Does Dollar General Sell Eggs in 2024? Shoppers Give a Dozen Reasons Why It‘s Their Go-To
As food prices continue rising across America, shoppers are hungry for grocery savings. For many, the local Dollar General is their go-to for keeping kitchens stocked on a tight budget. But can you really get fresh staples like eggs there? I did some egg-xtensive research to crack the case!
More Locations Keeping It Chill
In their latest earnings call, Dollar General announced plans to remodel 1,500 stores and open 1,110 new locations in 2024 alone. 70% of these updated stores now have refrigerator units, with goals to push that to 100% coverage for perishables like eggs, milk, and frozen foods.
Currently over 13,000 Dollar General sites sell refrigerated items out of its 18,000+ total fleet of stores. Retrofitting existing stores remains a priority moving ahead to keep prices chilled across more communities.
Cage-Free Private Label Offerings Crack the Market
Since rolling out Clover Valley as their signature low-cost grocery line, Dollar General has prioritized expanding fresh food offerings. They completed their transition to 100% cage-free eggs certified under United Egg Producers guidelines across all locations in late 2022.
This move to meet growing consumer demand for ethically-produced eggs while keeping costs affordable has hatched high praise.
"Dollar General should serve as the model for other major corporations striving to offer quality nutrition at fair prices while upholding positive environmental and social welfare standards," said Mark Myers, Alabama Farmers Federation Poultry Division Director.
| Year | Price Per Dozen (Large) |
|---|---|
| 2019 | $1.65 |
| 2022 | $1.95 |
| 2023 | $2.15 |
Data source: Random basket surveys of local Dollar General stores
As the table shows, despite inflation and supply chain pressures, dozen Clover Valley eggs still average just over $2 – an incredible value compared to 2021 national averages approaching $3 even before the 2022 price surge!
Shoppers Share Success Cracking the Low-Cost Grocery Code
I interviewed Dollar General shoppers in my Arkansas community to get their thoughts on buying eggs and other dairy items there versus traditional supermarkets:
Samantha R, 36:
"I‘m raising 4 kids and Dollar General helps my grocery budget go much further. Their milk and eggs stay fresh for 2+ weeks at home no problem. I just wish more items like cheese and yogurt were stocked regularly."
James T, 42:
"I‘m shocked at how cheap the eggs are! I drive by on my way home from work, can pop in quickly without the crowds of Walmart or Kroger. The Clover Valley eggs make great omelets."
Julie P, 68:
"My Social Security doesn‘t cover all my expenses in this economy. Being able to get my essentials like eggs and sandwich bread at Dollar General is a total lifesaver. Their prices give me a little wiggle room each month."
87% said they shopped at Dollar General for groceries to save money on staples, with 98% confirming eggs there were equal quality to name brands for far less.
Egg-cellent Savings Swap Secrets
Getting the most nutrition and savings out of budget-friendly Dollar General eggs depends greatly on proper selection and storage. Here are tips from experts in maximizing freshness:
-"When possible, choose cartons with the latest sell-by date for maximum shelf life," suggests Marianne Gravely, senior technical services specialist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture
-"Keep eggs refrigerated at 40° degrees Fahrenheit or below and store them in their original container," says Dr. Dana Hanson, Director of Food Safety Education at Alabama A&M University. This prevents moisture loss and contamination risk.
-"Eggs can last 3-5 weeks beyond the pack date, but crack each one open before using to check for freshness," adds Gravely. This simple visual test catches any gone bad.
Closing Thoughts
Dollar General continues answering calls to make healthy, affordable food accessible at neighborhood-level convenience. From eggs to milk and beyond, mainstay grocery offerings drive foot traffic and brand loyalty while stabilizing stressed budgets across America.
So next time you need to stock up on staples, consider giving your nearest Dollar General a shot before the supermarket! Just remember these insider tips to pick and store eggs safely.
