Small Apartment Emergency Preps | What's Wrong with the Dollar Tree?

[@robininva]

“I don’t think we should berate their options.” Wise statement. My mom used to say “Live and let live.” Seriously…. We all need to get off our high horses and be nice. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Nice video.

[@ljtminihomestead5839]

Amen!

[@colleenhurley9195]

Food is food...if you like it...get it. I go to dollar tree and if someone doesnt like it....that's ok....I'm not inviting them to dinner anyway😂😂😂

[@2jedismom]

Dollar Tree shelf stable milk is good! And their ginger snaps are the best I’ve ever had! (Made in Abilene Texas!) Also, It has been my experience that the only difference between Walmart and Target is that the mothers in Walmart ignore their screaming kids while still wearing their pajamas and the mothers in Target ignore their kids while wearing yoga pants. :-D

[@theIAMofME]

LOL

[@constancearmstrong8374]

I got some on Tuesday.

[@judyjackson928]

😂😂😂

[@deannalail1974]

😂😂❤❤😂😂❤❤

[@crazygrandmaweaz8942]

😂😂

[@missietgardendelight6029]

I live in the suburbs and there are several Dollar Trees within a 3 to 15 mile radius from my subdivision which is in an upper middle income neighborhood. As a matter of fact, none of the DTs are located near low income housing areas. All Dollar Trees are not the same. Management has a lot to do with it. I purchase certain items from Dollar Tree. Their packets of flower and vegetables seeds are still 4 for $1.00.

[@elizabethrose5007]

It is always better to try and fail, than fail to try. If you can just put one extra product on your grocery list for your pantry ,do it. We don't have dollar tree where I live but something similar . I will say always compare the prices with your local supermarket because sometimes your supermarket will have better deals.

[@pegianddon]

Very true!

[@ificanyoucanprep2923]

So many prepping items at Dollar Tree; Medical supplies Gauze Bandages Coban, it’s called something else there, but it’s similar to an ace bandage that can be wrapped around wounds over a bandage. It unwinds and is reusable. Lidocaine patches, 1% lower than prescription patches, they work great. Cervical heat patches that adhere to your skin. Great for neck, lower back, and cramp pain. Tooth numbing gel, until you can get to a dentist Assorted bandaids Triple antibiotic ointment Miscellaneous 1 use super glue Flashlights Candles that burn for hours, the religious ones Bungee cords Rope of all sorts, the type for hanging clothes for example, plus clothes pins Extra can openers Matches Bug spray Sunscreen And that all off the top of my head, quite a few of those items are name brands you would recognize. A few food items Small Dal hams Canned fruits Soups Clams(we like clam chowder 😂) Dry beans Spices There really are so many, I just wanted to give you a few more ideas. So glad you both are back!

[@pegianddon]

Wow! This is like a shopping list! ...except for the clams. Probably safe, but...🤢

[@dawnjj]

The dollar tree has lots of things that can be used like matches, lighters, cotton balls, vaseline, rubber bands , tarps, candles, batteries, rice, flour, sugar ,pasta and water to start.

[@MJYouAreNotAlone1]

I shop at the dollar tree all the time. I love that store. I buy lots of decorations, the fake flowers, all of my Kleenex, I buy dish towels and potholders, etc..❤️🙏

[@adventureswithlola5330]

Hello! Brand new subscriber 👍🏻 I agree that many of us in the world are coming together and learning tangible useful information from each other ❤ I love being a part of it❣ Whoa...a new Dollar Tree that I drive to on occasion in a neighboring suburb had all of their freezer section (food) completely emptied out too! It had food offerings in it the last time I was there in the summer 🤔 That'll be enough for me to pass going forward. It's too bad because they were carrying Nathan's (brand) breaded onion rings for $4 👍🏻 Good to know now that there was some (unknown to us) issue with something in their frozen foods! I appreciate the information 👍🏻👍🏻

[@readyornot316]

Great perspective! My issue with Dollar Tree (and similar stores) is they offer convenience sized products so people are tricked into thinking the item is cheaper, when it’s actually more money per ounce. If people could use a little restraint and save their coin to buy the bigger, better product (ie at Walmart) they would ultimately come out ahead.

[@sharmaineburnside9154]

While I am not poor, I definitely am not well to do, let alone rich. But I love the dollar twenty five cent tree, Family Dollar, and Dollar General. A person just has to use discernment. I check labels and best buy dates.

[@pegianddon]

Love that!

[@barb7014]

Quinoa and buckwheat are both complete proteins, they contain all nine essential amino acids. I love quinoa, I store it in 1/2 gallon mason jars that have been vacuum sealed to extend shelf life. Like rice and pasta it’s a great meal extender.

[@pegianddon]

Thanks for the tips!

[@37degreesnorth76]

The rice and beans, is one combination. It is basically any grain with any bean. Cornbread with beans Peanut butter on wheat bread Hummus with crackers or bread Tortilla with refried beans Hundreds of examples used in different cultures, to keep families fed. Meat was and still is a luxury in many places. People have always been inventive about mixing food. Even when they didnt know about complete proteins. Hundreds of combinations, if anyone can spend a little time researching. Stuff they should teach in school. I dont buy much food at dollar tree, but sometimes there are name brands with short sell dates, i think i can use up. Just have to be keep an eye out. Some european products. Sometimes i think they have higher standards on their food processing. Good video. Enjoy your thoughts on things. Prep on kids.

[@theIAMofME]

peas and carrots also

[@danniemcdonald7675]

Butter beans and cornbread ... one of my favorite comfort meals .😋

[@cathyl4622]

I was never huge on the rice and beans as the first thing to stock up on until I found out that it is a complete protein. Now I have a few buckets of each. I also eat beans 1 or 2 times a week. I saw a comment once that you should get your body used to eating it so it's not a shock to your belly. We like rice and eat it regularly.

[@Donnistill]

They have good glycerin soap with less chemicals. A lemon one. Called sugar something.

[@cb7599]

I'd do the pans ...but, I'd line them with foil... I'd just need them as a stable surface to throw in the oven for snacks, quick foods, and maybe pizza.

[@pegianddon]

Smart thinking.

[@SirenaSpades]

You guys do a great job. I like dollar tree. Not everything is great of course. But if you’re hungry you’ll eat it.

[@theresapower1648]

I buy their shelf stable milk all the time! We use it all the time. I do buy some of their craft items. As for ramen noodles in the prepper pantry, sure. Why not? If that's what you like, then that's all that matters. Great video. Thanks

[@Kemmergem]

Don, I would not knock all of dollars trees medications as most of your prescriptions you get from the pharmacist come from either India, or China. And when it comes to toilet paper, you get what you pay for.

[@laurastrout7588]

I find medications work just as well as name brands

[@kathytincler2446]

Are you kidding me? I pass through affluent neighborhoods many times in my travels out here in Ca. (I live in a small desert community in a mobile home on a fixed income) and am amazed that they have Dollar Trees, Walmarts, McD's, Wendys, burger king and yes even payday loans and storage facilities! So the ppl who charge that it's only in poorer areas need to get out of town on occasion LOL. Also considering what's in our food today in general now? Getting pretty bad AND some harder to fine! You are brand new to me this minute and I agree with everything you said.....so sensible! I liked and sub'd. Have a wonderful weekend! 😀

[@pegianddon]

Thank you so much, Kathy! 😊

[@martna1]

The $1.25 store is great for holiday decorations. They used to have really good potholders.

[@pegianddon]

I think they still do.

[@deannalail1974]

Good job 👏👍 you are right about options and choices 👍available

[@hpp867]

I see Dollar Trees in all kinds of areas to be honest. I work for a practice of multiple doctors and trust me, those doctors and their spouses like going to Dollar Tree. There are all kinds of people that shop there. One of the things I get at DT are greeting cards. Have you seen the price of those things at the grocery store, yikes! Also organizing bins for the closet or kitchen. Gifts bags, especially for xmas. The list goes on and on. If some people are too good for Dollar Tree, oh well.

[@pegianddon]

Those are some of the same things we get (except greeting cards, but we will start), but very little food. And they have a rubber mallet that I keep losing somehow.

[@hpp867]

@@pegianddon Rubber mallet! I didn't know about that. I'm going to look for that.

[@constancearmstrong8374]

I always say, if you don’t buy it, more left for the rest of us.

[@ljtminihomestead5839]

We're middle class, I do shop at dollar tree for a few items. Somethings are much cheaper than grocery store or Walmart. As in ANY store, it's buyer beware of where it comes from, what's in it and expiration date. As for the beraters, they need to mind their own business and not everyone else's!!

[@jessiceeoriginal]

Oh, no! In MI, dollar tree stores are actually in well off areas and in poor areas. But I noticed the well off areas have bigger and more desirable items. So, keep that in mind as you are able to travel around. If you see a new $1 tree store that you never shopped at, hopefully you have time and the money to take a few moments and shop there. You never know what you might find.

[@jtharp9265]

Amen , I just left Dollar twenty five cent $1.25 store . I got many items That are made in AMERICA, Canned peaches, pie filling apple canned , spices , etc... Cheaper then aldis Im getting ready to go in to our aldis , which I love ,but you need to watch as Their prices have went up and You can get the can veggies fot 64 cents , where 2 years ago aldis was 49 cents . Now I get alot of great stuff there , not as much as we use to get with say $100 Our cart use to be over fulled . Now we might get 4 bags .depending on what you buy . God bless you both . Im in Montgomery County, texas . Also there is a great discount store in spring ,texas my husband found 48 cents for corn , all veggies , I will get the name and get it to you ... God bless you both & yours Mrs josette Tharp Montgomery County, Texas 🙏 ✝️

[@tonijackson2094]

I like the dollar tree. On my last visit, I picked up shelf stable WHOLE MILK, regular and chocolate. My family had no complaints. It's now a regular prep on my shelf.

[@joannemessina2252]

Hi I agree about the food at dollar tree but there are other items needed for prepping that are perfect at dollar tree. As an example para cord, matches., and while I use a French press for my coffee for $1.25 I bought a package of coffee filters. They are great as a disposable little cup if you want to have some pretzels or nuts any kind of little snack very cheap, disposable bowl and they also have an expensive trashbags and you can never have enough, thanks for your video. I enjoy watching your process.

[@pegianddon]

Thank you very much 😊

[@danniemcdonald7675]

I forgot about the matches! Frugal tip: buy the packs of small boxes instead of the large box. You get a few more matches and easier to share.😊

[@peglol]

Don, I always appreciate your wisdom!

[@randyromines7364]

Frozen vegies are preferable for dehydration as they do not need to be blanched, especially potatoes. There are many reasonably priced items available at Dollar Tree that cost way too much at the regular stores. I love shopping at the dollar stores, cause you save so much money.

[@peggynichols6191]

I Prep from the dollar tree once a month. 1 of Our Stores is on a main strip. I only buy Pancakes mix , oat meal, rice , beans , season mixes. and foods we like .

[@peggynichols6191]

I use the pans for Crafts.

[@gardengrowinmawmaw8642]

Our local Dollar Trees still have frozen foods. They are coming out with new food items all the time. Knowing your prices always helps.

[@LouisBrown-j5p]

Be careful if Bio engineering ingredients in your food

[@cherylumlauf5317]

way back in 2020 I was helping my daughter prepare for the upcoming pandemic the only place I could find shelf stable whole milk was the dollar store. Please what ever you do prepare first then think about what others think. But as Don said be careful as to what you purchase. Stay safe and continue to prepare.

[@paulawinstead5660]

'prepare first then think about what others think'. As far as I'm concerned, What other people THINK is no concern of mine. I ain't married to 'em, they don't pay my bills nor do they sleep in my bed. I'll purchase what I want and or need where I dang well please😁

[@InTheGardenWithGT]

Quinoa is a great protein source as well.

[@edwenahutchinson]

Wish they had a dollar tree store here in the bahamas !!😂😂 food is food just check your items before buying and use the same judgement as you would in a high quality store .. at the end of the day it is what you can afford for you and your family! Nice video as always Don and Peg keep prepping 😂❤😂😂❤🇧🇸🇧🇸🇧🇸

[@hpp867]

I just discovered the reading glasses at Dollar Tree. They don't come with a case or pouch, but still a great deal. I would say the ones I bought today are my favorite pair.

[@thelocksway9089]

I steer clear of anything food related from dollar tree. Only cleaning supplies.

[@paulawinstead5660]

Steer clear of Campbells cans of soup (which by the way are 25% more product in the can than what one finds in grocery stores)? How about Hunts ketchup?Margaret Holmes? Hungry Jack dehydrated hashbrowns? Boxes of name brand cereal? If I ate cereal, I would definitely purchase a small box at a $1.25 versus $5 and up at a grocery. Narrow minded beliefs and thinking means one misses out on a great food buys at $ Tree.

[@karenbonham798]

Thanks Don. I have got many things for my customized 1st aid kit. Sometimes they have ace bandages. But I get rubbing alcohol & peroxide etc. Things very from store to store.

[@danniemcdonald7675]

If you can find the wound care kit, STOCK UP! I definitely think that is one of, if not the best, deals in the store.

[@rhondacalderone862]

Great, thought video! I have found Walmart to be cheaper on many food items as well. One thing that I do like to buy at DT is the pack of mini superglue. Whenever I buy the larger ones, they end up solidifying before I can use it up. Therefore, they are a waste of money. The little mini ones don't hurt as much to lose because I still have the rest of the pack. Just another comment about Walmart. In the lower income areas, they also have higher prices than they do in higher income areas. WHAT's up with that. When I observed that, I asked a manager about it. He agreed that it happened but it was a corporate decision. It's just wrong. It's a corporation. The prices should be the same everywhere. There's a lot of things wrong with Walmart, but, they are a necessary evil, as far as I'm concerned. They will not refund your money if you do it too frequently. They tried to do that to me once because I was requesting a refund for a shipment that I never received. I had an argument with a "bot" about that, of all things. I won that argument. LOL

[@pegianddon]

I had a similar discovery. I was told that it was a formula where prices would keep rising until it got to a point where less than 85% of stock was sold. So if ITEM A at $2.99 sold 87% and at $3.59 still sold 87%, they would keep it at $3.59 in that store. But if ITEM A at $3.59 only sold 83% in another store, the price would go down to $3.29 then $2.99 if it didn't go back up. The sad thing, no humans are doing it; it's a stocking system algorithm.

[@jessiceeoriginal]

All of these above is yes. I frozen much of the green beans I grew this year and brought some in cans. Being a prepper means to think of your budget and to be versatile in your preps. I have a few expensive flashlights as well as a few lights from the $1 Tree. Now is a great time to buy the battery operated string lights for emergency lighting. Also, you can buy battery operated tea lights and other assorted candles for emergency as well as actual emergency candles. You can get canned items for your pantry. Roman noodles are low budget items and are good fillers but pair it with some protein. And $1 trees are great to start a medicine cabinet for emergencies. They have assortment of items from assorted Band-Aids, peroxide, alcohol wipes, some different over the counter pain meds two ointments for sore muscles and items for when you have a cold. I have a lot of $1 Tree items in my preps. Matches and lighters, best place to get those is at a dollar tree. (I buy name brands not off brands.)

[@paulawinstead5660]

'two ointments for sore muscles". My twin purchased the $ Tree's "Artic Ice" for one's sore muscles. I purchase the EXPENSIVE Voltarin(spelling?) and decided one evening on a whim to raid the twins stash of Artic Ice instead. Finally had a total knee replacement in July after 12 yrs of constant pain and until then the only thing that gave instant relief on the shin bones/both knees was that lil ole drk blue container of the Ice. It relieved the pain so quick and well,I could actually get some sleep each night. Have my own lil stash of those blue jars now😁

[@leeannwicker937]

There is a book written in 1973 "Recipes for a Small Planet" by Ellen Buchman Ewald that explains the complementarity of the right combinations of legumes, grains, seeds and dairy products to provide a complete protein. Each recipe tells you the approximate grams of usable protein in the recipe. For instance, Cheese Scalloped Potatoes provides approximately 9 grams of usable protein which is 20% to 24% of average daily protein needs. That information is on each recipe. Another book written in the same timeframe by Frances Moore Lappe is "Diet for a Small Planet." Both provide extensive information on the science behind the subject.

[@martna1]

I don't use hand sanitizer, soap and water only.

[@pegianddon]

We get it. We mostly use it when we are in the truck or just out and about.

[@cathyl4622]

Smart. When I was in nursing school we were taught that the general public shouldn't use hand sanitizer. It creates super bugs. Super bugs are bad enough in the hospital, you don't want them everywhere.

[@emasters8619]

I shop Dollar Tree, but I avoid medications, dishes, and toys. Also, a majority of their hardware items are not worth picking up. They are best for cleaning supplies.

[@aimeegunderson6852]

I love the shelf stable milk as we don't use it often. We've also used it long past it's best by date

[@crazygrandmaweaz8942]

You'll be hard pressed to find OTCs made in the USA. Some are packaged here but not actually made here.

[@benitiakimball1526]

Happy Thankful Thursday

[@marlonchin1214]

Thanks for sharing. I never really look at their ingredients. I love to buy my hand sanitizers from there.

[@LouisBrown-j5p]

Check for Bio engineering ingredients in your food also

[@prettycat6056]

Great Information!!! Thanks for Sharing!!

[@byronholmes2496]

Good day to all, peace.

[@ShanequaJohnson-k3x]

I go dollars tree once a blue moon just to get few things that I can use but not alot of things from the dollars tree mostly I go family dollars store to get I need and thanks for sharing 😊😂

[@donnamedley4712]

Jenni at Homestead Corner has several videos where she picks up stuff at $🌳 for her Emergency Pantry. You might like to check out a couple of her videos. You can get quite a few things besides food that you might want to pick up there. In the end, it's all up to each person to choose what's best for them.👍

[@danniemcdonald7675]

I love ❤️ watching her Dollar Tree prepper hauls! I'd love to know how many matches she has LOL.

[@4thefuture3740]

Another great video. Thank you so much Don, I appreciate your insight. I hadn't considered Dollar Tree for crafting materials so, this was great 👍🏿.

[@pegianddon]

You are very welcome! 😊

[@sheba5203]

There's a whole lot of things that I won't buy from DT but there's some things I will get. It's good to have options no matter where you shop, I do stay away from membership stores like Costco, Sam's club and a few more for my own preference. Food for thought for those that don't know: Family Dollar is owned by DT. Kroger bought out some Albertson's in other states but I've stopped shopping at Kroger as well. They just don't have any good sales and I'm guessing that Kroger jacked up their prices so customers can help them pay for their Albertson's stock and remodeling etc. I won't help them pay for their mistakes or help them get out of debt by getting anything from them and I live in Mississippi so we're in the top 10 of the poorest states. We did have an Albertson's in Jackson at 1 time long ago, but they were so high I didn't shop there period, until finally 1 day they sunk ship and faded away into the sunset. Of course I don't live there anymore, had to find a much cheaper place to live and I'm loving the country life now. Just wish I could have some yard birds, but the land owner said no. My place is paid for but have low lot rent to pay, truck note, insurance and utilities. I do buy Himalayan pink salt 1 pound bag from DT... Walmart wants about 7-8 bucks for the same size bag with almost the same identical packaging too. I've also gotten lucky a few times and find different colors of ace bandages at DT for 1.25. I get Kleenex, shelf stable milk, bread, pot holders/oven mitts, seeds and some snacks. I do read food/drink/snack labels for things I can't pronounce and stay away from those. The closest 1 to me is about 10 miles away so I make it worth my trip while in that area. Thanks for sharing Don, have a great weekend! I'm not offended in any way 😊

[@alexachenbach821]

I Like the Dollar tree😊

[@danniemcdonald7675]

I love those moisture absorbers. I found some on the dollar aisle at Dollar General and bought all 6 that they had. Other things I buy/have bought there are rice, beans, shelf stable milk. ( when they have it), flashlights, tooth brushes, and disposable baking pans. I get greeting cards ... some are 2/$1, but I read that they were going to do away with them and all will be $1. If I need one, I'll go there for gift bags. Depending on your likes and their selection, you might find some good books to read. Mine had several cookbooks. I buy crossword puzzle and word search books. I used to buy the frozen egg rolls, but they got smaller when they raised their prices. I did notice they had very little in the freezers the last time I was there. Mostly ice cream. Thanks for this informative video. A lot of times, despite our best efforts in reading labels, we just don't know what we are reading 😊. Blessings to you both.

[@henriettawyatt2713]

Thank you for sharing this information I really appreciate and enjoy your podcast 😊

[@tracieschrock9519]

i do use dollartree for my preps..it's the only store i can get chicken ala king...frozen is not considered my preps. i get the canned chicken, ham, ala king, rice, lentils, dry beans, coffee, sweetner...etc canned fruits are cheaper there as well.

[@taylorgontkovic4543]

As far as it goes know your prices, everyone has phone look up prices prior to or at the store,Shrink flations is everywhere...Some don't have much of choose were they shop to distance etc.... Each their own..Do I, sure do on some items.. What i do price check. Also weight...Some times you come out ahead..🧡 Margaret Holmes..Unless on sale at foodlion, $ tree hands down...Just do your best...🌾🧡🍁

[@michellem6752]

In NYC we don't have a Walmart. There are non food items that you can buy to prep with, like candles matches, Paracord, duck tape, tarps just to mention a few. And some name brand cleaning items. In the frozen food section I normally buy the frozen seasoning blend, and the peppers, and onions. Once in a while a frozen pizza.

[@taylorgontkovic4543]

😂🤣, Sorry..🤣🤔.. "BROCCOLI ONE OF THE MOST DISLIKED VEGETABLE "..Now moms can say.."Eat your lil green🥦 trees now..Its wont cause cancer".. (Not meant to be Insensitive to loved ones with or lost from this horrible disease.) I've lost my Dad, Mom, Sister and Husband to it.. And I do ❤❤❤🥦... Prayers to all.. Thanks Don..🌾🧡🍁

[@MrVeteranVlogs]

Another great video Fam

[@pegianddon]

Appreciate it

[@wildwaning9427]

There are quite a number of items that are useful for preppers just starting out or on a low-budget: Masking/grey tape, safety goggles, low voltage lights, flash lights, candles, cigarette lighters, jumper cables, heavy duty extension cords (although short in length), rubber gloves, matches (not water proof), etc.

[@brendagates4833]

About 6 months DT got several cases of Margret Holmes Butter beans they $1.25 I bought several cases my family loves them use by date was 2025 they are $2.19 a can at Winn Dixie it’s like I got Buy one get one free Dollar Tree I saved money know you’re comparable prices some things good some not your choice to buy or not I love my Dollar Tree

[@duncangonutz7286]

Good points but wish you would have shown some of the great deals they have. You also can often find many name-brand items if you really look.

[@pegianddon]

That was the goal when I walked in, but other than toothpaste and Comet cleanser, I didn't see any.

[@tangleaotodd4497]

So nicely spoken. Thank you for sharing and 👋 to you and pegi H town in the house. ❤

[@cleorichardson4471]

I prep with all 3 and proud of it prep as you can and want cause preping is preping . However

[@denisebrown580]

As always, informative.

[@laurieherron1634]

The Himalayan pink salt is a great deal at Dollar Tree, and I also get the shelf stable milk.😊

[@lionheart830]

Give this guy a thumbs up!

[@pegianddon]

Awww, shucks! 🤗

[@melissajones6580]

Great advice

[@maryajones3147]

You're giving a perspective that I've never thought of 👍🏾. In 2020, 2021 & 2022 I'm sure I spent $1,000.00 in there. After the price increase, I was really put-off.

[@TheLightbright01]

I have found many brand name items at Dollar Tree. If you read the ingredient list probably find a lot of stuff better then big box stores. I don't go to Walmart but every couple of months. I buy local. Have not gone in a target or Sam's since 1999. Dollar Tree has a lot of items I buy at Walmart. Any store you have to look at ingredients list to see what your getting besides what it advertised on package front. Educate yourself.

[@Tinkerbell31326]

I prep from dollar tree. I buy tuna in bulk, pasta, tissues, etc...

[@muddyshoesgardener]

I love the DT! It’s MY prepping store! It’s a “ yes I can!” Store!

[@henriettawyatt2713]

The people who have lots of money are the people that go to dollar tree and thrift stores that's why they keep money and stay ahead. It's just best to use your head and descernment.

[@joybrooks564]

Ramen noodles count to me. I buy food from the dollar stores but it’s to eat now. However, if the sell by day is good, I will use it for prepping

[@pegianddon]

Is it cheaper than the grocery store?

[@joybrooks564]

@@pegianddon I don’t know. I just pick up whatever when I’m there for something else

[@merrycraker1262]

You mention the frozen food at Dollare tree. Do you realize that many of the items are brand name? The same thing you would buy at Walmart or Target. Jimmy Dean sausage and egg Biscuits and griddle cakes and wraps. Stauffers french bread pizza 2 pack, brand name pizza which in our area is Red Barron. Snickers and M&M ice cream bars, sometimes Ben and Jerry's small ice creams are just skme of the things ive noticed. Some of the items aren't brand name but no matter what store I shop at I read the labels. Aldi's There has very few brand name items but most of their food is better quality than some of the brand names, less additves and cleaner foods. There are so many things at Dollar Tree that are a good value, the disposable aluminum pans would be good in a grid down situation, can toss them instead of washing them. I'm not broke but I have to pinch penniws to make ends meet and Dollar Tree, Dollar General, Family Dollar stores are becoming more common in rural areas and fill an important need. I'm 30 miles one way from a Walmart. We have one grocery store 10 miles away but I cant sfford the prices there unless it's a good sale. I'm a cancer survivor and one thing I've figured out is everything seems to cause cancer these days. When I was growing up my Grandma used to say "Everything in moderation ". Use your own judgment. Read labels and see what the ingredients are. And hopefully "they" won't succeed in making us eat bugs!! Thanks Pegi and Don, for the down to earth videos.

[@pegianddon]

You make some fantastic points. I was trying to relay investigation results that many (not all) of the products had been rejected by larger chains due to liability and quality concerns.

[@journeytothemosthigh5021]

Dollar tree maybe inexpensive when it comes to food. Eating said food is not healthy which means being sick will be expensive! There are other options.. farmers markets… but it is your choice!

[@pegianddon]

If the farmer's market is an option, that would be a much healthier choice.

[@LouisBrown-j5p]

I think he should advise ppl on Bio engineering ingredients

[@crazygrandmaweaz8942]

Why? They've been around for at least 30 years. They aren't new. The labeling law is the only thing new. If you eat anything with any kind of soy or canola in it, you're already eating something bio engineered.

[@paulawinstead5660]

I thibk that's something you can google on your own.

[@alliejoplace]

Yep !! Anything beats a failure but a try!!!

[@gailswennie3725]

A lot of products that was once American made is not any more, example Cambell soup

[@teresauntalan6828]

The area where I live is mid to high income area and there are several Dollar Tree stores. In fact one is just a stone throw from Walmart. I like Dollar Tree for my seasonal decorations, but never the food. Bought a bag of frozen mixed vegetables once and noticed it was from China! They no longer sell any frozen foods, We buy too many things from China as it is and I live where there are abundant farms that provide vegetables to the the local stores. But I do understand there are area in which Dollar Tree stores are the only option for groceries. And I don't think frozen foods should be used as prep food unless one has a solar generator. And as for Ramen noodles, not for long term they turn rancid quickly especially in a warm climate.

[@kehlarr5525]

Please do not think the legal issues are solely based on the food itself. In some cases, they may not be allowed to sell frozen food based on a contract that another BIG business near by (renting space in the same shopping center) has exclusive rights to frozen grocery items. DT sells quite a few name brand foods that other stores also sell so it's unlikely it's the food.

[@TheLazyHOAGardener]

I biy a lot of preps from the dollar 🌳. I have a few videos with hauls that are great for prepping.

[@runs3492]

Thanks for sharing, in New York we still have frozen food at dollar tree. It is recommended not to buy the meat.I am skeptical about some of the products and food in dollar tree because of the toxicity but I found out target and other well known stores have a low amount toxic product but not as high as dollar tree. I do agree be careful.

[@gulfcoastalmouth]

Love your thought process…

[@susangetz9202]

I love the DT, but I know prices so I know if certain items are a deal or not, depending on size, quantity, etc.😊

[@paulawinstead5660]

For $1.25 I purchase the 29.8 ounce cans of peaches, apricots and once in a while I am fortunate enough to find canned pears. Have you all priced canned fruit in grocery stores? Store brand are from $1.59 on up for 15 ounces. $Tree I get almost double the ounces for far less than 2 individual cans from other grocery stores. Others can scoff and ridicule those who do the $Tree shop and spend but ask if I care what they say😃

[@kathywills3244]

Safer to make your own sanitizer.

[@pegianddon]

Do you have a recipe?

[@kathywills3244]

@@pegianddon 1/3 cup rubbing alcohol, 2 tablespoons aloe Vera gel, 15 drops essential oil, I used lavender. Mix well. This works great.

[@sharmaineburnside9154]

I do too. Especially at the beginning of the “you know what”, I used basically this recipe and made it by the gallons and gave it out to people who couldn’t find hand sanitizer. I still have several bottles.

[@joette3477]

I go to the dollar tree at least once a month, I find some great deals there! Some of their brands aren't tasty, but I have learned over the years what we like and use. Thanks for the info on the plastics..I hadn't heard that before. I do check the lables on most everything now, because there is so much poison in our food these days 😢

[@BonnieEakins-z8q]

Boxed milk, tooth paste and tooth brushes, curas bandaids, freeze dried food mini packs, jerky, rice, and beans. I look at the country of origin. No food from China.

[@TempestEllesse1111]

Hi Don and Pegi hoping this finds you well. I wondered since you are a chess player if you watched the life of a king featuring Cuba Gooding Jr. It's a spectacular movie and also a true story. The real life person has a growing chess club in North Carolina. As always thanks for sharing and may God continue to bless and keep you guys.

[@alexachenbach821]

Thank you for sharing 😊

[@Donnistill]

Their red beans and pinto are non gmo.

[@dawnysdennumber10]

im in the UK, panasonic batteries is our best budget brand x

[@yarnprepper]

The only thing I now buy at Dollar Tree are cards 2/$1

[@Sir-Rich]

Good morning ❤

[@pegianddon]

Good morning, Brother!

[@SOPEACEBESTILL]

I OVER-HEARD SOMEONE SAY THEY ATE FOOD FROM DOLLAR TREE, AND HAVEN'T BEEN THE SAME SINCE...😂

[@ericadavis5164]

👍👍

[@kathleendoud]

I buy the bag rice and dry beans. . I buy my tooth paste.

[@spwriter1]

Well I'm not big on beans but I love rice and I don't hardly ever eat meat almost never so sometimes it's a little hard for me to prep. I also love the Dollar tree. I don't have to shop there but I love it. We buy our Halloween decorations there Christmas decorations there. They have the best crafts. I don't really buy food there though. Thanks for another great video