$15 Shopping Haul: Dollar Tree
http://https://fredstories.com/fredpods/podcast/fredonia-foodie-15-shopping-haul/
In general, I think sometimes Dollar Tree is overlooked when it comes to grocery shopping or great meal ideas. But it has more than just snacks! Let’s take a look.
The first product I want to mention is actually not a food item. I think food storage is just as important as food preparation. Why meal prep if you can’t preserve it properly. A great way to do this is with plastic food storage boxes. These can be microwaved, refrigerated, and frozen. A great way to save your meals and eliminate food waste.
The second product I think every college student should have is Betty Crocker Suddenly Salads. These are great one person size sides that are incredibly easy to make. And delicious. They come in two kinds, Bacon and Ranch, my personal favorite, and Classic. Not only do these just take minutes to make, they are also a great source of grains to add to any meal.
Granola Bars! Select Choice has multiple flavors of granola bars including peanut butter chocolate and grains and honey that can be an on the go breakfast, study snack, or lunch side. Plus they’re delicious.
The next few items are all about taste. What’s the point in making a meal if it doesn’t taste good? Let’s update your spice cabinet!
Salt and pepper are obviously a must when it comes to seasoning. Everything tastes better with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. I recommend the salt and pepper grinders available at Dollar Tree. There’s something about grinding it yourself that just makes it taste better.
A few other spices to add to the cart! Garlic powder, onion powder, crushed red pepper, lemon pepper, and Italian seasoning.
By now your cart should be overflowing with great spices, snacks, and sides. But what about the main course? We have 5 more Dollars, let’s use them wisely.
One of my all time favorite things at Dollar Tree which might sound weird, is their frozen salmon. I know, Dollar Salmon? But trust me… you need it.
Go to the freezer section, bottom shelf. There are tons of frozen meat options! And the best part is, they are all single servings, making it easy for a meal for one, or to prep for the week!
I suggest seasoning with the spices we just picked up, and you will have a great source of protein to create a delicious meal.
Another great addition to any meal is pasta or rice. This can add a base to any protein or veggie! I highly suggest all the Knorr products at Dollar Tree. Again, they are a great one meal serving size, easy to make, and taste great.
For our remaining 3 dollars, I suggest going to the canned goods. Canned foods are a must when meal prepping. They are easy and last a long time! They can also be great additions to any meal.
I would suggest getting at least one thing from the following categories. Fruits, Vegetables, and Protein.
Canned fruits can be a great breakfast option, side for a lunch, or healthy dessert.
Canned vegetables are great for easy and healthy sides to any meal, and add flavor!
And lastly a canned protein like black beans can be added to anything to bring up your protein count and give you energy to take on the day as a college student.
Thanks for shopping with me! And if you liked this episode, you can give me a shoutout with the #fredoniafoodie on all social platforms. Let’s get cooking!
