16 Dollar General Buys Just as Good as Their Pricier Versions

From pasta to paint, Dollar General can help you save more on everyday essentials . Some of the top buys from this dollar store are just as good (if not better) than the pricier versions.

While not every item is exactly one dollar, these must-haves are more than just affordable. So, go ahead and fill your cart with these Dollar General deals.

Editor's note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

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1. Clover Valley Stevia Sweetener

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Price: $1.75

Sweeten your coffee, tea, or baked cookies with this sugar substitute. This 35-count box of stevia is an alternative to the real deal.

The popular product can come with a steep price tag at other stores. But, at Dollar General’s under-$2 price point, this zero-calorie pack is one “sweet” bargain.

2. Clover Valley Ziti

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Price: $1.75

For the price of this pasta, you won’t have to sacrifice quality. The Clover Valley enriched ziti is made from 100% durum semolina.

At Dollar General, you can get almost one pound of uncooked pasta for an outrageously affordable price. If ziti isn’t your favorite pasta, try angel hair, elbow mac, or spaghetti options.

3. Goodcook Measuring Set

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Price: $3

You’ll get a one-cup, half-cup, third-cup, and quarter-cup measurer along with tablespoon, teaspoon, half-teaspoon, and quarter-teaspoon size spoons.

Each cup features an easy-pour spout to make food prep a breeze. The BPA-free, dishwasher-safe set nests together and fits onto a snap ring for safe storage.

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4. Clover Valley Cheddar Cheese Crackers

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Price: $2

The naturally flavored salted cheddar squares are savory snacks that you can add to a party mix bowl or eat as-is.

At this low price, you’ll have money left over to pick up a few boxes of Dollar General’s golden round, vegetable, chicken flavored, or thin wheat crackers.

5. Clover Valley Corn Flakes

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Price: $2.75

Does the rising cost of cereal make you want to skip breakfast? Instead of paying for over-priced boxes of brand-name flakes, try this Dollar General bargain buy.

This affordable alternative has nine nutritious vitamins and minerals and is made without artificial flavors or colors. All you’ll get is the delicious taste of crisp toasted corn.

6. Natura Apple Juice

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Price: $2.50

Spend less on juice with this from-concentrate apple-packed option. You’ll get two quarts of 100% apple juice with this Dollar General find.

If you’re looking for a way to save on your food and beverage budget, this premium pick has the quality you want at a price that is more than just reasonable.

7. 321 Party Round Plastic Tablecover

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Price: $1.50

Decorate for your next party and protect your tables with this inexpensive 84-inch round cover from Dollar General.

The waterproof material is washable and reusable. There’s a hue to match almost every party theme. Choose from a variety of bright, bold, and pastel colors.

8. Gift Bag

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Price: $1

Specialty retailers may sell this type of bag for two, three, or more times the price you’ll find at Dollar General.

This can’t-miss buy is the perfect holder for birthdays, Mother’s Day, or other holiday presents. If the sparkly hot pink hue isn’t your favorite color, choose from other shades and patterns.

9. Imagine Crayon 24-Pack

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Price: Two for $1

This set of non-toxic crayons is perfect for everyday drawing activities, school projects, or other arts and crafts.

With every color your little artist needs to create, these crayons will help your child to make their own mini masterpieces.

10. Artskills Crafters Closet Acrylic Paint

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Price: $0.80

From your own artistic creations to your child’s projects, this acrylic is easy to apply to various surfaces.

Brush the paint onto paper, stencil it on wood, or try your hand at stamping. Dollar General stores have a rainbow of colors, with lighter hues and darker shades.

11. Power Stick 3-in-1 Body Wash, Shampoo, Conditioner

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Price: $1

Not only will you get more gel in this mega-sized bottle, but this spring fresh scent takes the place of three different bath and grooming item buys.

Instead of buying separate bottles of body wash, shampoo, and conditioner, choose this multi-use Power Stick product.

12. Wizard Air Freshener

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Price: $1

Choose from vanilla lavender, white floral, winter pine forest, tropical citrus, and other freshening scents.

The easy-to-use spray bottle makes this bargain buy a convenient way to cover odd odors and add fragrance to the indoor air.

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13. La’s Totally Awesome Bang Bathroom and Shower Cleaner

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Price: $1

This 32-ounce bottle of grime-getting spray takes care of soap scum, hard water buildup, calcium and lime stains, and rust stains.

You can also use Bang to remove dirt and clean grout. With one quart of multi-use cleaning power, you won’t need to buy other products to make your bathroom sparkle.

14. Good ‘n’ Fun Dog Treats

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Price: $3.95

Gourmet dog treats aren’t exactly inexpensive. But these rib-flavored goodies are a fraction of what you might pay at a specialty pet store.

Not only are these sticks treats your dog will want to eat, but they also help prevent dental tartar and calcium buildup.

15. True Living Fresh Cotton Linen Scented Candle

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Price: $6

Soothe your senses with these 18-ounce scented candles from Dollar General. Keep your home smelling sweet without going over budget.

This True Living candle jar has a fresh fragrance that will fill your home with warmth. The classic design also adds a decorative accent to your living room, bedroom, or other interior space.

16. Gentle Steps Baby Shampoo

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Price: $2.75

The tear-free shampoo is hypoallergenic, so it is less likely to sting your little one’s eyes or irritate their sensitive skin.

Comparable brand-name products cost nearly double the price of a similar type of cleansing wash.

Bottom line

There’s no need to splurge on pantry staples, home goods, and items that your kids use daily. The value you’ll find at this dollar store makes it easy to keep more money in your wallet .

Along with these top deals, visit your local Dollar General to find aisles of inexpensive alternatives that will leave money in your bank account.

Money tips that can work for everyone

No matter what your bank account balance is, there's always an opportunity to optimize and improve your finances. Here's a quick checklist of things you can look at today.

Focus on paying off your debt. Debt can hold you back from making progress with your overall financial well-being. Aside from cutting expenses, there are tools that can help you pay off debt faster like balance transfer credit cards and debt counseling.

Earning extra income can give you breathing room. If finances are tight, earning some extra money to supplement your income can make a huge difference. A new job is one option to consider, but if you're not ready to make a big change or already retired, a part-time side job could be a better choice.

Cut your expenses. It sounds painful and so not fun, but it doesn't have to be. Take a look at your biggest expenses because that's where you'll probably find the biggest savings. For example, auto insurance rates have been soaring so shopping around for a new insurance company can be the fastest way to cut your bill. Also, look for ways to cut your grocery bill (despite rising inflation).