Should You Buy Groceries at the Dollar Store?
Written by
Nicole Spector
Edited by
Ashleigh Ray
Commitment to Our Readers
GOBankingRates' editorial team is committed to bringing you unbiased reviews and information. We use data-driven methodologies to evaluate financial products and services - our reviews and ratings are not influenced by advertisers. You can read more about our editorial guidelines and our products and services review methodology.
20 Years
Helping You Live Richer
Reviewed
by Experts
Trusted by
Millions of Readers
Online grocery shopping usually costs more than buying in the store, and there’s often a need for an unplanned quick trip to get something last minute.
To save on costs and time, dollar stores stand out as attractive alternatives to supermarkets. They certainly don’t tout anywhere near the level of selection or curation, but you can often find basics, such as canned and dried foods — and sometimes even more time-sensitive must-haves, such as produce and refrigerated beverages.
But is buying food from a dollar store a smart idea? It really depends on what you’re buying and how well you’ve done the math. Perhaps surprisingly, there are instances in which you’ll pay more for essentials at a dollar store than you would at a grocery mart.
Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews, said there’s nothing wrong with purchasing groceries at the dollar store, but it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid.
Check the Expiration Dates
“The biggest thing is making sure the ‘best by’ or expiration dates haven’t already passed on the items you purchase,” Ramhold said. “The turnover rates of these items might not be the same as a regular grocery store; so, if they move slower, there might be more expired items — or items nearing expiration — on the shelves.”
Convenience Comes at a Cost
Although dollar stores are cheap, sometimes products at grocery stores are even cheaper — coming in way under $1 because of sales, bulk options or some other reason, so you’ll want to double-check on costs.
“Potentially, you could end up paying more than if you were to shop at a standard grocery store, but sometimes the convenience might be worth it,” Ramhold said. “The best thing is to note the prices at your go-to grocery store and then check the same — or similar — items the next time you’re at the dollar store. Then you’ll know … whether it’s worth it or not. Be sure to look at the unit price, too — not just the overall cost.”
You Will Have Fewer Choices
Dollar stores don’t carry nearly the same amount of grocery products that a regular grocery store does, so your list might help determine if you can shop there or not.
“Depending on the dollar store you’re shopping at, there’s a chance that the selection could be pretty limited, especially for things like fresh produce,” Ramhold said. “Keep this in mind when preparing to make a shopping trip, as it will likely limit how much of your grocery list you can check off. Although, if you only need a few things, it could be a convenient solution.”
Alas, Not Everything Costs a Dollar
“Contrary to the name, not everything at the dollar store will cost only $1 — and if it does, then odds are you’re going to get a very tiny amount,” Ramhold said. “Picking up a gallon of milk and a dozen eggs may be around $7 at a standard grocery store; but, shopping at the dollar store, those items may end up being over $10 — it just depends on the store you shop.”
Items That Are Good To Get From the Dollar Store
Items that tend to be a good buy at the dollar store include:
Shelf-Stable Items
“Most shelf-stable items, like packaged foods, should be perfectly fine to get. Just pay attention to their ‘best by’ dates to ensure you have enough time to consume them,” Ramhold said.
Spices
“If you’re buying ground spices, there’s potential to find really great deals on these items at the dollar store. Just remember that they may not be as potent, so you might end up wanting to use more,” Ramhold said. “And, if you do that, the potential bargain might not be as good as it initially seemed.”
Items That Are Bad To Get From the Dollar Store
On the other hand, you may want to avoid buying these from the dollar store:
Perishables
“These may be very limited in brands, which may force you to pay more if the store carries premium brands over generics,” Ramhold said. “This extends to fresh produce, as well … Even if they do have a decent selection, the quality may be lacking, depending on how often they receive a shipment.”
Baking Supplies
“The odds are good that pantry staples, like flour and sugar, may end up costing you more at the dollar store than if you were to purchase from a big-box retailer like Target,” Ramhold said.
More From GOBankingRates
