More bang for your buck.
BuzzFeed
Hit up the dollar store before going to the grocery store to see what you can get first.
"I always go to the dollar store first, get what I can, and then go to get everything else at the grocery store"
—mariem409793262
"Rule of thumb is to always go shopping at the dollar store first."
—toriu3
Try to buy the random, one-off ingredients you don't use often at the dollar store.
"I try to get pantry items that I don't use often, but need for certain recipes. For me that's panko bread crumbs, spices, yellow rice, and brown sugar. It makes no sense splurging on items you don't use a lot."
—NewYearsEve
Don't forget to check out the frozen fruit section — which is usually much cheaper than grocery stores and perfect for smoothies.
"I've found that the price-per-ounce is much cheaper than regular grocery stores. It's true that not everything is a good deal because of smaller package sizes, but my Dollar Tree carries large packages of frozen blueberries or strawberries that are just as good as the grocery store — and about half the price."
—balyssa
Instagram: @crazy99centstorelady
Check out their Tupperware section to get cheap containers perfect for meal prepping.
"Buying Tupperware from Dollar Tree was a great decision. They have sturdy Tupperware and water bottles, and they come in cute designs too! "
—valeriec4452fb332
Buy your staple grains there, like rice and pasta.
"You get the same amount. And you're not wasting money on a fancy brand that you don't necessarily need."
—hennypennystegosaurus
See if your dollar store has a spice section and buy the ones you won't use often there.
"I always buy spices at the dollar store."
—ericai5
Check to see if they have knockoff versions of your favorites.
"I get knockoff Girl Scout cookies at the dollar store. They're cheaper and available year round!"
—ehaverstick
Check out their prepackaged snacks — perfect for school lunches.
"I get packs of cookies, chips, and crackers for my kids lunches at Dollar Tree. I can get four Individually wrapped packs of crackers/cookies for only a buck."
—stephaniev23
Note: Submissions have been edited for length and/or clarity.
via BuzzFeed/Food
