Food prices are still at record highs, which means many of us are looking for affordable alternatives to stock up on fridge and pantry essentials. While the Dollar Tree is known for holiday goods, cleaning supplies, and inexpensive home goods, the store also carries many of the familiar grocery brands you’d find at any Walmart, Kroger, or Publix. In fact, they even boast an assortment of specialty products to meet your baking and cooking needs—all for the chain’s signature competitive price of $1.25 per unit.
After scouring the shelves recently, we’ve rounded up 14 products that really blew us away. From gnocchi and tamarind soda to egg noodles and guava smoothies, Dollar Tree is your one-stop shop for a good portion of your grocery list (the chain doesn’t sell fresh produce or many refrigerated items). Even better, these budget-friendly products are also available online for same-day delivery.
1. Packets of Gnocchi
This potato-based pasta is sold in 17-ounce packages and is one of the most affordable on the market, according to dozens of five-star reviews in the comments section. Saute and toss with your favorite sauce, from Marcella Hazan’s perfect tomato sauce with onions and butter to fresh pesto.
2. Panko breadcrumbs
Light and airy yet perfectly crunchy, these breadcrumbs elevate any dish that uses a crunchy touch (creamy lemon spaghetti, anyone?) and make an A+ homemade mac and cheese topping.
3. Spices for pumpkin pie
A little secret: Pumpkin pie spice will save you extra money because it’s already a mix of simple spices like cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. Instead of buying them individually to create seasonal desserts, opt for a personal shaker and go to town. Mix a teaspoon into your morning oatmeal and you can enjoy the taste of fall all year round.
4. Jarritos Tamarind Soda
If you like a little spice, you’ll appreciate the sweet-sour notes of this tamarind-flavored soft drink made with 100% natural sugar from popular Mexican soda brand Jarritos.
5. Canned sardines
Love them or hate them, Dollar Tree has sardines. Eat them straight from the tin or use them as a base for your favorite slaw (they also make a great pantry staple to survive any zombie apocalypse).
6. Egg noodles
Egg noodles are endlessly versatile—starring in everything from soups to stroganoff—so we loaded up our cart with a few of these 12-ounce packages.
7. Crispy rice rolls
This simple, crunchy-sweet snack is perfect for keeping in the car, purse, or desk drawer for when hunger strikes and you need a quick energy boost to get you through the day.
8. Guava nectar
While it’s too sweet to sip on its own, add these tropical nectars to smoothies, sodas, and most importantly, cocktails (more specifically, margaritas).
9. Spicy salted sausages
When it comes to eating, we’re sure to eat whatever you’re in the mood for. If it’s spicy, pickled sausage, you know where to get it.
10. Corn breads
Similar to a pita chip – only sweeter and slightly coarser. But like pita chips, they can stand up to hummus-thick salsa. They are also delicious on their own.
11. Canned smoked oysters
Nothing beats eating fresh oysters, but smoked oysters make excellent additions to pastas, soups, and stews. You can also serve it with hot sauce and butter crackers for any cocktail hour.
12. Graham Cracker Pie Crust
While you can make your own pie crust at home, it’s good to know that Dollar Tree carries a pre-made version of any last-minute baking bread. That’s something to keep in mind during the holidays, when grocery stores are packed with last-minute shoppers.
13. Crispy Jalapenos
Toss these deliciously crunchy, peppery jalapeño crisps into any meal to add a little heat. We mean anything: soups, salads, grilled meats, dips, and even casseroles as an alternative to fried onions.
14. Very thin pizza crust
Skip the shipping and make your own cheese creation with these ultra-thin crusts. In fact, you can even make a homemade pizza for about $5 if you use Dollar Tree ingredients (with cheese, sauce, and hot sauce).