9 Groceries Frugal Retirees Should Buy at Dollar Tree Ahead of Spring 2026
Written by
Angela Mae Watson
Edited by
Jenna Klaverweiden
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As per the Federal Reserve, the average retiree (age 65-plus) spends $61,432 annually. Around 8% of this budget (or $5,251) goes toward groceries.
If grocery prices are straining your budget, Dollar Tree could be the answer. You can pick up some basic groceries ahead of spring. You might even save a little extra money by grabbing long-lasting items before the retailer swaps out its selection next season.
These are some top grocery items retirees can pick up at Dollar Tree now to potentially save money later.
Bibigo Bulgogi Chicken and Vegetable Dumplings
- Price: $3.00
Feeling adventurous? These bulgogi chicken and vegetable dumplings make for a great side or small meal. They’re frozen, so they’ll keep without losing their quality for at least several months.
Whole Wheat Bread
- Price: $1.50
Bread keeps for around three months or so in the freezer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. And since bread can get expensive, you could save by picking up a few loaves from Dollar Tree.
This sliced whole wheat bread has fewer carbs than white bread. So if you’re looking for an easy option for meals — like sandwiches or buttered toast — this is a great buy.
Bread and Butter Pickle Chips
- Price: $1.25
Do you love bread and butter pickle chips? Pick up a jar or two and keep them in a temperature-controlled pantry or cupboard. Unopened, they’ll last until spring and beyond.
Strawberry Shortcake Frozen Bars
- Price: $5.00
Living frugally doesn’t mean you can’t splurge every now and then. Dollar Tree sells frozen strawberry shortcake bars that are great on warm spring days or after a savory meal. They come in a pack of six, meaning each bar is $0.83.
Banquet Frozen Meals
- Price: $1.50
Shopping while hungry and on a budget is no fun, but neither is spending hours in the kitchen when you’d rather be enjoying a nice spring afternoon. At Dollar Tree, you can pick up complete frozen meals now to have once the seasons change.
For example, there’s the Banquet chicken nuggets and fries for $1.50. Or if you want something a little heartier, there’s the Banquet Salisbury steak meal for the same price.
Apple Cranberry Juice
- Price: $1.25
According to Medical News Today, cranberry juice has many health benefits, ranging from improving heart health to reducing the risk of urinary tract infections.
But whether you’re health-conscious or you just love the taste, this 64-ounce bottle of apple cranberry juice is a must-have pantry item. It’s affordable and will last for months unopened. If you want something a little less sugary, check out the reduced sugar cranberry juice.
Healthy Choice Chicken With Rice Soup
- Price: $1.25
Looking for more ways to add protein to your diet? Stock up on canned goods like this Healthy Choice chicken with rice soup. Canned goods can last for months, if not years, in the pantry. Soups like this one also make for a quick, light meal come the warmer months.
Paper Towels
- Price: $1.50
No matter who you are or what time of year it is, paper towels are essential. Grab a two-ply roll for $1.50 at Dollar Tree. You’ll get 140 sheets out of it. That’s approximately one penny per sheet.
Everyday Paper Napkins
- Price: $1.50
Not a major fan of paper towels, but still want to keep your retirement leisurely? These everyday napkins will do the trick if you’ve got spills or other small messes to clean up at home. For $1.50, you get 150 napkins — that’s a penny each.
Editor’s note: Pricing and availability may vary depending on location.
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