Additional Coverage:
- Americans rate one popular product sold at Walmart as the worst ever — and we totally get why (marketrealist.com)
Walmart’s “Great Value” Canned Peas: A Not-So-Great Culinary Adventure, According to Shoppers
Local consumers and food critics alike are sounding the alarm over Walmart’s budget-friendly Great Value canned peas, with many labeling them as one of the worst products on the market. While the allure of a low price point is strong, it seems this particular grocery staple might be a sacrifice too far for discerning palates.
In the competitive world of grocery retail, even the most basic food items can spark fierce debate. Enter the humble green pea, a seemingly innocuous side dish that has landed Walmart’s Great Value brand in hot water.
A recent scathing review by Tasting Table placed Great Value canned peas at the very bottom of its list of popular canned pea products, with the organic variety taking last place and the regular sweet peas coming in a close second-to-last. Libby’s Sweet Peas, for comparison, were crowned the best.
This news might come as a surprise to many loyal Great Value shoppers, who often rely on the brand for its unbeatable prices. A can of Great Value peas can be snagged for around $0.76, a stark contrast to premium brands like Libby’s, Del Monte, Green Giant, and Goya, which can range from $1.39 to $2.59. However, as the old adage goes, you get what you pay for.
The Tasting Table report paints a rather unappetizing picture, describing Walmart’s peas as “bland, devoid of flavor, and lacking moisture.” In essence, they fall far short of the sweet, juicy experience one expects from a quality pea. And while the current economic climate might tempt many to prioritize savings over culinary delight, even a bargain price hasn’t stopped some shoppers from voicing their disappointment directly on Walmart’s website.
One disgruntled customer lamented, “I always used to buy these because for canned peas in salad they were ok and it’s been several months since my last purchase. But these are flavorless and have a tough woody texture.
Never again. I’ll just get Libby’s and have to get over the price difference.”
Another shopper shared a particularly concerning experience: “We have been buying great value canned goods for years now without ever having an issue, but the last 4 cans of peas we bought were horrible. They were very dry, cooking them on the stove or in the microwave.
Either way, none of the cans were edible. Some of the peas were very hard and chewy as well, which is not only concerning but so disgusting.
Will not be buying a single can that says Great Value on it from now on.”
And in a tale that sounds more like a comedy of errors, one customer recounted, “It was really kind of funny, but not if I was planning on having company for dinner. The can was filled with liquid and literally about 16 to 20 actual peas. I’m sure it was just a glitch in the canning process.”
While affordability remains a key concern for many families, it seems that when it comes to canned peas, the Great Value brand might be pushing the boundaries of what consumers are willing to tolerate for a lower price. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little extra spent can go a long way in ensuring a more satisfying meal.