Additional Coverage:
Wallet-Friendly Wonders: 15 Walmart Brand Buys That Beat the Big Names
We all love a good deal, especially when it comes to everyday essentials and tasty treats. Big box stores like Walmart are masters of the “house brand,” offering alternatives to those familiar name-brand items. But with so many options, how do you know which off-brand items truly deliver on quality without breaking the bank?
Fear not, savvy shoppers! We’ve scoured the aisles (and the internet, specifically Reddit) to bring you a curated list of Walmart’s “Great Value” and other in-house brand items that are not just cheaper, but often better than their more expensive counterparts. Get ready to save money without sacrificing your taste buds or your peace of mind!
(Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may vary by location, so always double-check before you shop!)
1. Macaroni and Cheese
Price: $0.58
While Kraft might be the reigning champion of boxed mac and cheese for some, Reddit users are singing the praises of Great Value’s version. One Redditor raves, “The GV shell Mac and cheese is the best.” And at a mere 58 cents a box, it’s a no-brainer for a quick, comforting meal.
2. Eggs
Price: $2.72
Eggs are a staple, and Great Value consistently offers some of the lowest prices. An 18-count of large white eggs comes in at just 22.7 cents per egg, a significant saving compared to brands like Eggland’s Best, which can run you 38.5 cents per egg. It seems Great Value’s supplier relationships are cracking good!
3. Purified Drinking Water
Price: $5.47
For those who stock up on bottled water, Great Value’s multi-packs are a clear winner. Not only are they budget-friendly, but customers often report a better taste, free from the chlorine or salty notes sometimes found in other brands. Snagging a 40-pack for under $5.50 feels almost like finding a hidden spring!
4. Flavored Tortilla Chips
Price: $2.24
If you’re a fan of Doritos’ Cool Ranch, prepare to meet your new obsession: Great Value’s Glacier Ranch Tortilla Chips. At less than $3 a bag, they’re nearly half the price of Doritos. One Redditor enthusiastically admits, “I will go through a party size bag of Glacier Ranch in one [to] two days.”
5. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies
Price: $2.26
Calling all chocolate and peanut butter aficionados! Walmart has crafted a convincing dupe for that beloved Girl Scout cookie, and it’s less than half the price.
You get 18 delectable, chocolate-covered, peanut butter-filled cookies. One Redditor fondly calls them “little bites of heaven.”
6. Trash Bags
Price: $16.73
Who knew trash bags could be a hot topic? Rumor has it that Great Value’s trash bags are manufactured by the Reynolds company, leading to surprisingly high quality. Many Redditors agree they stand up just like the Glad brand, with some even declaring Great Value bags as their exclusive choice.
7. Tuna
Price: $0.82
Tuna can be hit or miss in the quality department, but Great Value tuna appears to be a consistent crowd-pleaser. One Redditor claims, “just opening the can you can see a huge difference,” and at a fantastic price of 82 cents per can, it’s a catch!
8. Fruit and Grain Bars
Price: $2.37
While Nutri-Grain might be the household name, Great Value’s fruit and grain bars are gaining a loyal following. Redditors praise them, with one revealing, “It’s one of the few where I actively am not a fan of the name brand.” The Great Value option is often described as softer and less crumbly, with an 8-bar box costing just $2.37 compared to Kellogg’s $3.28.
9. Ham and Cheese-Filled Sandwiches
Price: $1.98
For a quick, warm bite, Hot Pockets are a classic. But Great Value’s ham and cheese-filled sandwiches are making waves. A two-pack at $1.98 is at least a dollar less than Hot Pockets, and according to one Redditor, “They actually taste and feel like stuffed bread instead of a hollow bread shell.”
10. Cheese Puffs
Price: $2.96
Craving Cheetos Puffs but not the price tag? Great Value’s Cheese Puffs are here to save the day.
A 13.5-ounce bag is under $3, while Cheetos of the same size can set you back $8 or more. One Redditor explains, “The great value puffy Cheetos taste almost exactly like regular Cheetos except better and they have a better texture and more cheese.”
Sounds like a cheesy win!
11. Strawberry Yogurt
Price: $2.34
Yoplait is a familiar name, but Great Value strawberry yogurt offers real strawberry fruit chunks and a slightly lower price point. At 9.8 cents per ounce compared to Yoplait’s 10.3 cents per ounce for an 8-cup pack, it’s a sweet deal. “Their 12 packs of strawberry and strawberry banana yogurt are really good,” adds a Redditor.
12. Chicken Sauce
Price: $2.28
If you’re a devotee of Chick-fil-A’s signature dipping sauce, prepare for a revelation. Great Value’s knockoff is receiving rave reviews, with one Redditor admitting, “Yes, [I] like it better than Chik-fil-A sauce.” At 19 cents per ounce, it’s a more economical dip than the restaurant brand’s 22.8 cents per ounce.
13. Cheese Crackers
Price: $4.26
Cheez-Its are beloved for their real cheese flavor and satisfying crunch. However, a 21-ounce box of Great Value’s cheese crackers is less than $5, while Cheez-Its run closer to $5.87.
Many swear the Great Value option is even superior to the original. “Great Value ‘cheez its’ are by far better than the name brand,” one Redditor exclaims.
14. Ice Cream
Price: $2.97
Here’s a sweet secret: rumors suggest Blue Bunny ice cream and Great Value ice cream share a factory. So it’s no surprise that the internet is buzzing about Walmart’s dessert selection.
A 48-ounce tub of Great Value ice cream is only $2.97, while Blue Bunny’s equivalent is $3.87. “The GV Fudge Tracks is amazing,” praises a Redditor.
15. Breakfast Sausage Patties
Price: $9.92
For a hearty breakfast, Great Value frozen sausage patties are a top pick. While Jimmy Dean’s offers 8 patties for $5.47, Great Value gives you 20 patties for $9.92, making it a much more budget-friendly option.
One Redditor confesses, “They are the only patties I buy now. They’re literally twice the size of the name brand.”
The Bottom Line on Big Savings
It’s clear that many Great Value products stand shoulder-to-shoulder, and sometimes even surpass, their name-brand competitors. Opting for these store-brand items can significantly trim your grocery bill without forcing you to compromise on taste or variety.
And don’t forget to leverage Walmart’s app for additional coupons and savings before you head to the store – every little bit helps maximize your budget!