A DOLLAR store superfan has revealed the dos and don'ts of discount shopping - and there is one particular item you should avoid picking up.

Condensing the cost of your weekly shop can be much easier if you pick up some bits at a budget store.

Despite many Americans preferring to stick to what they know or splashing out on name brands, there are plenty of kitchen staples to purchase for a fraction of the price.

By compromising on labels and logos, shoppers can save cash on their everyday essentials.

According to money-saving experts GoBankingRates, these "savvy buys" will bolster your bank account.

With a long shelf life and ample versatility, a baking mix should be a constant feature in your cupboard.

You can rustle up cakes, cookies and other treats without breaking the bank at your favourite bakery.

Although there is an abundance of brands to choose from, you can pick it up from a dollar store for small change - with all the same ingredients.

There's nothing like a fresh loaf of bread to better your breakfast, lunch or dinner.

And although you may be stubbornly loyal to your preferred slice, you could save more than 70 per cent if you pick it up at a dollar store.

Popular brands such as Oroweat, Sara Lee and Thomas’, often have great deals on, helping you get the most for your money.

Those looking to satisfy their sweet tooth can go crazy in discount stores without squandering their savings.

The shops offer drastic deductions on popular candy products, ensuring you can treat yourself to some confectionery.

The best deals are often bagged around holiday periods that are "synonymous with sugary treats" such as Valentine's Day, Easter or Halloween.

Consumers who drink coffee know the demand of keeping filters on standby for when you need a wake-up call.

But coffee filters can be quite expensive at large retailers - so why not pick up nearly twice as many for the exact same price.

Stores such as Dollar Tree and Dollar General markdown the standard cost significantly, meaning you can keep a steady supply going.

Picnics, packed lunches, buffets and takeaways aren't complete without an array of disposable baking pans.

Although you may not need to use them every day, the foil containers come in handy when you're in the kitchen.

You can purchase these in bulk at cheap retailers while saving a chunk of money.

If you prefer a more sustainable container, you can save up to a third on plastic boxes at your local dollar store.

In conventional grocery stores, you often fork out for name brands unnecessarily - when the quality of the product is often identical.

So to guarantee storage safety for your leftovers, browse the options before adding them to your basket.

The most basic and reliable food to have in your home is frozen.

With a hefty shelf life and a strong selection, discount stores are the front runners in the freezer department.

The affordability of these products makes them well-liked by consumers who keep a steady food stash on ice.

For shoppers who enjoy the outdoors, dollar stores have everything you may need to create the perfect picnic.

You can stock up on all your supplies and snacks for dining al fresco without getting a shock at the checkout.

Plastic utensils, napkins, cups and picnic blankets are cheap and cheerful at the majority of discount retailers.

A meal can be transformed with a sprinkle of seasoning, so it's best to keep a good selection stocked up in your home.

You can snap your desired spices up for great value at a dollar store - and you often get more for your money.

Shoppers can buy up to two or three times the quantity of various seasonings for the same price a grocer or specialty store will charge.

After shopping until you drop, consumers need a place to store their grocery haul.

And it turns out discount retailers have the perfect low-cost tote bags to transport your shopping home in.

They are often sold in bulk or solo and are reusable, meaning you can save a massive amount of money on bags in the long run.

However, shopping experts say there is one item you should avoid at all costs in inexpensive stores.

Customers often believe they are getting a steal at a budget shop, but may actually be paying more than they should.

So it's best to shop around for your cereal - as you could be forking out for a much smaller quantity than you'd see at the grocery store.

According to Mashed.com, retailers are "selling you a smaller box that's actually more expensive per ounce." 

We previously told how a Dollar Tree expert dished the dirt on how to bag a bargain on name-brand items - if you DON'T buy them at the discount store.

And another Dollar Tree lover also gave her opinion on the items that are no longer worth a dollar.

I've made $177,000 in two years thanks to my backyard swimming pool

Thousands of Americans eligible for new tax credit worth $1,000

The exact month $500 monthly direct payments will arrive to Americans

Thousands of Americans have just 24 hours to apply for $750 checks

© 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP