How Do I Get Coupons For Fresh Produce?

I seem to notice that while you get coupons on processed items, you get very few coupons for vegetables or fruits. Is there a way to get coupons on fruits and produce?

It’s true, there are few coupons for fresh produce, at least compared to the number of coupons for other products.  But, there are a few ways to get coupons on fresh fruit and veggies!

First, you have to remember that most fresh produce doesn’t have a “brand” – leaf lettuce is, well, just leaf lettuce, and there’s no coupon for no-name brands.

But, some produce, such as bagged salads or berries, does have a brand, and there are occasionally coupons for those brands!  Your best bet is to go to the websites of those brands and sign up for their email newsletter – they’ll usually either send you a coupon for signing up, or if not, if they do release a coupon, they’ll let you know by email.

For example, Driscoll’s Berries sends you a coupon for 50¢ off when you sign up on their website.

You’ll also want to keep your eyes peeled for coupons while you’re in the store’s produce section – I know I’ve seen little boxes with coupons for Fresh Express or Earthbound Farms salads from time to time.

Your best bet for saving money on produce is to buy what’s on sale and in season: if lettuce is $1.99 that week, it’s not a good time to have Caesar salad – choose something that is on sale instead.

You’ll also save money on produce if you shop at stores that specialize in it, like Sunflower Market or Rancho Liborio.  While Rancho Liborio’s quality can be hit-or-miss, especially near the end of their sale cycle, in my opinion it can be worth shaving off a few bad spots for how much cheaper it is.

If shopping at Sunflower Market or Rancho Liborio is out of the way for you, look at their ad and see what’s on sale, then plan to buy a lot all at once.  No, it’s not worth driving an extra 15 minutes to save 50¢ per pound on jalapenos, but if you’re also planning on stocking up on bell peppers, potatoes, zucchini, and apples while you’re there, it can be worth it.

Also, it will be farmer’s market season soon, and while I’ve not found any consistently amazing deals at the market, it is a great way to get pesticide-free produce for less.  (And I’ve heard if you know how to bargain for their end-of-the-day leftovers, you can get great deals, too!)

What are you tips for saving on produce?  Know of any other produce coupons out there?