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)
Make sure to always check the bottom shelf.
Al Sciola
- 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’s got the fancy soap now.
Al Sciola
- 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)
Contrary to what internet challenges say, do not eat these.
Al Sciola
- 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)
Parents may need to pick up a few packs of these every year.
Al Sciola
- 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)
Not much of a price difference but you should probably pick some up if you’re already here.
Al Sciola
- 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)
Lactose intolerant people can rejoice!
Al Sciola
- Dollarama: $2.50
- IGA: $3.69
- Provigo: $3.25
If you don’t have the fridge space for the 1.75L version, you can save 30% or more by buying your oat milk at the dollar store.
Honey Nut Cheerios (292 g box)
Dollarama’s cereal aisle was more impressive than I imagined.
Al Sciola
- 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)
They’re…… full of sugar
Al Sciola
- 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)
It’s “kind” of a great deal.
Al Sciola
- 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)
Andy Warhol would approve of this image.
Al Sciola
- Dollarama: $1.50
- IGA: $1.79
- Provigo: $2.47
It may be a staple budget item, but prices on this canned soup don’t differ too much from store to store.
Silk almond milk (946 ml)
What doesn’t this place carry?
Al Sciola
- 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
Thank you for your service, Dollarama.
Al Sciola
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.
