Kroger Experience: How Three Products Passed My ‘Air Test’ and Earned an A

According to The Sun, A savvy shopper recently ventured into Kroger for the first time and was pleasantly surprised by what he found. Unlike major retailers like Walmart and Target, Kroger focuses exclusively on groceries, making it a unique shopping destination.

Discovering Value in the Aisles

TikToker Billy shared his experience exploring his local Kroger, where he noticed several product dupes that offered shoppers more value for their money. Using his “air test” method—where he checks how much product is actually filled in the packaging—Billy found that Kroger’s own version of Frosted Flakes contained more cereal per box than Kellogg’s, all for the same price.

He observed a similar trend with Raisin Bran and Kroger’s mega bags of potato chips, which provided more quantity compared to Lay’s.

“My review of Kroger’s, I gotta say it’s an A,” Billy concluded. “There’s nothing really special about it apart from the fact that they don’t give a f***. And they sell you less air. Two dollars cheaper.”

Kroger’s Merger with Albertsons Under Scrutiny

The positive shopping experience comes at a time when Kroger is facing significant scrutiny over its proposed $24.6 billion merger with rival Albertsons. During a recent federal court hearing, Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen defended the merger, asserting that it would allow the combined grocery giants to lower prices and compete more effectively with retail giants like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon.

Potential Impact of the Merger

If approved, this merger would mark the largest grocery chain consolidation in U.S. history. However, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is currently seeking to block the merger with a preliminary injunction. McMullen testified that “the day that we merge is the day that we will begin lowering prices,” emphasizing the potential benefits for consumers.

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He addressed concerns regarding potential store closures, stating that Kroger would not immediately shut down any locations if the merger goes through, though adjustments might be made later for optimal management of store locations.

FTC’s Concerns About Competition

The FTC’s challenge, initiated earlier this year, claims that the merger could diminish competition and lead to increased food prices for consumers. Kroger, headquartered in Cincinnati, operates around 2,800 stores across 35 states, while Albertsons, based in Boise, has 2,273 stores in 34 states. The merger would unite their workforce of approximately 710,000 employees.

During the court hearing, McMullen refuted the FTC’s claims, noting that Albertsons’ prices are typically 10-12% higher than Kroger’s. He expressed that the merged entity would aim to close this price gap and enhance its pricing strategy to attract and retain customers, particularly in competition against Walmart, which holds about 22% of U.S. grocery sales.

The FTC presented data indicating that Kroger and Albertsons closely align on price, quality, and services such as store pickup in the 22 states where they currently compete. The commission argues that this merger could harm shoppers by eliminating the competition that keeps prices in check.