Dollar Tree: A Cheap, Grocery-Store Alternative

One stop that you should make before your scheduled trip to the grocery store is to the Dollar Tree. There are some items being sold regularly that cost two to three times more at the grocery store.

Oatmeal and Boxed Cereal

A one pound box of old fashioned oatmeal is a great way to start your morning. The natural fiber in the oatmeal makes it a healthy option .Named brand cereals routinely go on sale. If your children enjoy sugared cereals, this is a great way to stock up. If the box is 12 ounces, and a 24 ounce box of cereal is $1.59 at the grocery store then this is not a savings. Many named brand cereals can be $3 to $5 per box. A few active children can consume a box at one meal. Cereal is great to stock up o n.

Pancake Mix and Syrup

Pancake mix is available in an instant recipe. Only water is needed for cooking. Check regularly for different types of syrups. You may come across maple, or berry flavored specialty syrups. Blackberry and strawberry preserves also make a great topping for pancakes.

Mexican Products

Tortillas and tortilla warmers are a great find. Leftovers heated up and wrapped in a warm tortillas with cheese makes a great meal. You should be able to find corn and flour tortillas. Named brand taco sauce and canned chili's, dry taco seasoning mix, and refried beans.

Meat and Vegetable Broth

Cooking your rice, potatoes, or pasta in broth is a great way to add flavor to your meals. Look for large containers of chicken,beef, or vegetable broth. The broth is usually on the very top shelf.

Soymilk

Soymilk in the plain flavor is a great for cooking or in cereal. Try soymilk in smoothies, over oatmeal, or with cookies.

Toilet Paper

Toilet paper is a staple that you never want to run out of. Many times different brand names are available in plain or double roll. Always purchase the double rolled package if it is available.

Household Personal Items

Look for named brand toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and denture cleansers. Check regularly for named brand personal hygiene products. Such as soap, shampoo, conditioners, and hair pomades.

Bread

Brands such as Nature's own and Wonder bread may be available. There is a local bread truck that delivers to the Dollar Tree. You must arrive within 24 hours of the truck coming in. Fresh bread does not stay on the shelf long, especially at $1.

Drinks

Fango brand three liter sodas, quart sized Arizona Iced Tea, and bottles 100% apple juice are great to stock up on. Six packs of Fango brand sodas quickly leave the shelves. Look for energy drinks, 100% juice boxes, and 20 oz, 6 packs of water.

Frozen Items

Frozen salmon, scallops, milk, sausages, vegetables, and dessert items. Deli style sliced meats, cheese slices, and even frozen dinners are available,. The frozen item section selection varies by the store and when you visit the store. The freezer section has many great deals. Many products are not restocked, so if there is a named brand product stock up.

Milk

A quart of whole milk in plain, strawberry, and chocholtae flavor.

Cheese is sold in small 4 - 6 ounce packages in shredded or in string cheese packages.

Eggs

A half dozen of large eggs. By shopping regularly at the Dollar Tree you can, stock up on some staples to ease your grocery budget. Always look on the very top and bottom shelves, to find new items. If you are in a short financial bind, you can pick up several nutritious items to get you through until you can . Speak with the employees to find out the day of the week, that fresh items such as bread and milk are delivered.