Researchers from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas recently discovered whether you shop at a fancy supermarket or a budget store, you are getting the same quality produce—the only variance is in the price.

The study compared the color, cleanliness, freshness and firmness of fruits and vegetables in 14 dollar-discount stores to 40 traditional food outlets across the Las Vegas metro area.

As deep discount stores, so-called “dollar stores,” add more fresh food to their lineup, a new study by the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, found produce quality was virtually the same as traditional grocers in the area.

A new study from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas compared the color, cleanliness, freshness and firmness of fruits and vegetables among 14 dollar-discount stores and 40 traditional grocery stores and found the quality of fruits and vegetables at the dollar stores is just as good as regular grocery store produce.

When you hear about dollar discount stores, the first thought that comes to mind likely isn’t groceries for you and your family.

Consumers have been trained that supermarkets with the slick commercials, fancy lighting and beautiful fresh produce displays have better quality. So buying your favorite fruits and vegetables at a discount store means you must be getting lower quality goods, right? Wrong. New research reveals that produce sold at dollar stores are actually quite comparable to that sold at traditional grocery chains, only markedly cheaper.

You get what you pay for when grocery shopping — or so we’re led to believe. So buying your favorite fruits and vegetables at a discount store means you must be getting lower quality goods, right? Wrong. New research reveals that produce sold at dollar stores are actually quite comparable to that sold at traditional grocery chains, only markedly cheaper.

A study by UNLV researchers argues that non-traditional food markets like dollar discount stores may help bridge disparities in food access for low-income residents.