7 Groceries Middle-Class Shoppers Save On by Buying at Dollar Tree
With food costs still doing their darndest to ruin your monthly budget, more middle‑class shoppers are learning the simple truth that not every grocery item needs to come from a traditional supermarket if you want to stack up the savings. In fact, some everyday staples are significantly cheaper at Dollar Tree and identical (or nearly so) in quality.
The key is knowing what to buy at Dollar Tree and what to skip. Here are seven groceries MoneyLion has scoped out to make sure everything you add to your cart is worth it.
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Pop Secret Microwave Popcorn
Price: $1.25
Dollar Tree is one of the best places to grab snacks on a budget, and nothing pulls together a movie night like these 1.75-ounce bags of Pop Secret Microwave popcorn, complete with the taste of movie theater butter. As this is a three-pack for $1.25, it costs you just 75 cents per bag, which is a price‑per‑portion that beats grocery stores and offers big savings on brand-name snacks.
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Hungry Jack Pancake and Waffle Mix
Price: $1.50
Basic breakfast staples like Hungry Jack Pancake and Waffle mix are usually far cheaper at Dollar Tree than at supermarkets. You can feed your family by the stack as you watch your savings pile up. This type of pre-portioned baking mix is perfect for quick breakfasts and has a long shelf life and simple ingredients, making it a smart swap for middle‑class households trying to lower breakfast costs without sacrificing convenience.
Goya Black Beans
Price: $1.50
It never hurts to have a decent stockpile of a pantry staple like beans or legumes. Dollar Tree’s Goya Black Beans, pinto beans, chickpeas and lentils are one of its best‑value grocery items and a great affordable protein. While sizes may be slightly smaller, the per‑ounce cost is often lower, especially as grocery store prices skyrocket.
Hunts Tomato Ketchup
Price: $1.50
Practice safe savings at lunch and use a quality condiment. Hunts Tomato Ketchup, mustard, hot sauce, BBQ sauce and basic salad dressings are often cheaper at Dollar Tree. This is especially helpful if your household doesn’t go through condiments quickly and doesn’t need a massive bottle, as a little can often go a long way when it comes to lower upfront costs, such as, say, 11 cents an ounce.
Kingsford Lemon Pepper All-Purpose Seasoning
Price: $1.50
Variety may be the spice of life, but filling up your rack with seasoning can get costly. However, Kingsford Lemon Pepper All-Purpose Seasoning is significantly cheaper at Dollar Tree than higher-priced versions of the same thing at grocery store chains. Remember, saving money on every meal you prep starts with even the basics of salt and pepper.
Minute White Rice
Price: $1.50 (four-count)
It’s time to carbo-load on savings, starting with this four-pack of Minute White Rice at just about 38 cents a pop. In fact, basic white rice, flavored rice mixes, spaghetti and macaroni are often cheaper at Dollar Tree, making this easy meal base a must-buy. While bulk stores may win on family‑sized portions, Dollar Tree is perfect for budget meal planning or smaller households.
Tony's Frozen Cheese Pizza
Price: $4
Dollar Tree’s frozen section has improved a lot, which is great news for your wallet. Items like hash browns, waffles, Tony's Frozen Cheese Pizza and snack‑size frozen foods often cost less than grocery store versions, in particular the big brands. These are great for quick meals, work lunches or busy nights when cooking isn’t happening.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
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