5 Things to Buy at the Dollar Store Instead of the Supermarket

If you're looking to trim fat from your budget, shopping at dollar stores may be a good place to start. The days when everything at a dollar store actually cost $1 are gone, but you can still score steep discounts.

You probably won't be able to replace supermarket shopping entirely with your local dollar store, as dollar stores tend to have sparse selections of fresh groceries, particularly produce. But you can easily shave money from your grocery total if you buy these five things at the dollar store instead of the supermarket.

1. Baking mixes

Dollar stores usually have a wide selection of mixes for baked goods like cake, muffins, and brownies. They're often priced around $1 and tend to have a long shelf life, so you can stock up on a variety of flavors and keep them in your pantry.

When you need a last-minute treat for a birthday party, bake sale, or potluck, you can quickly whip up a batch of goodies.

2. Spices and seasonings

Spices and seasonings are notoriously expensive, so stocking up on the basics like oregano, chili powder, basil, and thyme at the dollar store is a good way to save money on groceries.

One thing to keep in mind, though: Many shoppers report that the per-ounce prices on spices at discount grocery stores like Aldi or Walmart are actually cheaper, as dollar store products often come in smaller containers. But if you're looking to stock your pantry with the basics, the dollar store can be a good starting point.

3. Frozen fruits and vegetables

Frozen fruits and vegetables maintain almost all the health benefits of fresh produce -- and research shows that they may contain even more vitamins and nutrients than their pricier counterparts. While the dollar store usually isn't a good place to find fresh fruits and veggies, it often has a decent selection of frozen produce.

One popular option is Dollar Tree's Smoothie Starters, which contain a mix of fruits and veggies -- like strawberries, bananas, kiwis, and spinach -- that you can easily blend into a smoothie.

4. Food storage items

Whether you're meal prepping or trying to make the most of leftovers, having a solid set of food storage items can help you stop wasting money. Dollar stores often have a good selection of name-brand storage items, including plastic containers, jars, and food storage bins.

The best part: Dollar store containers are up to a third cheaper than you'd find at your regular supermarket, which is great news for your personal finances.

5. Candy

If you have a sweet tooth, you don't want to miss the candy aisle at the dollar store. Many dollar stores carry name-brand candies for way cheaper than grocery stores. Many families report that they like to hit the dollar store to buy candy before going to the movies or before a road trip. Dollar store candy can also be a good option for stocking stuffers or party favors.

However, if you're buying a large amount of candy -- say for Halloween or Easter -- you'll often get a better deal at a warehouse club, like Costco.

How to save money at the dollar store

While everything is priced at a few bucks or less at the dollar store, that doesn't necessarily mean the prices are a bargain. Here are a few tips for saving money at the dollar store.

• Compare per-ounce prices. Dollar stores may be more expensive than grocery stores when you compare items on a per-ounce basis, since the sizes are often smaller. That may be fine for items that you don't use often or if you're a one-person household, but you may be better off shopping at a warehouse club or discount grocer if you have a large household.
• Check expiration dates. Because dollar stores have lower staffing levels than major supermarkets, there are fewer employees checking expiration dates. Be extra vigilant about checking sell-by dates at dollar stores, as you'll waste money if you load up on items that are about to go bad.
• Avoid impulse buying. Dollar stores are a good place to stock up on pantry staples, but they may also tempt you to add a bunch of unnecessary items to your cart, like candles, cheap decorations, and toys for kids. There's nothing wrong with the occasional splurge, but if saving money is the goal, make a shopping list and stick to it.

Whether you're shopping at a dollar store or a regular grocery store, consider taking advantage of credit card perks by using a grocery credit card or a rewards credit card that earns cash back or travel points. Combining your savings at the dollar store with credit card rewards could give a big boost to your bottom line, provided that you pay the balance in full each month.