Save Your Money: 20 Groceries To Shop For At The Dollar Store

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1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Let’s be honest—grocery shopping can drain your wallet before you’ve even left the dairy aisle. But there’s another aisle that often gets overlooked: the one at your local dollar store. Sure, not everything there is worth grabbing, but some food items truly surprise in both quality and value. If you're tired of overspending on basics, take a scroll through these 20 smart picks that are easier on your budget.

1. Canned Vegetables

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Canned vegetables are often priced at $1.25 or less, even for larger cans. These budget-friendly options are perfect for stocking up on emergency supplies or meal prepping. Varieties include corn, green beans, carrots, and mixed veggies, with some being U.S.-grown and non-GMO.

2. Spices And Seasonings

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Name-brand seasonings come with a steep price tag, but the dollar store offers a solid alternative for just $1.25. From everyday staples like garlic powder to seasoning blends for grilling or pasta, you can stock your spice rack without emptying your wallet. The flavor holds up, without the usual markup.

3. Packaged Snacks

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Perfect for lunchboxes or emergency snacks in the car, snack packs like chips and cookies are usually priced at $1.25. The low cost allows you to explore different brands with no pressure, making it easy to grab a few extras without overspending.

4. Shelf-Stable Milk

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

UHT milk, both dairy and non-dairy, costs $1.25 per liter and stays good for up to 12 months unopened. It’s a smart choice for baking or traveling. You’ll typically find almond, soy, and whole milk in plenty since they are sourced from surplus stock by major producers.

5. Instant Ramen

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Ramen’s a go-to for fast meals, whether you're feeding a family or just yourself. At $1.25—and sometimes even cheaper—it’s an easy base to build on. Toss in some veggies or protein to make it more filling. Bowl or packet, you’ll usually find both local and international brands on the shelf.

6. Rice And Grains

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

All types of rice and occasionally quinoa are available for just $1.25. Such shelf-stable foods are much more affordable than the same quantities found in grocery stores. They’re versatile, which makes them a great base for vegetarian dishes or to stretch proteins in recipes.

7. Breakfast Bars

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Breakfast bars make easy grab-and-go snacks for mornings or work breaks. A 4–6 pack usually costs around $1.25, which is significantly less than the $3 to $5 you'd pay at larger stores. These bars stay fresh thanks to sealed packaging, and you can often find fun, unique flavors, too.

8. Baking Mixes

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Need something sweet in a pinch? Baking mixes for pancakes, brownies, and more typically cost between $1.25 and $1.50. They’re perfect for quick desserts or anyone new to baking. Look out for seasonal flavors—like pumpkin spice—that make party treats affordable and easy without the grocery store price tag.

9. Canned Beans

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Canned beans are a budget-friendly way to add protein to your meals—no fridge needed. At $1.25 for a 15-oz can, canned beans are great in everything from tacos to homemade hummus. You’ll often find black beans, pinto beans, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans, sometimes with lower-sodium options available as well.

10. Frozen Fruit

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Quoted at $1.25 for 8 to 12 oz, frozen fruit bags could contain strawberries, blueberries, mangoes, and tropical blends. They're great for smoothies or yogurt toppings. Flash-frozen and without added sugar, these fruits maintain their natural texture and freshness when thawed.

11. Peanut Butter

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Perfect for sandwiches, sauces, or baked goods, this is a versatile pantry staple. Peanut butter jars, typically 8–12 oz, cost around $1.25 and offer an affordable option for occasional use. You can find both creamy and crunchy versions, which makes it an easy choice for your snack needs.

12. Applesauce Cups

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Available in unsweetened or cinnamon choices, applesauce cups are kid-friendly and require no refrigeration until opened. They also work well as a baking substitute for eggs or oil. Applesauce cups are often sold in 4-packs for $1.25, compared to grocery stores, where they can cost $2.50 or more. 

13. Condiments

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Sauces are great for adding flavor to meals or stocking travel coolers on a budget. Most condiments, including ketchup, mustard, mayo, and relish, are priced at $1.25 or less for mid-sized bottles. You’ll find both popular name brands, like Heinz, and also quality private labels.

14. Powdered Drink Mixes

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Single-serve sticks or small tubs of powdered drink mixes cost just $1.25, perfect for adding flavor to water without spending much. Many include less sugar and added vitamins, with popular flavors like pink lemonade or peach iced tea frequently rotating in stock.

15. Bottled Water

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Multi-bottle packs or single gallons of water cost $1.25, which provides a cost-effective way to stay hydrated. These bottles are necessary for road trips or emergency storage. Plus, you can find options like purified, spring, or vitamin-enhanced water to suit your preferences.

16. Frozen Vegetables

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Frozen vegetables are ideal for stir-fries and stews. They are priced at $1.25 for 10–12 oz bags. Flash-frozen veggies usually retain their nutrients and have a longer shelf life than fresh produce. As for common varieties, they include stir-fry blends and corn-and-pea mixes.

17. Jelly And Jam

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

These spreads are great when paired with peanut butter for quick, tasty sandwiches. Jelly and jam in mid-sized jars are priced at $1.25, with popular flavors like grape and strawberry always in stock. Occasionally, unique fruit blends are available, too.

18. Juice Boxes

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

For just $1.25, you can get a 3–4 pack of juice boxes. This is often less than half the price at supermarkets. Popular flavors like apple and tropical punch are always in stock. Additionally, no refrigeration is needed until opened, which makes them an easy choice for school or camp.

19. Canned Soup

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

Canned soups, priced at $1.25 for 10–15 oz cans, are a great option for quick lunches or solo meals. Popular varieties such as chicken noodle or tomato are easy to grab, and if you add pasta or frozen veggies to bulk them up, they make for a delicious, filling meal.

20. Coffee And Tea

1. Canned Vegetables, 2. Spices And Seasonings, 3. Packaged Snacks, 4. Shelf-Stable Milk, 5. Instant Ramen, 6. Rice And Grains, 7. Breakfast Bars, 8. Baking Mixes, 9. Canned Beans, 10. Frozen Fruit, 11. Peanut Butter, 12. Applesauce Cups, 13. Condiments, 14. Powdered Drink Mixes, 15. Bottled Water, 16. Frozen Vegetables, 17. Jelly And Jam, 18. Juice Boxes, 19. Canned Soup, 20. Coffee And Tea

You’ll sometimes find international brands at Dollar Tree that are not available in local stores. For example, instant coffee jars or boxes of tea bags that are available for $1.25. They’re convenient and budget-friendly. Some even come with added flavors like vanilla or hazelnut.

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