The $1.25 Dollar Tree Find I’m Stocking Up On

Food containers are sort of like the socks of the kitchen—you never quite have enough because they go missing almost as fast as you replenish them. And while not wildly expensive for just one, the cost adds up fast. So when I saw Dollar Tree’s Clip-Lock Plastic Storage Containers for $1.25 each, I had to investigate.

Why I Love Dollar Tree’s Clip-Lock Plastic Storage Containers

While not quite as robust as pricier containers, Dollar Tree’s clip-on model is more heavy-duty than the typical grocery store variety, and it has clip-lock lids that are definitely an upgrade from the basic versions. And at just $1.25 each, I loved the idea of being able to double my food container inventory for a fraction of the price I’d normally pay. 

I tested the clip-lock lids in the store and was pleasantly surprised by how easily they clicked on and off. Able to hold 54 ounces, the containers were also perfectly sized for a week’s worth of rice, shredded chicken, or any weeknight staple that makes dinners come together in a hurry when prepped ahead of time.

But how would they fare when storing saucier foods? I inspected the inside of the lid and saw a seal that was designed to close tightly with the base—it looked promising. 

When I got them home, I immediately filled one of the containers halfway up, locked the top, and put it to work. I started slow, just sloshing it around, then upped the difficulty by turning it upside down—not a drop leaked out. Then I really put it to the test, shaking the heck out of it, and it performed like a champ! 

A few other pluses: They are top-rack dishwasher safe, BPA free, and freezer safe. The only thing to be aware of is that these aren’t meant for stacking. You can certainly do so, but the tops of the lids don’t connect neatly with the bases. The good news is that they’re about six inches tall, so they’re not really the size that you’d need to stack. These are great placed one behind another or side by side.

The bottom line is, I fully trust these to transport lunch to work and keep things fresh in the fridge for several days. I also think these would be perfect for dry food and pantry storage—they hold just under seven cups of foods like oats, pasta, or beans that you’d utilize over a few months. These are a surprising gem, so stock up before they disappear!

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