The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find I Wish I Had Bought Sooner

Why is it that the most revolutionary finds are the ones that are always hiding in plain sight? I accidentally came across Dollar Tree’s marinade bags during a quick errand run, and I don’t know how I ever lived without them.

I didn’t even know that marinade bags existed before I saw these. And even when I first picked them up, I assumed they were a gimmick—weren’t they just zip-top bags with a different name? Turns out, the answer is no. Marinade bags are designed to solve a specific problem, and they do it very well!

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Marinade Bags

After dealing with the frustration of a leaky zip-top bag creating a puddle of bacteria-laden sauce in my refrigerator, I’ve been placing my proteins in bowls, setting bags inside of bowls, or double bagging when fridge space is at a premium. It’s been an exercise in frustration, wasted plastic, and unnecessary dishes. The surprisingly robust construction and reliable double-zipper seal of Dollar Tree’s marinade bags have solved this problem entirely.

The first time I used one for my go-to Samin Nosrat chicken, not a single drop escaped after 12-plus hours in the refrigerator! I’ve since used them with a range of recipes, and they’ve maintained their integrity every time. I continue to put a pan underneath (just in case), but there haven’t been any leaks so far.

The bags come in two practical sizes. The ones I use the most are the half-gallon bags, which come in a pack of 16-pack and comfortably held 1 3/4 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs for a tandoori chicken skillet dish I marinated overnight. The oversized 3.5-gallon bags come in a package of two and can hold a spatchcocked chicken or a few racks of ribs. The best thing about them is the expandable bottom, which keeps the bag upright as you fill it.

How I Use The Dollar Tree’s Marinade Bags, Beyond Basic Marinating

These bags excel at their primary function—containing marinades—but the expandable bottom also makes them incredibly helpful for meal prep and freezing leftovers. I often portion out things like soup starters or bases—like chili, stews, or a tortellini soup without the pasta—then freeze them flat.

For busy weeks, I’ll prep several proteins at once, each in its own bag with different seasonings. I write directly on the bags with a marker to keep track of what’s what, then store them flat in the refrigerator or freezer. The bags stack neatly without taking up much space. They would also be great for a quick (wet or dry) brine or an old-school shake-and-bake recipe. The box instructions indicate that they’re also microwave-safe for up to two minutes, but I prefer to let everything thaw naturally.

For just $1.25, these marinade bags deliver organization, efficiency, and confidence that my food (and its flavors) will stay exactly where I want them. If you haven’t added them to your Dollar Tree shopping list yet, consider this your sign to grab a package on your next visit.

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