Are Dollar Tree goods worth $1.25?

You probably know that Dollar Tree was rolling out new prices in their stores to $1.25 each.  From the article that I read, they said that it was to offer a wider range of merchandise.  This led me to believe that new items would be $1.25, not everything at $1.25.

Well, it’s not “everything”.  At least the vegetables that were once 2 for $1  – are now $1 each.  So, if you are unhappy about the 25¢ increase to $1.25, what about that nice doubled price on the canned vegetables?  In a Market Watch article, they also said that it is not due to inflation, but a new price-point (to paraphrase).  So, are Dollar Tree products really worth $1.25?

Let’s look at canned corn for instance.  If you are not brand-loyal, you can get Libby’s canned corn for only 76¢ at Walmart – that is 24¢ cheaper than Dollar Tree!  Buy 4 cans of Libby’s at Walmart and save almost a dollar over Dollar Tree price.  The savings is quite significant.  And, if you don’t need a brand name at all, you can get Walmart’s Great Value canned corn for only 50¢!  The price point may look good, but there are definitely other choices that are better and cheaper when it comes to canned vegetables at least.

Another staple that you can find in Dollar Tree is Knorr sides.

These are now $1.25 at Dollar Tree and still only $1 at Walmart.

$1 Knorr sides at Walmart

$1 Knorr sides at Dollar General

99¢ Knorr sides at Target

So, the Knorr sides is definitely not a deal and cheaper at a lot of other stores that you probably already shop at.  The size is also the same as other stores.  And, talking about size, the Suddenly Salad boxes at Dollar Tree are tiny.

The weight on the different varieties vary, but this is much lighter than the ones offered by Walmart and Dollar General.  Walmart is $2.44 for twice as much (6¢ savings over 2 boxes at Dollar Tree).  But, Dollar General comes out ahead with the best price of only $2.25 for double the amount (25¢ savings over 2 boxes at Dollar Tree).  I also wanted to add that a couple of the flavors can be purchased for only $1 right now through Walmart online, if you put in a pickup order.  The price may change at any time.  With these comparisons, I don’t think that their regular “core” food stock is worth buying.

One exception would be if you just need a small bit of something and would not use the whole thing before the product expired.

Also, Dollar Tree gets one-time items in at times that are well worth the $1.25 price.  For instance, when I went today, there were a few items that sell for much more in other stores.  Regular size General Mills cereals for only $1.25 – that IS a deal!

Another item that they had today was Jello brand Unicorn Slime.  I cannot find it in stock to compare prices, but when you consider that a small box of Jello is around $1.25 at most stores, you know this is a good deal.

The box of Starburst Jello that you see next to the slime Jello is 3¢ cheaper at Walmart!  Kraft Mac & Cheese is only $1 at both Dollar General and Walmart.  Dollar Tree has raised their price of the Kraft Mac & Cheese to $1.25!  Better to buy it at Dollar General or Walmart for a 25¢ saving per box.

But, when it comes to crafts, wrapping paper, decorations, and gift basket bags – I’m going to say Dollar Tree for the win!  You really can’t beat their prices.

The Dollar Tree that I shop at does not have refrigerated or frozen foods, so I cannot comment on products in that area of the stores.

Happy shopping!