We love Walmart, but it’s not always the best place to get everything. The prices are sometimes higher, and it isn’t exactly known for its quality. In this article, we look at 17 foods you should reconsider getting from Walmart.
Bottled Water
Bottled water, in general, isn’t the best use of your money. It is expensive and is also very destructive to the environment. According to Earth Day, Americans use over 50 billion water bottles every year. Drinking tap water is usually cheaper and can be just as safe, if not safer.
Pre-packaged Salads
Pre-packaged salads at Walmart are not always the best deal, considering they are not as fresh and cost more than whole produce. You are better off buying the vegetables and taking some time to make your own salad at home. It tastes better and costs less.
Snack Foods
There’s no denying the wide range of snacks Walmart carries. However, they often cost more, especially if you buy just a few at a time. They also tend to be unhealthy. For healthier, cheaper options, Healthline recommends nuts, fruits, Greek yogurt, bell peppers, and guacamole.
Deli Meats
Deli meats at Walmart are often more expensive than at local delis. The meats are pre-packaged and not cut fresh. This means they might not taste as good. Local delis usually offer fresher meats at better prices. So, it’s often better to buy deli meats from local stores instead of Walmart.
Electronic Food Accessories
When spending hundreds of dollars on an appliance, going to an electronic store is the best option. Walmart often has a limited selection, and the quality can be inconsistent. If you insist on shopping from Walmart, LinkedIn recommends testing the device in different environments to see how it holds up.
Frozen Seafood
The frozen seafood at Walmart might not meet your expectations for quality and ethical sourcing. Some of it may even have been previously thawed and frozen again, which makes it unsafe for eating. Even though the packaging says the seafood is sustainably sourced, this could be untrue.
Name-Brand Cereals
Buying name-brand cereals at Walmart isn’t worth it, as you can often find the same products for less elsewhere. Or you can even get off-brand cereals for as little as half the price. These are often made from the same ingredients and factories, just with different packaging.
Bakery Items
Quality isn’t the biggest concern for large chain bakeries. Their goal is to make as many products as possible with as few materials as possible. Many corners are cut to make the most of the ingredients. For example, they may use more oil instead of more eggs.
Organic Produce
Walmart carries organic produce, but the price, quality, and variety are rarely the best you can get. Not to mention, the produce marked as organic sometimes still contains pesticide residue on it. You might want to try another store for better deals.
Spices
Spices at Walmart don’t sell fast, meaning they can sit on the shelf for a long time. This makes them stale over time, as they are exposed to air and light. Also, spices at Walmart can cost more than if you buy them in large amounts from other places.
Dairy Alternatives
In addition to not having many different types to choose from, dairy alternatives at Walmart, like almond milk or soy milk, are usually more expensive. Sometimes, these products are not kept in the best condition, which can make them go bad even when the expiration date hasn’t passed.
Cooking Oils
The quality of Walmart oils can also be a bit hit or miss, which is important because low-quality oils can affect the nutrition and taste of your food. Stores that specialize in food or health products often have better deals and a wider selection of high-quality oils.
Over-the-Counter Medications
Over-the-counter medications at grocery chains tend to be more expensive than what you’d find at pharmacies or online. However, the generic versions of these medications are usually just as good as the name brands. Even doctors recommend using off-brand medications if you can get them.
Coffee and Tea
For a fresher cup, you might want to try brands like Stumptown Coffee Roasters or Harney & Sons for tea, which you can find at specialty stores or online for potentially better prices and freshness. At Walmart, the cost per unit can be higher, especially if you’re looking to buy in bulk.
Frozen Pizzas
If you ask us, frozen pizzas don’t hit the spot the same as fresh pizzas. This is even more true for Walmart pizzas, as they use the cheapest ingredients possible. Some brands Delish recommends are DiGiorno Pepperoni Frozen Pizza with Croissant Crust, Newman’s Own All Natural Thin & Crispy Uncured Pepperoni Pizza, and Acme Caulipower Three Cheese Frozen Pizza.
Canned Goods
To get the best deals on canned goods, try warehouse clubs, where buying in bulk can save you more money. Additionally, these stores might have sales more often, making it worthwhile to wait for a better deal. Walmart’s selection of organic or specialty canned goods is also limited. If you’re looking for specific types of canned foods, such as organic vegetables or specialty soups, you’re likely to find a better range and better prices at other places.
Pet Food
Buying pet food at Walmart could be more costly and less reliable in terms of quality and selection. The food may also not meet the needs of all pets, especially those requiring specialized diets. The store carries a limited range of premium brands, and there have been concerns about the quality and safety of their pet food products.
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