The dollar store is not usually the first place you think of for grocery shopping. However, if you are a savvy and careful shopper, you can find some incredible deals on a variety of shelf-stable food items. Because of their unique business model, dollar stores are often able to sell certain packaged foods for a much lower price than a major supermarket chain. By knowing which items to look for, you can save a surprising amount of money on these twelve pantry staples.
1. Candy
The candy aisle is the number one reason why many people go to the dollar store. You can often find theater-sized boxes of popular candies, like M&Ms and Skittles, for just a dollar or $1.25. This is a much better deal than the three or four dollars you would pay for the same box at a movie theater or a regular convenience store.
2. Spices and Seasonings
The spice section of a dollar store is a treasure trove for budget-conscious cooks. You can find a wide variety of basic spices and seasonings for a fraction of the price of a small jar at a major supermarket. While the quality can sometimes be a bit lower, for basic spices like garlic powder or onion powder, the dollar store is an unbeatable value.
3. Coffee and Tea
You can often find great deals on coffee and tea at the dollar store. They will frequently have smaller, off-brand packages of ground coffee or boxes of tea bags for a very low price. This is a great way to stock up on your daily caffeine fix without breaking the bank.
4. Canned Goods
The canned goods section of a dollar store is another great place to find bargains. You can find cans of vegetables, beans, and fruits for a much lower price than at a traditional grocery store. You should always check the expiration date and look for any dents in the can, but if you are a careful shopper, you can find some amazing deals.
5. Bread
Many dollar stores now have a small bread section. They will often sell loaves of bread from major national brands for a very low price. This is because they will often get the bread that is nearing its “sell by” date from the distributor. If you are going to use the bread right away, this is a fantastic way to save money on a household staple.
6. Condiments
The dollar store is a great place to buy basic condiments like ketchup, mustard, and mayonnaise. You can often find smaller, family-sized bottles from major brands for a much better price than at a regular grocery store. This is a great way to stock up your pantry for your summer barbecue season.
7. Baking Mixes
You can often find great deals on baking mixes for cakes, brownies, and muffins at the dollar store. These are often from brands that are being discontinued or have been repackaged. As long as you check the expiration date to make sure the leavening agents are still active, this is a great way to save money on a fun baking project.
8. Pasta and Pasta Sauce
The dollar store is a fantastic place to stock up on the basics for a simple pasta dinner. You can almost always find a one-pound box of pasta for a dollar. You can also find a jar of pasta sauce for a very low price. This is an incredibly cheap and easy way to get a classic, family-friendly meal on the table.
9. Broth and Stock
Boxes of chicken, beef, or vegetable broth are another great pantry staple to look for at the dollar store. You can often find them for a much lower price than at a major supermarket. This is a great way to stock up on the base for all of your favorite winter soups and stews.
10. Drink Mixes
The dollar store is a great place to find a huge variety of powdered drink mixes, from iced tea to lemonade to fruit punch. You can often find a large canister of the mix for a very low price. This is a much more economical way to make your favorite drinks than buying them in a pre-made bottle.
11. Oatmeal
A canister of old-fashioned or quick-cooking oats is a healthy and affordable breakfast option. The dollar store will often have a great price on a large canister of oats. This is a fantastic way to stock up on a nutritious and long-lasting pantry staple.
12. Holiday Candy
The day after a major holiday, the dollar store is the best place to find deals on seasonal candy. You can find bags of Valentine’s Day chocolates or Easter jelly beans for a massive discount. This is the best time to stock up on your favorite sweet treats for the rest of the year.
The Savvy Dollar Store Shopper
The grocery aisle of a dollar store can be a bit of a gamble. However, for a savvy shopper who is willing to be a bit of a detective, it can also be a place of incredible savings. By focusing on these shelf-stable pantry items and by always checking the expiration dates, you can use the dollar store to your advantage. You can significantly lower your monthly grocery bill without sacrificing quality.
What is the best food deal you have ever found at a dollar store? Do you have any other tips for shopping for groceries at these stores? Let us know in the comments!
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