15 Foods to Never Buy at Walmart

This post may contain affiliate links.

Walmart’s wide selection and low prices make it a favorite shopping spot for many. But let’s be honest—not everything there is worth adding to your cart, especially regarding food. Here are 15 foods you might want to reconsider before buying at Walmart.

Store-Brand Meat

15 Foods to Never Buy at Walmart — Image provided by: Angry Red Hammer Guy

Walmart’s store-brand meat, including Great Value, has been criticized for its quality. Customers frequently mention that the meat has an off-putting texture and taste (“I’ve had to toss out entire packages of chicken after just one day in the fridge”). It’s worth spending a bit more on higher-quality cuts from other retailers.

Seafood

Fresh seafood from Walmart often doesn’t meet the standards at a dedicated seafood market.

The freshness can be questionable, and the taste might leave you disappointed. For seafood lovers, it’s worth making the trip to a specialized store.

Great Value Cereal

Opting to save a dollar on cereal may appear wise, but it loses value if the box lingers unopened in the pantry. “While there are budget-friendly alternatives to favorites like Apple Jacks and Cocoa Puffs, the flavor simply doesn’t compare,” Bakke at DollarSanity remarked.

“For those who, like me, treasure the nostalgic taste from childhood, the nominal savings hardly justifies sacrificing that familiar joy.”

Fresh Produce

Despite Walmart’s efforts to improve its fresh produce section, many shoppers continue to report issues with quality and freshness.

It’s not uncommon to hear complaints about bruised fruits or wilted greens. Why risk it? Local farmers’ markets offer fresher and often more affordable options.

Pre-Packaged Salads

Convenience sometimes comes at a cost—like the quality of pre-packaged salads at Walmart.

Complaints often include brown lettuce, slimy textures, and less-than-fresh toppings. Making your salad or grabbing one from a specialty store is safer.

Great Value Cheese

Great Value cheese is another product that many shoppers avoid. The cheese often has a rubbery texture and lacks flavor.

“I tried the shredded cheddar once, and it just didn’t melt right,” one customer noted. Go for a recognized cheese brand to ensure better quality.

Bakery Goods

Sure, Walmart’s baked goods are convenient, but they often lack the freshness and flavor you’d expect.

They are too sweet and dry and turn into bricks faster than you can say “stale.” Why not support your local bakery and enjoy delicious, fresh treats that never disappoint?

Frozen Dinners

Walmart’s frozen dinners may not be the healthiest option. Many of these meals contain sodium, preservatives, and artificial ingredients.

If you’re looking for a quick meal, try preparing a simple dish at home with fresh ingredients instead.

Great Value Coffee

You might skip Walmart’s Great Value coffee if you’re a coffee lover. Many reviews mention a weak flavor and unpleasant aftertaste.

One customer said, “The coffee tasted like it had been sitting on the shelf for months.” Investing in a better-quality coffee brand can help you start your day on the right note.

Store-Brand Canned Goods

While Walmart’s Great Value brand can save money, not all canned goods are equal. Many customers find the texture and flavor lacking compared to name-brand options.

Canned vegetables and soups might be better purchased elsewhere for peace of mind regarding quality.

Great Value Spices

Great Value spices have been reported to lack potency and flavor. Using these spices might mean you must use more to achieve the desired taste, which can be frustrating and cost-ineffective. It’s worth investing in higher-quality spices to elevate your cooking.

Snack Cakes

Like Twinkies and similar products, Walmart’s snack cakes are often loaded with unhealthy fats, sugars, and artificial ingredients.

While they may temporarily satisfy a sweet craving, they can lead to health issues like weight gain if consumed regularly.

Bottled Water

Bottled water is another item that Walmart doesn’t shine on in terms of cost-effectiveness. Warehouse clubs like Costco or Sam’s Club usually offer better prices per unit.

Plus, it’s worth considering investing in a home water filtration system for long-term savings and environmental benefits.

Pre-Cooked Chicken

Walmart has many pre-cooked chicken choices, but some folks have had problems with undercooked or dry chicken. To avoid food poisoning, use fresh, uncooked chicken from a good source instead.

Deli Meats

Walmart’s pre-packaged deli meats are known for being high in sodium and preservatives. Plus, let’s be honest: the taste and texture can’t beat freshly sliced deli meats from a butcher or fancier grocery spots.

By avoiding these items at Walmart, you can get the best quality food for your money and discover some new favorite brands.

12 Best Places to Grocery Shop on a Budget

Have you ever left a grocery store and wondered how you spent $100 without realizing what you bought? Or have you noticed that the same box of granola costs slightly more in one store than in another? These are typical concerns for consumers nationwide, especially as food prices continue to rise.

12 Best Places to Grocery Shop on a Budget