Forget The Grocery Store: These Popular Frozen Appetizers Are Way Cheaper At Dollar Tree

On the list of the best groceries to buy at Dollar Tree, we're used to seeing pantry staples and snacks offered for a better price than we'd get at the local supermarket. The affordability of food at dollar stores is usually a function of these retailers offering private-label brands, just like Aldi or Trader Joe's. Occasionally, however, we get very lucky and find a brand-name buy for much less than it goes for elsewhere. Such is the case with versatile, delish Bibigo Bulgogi Chicken & Vegetable Crispy Frozen Dumpling Bites. As of this writing, Dollar Tree stores carry 7.7 ounce bags of these appetizers for $3, with pricing and availability subject to change. Over at Target, an identical bag (brand, variety, and size) is selling for $4.39 ... over 46% more expensive.

It may not be an intuitive decision to buy food at Dollar Tree, but, occasionally, the shelves and freezers of your local dollar store are worth a second look. Keep in mind that not every food item is automatically the best buy possible — you may need to be willing to double-check prices with your phone. However, the Bibigo dumpling bites represent the best-case scenario at Dollar Tree: a premium, useful item with major savings over local competitors. We can't stop thinking about all the ways we'd cook up these dumpling bites, especially after getting them for such a steal.

We recently covered how to make a full meal out of frozen dumplings by transforming them into a salad, and the Bibigo bites would work perfectly for that trick. Simply nuke or air fry your dumpling bites, open a bag of Asian salad mix, and place the hot meat-and-veg pockets atop the dressed greens. The dumpling bites even come with a "sweet & spicy sauce" that you could use as a condiment! We've also seen frozen dumplings used in chicken broth, with or without a couple stirred-in raw eggs, to create a spin on wonton egg drop soup. Keep in mind that these may be marketed as a starter, but you can easily create a succulent entrée fit to rival any takeout menu by cooking up some jasmine rice and stir-frying your favorite veggies alongside these dumpling bites.

Of course, there's nothing wrong with dishing up your mini-dumplings exactly as intended: as appetizers. Celebrating a big sporting event? Dumplings may not be as intuitive a choice as, say, chicken wings, but they will delight your guests and provide that dippable, craveable meatiness that folks look for in Super Bowl spreads and the like. We think these would also shine at your next party as prime finger food, especially if you branch out and get creative with the dips. At only three bucks a bag, you won't ding your wallet whilst stocking up.