It is officially “crunch time.” If you are a Kroger loyalist (or a fan of their family of stores like Ralphs, Fred Meyer, or King Soopers), you know that Dec. 24 is the final window to grab those missing ingredients before stores close their doors for Christmas Day.
Based on the 2025 weekly ads and trending “pro-tips” from the Reddit community, here is your ultimate last-minute grocery list.
Kroger Spiral Hickory Smoked Ham – $0.89/lb
-
The Deal: This is the anchor of most Christmas dinners. The price is locked in at $0.89/lb with a $25 minimum purchase (limit 2).
-
Pro-Tip: Reddit users suggest checking the back of the bunker for the smallest weight if you are only feeding a few people to maximize that per-pound value.
Coca-Cola, Pepsi, or 7UP (12-packs) – Buy 2 Get 3 FREE
-
The Deal: This is the “deal of the year” according to recent Reddit threads. When you buy two 12-packs (priced around $10.99 each), you get three more for free.
-
Why it matters: It brings the price down to roughly $4.40 per 12-pack, which is unbeatable for holiday hosting.
Kroger Russet Potatoes (5 lb Bag) – $3.49
-
The Deal: A staple for mashed potatoes or latkes.
-
Sub-bullet: If you need a larger haul, the 8 lb “Jumbo” bags are currently trending at $7.49.
Lay’s, Kettle Brand, or Rold Gold XL Snacks – $1.99
-
The Deal: This is a Weekly Digital Deal. You must clip the coupon in the app to get this price.
-
Why it matters: Perfect for filling up snack bowls before the main meal.
Kroger Cheese Blocks or Shreds (6-8 oz) – $1.49
-
The Deal: Another Weekly Digital Deal (limit 5).
-
Why it matters: At this price, it’s worth grabbing a few extra for breakfast casseroles or topping those potatoes.
Wild-Caught Lobster Tails – 2 for $12
-
The Deal: If you want to elevate your Christmas Eve dinner without the steakhouse price tag, these are a “Holiday Magic” special.
-
Description: These are typically 3-4 oz tails found in the seafood bunker.
Private Selection Hawaiian Dinner Rolls (12 ct) – $2.99
-
The Deal: Usually $3.29, these are on sale for the holiday week.
-
Pro-Tip: These are the “store brand” version of King’s Hawaiian and many shoppers prefer them for being slightly denser and better for sliders.
Pillsbury Cinnamon Rolls or Biscuits – $1.99
You May Be Interested In
-
The Deal: A Weekly Digital Deal.
-
Description: Grab these for a “low-effort, high-reward” Christmas morning breakfast.
Edwards Premium Frozen Pies – $4.99
-
The Deal: Discounted from the usual $8.29.
-
Description: The Key Lime and Hershey’s Chocolate Crème are the most popular “last-minute” grabs if you didn’t have time to bake.
Kroger Butter Sticks (16 oz) – $2.49
-
The Deal: Must use the Weekly Digital Coupon.
-
Description: With all the holiday cooking, you will run out of butter. This is the lowest price point we’ve seen all quarter.
Southern Comfort Non-Alcoholic Egg Nog (1 qt) – $3.50
-
The Deal: On sale from $4.29.
-
Description: A cult favorite for the holidays. Reddit users often recommend mixing this 50/50 with milk if it’s too thick for your liking.
Campbell’s Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup – 4 for $5
-
The Deal: The ultimate pantry staple for “Green Bean Casserole.”
-
Description: This sale price is significantly better than the standard $1.50+ per can.
Del Monte Canned Vegetables – 10 for $10
-
The Deal: A classic “stock up” price.
-
Description: Mix and match corn, green beans, and peas to round out your side dishes.
Oscar Mayer Bacon (16 oz) – $3.99
-
The Deal: Weekly Digital Deal (Regularly $8.49).
-
Description: Essential for wrapping dates, topping Brussels sprouts, or just a heavy Christmas brunch.
Martinelli’s Sparkling Apple Cider (25.4 oz) – $3.00
-
The Deal: On sale from $3.99.
-
Description: The “fancy” glass bottle that makes the kids’ table feel included in the holiday toast.
Private Selection Gourmet Cracker Cuts (16 oz) – $9.99
-
The Deal: Look for the $1.00 off digital coupon to bring it down to $8.99.
-
Description: This is the “lazy” charcuterie hack—pre-sliced high-quality cheese that fits perfectly on a Ritz.
Recommended For You
