Questionable Quality
Want to save money but still eat well? Shop at a dollar store. But don’t be tempted to buy every item in sight. Some are junky imposters that are neither good, tasty, nor nutritious. So with that in mind, here are 10 foods to avoid at all costs, and 10 you can and should buy.
1. Canned Meats
Lots of dollar-store knockoffs of canned meat, like generic luncheon loaves or no-name processed meats, are of lesser quality. Flavor, texture, or sometimes both can be off. You might pay less, but you also get a lot less in return.
2. Instant Meals
Instant meals at rock-bottom prices can be seductive, but tasting them reveals so many issues. Bland flavor, odd aftertaste, and even questionable packaging are just some of the things people have noticed from a number of dollar-store instant meals. If it costs a dollar for your entire day's worth of calories, it’s probably not good.
3. Unknown Brand Snacks
Off-brand snacks that look like the snack you know and love might seem like a cheaper alternative, but they are more often than not a waste of money. These knockoffs are some of the worst-tasting versions of what they are trying to be. You may be paying less for the product, but you’re ultimately throwing your money in the garbage once you try it.
4. Bread
While there definitely are items that are okay and good at the dollar store, baked goods are something to be mindful of. Breads often sit on the shelf longer than they should, leading to a loss in quality, and sometimes even expiration of the best-before date. It’s best to try and avoid buying bread at dollar stores, or at the very least, check the best-before date hasn’t passed before buying.
5. Generic Cereal
If the cereal is super cheap, but the brand is completely unrecognizable to you, it might be a good idea to pass on purchasing that one. While sugar is sugar and it will still taste sweet, most unbranded generic cereals are tasteless or even stale. Dollar stores do still sell some familiar brands of cereals, so it might be better to stick with those if buying cereal there.
6. Canned Vegetables
More often than not, when you buy canned vegetables from the dollar store, they taste really bad. It’s not that you got an odd one out or a bad batch, they are just not good quality. The price of these isn’t even that much cheaper than at the grocery store, so you might as well hold off on buying them there.
7. Frozen Foods
Dollarama might seem like the cheapest place to get your frozen products, but ultra cheap usually means ultra bad. You will be saving money at the expense of quality and even food safety in some cases. Unless you absolutely trust the brand, you may end up with a low-grade product.
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8. Dairy Products
Any dairy product that costs a dollar is probably not made from dairy and is extremely processed. Imitation cheese and pre-grated parmesan are some of the least healthy and most questionable products to buy from a dollar store. This is especially the case when it comes to dairy products that have an unusually long shelf life.
9. Honey
Honey is expensive for a reason, and the one- or two-dollar version from the dollar store is not even honey. While it may come packaged in a cute honey jar or a bear-shaped bottle, the “honey” found at Dollarama with no brand attached to it is usually made from corn syrup and lots of sugar. It’s definitely the least healthy cheap alternative to the real thing.
10. Coffee
Instant coffee is usually the lowest-quality coffee there is, and the one from the dollar store just gives it an even worse reputation. While it might be cheap, you most likely end up throwing it away or drinking it forcefully to not feel like it was a waste of money. It’s better to get a coffee you actually like and feel like you got your money's worth.
Now that we’ve talked about things you should avoid buying, here are 10 safe options that are actually worth it.
1. Spices
Salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, these are almost always cheaper at the dollar store and are just as good as the big-brand ones. If you cook at home a lot, the price difference adds up over time. You don’t lose on quality, and you save money at the same time.
2. Pre-Packaged Nuts
Often a good purchase, packaged nuts at the dollar store are pre-portioned for convenience and have a long shelf life. They're a quick, healthy snack for on the go, or an easy salad or dessert topping. Many dollar stores carry name-brand nuts, so you can save money without losing quality.
3. Chocolate Bars
Chocolate bars are always a good dollar-store score for sweet tooths. Lots of them have full-sized versions of popular brands for a fraction of grocery-store prices. They’re a great choice for snacking, baking, or filling up gift baskets.
4. Popular Brand Drinks
If you’re in need of iced tea, soda, or flavored water, check the dollar store. Most of them have a great selection of branded drinks, sometimes even in the same sizes as the grocery store. Keep an eye out for deals on multi-packs to save even more money.
5. Crackers
Crackers are another dollar-store staple that’s great for snacking, especially with dips. You can find both store and name brands in all kinds of flavors and shapes. They often come in smaller boxes, which is good if you’re trying to keep portions under control.
6. Famous Brand Chips
Popular chip brands are a fun find at the dollar store, especially if you need to refill a lunch box or pack some for the road. Dollar store brands are fine too, of course, but it’s nice to have some name-brand snacks now and then. Bags are often a little smaller, but that helps with controlling portions and reducing waste.
7. Pasta
Dollar-store pasta is a good deal because it’s cheap, filling, and versatile. It’s also usually stored well for a long time before it expires. You can find both regular and whole wheat options, plus name brands sometimes too.
8. Cooking Oil
Cooking oil is a staple for the kitchen because it’s something everyone uses. It’s a common ingredient for frying, baking, and sautéing, so you should always have some on hand. Dollar stores usually have an array of different types in small bottles, and most of them are just as good as the ones in larger bottles.
9. Cookies
Cookies are another great deal at the dollar store. Great for a quick snack, kids' lunchbox treat, or to satisfy your sweet tooth, you can usually find both traditional and seasonal varieties. Some brands found at the dollar store can be hit or miss, but they are cheaper and often just as good as the popular brand ones.
10. Boxed Toast
Boxed toast is one of those nifty finds that you can actually get at the dollar store. It stays fresh for a really long time and has a great texture for a variety of spreads: peanut butter, jam, cream cheese. It's a nice option for a quick breakfast or light snack, as well as a companion to soups or salads.
