The $1.25 Dollar Tree Pantry Staple I Buy Every Time I Go

Whoever came up with the idea to dry fruit was a genius—this is a belief that has only been solidified since having kids because it’s the ideal snack. My family is particularly fond of dates, dried figs, prunes (dried plums), and dried cranberries, known commercially as Craisins.

Craisins are dried cranberries that have been sweetened to balance out their naturally tart flavor. They’re the cranberry version of raisins (dried grapes) but have a sweet-tart flavor profile that makes them unique. Though they are sugary—who likes to eat fresh, unprocessed cranberries?—I don’t feel as bad feeding them to my kids because they’re more nourishing than kids’ gummies.

For this reason, they’ve become a reliable, go-to ingredient for many of our family-friendly dishes. So when I found them at the Dollar Tree for just $1.25 for a 4.5-ounce pack, you can bet I stocked up! It’s the most affordable price I’ve seen for this pantry staple.

Why I Love Craisins

Craisins are like a reliable friend who’s always up for anything. Their balance of sweet and tart means they play well with others (both sweet and savory), making them an incredibly versatile ingredient. Plus, they’re easy to keep on hand since they’re shelf-stable. I love that this 4.5-ounce bag is also the ideal size for keeping in my purse or in the car for when hanger strikes.

And their ability to transform a dish with minimal effort is what makes them a superstar in my eyes. With a sprinkling of Craisins, there’s no such thing as a boring salad or bland bowl of oatmeal. These little ruby gems add a pop of color, a burst of flavor, and a delightfully chewy texture that makes even the most mundane Tuesday night dinner feel special.

How I Use Craisins

Craisins are a staple in my house because of their versatility in sweet and savory dishes, like granola bars, salads, stuffing, chicken salad, and baked goods. Here are a few ways to use them:

• I love replacing raisins with them in my favorite oatmeal cookie recipe for a twist on the classic, stirring  them into orange-spiced muffins for a bit of brightness, and combining them with chopped dates to mix into scones.
• They’re delicious mixed into my 2-ingredient chicken salad with chopped, toasted pecans for added texture and chew.
• Added to grain dishes, they bring a multidimensional flavor that compliments dishes like tabbouleh and wild rice salads.
• Combined with rice, nuts, and herbs, they make a delicious pilaf. And simple grain bowls become especially tasty with a sprinkling of Craisins, roasted squash, and feta or goat cheese.
• For a fun twist, I’ll sometimes add a handful to ground meat dishes, like lamb or beef meatballs.
• Even roasted veggies (like this dish) and zesty coleslaw get more attention on my children’s plates when dotted with Craisins.

From brightening everything from a bowl of morning oatmeal to adding a tart-kissed sweetness to charred Brussels sprouts, Craisins are a culinary mom staple I can’t live without. And for $1.25, you don’t have to either!