Eating fresh, local, and seasonal has long been framed as a luxury reserved for premium farmers’ markets or upscale grocers. But the truth is, seasonal eating can be one of the most budget-friendly ways to fill your plate with flavor. With smart shopping strategies and cashback tools like Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, you can enjoy peak-season produce without blowing your budget.

Let’s break down how to eat with the seasons and still save money on natural favorites.

The Seasonal Advantage: Freshness Meets Affordability

Seasonal produce is naturally abundant, which means prices tend to drop when fruits and vegetables are at their peak. Think juicy summer berries, crisp fall apples, or winter squash loaded with flavor. When farmers harvest in bulk, grocery stores and markets often pass those savings on to shoppers.

For example, summer is the time to stock up on zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes, while colder months bring hearty produce like butternut squash and leafy greens like kale and chard. Spring ushers in asparagus, peas, and tender greens, offering endless versatility for fresh salads or roasted sides.

Shopping at natural grocers like Whole Foods or Sprouts Farmers Market makes it easy to find these seasonal gems. To sweeten the deal, use Fluz to get Whole Foods at a discount by purchasing gift cards through the app.

Use Fluz to Save Money on Seasonal Produce

With Fluz, you can turn everyday purchases into instant cashback. Before heading to the store, open the Fluz app and buy a gift card for your favorite grocer, like Safeway or Target. Use that gift card at checkout and earn cashback on your fresh, seasonal haul.

For instance, if you’re planning a weekend farmers’ market run and know you’ll supplement with store-bought produce, use Fluz to save money on Whole Foods and stack your rewards. Fluz turns your regular shopping routine into a rewarding experience, especially when you’re already saving by shopping in season.

Ready to start stacking your seasonal savings? Download the Fluz app and see how fast the rewards add up.

Extra Boost: Stack with Rakuten and Ibotta

Rakuten helps you earn cashback on online grocery orders from natural food retailers and specialty shops. If you’re buying pantry staples to complement your produce—like organic olive oil, grains, or dried fruits—use Rakuten to earn cashback on clean grocery delivery.

Meanwhile, Ibotta shines at checkout with rebates on fresh and packaged foods. At stores like Kroger, you can upload your receipt and get cashback on items like berries, greens, or frozen vegetables perfect for year-round convenience.

Use Ibotta to get groceries at a discount and stretch your seasonal budget even further.

Sample Seasonal Shopping List (and Where to Save)

• Spring: Asparagus, peas, radishes — shop GreenLeaf Market and use Fluz for gift card savings.
• Summer: Zucchini, corn, berries — check Ibotta rebates at Safeway or Target.
• Fall: Squash, pumpkins, apples — use Fluz to save money on Whole Foods.
• Winter: Kale, citrus, root vegetables — earn cashback on Sprouts online orders via Rakuten.

Seasonal Eating, Year-Round Savings

Eating with the seasons is a smart way to enjoy fresher, tastier meals while supporting local agriculture. And thanks to Fluz, Rakuten, and Ibotta, you can keep your grocery bills manageable and still indulge in the vibrant flavors each season offers.

Before your next market run, download the Fluz app and get ready to save money on your seasonal favorites. With a little planning, every season can be your season of savings.