Like a lot of people, I used to walk into Dollar Tree for things like greeting cards, party supplies, and seasonal decorations. Lately, I spend more time looking through the grocery aisles, too. There are quite a few pantry staples and snacks that can make a grocery budget stretch a little further.

I still do most of my fresh produce and meat shopping at a regular grocery store, but Dollar Tree has become a handy stop for shelf-stable foods, frozen ingredients, and simple snacks. Prices and selection can vary from one store to another, so I always check the package size and nutrition label before buying.

Here are 12 of the healthier groceries I find myself reaching for again and again.

Canned Chickpeas

Canned chickpeas are one of those foods I like having around because they can turn into so many different meals. I toss them into salads, soups, and grain bowls, or blend them into hummus for a quick snack.

They also add protein and fiber without requiring much preparation. Just drain, rinse, and they’re ready to use.

Frozen Fruit

Frozen fruit is a convenient choice for smoothies, especially when fresh berries or other fruit are expensive. I usually check the label for bags with fruit listed as the only ingredient, rather than added sugar.

I also use frozen fruit with oatmeal or yogurt, and sometimes let it thaw for a quick snack.

Dried Beans

Dried beans can go a long way for the money. A single bag can become several meals, depending on how you use it.

I like cooking a batch for chili, soups, burrito bowls, or simple rice-and-bean dinners. They take a little planning since they need to be cooked, but the low cost makes them worth keeping in the pantry.

Frozen Vegetables

Frozen vegetables are one of my favorite budget-friendly grocery shortcuts. They don’t spoil as quickly as fresh produce, and there’s no chopping required for many varieties.

I keep bags on hand for stir-fries, soups, pasta, casseroles, and quick side dishes. When I don’t have fresh vegetables available, having frozen ones in the freezer makes it much easier to add some to a meal.

Unsweetened Applesauce

Unsweetened applesauce is an easy snack, but that’s not the only reason I buy it. It can also be useful in baking, where it can replace part of the oil in some recipes.

The individual cups and pouches are handy for lunches and snacks, too. I usually look for unsweetened varieties so I’m not adding extra sugar where I don’t need it.

Freeze-Dried Fruit

Freeze-dried fruit is another pantry snack I like because it doesn’t need refrigeration and is made from real fruit. The texture is light and crunchy, which makes it feel more like a treat than a bowl of ordinary fruit.

I like breaking it over oatmeal, adding it to yogurt or trail mix, or packing a little for a snack.

Microwaveable Brown Rice

Those little microwaveable rice packets can come in handy on nights when cooking a pot of rice feels like one more thing to do.

Brown rice works well as a base for grain bowls, stir-fries, beans, vegetables, or leftover chicken. I check the label for sodium and added ingredients since different brands can vary.

Canned Tuna

Canned tuna is one of the easiest ways to keep an inexpensive protein source in the pantry. I can turn a can into tuna salad, add it to a wrap, mix it into a green salad, or eat it with crackers and vegetables.

I also like that it keeps for a long time when stored properly. Having a few cans around means I can put together a filling lunch without making another trip to the grocery store.

Lentils

Lentils are inexpensive, filling, and surprisingly versatile. They work well in soups, curries, salads, and grain bowls, and they cook much faster than many dried beans.

I’ll sometimes make a pot at the beginning of the week and use it in several meals. It’s an easy way to add plant-based protein and fiber without spending much.

Popcorn Kernels

Plain popcorn kernels are a pantry staple I like because I can decide exactly what goes on them. Instead of buying heavily seasoned microwave popcorn, I can pop the kernels myself and add a little olive oil, butter, salt, or seasoning.

They’re also inexpensive compared with many packaged snack foods, and a small amount of kernels makes quite a bit of popcorn.

Whole Grain Oats

Oats are one of those foods that can earn their place in almost any pantry. I use them for oatmeal, overnight oats, homemade muffins, and sometimes smoothies.

They’re inexpensive, easy to store, and a good source of fiber. I usually buy plain oats and add fruit, nuts, cinnamon, or a little honey myself rather than paying extra for heavily flavored packets.

Trail Mix and Nuts

Trail mix and nuts are convenient for days when I need something quick between meals. I can keep a small bag in my desk, purse, or car and avoid reaching for candy or chips simply because I’m hungry.

I check the label before buying since some trail mixes contain quite a bit of added sugar or salt. A mix with nuts, seeds, and dried fruit is usually my first choice.

Dollar Tree doesn’t replace my regular grocery store, but it can be a useful place to pick up certain staples without spending much. I still compare package sizes and prices, since a $1.25 item isn’t always the best deal per ounce.

For me, the real value is finding simple foods that I know I’ll actually use. A few cans of beans, some frozen vegetables, oats, or a bag of lentils can make several meals and help keep my grocery spending in check.