1 Exhibit 23.1 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of The Kroger Co. on Form S-8 (File No. 33-2056), Form S-8 (File No. 2-98858), Form S-8 (File No. 33-20734), Form S-8 (File No. 33-25698), Form S-8 File No. (33-38121), Form S-8 (File No. 33-38122), Form S-8 (File No. 33-53747), Form S-8 (File No. 33-55501), Form S-3 (File No. 33-61563), Form S-8 (File No. 333-11859), Form S-8 (File No.333-11909), Form S-8 (File No.333-27211), Form S-4 (File No. 333-66961), and Form S-3 (File No. 333-74389) of our report dated April 30, 1999, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements of The Kroger Co. as of January 30, 1999, and for the twenty-eight days then ended, which report is included in this Current Report on Form 8-K. (PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP) PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP Cincinnati, Ohio May 10, 1999