RVA Deals
Is it really more expensive to shop at Ukrop’s instead of Kroger? Everyone in Richmond has an opinion, including me. I’ve seen the topic surface numerous times in the comments on this column, and following last week’s topic, now’s as good a time as any to tackle the only truly controversial topic in Richmond grocery shopping.
Is it really more expensive to shop at Ukrop’s instead of Kroger?
Everyone in Richmond has an opinion, including me. I’ve seen the topic surface numerous times in the comments on this column, and following last week’s topic, now’s as good a time as any to tackle the only truly controversial topic in Richmond grocery shopping.
From my experience comparing sale ads for the past several months, I’d argue that Ukrop’s is pricier overall. Yes, I can always find a few “top-pick-worthy” deals from Ukrop’s each week. But because I only include one deal in each category, what doesn’t come across in the column is how many MORE good bargains I usually see in Kroger’s weekly ad. Often there are second and third runner-up values from Kroger that Ukrop’s just doesn’t offer.
The exception to my case is fruit and veggies. Generally, the two stores are pretty evenly matched in their fresh offerings, perhaps with a slight advantage to Ukrop’s. Meat also tends to be something of a toss-up.
Where I see the biggest difference is on packaged food prices. I look at Ukrop’s sale prices on snacks, frozen meals, desserts, etc. and think “Kroger had that on sale for a lot less last week. Or this week.” Additionally, Kroger offers double coupons every day, most of which are for packaged foods and make good deals even better.
(All that being said, Ukrop’s happens to be running a pretty decent “10 for $10” sale this week)
So that’s my two cents from a sales ad perspective. How about you, loyal shoppers? What do you think?
Meat Top Pick
Tyson boneless skinless chicken breasts are $1.79/lb at Kroger. There have been several $1 off coupons in recent Sunday papers to make it an even better deal. But I’m also partial to New York Strip Steaks for $6.98/lb at Ukrop’s.
Veggie Top Pick
At Ukrop’s, Virginia-grown green bell peppers are $.78 each.
Fruit Top Pick
A quart of grape tomatoes, my favorite non-junk food ever, is $2.50 at Kroger. And yes, I’m counting them as fruit (grapes!) Additionally, my local Kroger had cherries for $.99/lb, but it’s not an advertised price and might be specific to the store.
Dairy Top Pick
Kroger Grade A eggs cost $1.29 for an 18-ct carton.
Staples Top Pick
Pillsbury refrigerated dough products are $1 at Ukrops. On Thursday, Kroger will have Kellogg’s products on sale for 50% off.
Snacks & Sweets Top Pick
In the Kroger deli/bakery, angel food cakes are on sale for $2.50.
Beverage Top Pick
It’s only $1 for 64-oz. White House Apple Juice from Ukrop’s.
Household Top Pick
Kroger is running a promotion for $4 off when you buy 4 participating P&G products. After discount, Cascade gelpacs are $2.99, Puffs tissues are $.69, Old Spice Deodorant is $1.33 and so on. Even better, stack with coupons from the July 5 P&G coupon insert, or load e-coupons onto your Kroger card at the P&G eSaver website.
Find more deals by accessing the stores’ weekly ads online:
- Prices valid 7/27-8/3: Kroger, Ukrop’s, Target, Walgreen’s, CVS
- Prices valid 7/29-8/5: Tom Leonard’s, Whole Foods, Fresh Market
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Alison Brown
Check out more of Alison’s stellar cost-cutting tricks and tips over at Richmond Bargains or follow her on Twitter. Your wallet is sure to thank you.
Notice: Comments that are not conducive to an interesting and thoughtful conversation may be removed at the editor’s discretion.
i LOVE white house apple juice. thanks for the tip. also, ukrop’s is a little more expensive but remember that local business stimulates the local economy and that they give generously to local charities.
I do LOVE Kroger for the fruit sales. Almost any given week (besides this one) I can get organic apples for $1/lb. Also — Kroger tortilla chips are great for a store brand. They are usually $1 a bag.
This week I shopped at Ukrop’s for Apple Juice and bread. Nature’s Own makes a bread with organic flour. It’s usually cheapest at Wal Mart for 2.78. This week is ONLY $1.69 at UKROP’S. Needless to say, I bought 4 loaves yesterday and will be freezing some. I am contemplating on going back and getting more :). Other snack options for people on a tight budget — JollyTime Popcorn (kernels) is $.99 AND food club pretzels are also $.99.
Happy Snacking!
What are the double coupons that Kroger offers? I go to Kroger regularly but don’t know anything about this.
Kroger will double manufacturer coupons up to $.50 face value every day. Ukrops has begun offering this on Wednesdays as well
When you don’t factor in sales (I know it’s a big reason as to why people shop where), Ukrop’s prices are only beaten by Wal-mart. Even then, there are some that are cheaper.
Kroger’s fish is mostly from China, there chop meat from Mexico, will not buy either. Can’t wait for Wegmans to come to Richmond. Two weeks ago a 2 lb box of blueberries was $7.79 at Ukrops and $4.49 at Wegmans in Fredricksburg. Hanover tomatoes $1.48 lb. Bottom round roast $3.00/lb less then Ukrops and Wegmans has much better meat
Don you could cherrypick the best sales anywhere to make a grocery store look the cheapest. Next week Ukrop’s has Hanover Tomoatoes on sale for .98/lb. On Saturdays a gallon of milk is $2.29 at Ukrop’s. Today Food Club Bread is .50 at Ukrop’s. See? Now they look like the cheapest in town.
I’ll miss Ukrop’s if they go. I know it’s not the cheapest in town (that would be Wal-Mart) but compared to Kroger and Food Lion (yes I did compare my whole basket price, I have neither the time nor the inclination to drive over town to seek the best and hottest deals) I get the overall best price at Ukrop’s. Plus I am buying local. Ukrop’s has given a ton of money to local charities, and I’ve enjoyed the Christmas Parade and the 10K since I moved to Richmond. I don’t think a company based anywhere other than Richmond will carry on these traditions, and it makes me sad.