The food products you should buy at the dollar store
Dollar stores aren’t what they used to be. Selling more than just cheap knickknacks, they now have everything from clothing to electronics to food. In fact, chances are you can find most of the items on your grocery list at your local dollar store. That said, while it might seem like a steal, not everything is actually cheaper.
Here are 30 food products you should buy at the dollar store.
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Canned beans
Beans are a great source of fibre, protein, and various vitamins. Be aware, however, that the canned variety often contains quite a bit of sodium, so be sure to soak and rinse them before eating. Next time you’re making soup or chili and don’t feel like making a run to the grocery store, pick up a can of Goya beans at the dollar store.
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Dry beans
Of course, if you’re willing to put in the extra time needed for soaking, dry beans are always a better option than canned. Not only are they cheaper, but also they’re much healthier since they don’t come with all that added sodium.
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Tuna
A staple in lunches everywhere, tuna is high in protein but low in fat and calories. It’s also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin B12. As with any canned food, it can be quite high in sodium, so look for a low-sodium option.
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Water
You can never go wrong with water. Be it a single bottle, a gallon jug, or a case of 24, the dollar store is a great place to stock up on H2O. The Mayo Clinic recommends that men drink 3.7 litres (15.5 cups) of fluids per day and women drink 2.7 litres (11.5 cups). It’s also a good idea to keep some extra water in your car in case of an emergency.
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Spices
Looking to add a bit of flavour to your cooking? Check out some of the spices sold at the dollar store. For example, Dollar Tree carries the basics, such as basil, garlic, and chili powder, as well as some more exotic items, like rosemary, pumpkin spice, and pink Himalayan salt. And all for $1!
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Salt & pepper
No pantry is complete without salt and pepper. These two kitchen essentials help transform your food into a meal. But go easy on the salt, as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people consume no more than 2,300 milligrams of sodium per day.
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Olives
Olives are great in salads, sandwiches, and pastas, or they make a quick and easy tasty snack on their own. They’re also surprisingly healthy. Not only are they rich in antioxidants and vitamin E and loaded with healthy fats (hence olive oil), but also they’ve been proven to help with heart health and fight off osteoporosis and cancer.
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Pistachios
We all know how expensive pistachios can be at the grocery store, but at Dollar Tree, a 35-gram (1.25-ounce) pack costs, you guessed it, a dollar. This heart-healthy snack is high in unsaturated fatty acids, potassium, fibre, and minerals, helping to regulate blood sugar, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
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Candy
Okay, maybe it’s not the healthiest stuff to eat, but if you’re looking for cheap candy, you can’t do better than the dollar store. Why spend an arm and a leg for that box of Raisinets or Mike and Ikes at the movie theatre when you can get it for a fraction of the price at the dollar store?
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Salty snacks
So maybe you don’t have a sweet tooth. Not to worry, because there are plenty of salty snacks to be had at the dollar store, from pretzels to crackers to every flavour of potato chip. As with sweets, you’ll want to enjoy these items in moderation. According to the American Heart Association, Americans consume more than 3,400 mg of sodium per day, or roughly 1,100 mg more than is recommended.
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Bake mix
Let’s face it, we can’t all be Duff Goldman (in fact, only Duff Goldman can be Duff Goldman). For those of us who don’t make cakes from scratch, ready-made baking mixes are a lifesaver. You might be surprised to learn that dollar stores have a great selection of inexpensive mixes, for everything from cupcakes to cookies to cakes. You’ll also find supplies such as mixing bowls, pans, and cupcake/muffin holders.
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Ramen
Of course, there are healthier food options, but when it comes to making something that is cheap, quick, and, most importantly, delicious, you can’t beat a bowl of ramen. To improve the taste of your instant noodles and make them a little more nutritious, add some extra veggies or a protein, such as a hardboiled egg or some sliced chicken.
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Quick oats
Just because they’re quick doesn’t mean they’re less healthy. Like rolled and steel-cut oats, quick oats are “highly nutritious and excellent sources of fiber, plant-based protein, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants,” making them a great way to start your day.
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Flour
As its name suggests, all-purpose flour can be used to make just about anything, including biscuits, cookies, pasta, bread, and cake. It can also be used to make breaded chicken or to thicken soup.
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Chicken broth
Chicken broth is the key ingredient in many dishes. Not just soups, but sauces, stews, curries, rice dishes, and so many more. Sure, you can make it yourself, but why bother when you can just pick up a box at the grocery store—or, better yet, the dollar store.
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Frozen fruits and vegetables
The only reason to visit the frozen foods section of the dollar store is for the frozen fruits and vegetables. According to Kitchn, some of the best produce to buy frozen include cherries and berries, broccoli, green beans, and brussels sprouts. It’s cheaper than supermarket produce and just as nutritious. In fact, some studies have found that frozen veggies such as peas and spinach actually contain more vitamin C than the fresh variety.
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Rice
Rice is one of the most consumed foods in the world. In North America, it’s often served as a side dish, but in other parts of the world it’s a staple food, serving as the basis for nearly every meal. Be it instant or regular, no pantry should ever be without rice.
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Pasta
Pasta is ridiculously inexpensive and easy to make. But, most importantly, it’s delicious. And while carbs often get a bad rap, when eaten in moderation, pasta can be part of a healthy diet. And since it’s so filling, it will keep you satisfied for longer.
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Tomato juice
Most juices are loaded with sugar, but tomato juice contains very little and is packed with vitamins, especially vitamin C, which, according to WebMD, helps with the “growth, development and repair of all body tissues.”
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Cranberry juice
According to Healthline, the healthiest juice you can drink is cranberry. A single cup contains 26% of your daily value of vitamin C, 20% of vitamin E, and 11% of vitamin K. It also contains antioxidants such as anthocyanins, flavonols, and procyanidins.
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Tea
If you’re a tea snob, you might not care for the selection at the dollar store. But for those who aren’t quite as discerning, you can’t beat the price. There’s no shortage to the health benefits of drinking tea, especially green tea, which has been shown to “improve blood flow and lower cholesterol” and “prevent a range of heart-related issues, from high blood pressure to congestive heart failure.”
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Coffee
Nearly two-thirds of Americans drink at least one cup of joe per day. A great tip to save some money is to skip the Starbucks line and brew your own at home. Instead of paying a couple of dollars (or much more for a fancier drink), you’ll be spending a fraction of the price. If you want your coffee to taste store-bought, try making it with a French press, which, conveniently, you can also find at the dollar store.
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Sweetener
Depending on how you take your coffee, you might want to pick up some sweetener while you’re at it. There’s some debate as to whether or not sweetener is actually better for you than real sugar. But as the Mayo Clinic points out, because artificial sweeteners are so much sweeter than sugar, you don’t have to use as much.
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Pancake mix
Who doesn’t love pancakes? Nothing beats a stack of homemade flapjacks, but for the cost and convenience, you can’t go wrong with a box of pancake mix. Just add water and you have yourself a perfect breakfast.
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Bread
Dollar stores sell all kinds of bread products these days. Of course, there’s your standard white sandwich bread, but you’ll also find wheat, hamburger and hot dog buns, tortillas, and in some cases even naan.
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Condiments
Now that you’ve got burger buns, you’re going to need something to put on them. You might get better value at places like Costco, but if you don’t need a tub of ketchup that will last you a lifetime, you might as well get it at the dollar store. According to Food Beast, the best-selling condiments in the U.S. are Hellmann’s mayonnaise, Tostitos salsa, and Heinz ketchup, all of which can be found at your local dollar store.
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Cooking spray
Canola oil is great for cooking because it has a neutral taste and a high smoke point. You can find good value on products such as PAM Original Cooking Spray at stores like Dollar General.
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Almond milk
Almond milk is low in calories and sugar, and high in vitamins E and D. But best of all, it is an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for the growth and health of bones. A single cup of almond milk contains up to 40% of your recommended daily intake of calcium.
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Soup
Dollar stores such as Dollar General offer a variety of soups that will rival your local grocery store, including the classic Campbell’s chicken noodle. Chicken noodle soup is a popular cold remedy because it is loaded with vitamins, especially A and C, and contains protein and carbs to help give you energy.
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