I never plan a Dollar General run on purpose, but it’s the stop I make when something runs out and a full grocery trip feels like too much. These nine hold up against grocery prices.
1. Yoplait Yogurt Strawberry/ Banana, 6 oz – $0.95
Under a dollar a cup is the whole pitch here. It’s a 6 oz single-serve Yoplait in strawberry-banana, and it’s handy for lunchboxes or a quick breakfast when you’re out the door. Multi-buy deals show up now and then and push the per-cup price lower.
Taste: Sweet strawberry up front with a mellow banana finish, and it’s made with real fruit. The texture is smooth and creamy, closer to a classic spoonable yogurt than a thick Greek style.
Make It Better: Stir it over granola or crushed cereal for crunch. Or freeze a cup with a spoon in it for a quick pop-style snack.
Parting Thoughts: Great for kids’ lunches and anyone who wants a dependable, cheap cup.
2. Clover Valley Whole Milk, Gallon – $3.95
Running out of milk on a Tuesday night is exactly when a nearby Dollar General earns its keep. This is a gallon of Clover Valley whole milk with vitamin D, in a jug with a grip-friendly handle. It’s often priced under $4, which beats plenty of grocery stores.
Taste: Plain, cold, mild whole milk. Flavor can differ a bit because the dairy source varies by region, and some people notice a slightly different aftertaste.
Make It Better: Check the date before you buy, since turnover varies by store. The source code on the jug tells you which regional dairy filled it.
Parting Thoughts: A solid convenience and price win, especially if the nearest big grocery store is a drive away.
3. Clover Valley Mexican-Style 4 Cheese Blend, 8 oz Bag – $2.50
Taco night gets easier with a bag of shredded cheese already in the fridge. This 8 oz blend mixes Monterey Jack, cheddar, queso quesadilla and asadero. It works for quesadillas, nachos, enchiladas and burrito bowls.
Taste: Mild, buttery and a little tangy, with the kind of stretch you want on a quesadilla. The shreds are fine enough to melt quickly and evenly.
Make It Better: Toss the cheese on hot food right off the stove so it melts without extra oven time. Pre-shredded cheese keeps better if you press the air out of the bag before resealing.
Parting Thoughts: Skip it if you only grate cheese from a block, but for weeknight tacos it’s a bargain.
4. Philadelphia Original Cream Cheese, 8 oz Block – $3.25
Bagel Sundays and cheesecake plans both start with a block like this. It’s name-brand Philadelphia, and it often lands around $3 to $3.25 at Dollar General, which can beat what many supermarkets charge regularly.
Taste: Tangy, lightly sweet and creamy, with the familiar flavor people trust for baking. It’s soft and spreadable once it warms up a little.
Make It Better: Let the block sit out for 30 minutes before mixing it into dips or desserts. It also makes a good base for a quick veggie dip.
Parting Thoughts: A pantry-of-the-fridge staple for bakers and bagel people alike.
5. Kraft Singles American Slices, 16 ct Pack – $3.95
Grilled cheese on a busy night needs nothing fancy. A 16-count pack of Kraft Singles gives you individually wrapped slices that are made with real dairy and no artificial flavors. The price is competitive with many full grocery stores.
Taste: Mild, savory and a little salty. The texture is smooth and creamy, and it melts evenly over burgers and breakfast sandwiches.
Make It Better: Lay a slice on a burger in the last minute of cooking and cover the pan to get a quick melt. For grilled cheese, use two slices for more ooze.
Parting Thoughts: Not gourmet, but it’s the one that does exactly what a sandwich needs.
6. Oscar Mayer Bologna Deli Lunch Meat, 16 oz Package – $3.00
Packed-lunch season is where this 16 oz pack shines. It’s classic Oscar Mayer bologna made with chicken, pork and beef, with no fillers. At $3 for the full pound, it’s an easy win over typical packaged meat pricing.
Taste: Rich, savory and a little smoky-salty, the old-school lunchbox flavor kids and adults both know. The slices are soft and mild enough to pair with almost anything.
Make It Better: Fry a slice in a hot skillet until the edges curl for a diner-style sandwich. Add American cheese on wheat bread, and reseal the pack well to keep the rest fresh.
Parting Thoughts: Nostalgic, filling and cheap, though not for anyone avoiding processed meats.
7. Daisy Pure & Natural Sour Cream Tub, 16 oz – $3.00
Chili night, baked potatoes and taco bars all call for a big scoop of something cool. This is a 16 oz tub of Daisy Pure & Natural sour cream, and the tight lid makes it easy to store what’s left. It often undercuts grocery shelf prices for the same brand.
Taste: Clean, tangy and rich with a thick, dollop-friendly texture. It cools down spicy dishes nicely.
Make It Better: Stir in lime juice and a pinch of salt for a fast taco drizzle. It also works in place of some of the liquid in baked goods for a tender crumb.
Parting Thoughts: Every fridge needs a tub, and this one is priced like a staple.
8. Clover Valley Small Curd Cottage Cheese, 16 oz – $2.85
A quick breakfast or afternoon snack often comes down to what’s already in the fridge. This 16 oz container of Clover Valley small curd cottage cheese has a minimum of 4% milkfat. A half-cup serving has 120 calories, plus protein and calcium.
Taste: Mildly salty and milky with a rich, creamy small curd. It’s soft and spoonable without being watery.
Make It Better: Top it with sliced fruit and a drizzle of honey, or go savory with black pepper and cherry tomatoes. You can also blend it smooth for a high-protein dip base.
Parting Thoughts: Worth a try for protein-minded snackers, though texture skeptics can pass.
9. Clover Valley Half & Half, 32 fl oz – $3.25
Your morning coffee deserves better than a splash of milk. This 32 fl oz carton of ultra-pasteurized Clover Valley half & half is made from milk and cream. At this price it undercuts many grocery cream options.
Taste: Smooth and velvety, with a light sweetness that rounds out bitter coffee. It adds richness without feeling as heavy as straight cream.
Make It Better: Use it in creamy pasta sauces or scrambled eggs for a silkier result. A little goes a long way in soups, too.
Parting Thoughts: Coffee drinkers who go through a quart a week will notice the savings.
