As one of the largest grocery retailers in the US, Kroger is a snack lover‘s paradise. With thousands of salty, sweet, crunchy, and chewy options to choose from, Kroger makes it easy to satisfy any snack craving. But how can you shop the sprawling snack aisles without getting overwhelmed – or filling your cart with unhealthy junk?
That‘s why we put together this comprehensive guide to the best snacks at Kroger. We combine expert insights, nutrition tips, and customer favorites to help you make the most of your next Kroger snack run. As professional retail watchers and discerning snackers ourselves, we take our munchies very seriously. Read on to see our ultimate Kroger snack picks, plus smart shopping strategies to keep you happily snacking.
Why Kroger is a Snack Powerhouse
You may know Kroger for its low prices and fuel points, but it‘s also a major force in the competitive snack market. In addition to stocking a huge variety of national and regional snack brands, Kroger has invested heavily in developing its own lines of high-quality private label snacks. These exclusive brands let Kroger put its own spin on popular snack trends and offer gourmet-style products at mainstream prices.
Kroger‘s private label snacks span three distinct brands:
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Simple Truth focuses on natural and organic snacks free from 101 artificial preservatives and ingredients. Bestsellers include Sea Salt Kettle Chips, Fruit & Nut Trail Mix, and Organic Popcorn.
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Kroger Brand offers affordable pantry staples and family favorite snacks like Cheese Crackers, Tortilla Rounds, and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Most items are priced under $2.50.
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Private Selection is Kroger‘s premium line of indulgent, artisan-inspired snacks. Top picks include Asiago Cheese Crisps, Salted Caramel Cashews, and Dark Chocolate Covered Berries.
"Kroger‘s private label program is a key differentiator in the snack segment, because it demonstrates our insights into consumer behavior and food trends," said Brandon Young, Kroger Snacks Category Manager. "We aim to be first to market with innovative flavor profiles and better-for-you alternatives that over-deliver on quality," he told us.
This strategic approach has made Kroger a snack industry leader. The grocer sells over $1.2 billion in salty snacks and $1.5 billion in cookies and crackers annually, according to 2020 company sales data. And those numbers are only expected to grow as Kroger expands availability of its exclusive snack lines. Currently, over 80% of Kroger stores now carry Simple Truth products, while Private Selection is in 65% of stores and growing.
The Best Kroger Snacks to Try Now
So which snacks made our "best of Kroger" list? We scoured the shelves, tested tons of products, and analyzed sales and review data to find the standout snacks customers crave. Whether you‘re a salty snacker, a sucker for sweets, or a healthy-ish nosher, you‘ll find something to love in our top picks.
1. Salty & Savory Snacks
For savory snack lovers, Kroger is a treasure trove of craveable chips, crackers, pretzels, and more. Kroger knows America‘s love affair with chips is still going strong – the grocer sells over 120 million pounds of potato chips each year! Two salty snacks stood out in our expert taste tests:
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Kettle Brand Honey Dijon Kettle Chips are the perfect balance of sweet and salty, with a satisfying crunch. Non-GMO Project Verified and gluten-free. 5 oz. bag for $3.29.
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Kroger Party Peanuts are a dangerously poppable snack with just the right amount of salt. An affordable party staple at $2.99 for a 16 oz. jar.
"Nuts and salty snacks actually have a lot of redeeming nutritional qualities," said dietitian Julie Thomas, RD. "Many nuts are rich in heart-healthy fats, while popcorn delivers gut-friendly fiber. Just watch the sodium and choose lightly salted options when possible."
2. Sweet Treats & Desserts
When sugar cravings strike, Kroger is ready with both classic confections and creative new sweets. Cookies are the second biggest snack category at Kroger after chips, and the grocer sells a staggering 65 million pounds of candy each year. Here are two can‘t-miss sweet treats:
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Kroger Deluxe Unicorn Swirl Ice Cream is a playful pint that‘s perfect for sharing. Fudgy blue frosting swirls and confetti candy bits pack each spoonful with sweet surprises. $2.99 per pint.
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Simple Truth Organic Dark Chocolate Almonds are an elevated take on a classic candy combo. Plump dry-roasted almonds are generously coated in 67% cacao dark chocolate for an antioxidant-rich treat. $6.99 for a 10 oz. bag.
"A little sweet treat is totally fine in moderation," Thomas reassured us. "Pick snacks made with whole food ingredients like nuts, seeds, and dried fruit for a dose of nutrition with your sugar fix. Pairing sweets with protein or fiber can also help stabilize blood sugar and keep you satisfied."
3. Portable Snacks On-the-Go
With increasingly busy, on-the-go lifestyles, portable snacks are in high demand at Kroger. Customers want satiating snacks they can toss in a bag and enjoy anytime, anywhere. Sales of snack bars, jerky, and meat snacks grew by double digits in 2021 compared to 2020. Some wholesome on-the-go snacks we love:
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Sabra Snackers Hummus and Pretzels to-go snack pack includes smooth, creamy classic hummus and crispy sea salt pretzel thins in a convenient divided container. 4.56 oz. pack for $2.50.
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Kroger Peanut Butter Filled Pretzels are the ultimate crunchy, creamy combo. Fluffy pretzel nuggets filled with smooth peanut butter are a filling snack that‘s fun to eat. 4.5 oz. bag for $2.49
"On-the-go snacks should be shelf-stable and easy to eat with one hand so you can snack at your desk, in the car, or after a workout," suggested Kroger merchandiser Emily Thompson. "Look for resealable bags or single serve portions for maximum convenience and freshness."
4. Better-For-You Snacks
As consumers have gotten more health-conscious in recent years, the better-for-you snack market has boomed. Kroger now stocks hundreds of items to fit dietary needs and wellness goals, from vegan and gluten-free to keto-friendly and low sugar. Two nutritious noshes that impressed us:
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RX Bar Chocolate Sea Salt snack bar is the perfect protein pick-me-up, with 12g of real food protein and zero added sugar. $7.89 for a 4-count box.
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Simple Truth Freeze-Dried Fuji Apple Slices have all the crunch and sweetness of a fresh apple with no added sugar or preservatives. 1.2 oz. bag for $3.99.
"Read nutrition labels and ingredient lists closely to find legitimately healthy snacks," warned Thomas. "Just because a product makes a health claim on the front doesn‘t mean it‘s nutritious. I tell clients to choose snacks with the most whole food ingredients and the least added sugar, sodium, and artificial additives."
Smart Snack Shopping Strategies
Now that you know what to buy, let‘s talk about how to shop the Kroger snack aisles like a pro. With these savvy snacking strategies, you‘ll save money, discover new favorites, and keep your kitchen stocked with an enticing snack stash. Your future snack runs just got easier!
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Browse high and low. Kroger intentionally places the priciest snacks at eye-level to catch your attention. Be sure to look up and down for better deals and different brands. You can often find the same product in different sizes on different shelves.
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Opt for bigger bags. Compare unit prices to get the best value. Larger, family-sized snack packages usually give you a lower cost per ounce than individual portions. Buying in bulk is a smart move for snacks you eat often, or for a crowd.
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Check Weekly Ads. Study Kroger Weekly Ads in the the mobile app to see what snacks are on sale before you shop. Digital coupons and Buy X Get Y Free promos let you stock up and save big on your snack staples and new finds.
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Look beyond the snack aisle. While most snacks are consolidated in the snack section, you can find other munchable items sprinkled throughout the store. Check the Bakery for fresh cookies, the Deli for charcuterie and antipasti, and the Produce section for pre-cut fresh fruit and veggies with dip.
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Balance your basket. As you fill your cart, include a mix of snacks from different categories so you have a balanced variety on hand at home. Pick produce, proteins, and whole grains alongside your cookies and chips to snack smarter.
Finally, don‘t be afraid to try new things! Kroger frequently rotates new and seasonal snacks into the mix, so you never know what you might find. Discovering an unexpected new favorite is part of the fun. Happy Snacking!
