Some good news for bargain hunters out there: New research shows that while the food bought at dollar stores is generally less healthy, customers’ diets aren’t suffering greatly as a result.

Scientists at Tufts University and the USDA-Economic Research Service collaborated for the study, which tracked the food purchasing habits of nearly 200,000 American families. They found that a growing number of people are buying food from dollar stores, particularly people with lower incomes. At the same time, the overall diet quality wasn’t significantly different between those who shop and don’t shop at these outlets.

Dollar stores have become a ubiquitous presence across the U.S. over the past few decades. Research has shown how these stores have reshaped the local economy, particularly in small

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