If you still think Dollarama is just for cheap party balloons and random kitchen gadgets, you might want to take another walk down the aisles.

Tucked between the seasonal Halloween stuff and the shelves of knockoff toys are legit name-brand products you probably buy on a regular basis. And in some cases, the prices are jaw-dropping compared to Walmart, Pharmaprix, or even your local grocery store.

I spent some time poking around a Montreal Dollarama, snapping photos of everyday items with their price tags, then compared them to what the same products are going for elsewhere. Some are real steals, others not so much, but here’s what stood out.

Kraft Peanut Butter (500 g)

• Dollarama: $3.75
• Provigo: $5.99
• IGA: $6.29
• Walmart: $3.97

When compared to other popular grocers (except Walmart), Dollarama is nearly cutting the price in half here. As long as you’re grabbing the regular 500 g jar and not a smaller « special » size, this is one of the clearest wins in the food aisle.

Live Clean body wash (500 mL)

• Dollarama: $5.00
• Walmart: $6.27
• Pharmaprix: $8.49

Finding a brand like Live Clean at a dollar store feels wrong, but your wallet won’t complain. You’ll save at least a dollar off Walmart’s price and even more compared to Pharmaprix.

Tide Pods (213 g bag)

• Dollarama: $4.25
• Walmart: $7.97
• Canadian Tire: $7.99

If you just need a quick refill, Dollarama’s price saves you a couple of bucks over Walmart or Canadian Tire. But if you’re buying for the long haul, Costco’s mega-packs still win on cost per pod.

​Crayola markers (10-pack)

• Dollarama: $4
• Walmart: $4.67
• Staples: $6.49

The exact same pack of Crayola sells for $2.50 more at Staples. However, over at Walmart, they go for less than a dollar more. Nevertheless, Dollarama still reigns supreme.

​Sharpie permanent markers (2-pack)

• Dollarama: $2.25
• Walmart: $2.97
• Michael’s: $2.49

Prices on these Sharpie two-packs don’t differ much at other stores, but Dollarama has them for at least a quarter less.

Earth’s Own oat milk (946 ml)

• Dollarama: $2.50
• IGA: $3.69
• Provigo: $3.25

Honey Nut Cheerios (292 g box)

• Dollarama: $2.75 (≈ $0.94 per 100 g)
• Provigo: $5.79 for 430 g (≈ $1.35 per 100 g)
• IGA: $5.69 for 430 g (≈ $1.32 per 100 g)

Dollarama’s box is smaller than what you’ll find at grocery stores, but the price per 100 g still comes out cheaper. You’re paying just under a dollar per 100 g compared to well over $1.30 at Provigo and IGA. If you don’t mind buying the smaller format, Dollarama wins here.

Frosted Flakes (275 g box)

• Dollarama: $3.00 (≈ $1.09 per 100 g)
• IGA: $7.29 for 355 g (≈ $2.05 per 100 g)
• Provigo: $5.79 for 355 g (≈ $1.63 per 100 g)

Once again, Dollarama’s smaller cereal box still works out cheaper when you break it down by weight. At just over a dollar per 100 g, it beats both Provigo and IGA, which charge between $1.60 and $2.05 per 100 g.

Kind breakfast bars (4 pack)

• Dollarama: $3.75
• IGA: $6.29
• Provigo: $5.99

While $3.75 doesn’t seem cheap for four granola bars, other stores are charging over $6 for the exact same product.

Campbell’s soup (284 ml)

• Dollarama: $1.50
• IGA: $1.79
• Provigo: $2.47

Silk almond milk (946 ml)

• Dollarama: $2.50
• IGA: $3.69
• Provigo: $3.50

You’ll likely save a dollar (or more) by buying your carton of Silk at Dollarama.

Holiday / Birthday cards

Good luck finding a Christmas card for $1 at a pharmacy!

When it comes to prices on cards, Dollarama easily knocks other stores out of the conversation. The selection is pretty good, too.

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Source: ​MTL Blog – Read More