Dollar Tree's holiday treasures: 7 budget-friendly finds that'll stretch your grocery dollars this season

When you're living on a fixed income, every dollar counts at the grocery store. That's where Dollar Tree has quietly become a game-changer for budget-conscious shoppers, especially as the holidays approach. While the retail landscape shifts around us, this discount chain continues to offer genuine value that can make a real difference in your monthly food budget.

Dollar stores have become the fastest-growing food retailers in the United States.

With 13.5% of US households experiencing food insecurity in 2023—affecting over 47 million people and 7.2 million children—finding affordable quality food has never been more important.

The good news? More than 90% of products at Dollar Tree remain at $1.25 or less, even as the company converts 2,000 stores to its “3.0 model” and opens 300 new locations in 2025.

This week's new arrivals prove that smart shopping doesn't mean sacrificing quality or holiday joy.

Holiday magic starts early with Haribo Christmas gummy bears

The holidays are creeping up faster than you might expect, and Dollar Tree knows it.

Their Haribo Goldbears Christmas Gummi Candy brings those familiar fruity flavors in festive red, green, and white colors.

At $1.25 per bag, you're getting the same beloved Haribo quality that costs nearly double at traditional grocery stores.

Dollar Tree is unmatched when it comes to movie-theater style candy, with small boxes seldom more than $1.25 and perfect as on-the-go sugary snacks.

These holiday gummies are perfect for gift bags, stocking stuffers, or just treating yourself without the guilt of overspending!

A sweet start to the season—Haribo Goldbears in festive colors bring holiday cheer for just $1.25 a bag. Image Source: Dollar Tree.

Baking made simple with garlic herb biscuits

The Harvest Hill Garlic Herb Biscuit Mix offers something special—it delivers restaurant-quality results from your own oven.

Each 8.5-ounce box makes eight biscuits and costs just $1.25.

Compare that to buying pre-made biscuits or even the ingredients separately at a regular grocery store, and you're looking at serious savings.

Dollar Tree's baking mix selection rotates constantly and offers interesting variety, so when you see something you like, grab a few boxes.

These garlic herb biscuits are perfect for holiday dinners, potlucks, or just elevating a simple soup into something special.

Warm, flaky, and full of flavor—Harvest Hill Garlic Herb Biscuit Mix makes homemade baking easy and affordable. Image Source: Dollar Tree.

Also read: Stop overpaying at the grocery store: 11 Dollar Tree food finds that can save you big!

Bringing carnival nostalgia home with funnel cake mix

Sometimes the best treats are the ones that bring back memories.

The Enticingly Easy Funnel Cake Mix transforms your kitchen into a mini carnival for just $1.25.

Each pack makes six large funnel cakes—that’s about 21 cents per serving.

Bring the fair home with Enticingly Easy Funnel Cake Mix—sweet, simple fun for just $1.25. Image Source: Dollar Tree.

The beauty of this mix lies in its simplicity. Just add milk, egg, oil, and a pinch of flour, and you've got a dessert that'll have the grandkids talking!

Top with powdered sugar, cinnamon, or even a drizzle of chocolate sauce for a treat that rivals any county fair.

Seasonal sweetness with Peeps marshmallow trees

Peeps aren't just for Easter anymore, and Dollar Tree's Marshmallow Trees prove it.

These winter-themed treats add whimsy to holiday gift bags or serve as a fun snack that costs a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere.

While prices are usually comparable, Dollar Tree typically carries smaller portions when it comes to pre-packaged snacks or candy.

This works in your favor for portion control and trying new seasonal items without a big financial commitment.

Add a touch of whimsy to the holidays with Peeps Marshmallow Trees—festive, fun, and perfectly priced. Image Source: Dollar Tree.

Frozen favorites: Arby’s seasoned curly fries

Here's where Dollar Tree really shines in the frozen food department.

Those Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries pack all the zesty flavor you remember from the restaurant, but you can air fry them to crispy perfection in your own kitchen for $1.25.

Given that a small order of curly fries at Arby’s costs around $3–4, buying the frozen version gives you multiple servings for less than the price of one restaurant order.

They're perfect as a side dish or even a satisfying snack!

Crispy, seasoned, and full of flavor—Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries bring the restaurant favorite home for just $1.25. Image Source: Dollar Tree.

Also read: Shopping at Dollar Tree? Watch for these price tags as costs start to rise

Corn tortilla chips with a difference

The Calidad Corn Tortilla Chips offer something refreshing—a break from heavily seasoned snacks.

Sometimes simple is better, especially when you want to taste the actual corn or pair chips with your favorite salsa or dip.

At $1.25, these chips represent excellent value compared to name-brand options at regular grocery stores, where similar bags often cost $3–5.

Stock up for holiday entertaining or just to have on hand for impromptu gatherings.

Simple, crunchy, and perfect for dipping—Calidad Corn Tortilla Chips offer great taste and even better value. Image Source: Dollar Tree.

Campbell’s comfort in a can

Campbell’s Condensed Chicken with Rice Soup marks a return to comfort food basics.

At 13.8 ounces for $1.25, it's packed with carrots, rice, and chicken—more substantial than many condensed soups.

Regular grocery stores charge $1.99 or more for the same product.

This soup represents exactly why Dollar Tree works so well for seniors: familiar brands, quality ingredients, and prices that don’t shock your budget.

It’s comfort food that actually comforts your wallet too.

Classic comfort in every spoonful—Campbell’s Condensed Chicken with Rice Soup warms both heart and home. Image Source: Dollar Tree.

Making the most of your Dollar Tree shopping trip

Smart shopping at Dollar Tree requires a different strategy than traditional grocery shopping.

Most Dollar Tree locations have at least one price-checking scanner somewhere in the store, and it's worth taking a few minutes to scan prices of items you're thinking of buying.

Look for clearance items and seasonal markdowns, especially after holidays.

Dollar Tree often has discounted items on endcaps or piled in shopping carts near checkouts, sometimes stacked at random spots throughout the store.

The key is knowing when Dollar Tree makes sense and when it doesn’t.

For pantry staples, baking supplies, and seasonal treats, it's hard to beat their prices.

For fresh produce or bulk quantities, your regular grocery store might serve you better.

Also read: Could Walmart’s latest move outshine Dollar Tree for party shoppers?

The bigger picture: stretching your food budget

These seven items represent more than just good deals—they're part of a broader strategy for managing food costs on a fixed income.

When you can save $1–3 per item on common pantry staples, those savings add up quickly over a month.

Consider this: if you bought all seven items at Dollar Tree instead of a traditional grocery store, you'd save approximately $10–15.

Multiply that across a year of smart shopping choices, and you're looking at hundreds of dollars that can stay in your pocket or go toward other necessities.

The beauty of Dollar Tree's current food selection lies in its ability to make quality ingredients accessible without breaking the bank.

Whether you're planning holiday meals, stocking up on comfort foods, or just looking for affordable treats, these seven new arrivals prove that eating well doesn't have to cost a fortune.

Read next:

• Are Dollar Tree prices out of control? See why this customer says it's their last visit!
• Budget buys: 6 Dollar Tree items at $1.25 that outperform Target and Walmart by up to $22
• 7 Dollar Tree bargains seniors should put to use ASAP this fall

Key Takeaways

• Dollar Tree continues to offer genuine value for shoppers on fixed incomes, with more than 90% of products priced at $1.25 or less.
• Seasonal and specialty finds like Haribo Christmas gummies, garlic herb biscuit mix, and Arby’s curly fries deliver both nostalgia and savings.
• Smart shopping at Dollar Tree means watching for rotating inventory, post-holiday markdowns, and store model updates expanding product variety.
• By choosing Dollar Tree for pantry staples and seasonal treats, shoppers can save hundreds annually without compromising quality or enjoyment.

What's your experience shopping for food at Dollar Tree? Have you discovered any hidden gems in their grocery section that help stretch your monthly food budget? Share your favorite finds and money-saving tips in the comments below.