Discount shops and dollar stores may seem like a good idea to save money, but not every product sold there is a real bargain. Consumer and safety experts warn that hundreds of very cheap products may have lower quality or issues that can cost you a lot in the long term. So, let’s find out which products shouldn’t be purchased at dollar stores, despite being sold at very low prices.
Electronics and power strips
Cheap extension cords, cables, and power strips are often made with lower-quality materials. Some use thinner copper than recommended for household electricity, which can cause overheating when high-power appliances like microwaves or heaters are plugged in.
Also, believe it or not, some products have been found with fake safety certifications, which increases the risk of electrical fires.
Vitamins and supplements
Supplements are not regulated as strictly as medications. In discount stores, it is more common to find products close to their expiration date or with inconsistent quality.
Independent investigations have found capsules that do not dissolve properly and, in extreme cases, the presence of heavy metals like lead. This means you might pay for something that provides little or no real benefit.
Plastic kitchen utensils
Low-cost plastic spatulas, spoons, and tongs may look similar to well-known brands, and we might buy them because we think their chemical composition is the same, but it’s not.Otherwise, they wouldn’t be cheaper than the well-known brands.
Some studies have found materials with poor heat resistance and substances such as brominated flame retardants. So, if you use these utensils for cooking, you should have in mind that they can melt, deform, or release unwanted substances into food.
Children’s jewelry
Some cheap metal necklaces, bracelets, and rings made for children have been found to contain harmful metals like lead and cadmium. This can be risky because young kids often put things in their mouths, and these metals can build up in the body and affect their development.
Cheap batteries
Many cheap batteries don’t last as long because they are made with lower-quality materials instead of alkaline ones. They can also be more fragile, which means they may leak and damage devices like remote controls, toys, or flashlights.
Pet food and treats
Low-priced food for dogs and cats often contains fillers like corn or wheat gluten and meat by-products of uncertain origin. Veterinarians warn that poor-quality diets may cause allergies, digestive problems, or kidney issues in pets.
Over-the-counter medications
Generic medications can be safe, but storage conditions affect their effectiveness. In discount stores, products may be poorly stored or sold in very small packages that end up costing more per pill compared to traditional pharmacies.
Canned foods
The food inside the can may be safe, but the packaging itself can pose risks. Some cans use older linings containing Bisphenol A (BPA), a substance associated with hormonal changes. In addition, dents or damage during transportation can break the airtight seal and allow bacteria such as botulism to enter, even if the can is not visibly swollen.
Knives and blades
Cheap knives are usually made from softer metals that lose their sharpness quickly. You might not believe it, but a dull knife can actually be more dangerous because it requires more force to cut, increasing the chance of slips and injuries. So, the best thing you can do is investing in one good-quality knife rather than buying several low-quality ones.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen has an expiration date and can lose effectiveness if stored improperly. Some heavily discounted tubes may have been kept for long periods in hot warehouses, which degrades active ingredients like avobenzone. So using expired sunscreen can create a false sense of protection and lead to severe sunburn.
So…
As you can see, choosing bargains is not always the best option. So, should you avoid discount stores completely? No, but it’s important you pay attention to quality, certifications, storage conditions, and expiration dates.