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Grocery shopping can get expensive fast, but savvy shoppers know that not everything needs to come from a high-priced supermarket. Dollar stores have stepped up their game, offering budget-friendly alternatives to many pantry staples and kitchen essentials.
While some items are best left on the shelf, others provide incredible value without sacrificing quality. Here are 11 things you should always buy at the dollar store instead of the supermarket.
1. Spices and Seasonings
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A small bottle of spices at the supermarket can set you back $3 to $6, while dollar stores often sell the same size for just a buck.
Common seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cinnamon are just as flavorful and effective when bought at a discount. Since spices lose potency over time, spending less on them makes sense—you can replace them more often without feeling guilty.
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2. Baking Essentials
If you’re a home baker, you know that ingredients like baking soda, baking powder, cornstarch, and even vanilla extract can quickly add up. At the dollar store, you’ll find these staples at a fraction of the cost compared to grocery store brands.
While you might not get a premium brand, for most baking projects, these budget-friendly options work just as well and keep your pantry stocked without breaking the bank.
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3. Canned Goods
Canned vegetables, beans, and soups are often priced much lower at dollar stores than at traditional supermarkets. Many dollar stores carry well-known brands or generic alternatives that taste just as good.
Stocking up on canned tomatoes, corn, or chickpeas from the dollar store can save you a few dollars on each grocery trip. Just be sure to check expiration dates and ingredient labels to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
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4. Cooking Oils and Vinegar
Oils like vegetable and canola, as well as basic vinegars like white distilled or apple cider vinegar, are significantly cheaper at the dollar store. While you may not find gourmet extra virgin olive oil, these basic cooking staples are perfect for everyday use, from frying to salad dressings.
Instead of overpaying at the supermarket, grab a bottle at the dollar store and put those savings toward more specialty ingredients.
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5. Pasta and Rice
Supermarket pasta and rice prices have crept up in recent years, but dollar stores still offer these pantry staples at unbeatable prices.
You’ll often find standard pasta shapes like spaghetti, elbow macaroni, and penne, as well as bags of white or brown rice, all for a dollar or slightly more. Since dry pasta and rice have long shelf lives, it makes sense to stock up without overspending.
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6. Condiments and Sauces
Why pay $4 for a bottle of ketchup or mustard when the dollar store sells the same thing for much less? Many discount stores carry brand-name condiments like mayo, barbecue sauce, and salad dressings at a fraction of the supermarket price.
Even hot sauce and soy sauce can often be found at bargain prices. These items have long shelf lives, making them an easy win for budget-conscious shoppers.
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7. Frozen Fruits and Vegetables
Frozen produce is one of the best-kept secrets at many dollar stores. You can often find frozen peas, corn, mixed veggies, or even fruit blends for smoothies, all for much cheaper than at grocery stores.
Since frozen fruits and vegetables retain their nutritional value, they’re a cost-effective way to keep your freezer stocked without worrying about spoilage. Always check portion sizes—some bags may be smaller, but the savings still add up.
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8. Bread and Tortillas
Believe it or not, dollar stores often sell brand-name bread, bagels, and tortillas at steep discounts compared to supermarkets.
Many stores receive surplus bakery items that are still fresh but nearing their sell-by date, making them a fantastic deal. If you’re not going to use them right away, freeze them for later. Paying $1 for a loaf instead of $3 to $5 at the grocery store is a no-brainer.
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9. Snacks and Treats
Chips, pretzels, popcorn, and even cookies can be significantly cheaper at the dollar store than at the supermarket. If you’re craving a quick snack, many well-known brands offer smaller or trial-size versions, allowing you to indulge without spending a fortune.
Just be mindful of portion sizes—sometimes, the weight of a snack bag may be slightly less than what you’d get at a supermarket, but the price difference makes it worth it.
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10. Bottled Water and Drinks
If you regularly buy bottled water, sports drinks, or even flavored sparkling water, the dollar store is a great place to grab them for less.
Many locations sell multipacks or individual bottles at a much lower price than the grocery store. Whether you need hydration for a road trip or just want a cheaper way to stock up on beverages, you can save a lot by skipping the supermarket markup.
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11. Kitchen and Food Storage Supplies
Food storage bags, aluminum foil, parchment paper, and plastic wrap are significantly cheaper at the dollar store than at the supermarket. While the quality may not always be identical to premium brands, for everyday use, they get the job done.
Whether you need sandwich bags for lunches or aluminum foil for roasting, the dollar store versions are just as effective, and you won’t feel bad about using them generously.
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Final Thoughts
While the supermarket is great for fresh produce and specialty items, savvy shoppers know that the dollar store offers unbeatable deals on pantry staples, snacks, and kitchen essentials.
By strategically buying these 11 items at the dollar store instead of the grocery store, you can trim your food budget without sacrificing quality. Next time you go shopping, take a trip to your local dollar store—you might be surprised at how much you can save.
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Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.
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