, so you can save on gourmet goods.
