Additional Coverage:
- 8 Worst Great Value Products You Should Never Buy at Walmart (financebuzz.com)
Navigating the Aisles: Which Walmart Great Value Products to Skip
We all love a good deal, and store brands often promise significant savings. Walmart’s Great Value line is a prime example, offering a vast array of groceries at budget-friendly prices.
However, not every “great value” lives up to its name. Our local consumer watch team has delved into the details to help you make informed choices on your next shopping trip.
Here’s a look at some Great Value products that might be worth passing over, along with some healthier or more cost-effective alternatives.
(Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location.)
1. Great Value Peanut Butter
While it might be easy on the wallet, Great Value Peanut Butter often comes loaded with added sugar and vegetable oils. For a healthier, more natural spread, consider making your own with just peanuts and a pinch of salt in a food processor. It’s surprisingly simple and bypasses those unnecessary additives.
2. Great Value Cinnamon Applesauce
Sweet tooth warning! A six-pack of 4-ounce Great Value Cinnamon Applesauce containers boasts a hefty 20 grams of sugar per serving.
Compare that to the organic, unsweetened Great Value Organic Applesauce, which contains only 11 grams. While the unsweetened option is slightly pricier ($3.82 vs.
$2.24), the health benefits of less sugar are often worth the extra cost.
3. Great Value Maple Syrup
Don’t let the label fool you. The standard Great Value Maple Syrup lists corn syrup and high-fructose corn syrup as primary ingredients, and surprisingly, even traces of milk, eggs, and anchovies.
If you’re seeking genuine maple goodness, the Great Value Pure Maple Syrup is the way to go, featuring maple syrup as its sole ingredient. However, this purity comes at a premium ($7.98 for 12.5 ounces, or 63.8 cents per fluid ounce) compared to the regular version ($3.12 for 24 ounces, or 9.8 cents per fluid ounce).
For a better deal on pure maple syrup, our investigation found Aldi offers a comparable size for just $5.85.
4. Great Value Sliced Strawberries with Sugar
Found in the frozen food aisle, these pre-sliced strawberries might seem convenient for desserts. However, the added sugar in an already naturally sweet fruit can be excessive for many recipes and certainly isn’t ideal for your health. Furthermore, fresh strawberries from the produce section often prove to be more cost-effective per ounce.
5. Great Value Frozen Pizza
You might assume the store brand offers the best deal, but Great Value Frozen Pizza might not be the budget-saver you expect. For instance, a Great Value Thin Crust Pepperoni Frozen Pizza runs about 30.3 cents per ounce. Keep an eye out for other brands within Walmart, as a Jack’s version of the same pizza was found to be cheaper at 26.8 cents per ounce.
6. Great Value Pure Vanilla Extract
Bakers know that pure vanilla extract can be a significant expense. While you might reach for the Great Value version to save, it’s not always the best bargain. At $2.86 per fluid ounce, it’s considerably more expensive than options found at warehouse clubs like Costco, where pure vanilla extract can be purchased for around $1.06 per fluid ounce.
7. Great Value Frozen Shrimp
When it comes to frozen shrimp, Costco once again out-prices Walmart. Both stores offer tail-on, peeled frozen shrimp under their respective store brands. However, Costco’s Kirkland Signature version comes in at 51 cents per ounce, slightly less than Great Value Frozen Shrimp at 55.3 cents per ounce.
8. Great Value Canned Fruit
Canned fruit offers a convenient, shelf-stable alternative to fresh produce. However, many varieties are packed in light or heavy syrup, adding unnecessary sweeteners.
While slightly more expensive, opting for fresh produce, especially if you plan to consume it quickly, is often a healthier choice. This is one instance where spending a little extra for quality and health can be a wise decision.
The Bottom Line
While Walmart’s Great Value brand undoubtedly offers many excellent ways to trim your grocery bill, some products simply aren’t worth the purchase. By being a savvy shopper and knowing which items to bypass, you can ensure you’re truly getting the most for your money and making healthier choices. Don’t forget to leverage the Walmart app for additional discounts and deals!
Read More About This Story:
- 8 Worst Great Value Products You Should Never Buy at Walmart (financebuzz.com)