Dollar Store Savings - How to Spot the Best Deals on Food Items

Bargain hunters have flocked to Dollar Stores in recent years in search of ways to stretch their ever dwindling dollar. That demand for bargains has fueled food isle expansions in most Dollar Stores, but not all the food on the Dollar Store shelf is the best deal for the money. Use these tips to spot the best deals on food items at any Dollar Store.

Check the Price Tag

Just because the words 'Dollar Store' are in the name of the store does not necessarily mean every item in the store is priced at one dollar. Many food items may cost more than one dollar, especially at the pricier dollar stores. Food may actually cost more, either per serving or per unit, than at a local grocery store, so check the price tag before buying food.

Check Expiration Date

Many dollar stores get their food items from closeout sales and overstock sales, which means the food items may have been sitting in a warehouse for awhile prior to it arriving at the dollar store. While you won't (or certainly not supposed too) find food items that have past their expiration date, the food may be getting close to the stamped expiration date on the container and need to be used quickly. Keep that in mind when bargain shopping and check the expiration date.

Grocery Shop Without a List

We've always been taught that to save money on groceries we should shop with a list and stick to the list. That philosophy will work at the grocery store but not at a dollar store. The merchandise at dollar stores change daily and specific food item you found there last week may not be there this week so be flexible when shopping at a dollar store. Be open to try different brands and new items since taking the culinary risk won't be overly pricey.

Bring the Coupons Along

Leave the grocery list but bring the coupons when shopping at a dollar store to help save even more money. Some true dollar stores (where every item costs one dollar) may not accept manufacturer's cents off coupons, some of the pricier dollar stores will accept coupons. Combine the cents off coupons with in-store sale prices and you can get some real steals on food (and health and beauty aids) at a dollar store.