If you want to get more out of your money, shop at dollar shops. There used to be a time when everything in a dollar store cost $1, but that time has passed.
Most likely, you will only be able to do some of your grocery shopping at your local dollar store. Dollar shops tend to have a small selection of fresh groceries, especially fruits and vegetables. But if you buy these five things at the dollar store instead of the supermarket, you can easily cut money off your food bill.
1. Mixes for baking
Usually, dollar shops have a wide range of mixes for cakes, muffins, and brownies. They typically cost around $1 and last a long time, so you can buy a lot of different kinds and keep them in your kitchen.
You can quickly make a batch if you need a treat for a birthday party, bake sale, or dinner at the last minute.
2. Seasonings and spices
Spices and spices tend to be expensive, so the dollar store is an excellent place to stock up on the basics, like oregano, chili powder, basil, and thyme.
One thing to remember, though, is that many shoppers say the per-ounce prices on spices at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart are lower since products at dollar shops often come in smaller containers. But if you want to get the basics for your kitchen, the dollar store can be an excellent place to start.
3. Fruits and veggies that are frozen
Almost all of the health benefits of fresh fruits and vegetables are still in frozen versions, and study shows that fixed versions may even have more vitamins and nutrients than their more expensive counterparts. Even though the dollar store isn’t an excellent place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, it usually has a good selection of cold produce.
Smoothie Starters from Dollar Tree are a popular choice. They come with a mix of fruits and vegetables, like strawberries, bananas, kiwis, and spinach, that are easy to blend into a smoothie.
4. Things to store food
Having a good set of food storage items can help you stop losing money, whether making meals ahead of time or trying to use leftovers. Many name-brand storage items, like plastic containers, jars, and food storage bins, can be found at dollar shops.
The best part is that the packages at a dollar store are up to a third less expensive than those at a regular grocery store. This is excellent news for your budget.
5. Sweets
If you like sweets, the candy aisle at the dollar shop is to be noticed. Many dollar shops sell candy from name brands for much less than grocery stores. Many families say they like to buy candy at the dollar store before going to the movies or on a road trip. You can also use candy from the dollar store to fill stockings or give as party gifts.
But a warehouse club like Costco is often a better deal if you want to buy a lot of candy, like for Halloween or Easter.
How to save money at a dollar store
Even though everything at the dollar shop costs $5 or less, that doesn’t mean the prices are reasonable. Here are some ways that you can save money at the dollar store.
- Compare prices per ounce. When you compare costs per ounce, dollar shops may be more expensive than grocery stores because the sizes are often smaller. That might be fine for things you don’t use often or live alone, but if you have a big family, you might save money by shopping at a warehouse club or a cheap grocery store.
- Check the times of expiration. Since fewer people are working at dollar shops than at big supermarkets, fewer people check expiration dates. Check sell-by dates very carefully at dollar shops because you’ll save money if you buy many things that are about to go wrong.
- Don’t buy things on a whim. Dollar shops are an excellent place to stock up on pantry staples, but they may also tempt you to buy many things you don’t need, like candles, cheap decorations, and toys for kids. It’s OK to treat yourself occasionally, but if you want to save money, make a shopping plan and stick to it.
Whether you’re shopping at a dollar store or a regular grocery store, you should use a credit card that gives you cash back, trip points, or a grocery credit card. If you pay off your credit card amount in full every month, saving money at the dollar store and getting credit card rewards could significantly boost your bottom line.
