15 Pantry Essentials You Should Buy at Dollar Tree

Some shoppers are skeptical about the quality of products available at Dollar Tree. These folks might be inclined to snag cheap party supplies or paper plates at the retailer but balk at purchasing pantry essentials.

However, if you're not taking advantage of the competitive pricing on the following items, you're missing out on a chance to keep more money in your wallet .

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1. Baking mixes

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A smart shopping hack is to buy baking mixes at Dollar Tree.

The retailer is a haven for those with a sweet tooth or a penchant for whipping up fresh-baked treats out of a box. Stock up on premade cake, brownie, bread, and pancake mixes cheaply.

You can also find staples such as premade pie crusts, marshmallows, and cake icing to finish the sweet treat you're baking.

2. Beans

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Whether you're a fan of black, pinto, or kidney beans, you can find the bag of beans you need at Dollar Tree. These superfoods are a staple in many pantry recipes and are incredibly nutritious.

Dollar Tree also carries canned beans, but buying them dry will save you more money.

3. Boxed sides

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Sometimes, you need a little help to create a meal after a long workday. Fortunately, Dollar Tree carries a variety of boxed side dishes, from prepared pasta salads to flavored rice pilaf.

In most cases, all you need to do is add water and heat to create a respectable side dish.

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4. Bread crumbs

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Whether you're making meatballs, coating a chicken breast, or creating a crumbly topping for macaroni and cheese, Dollar Tree's bread crumbs will help you get the job done.

You can choose from Italian seasoned or panko, depending on your recipe needs.

One reviewer even noted that the bread crumbs are "outstanding flavor for breaded chicken, pork chops, and filling for our meatballs."

5. Canned goods

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Dollar Tree's canned goods section is a gold mine for pantry staples. From fish and meats to canned fruits and vegetables, you can find plenty of options to suit your cooking needs.

You can also score on canned soups, gravies, sauces, and other foods you would pay more for elsewhere. Just remember to always check the expiration date to ensure freshness.

6. Dried meats

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Dried meats such as beef jerky have become almost prohibitively expensive. Thankfully, Dollar Tree stocks Jack Link's, Oberto, and Tillamook beef jerky and Slim Jim beef sticks.

These snacks are a great staple to have on hand if you need a quick protein boost but don't want to spoil your dinner.

7. Milk

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Like dried beans, milk is one of those foods that’s pretty much the same no matter where you buy it. Save money by picking up whole, 2%, or 1% milk at Dollar Tree.

Dollar Tree also sells almond and oat milk if you're not a fan of dairy, so you can also keep all the vegans in the house satisfied.

8. Nuts and seeds

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Nuts and seeds can be pricey, but not at Dollar Tree.

Whether you're a fan of mixed nuts, pistachios, cashews, almonds, peanuts, or sunflower seeds, you can find a variety of options — both flavored and not — to snack on or add crunch to your salads.

Nuts are also an excellent addition to a healthy diet, which is another reason to stock up on these plant-based powerhouses of protein.

9. Pasta

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Pasta is one of the most popular pantry staples, and Dollar Tree offers a good selection of shapes and sizes, including penne, rotini, elbow, thin spaghetti, and lasagna.

Boil it and add some sauce from the canned goods section. You'll have a cheap, easy dinner on the table in no time.

You can also stock up on boxed Kraft macaroni and cheese, a beloved staple in American kitchens.

10. Peanut butter

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Nut butters can be costly at some grocery stores, especially if you're into the fancy stuff. Dollar Tree provides an affordable peanut butter option in a 10-ounce jar without sacrificing quality.

Spread it on toast, use it in smoothies, or enjoy it straight from the jar with a spoon.

11. Ramen

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A college classic, ramen noodles are a quick and easy meal that is famously cheap. Dollar Tree sells five-packs of Top Ramen in chicken, beef, and shrimp flavors.

Dollar Tree also stocks ramen bowls from other brands like Tapatio and Maruchan.

12. Rice

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Rice is a kitchen staple worldwide, and you would be hard-pressed to find a pantry that doesn't have any. Whether you prefer long-grain white, brown, jasmine, or yellow rice, you can find it at a great price at Dollar Tree.

Cook up some rice and combine it with those beans you made last night, and you'll have a complete protein that’s healthy and delicious.

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13. Soft drinks

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Dollar Tree stocks a surprising variety of soft drinks. The retailer carries True North seltzers, regular and diet Pepsi products, Mexican favorite Jarritos, and soda brand Jones.

You can also snag some Martinelli's sparkling cider for your next alcohol-free toast or get some Yoohoo for your child’s lunchbox.

14. Spices

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Spices can be expensive, depending on the type and brand you’re looking for. As long as you're not hoping for pure saffron or Madagascar vanilla, Dollar Tree makes it possible to spice up meals without overspending.

While the selection may vary, you can usually find common spices such as black pepper, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, cinnamon, and more.

15. Sugar

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Whether you're a baker or simply enjoy a spoonful of sugar in your coffee or tea, Dollar Tree sells several different types of the sweet stuff.

For example, there is Domino granulated white sugar, C&H brown cane sugar, and C&H confectioners sugar.

All of these sugars come in 1-pound boxes, although other options might be available at your local Dollar Tree.

Bottom line

Dollar Tree isn't just a place for party favors and cleaning supplies. It’s also a hidden gem for pantry essentials.

Because many of these items are the same no matter where you buy them, you can save money shopping for these and other everyday essentials when you buy them at Dollar Tree.

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