While Dollar Tree might be better known for their home goods and novelty items, at their core they are a grocery store. And a good one at that, the store has plenty of brands that carry everyday products that are not just affordable but also tasty and can take your meals to the next level. While you will not be able to find everything, eggs are no longer sold because of how expensive they are, they do have a ton of delicious pantry staples and out of the box products that will make you glad you made a pitstop there.
The 10 essential grocery items you need to try from Dollar Tree
Jalapeño Cornbread Muffins
Although this is not for everyone since they have a little kick, they are a really nice thing to have in your pantry. They come in a pack of eight individually wrapped muffins per box, which means they do not spoil as quickly and are great for freezing and taking out individual portions when you need to. Definitely a must try for anyone that likes cornbread and a little spice.
Skinny Pop Popcorn Bags
Snacking is a bad vice, it can be quite easy to open a party bag and mindlessly chomping on until half the bag is gone. This is why these individually-packaged bags of Skinny Pop are great, as they are pre-portioned to one serving size. Whether you prefer the original or the kettle corn variety, Dollar Tree carries both and their convenient packaging will allow you to snack without causing much damage.
Ramen
Not just a stapple for broke college students any more, this is a quick an easy meal that anyone can manage without much issue. But like everything else nowadays, popular brands have raised prices and have made this pantry staple almost unaffordable. Dollar Tree carries a lot of these popular brands like Yakisoba and Maruchan in unique flavors that range from spicy beef to miso as well as less known brands that will run you a lot cheaper and will still give you a lot of flavor.
Spices and Spice Blends
Dollar Tree’s spice section is quite good and affordable, their 3-ounce containers, priced at just $1.25, offer impressive value compared to typical grocery store prices and some blends, like their burger seasoning, have even become staples in many kitchens because of their incredible flavor profile.
Breakfast Cereal
While for many years family size containers have won the hearts of Americans, many are discovering that they like a bit more variety with their cereal. This means that big bags can go stale quickly if you have more than one open and that breakfast can become boring. Dollar Tree offers the same name brand cereal you love but in a smaller size that will allow you to buy more variety without compromising taste.
Elmhurst Bottled Oat Milk Lattes
Getting a latte to go has become a luxury, and whilst nothing can beat a good café latte made by a pro barista with specialty coffee, these are very expensive. A good alternative that we do not think you will regret buying is the Elmhurst oat milk lattes, as they give the same feel but at a much cheaper cost. They come in espresso and matcha bases so there is something for everyone.
Oh Snap! Pickles
Individual serving bags of pickles can cost twice as much at many grocery stores, and the spicy variety is often harder to find. At Dollar Tree, both the spicy and regular options are usually in stock for just $1.25, often a dollar or more less than elsewhere.
These compact, flavorful packs are convenient for snacking or adding to a cheese board, and they save space compared to traditional jars.
Frozen Veggies
Buying fresh is always best as it guarantees that it will be in season, but when that is not possible or life just gets busy, a good pack of frozen veggies can save a casserole or a night dinner where you just do not know what to make. The low cost for high quality frozen veg does not hurt either.
Heat-and-serve Rice Packages
Microwaveable rice pouches are a quick and cost-effective solution for busy weeknights, and the non-name brands that Dollar Tree offers provide the same level of taste and convenience without the higher price tag.
Koe Kombucha
Koe kombucha is available at Dollar Tree for $1.25 per bottle, significantly less than the prices typically found at larger retailers like Amazon. A variety of flavors are usually stocked in the refrigerated section, making them an accessible and budget-friendly option.
These lightly fermented, low-sugar beverages offer a refreshing alternative to alcoholic drinks, especially for those looking to unwind with something flavorful but non-intoxicating during the week.