Does Dollar General Sell Anything Healthy? Finding Nutritious Options on a Budget

December 28, 2025 •

4 min read

According to a Tufts University study, food purchases from dollar stores made up 6.5% of household calories in 2020, doubling the 3.4% seen in 2008. This raises a critical question: does Dollar General sell anything healthy? The answer is yes, though it requires smart shopping and careful label reading.

Quick Summary

It is possible to find affordable, healthy options at Dollar General, though a large portion of its inventory consists of ultra-processed foods. Success hinges on a strategic approach, focusing on specific pantry, frozen, and refrigerated items while being vigilant with nutritional information to make smart choices.

Key Points

Look for the 'Better For You' Tag: Dollar General uses special shelf tags to identify items lower in sugar, sodium, and unhealthy fats.
Canned Goods are a Healthy Staple: Beans, tuna, and vegetables can be nutritious and affordable, but always choose low-sodium or rinse them thoroughly.
Not Just Snacks: The refrigerated and frozen sections can hold surprises like Greek yogurt, eggs, and frozen berries.
Avoid Highly Processed Items: A majority of dollar store foods are ultra-processed; check ingredient labels for excessive sugar, salt, and additives.
Strategic Supplementation: Use Dollar General to find budget-friendly healthy staples, but recognize you might need a traditional grocery store for other produce.
Check Labels and Dates: Always inspect nutrition information and expiration dates, as product turnover can be slower than at larger stores.

The Shift Towards Healthier Options

For decades, dollar stores were known primarily for highly processed, shelf-stable foods high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats. However, in response to consumer demand for more accessible, affordable healthy food, stores like Dollar General have made notable changes. The company introduced its “Better For You” and private-label “Good & Smart” selections, signaling a strategic shift to include more nutritious products. This initiative highlights a curated selection of products lower in added sugar, sodium, and saturated fats, and easier for shoppers to identify. While the selection can still be limited, especially in rural areas, these changes provide a tangible starting point for those looking to make healthier choices without compromising their budget.

Healthy Pantry Staples at Dollar General

With a bit of planning and a keen eye for nutritional labels, you can stock your pantry with a variety of healthy staples from Dollar General. The key is to focus on whole, minimally processed ingredients and to be mindful of added sugars and sodium.

Canned Beans and Legumes: Look for Clover Valley brand black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans. These are excellent sources of fiber and protein. Always opt for 'low sodium' options when available, and rinse canned beans under water to reduce excess sodium.
Canned Tuna and Salmon: StarKist chunk light tuna in water and Chicken of the Sea salmon pouches are often available. These are rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids. Choose varieties packed in water rather than oil to minimize fat content.
Oats and Whole Grains: Dollar General typically carries quick oats and occasionally whole-grain bread or crackers. Oats are great for a high-fiber breakfast, and whole-grain options offer more nutrients than refined grains.
Nuts and Seeds: Look for Planters peanuts or the Good & Smart brand of trail mix. Nuts provide healthy fats and protein, but be mindful of portion sizes and added salt.
Sauces and Broths: You can find low-sodium chicken or vegetable broths and certain pasta sauces. Check the ingredient list to find options with cleaner ingredients and less sugar.
Spices: A variety of basic spices can be found for a low price, which allows you to flavor your food without relying on high-sodium seasonings.

Making Smart Snack and Refrigerated Choices

Beyond the pantry, Dollar General offers some healthier choices in its snack and refrigerated sections. This is where reading labels becomes most important, as many snacks are highly processed.

Yogurt: Many locations carry Greek yogurt brands like Oikos or Dannon Light + Fit, which are high in protein and low in sugar. Yogurt can be a satisfying, protein-packed snack.
Cheese Sticks: Individually wrapped cheese sticks offer a convenient, protein-rich snack. Look for skim or 1% milk varieties to lower the fat content.
Dried Fruit: Raisins or other dried fruit can provide a sweet snack with fiber and potassium. Be cautious of added sugars and check the ingredient list.
Frozen Fruits and Vegetables: In larger DG Market locations, you may find frozen berries, mixed vegetables, or other produce. These are just as nutritious as fresh produce and can be more budget-friendly.

What to Avoid and How to Navigate the Aisles

While it's possible to find healthy options, a large portion of a Dollar General's inventory consists of ultra-processed snacks and ready-to-eat meals that are high in sodium, added sugar, and unhealthy fats. To shop successfully, consider these tips:

Look for the Labels: Actively seek out the green “Better For You” tags on shelves. Always read the nutrition label on unfamiliar brands, paying attention to added sugars and sodium.
Avoid Impulse Buys: The checkout aisles are designed for impulse purchases of candy and junk food. Stick to your planned list to avoid these temptations.
Check Expiration Dates: As with any store, it is crucial to check expiration dates, especially on perishable items, as turnover can be slower than at traditional grocery stores.
Supplement Your Shopping: Recognize that a dollar store can supplement, but likely cannot completely replace, a trip to a full-service supermarket for all healthy items, especially for fresh produce.

Comparison of Healthy vs. Less Healthy Dollar General Choices


Category	Healthier Choice	Less Healthy Choice
Snacks	Good & Smart Trail Mix, Nuts	Chips, Candy, Cookies
Protein	Canned Tuna/Salmon, Greek Yogurt	Processed Meat Snacks (e.g., Vienna Sausages)
Grains	Clover Valley Oats, Whole-Grain Crackers	White Bread, Sugary Cereal
Beverages	Water, Unsweetened Almond Milk	Soda, Fruit Juice with Added Sugar
Produce	Frozen Mixed Vegetables, Canned No-Salt-Added Tomatoes	Canned Fruit in Syrup, Sugary Applesauce

Making a Healthy Meal from Dollar General Ingredients

It's entirely possible to combine healthy items from Dollar General to create a nutritious and affordable meal. For instance, you could prepare a simple tuna and bean salad. Start with a pouch of canned tuna in water, and a can of rinsed black beans. Mix with a bit of mayo or mustard, along with some spices, and serve on whole-grain crackers. Another option is oatmeal made with Clover Valley oats, topped with some Good & Smart trail mix for extra fiber and healthy fats. For a heartier meal, combine canned chicken or ground turkey (if available) with low-sodium broth and canned vegetables.

To find more recipe ideas tailored to Dollar General's inventory, you can explore their online resources: Dollar General Better For You recipes.

Conclusion

So, does Dollar General sell anything healthy? Yes, it does, though it's not always the most obvious choice. By understanding their “Better For You” program and prioritizing whole-food-based items, consumers can make budget-friendly, healthier purchases. While the bulk of the store's inventory consists of ultra-processed foods, careful label reading, selective shopping, and smart substitutions make it possible to find nutritious gems. For shoppers with limited options or a tight budget, Dollar General provides a valuable resource for supplementing a healthy diet, particularly in areas with limited access to full-service supermarkets.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some Dollar General locations, particularly the larger DG Market stores, offer a limited selection of fresh produce like apples, onions, and bananas. However, the fresh produce section is often small and not available at all stores, so checking your local store's offerings is recommended.

Dollar General's private-label 'Good & Smart' brand is part of their effort to offer healthier items. However, it's always best to read the nutrition label on any product, regardless of brand, to ensure it aligns with your health goals, as some store brands may still contain high levels of sugar or sodium.

Look for snacks like nuts (check for unsalted), dried fruit (watch for added sugar), and Greek yogurt. These items offer protein, fiber, and healthy fats. Some stores may also carry whole-grain crackers or plain popcorn.

Yes, it is generally safe to buy canned goods. However, research has highlighted issues regarding potential chemical exposure from can linings and the prevalence of high-sodium options. As with any canned food, opt for low-sodium versions or rinse the contents thoroughly to reduce sodium.

Some stores, especially DG Markets, carry frozen foods, including fruits and vegetables. Frozen produce is often as nutritious as fresh and can be a cost-effective choice for smoothies or meal ingredients.

You can create meals using staples like canned tuna or chicken, canned beans, and frozen or canned vegetables. For example, a tuna and bean salad or a simple stew using low-sodium broth and canned ingredients are easy, healthy meal ideas.

Yes, it is particularly important to check expiration dates at dollar stores. Due to potentially slower turnover, products may be closer to or past their 'best by' date. Always inspect packaging for damage or signs of tampering.