Dollar General has switched to self-distribution of fresh and frozen products, with 300 stores in the Northeast already receiving their stock from in-house sources. The company said it expects to have 5,000 stores in its in-house distribution network by early next year.

A story about the sweet treats that can be shaped using frozen whipped cream topped this week's list of most-read food-and-beverage stories, and Dollar General's self-distribution plan also made the list. Triscuit's first non-cracker snacks and Smartwater's expansion into the flavored seltzer arena also resonated with readers.

Dollar Tree was the smallest of the three main dollar store chains when it acquired 8,200-store Family Dollar four years ago, in a move to compete with larger retailers including Dollar General. The company has since fallen further behind Dollar General and the solution could be a sale of Family Dollar, Loop Capital retail analyst Anthony Chukumba said.

Dollar General will start selling fresh produce at 200 of the 1,000 stores it plans to remodel in 2019. Adding fresh fruits and vegetables at some remodeled stores this year has boosted sales, especially in areas seen as food deserts, said CEO Todd Vasos.