13 Foods to Never Buy at Walmart
While Walmart is known for its affordable prices and convenient shopping experience, some of their food products may not offer the best quality, freshness, or value for money.
Whether it’s due to concerns about food safety, taste, or nutritional value, here are 13 foods you may want to reconsider buying at Walmart.
1. Pre-Packaged Produce
Pre-packaged fruits and vegetables, often found in plastic clamshell containers, can be a poor choice at Walmart. These items tend to have a shorter shelf life and are often less fresh compared to those sold loose. Additionally, they may have been handled more than necessary, leading to potential contamination. It’s better to buy produce in bulk, where you can inspect each item for freshness.
2. Walmart’s Brand of Meat (Great Value)
While Walmart’s Great Value meat products are usually cheaper, they can sometimes be of lower quality compared to those found at other grocery stores. Great Value meat may not always be as tender, flavorful, or fresh as higher-end cuts from butcher shops or specialty grocery stores. It’s worth checking the freshness and labels carefully when buying meat at Walmart.
3. Frozen Fish and Seafood
Many frozen fish and seafood products at Walmart, particularly those under the Great Value brand, may not be sustainably sourced and can lack the same quality as those found in more specialized grocery stores. Frozen seafood can also be exposed to improper storage conditions during transit or on the shelves, which can affect its texture and flavor.
4. Walmart’s Pre-Packaged Salads
Pre-packaged salads, while convenient, often don’t offer the best freshness or flavor. These bags of pre-washed greens can be wilting, overly processed, or even carry bacteria from improper handling. They often come with dressing packets that are high in preservatives and artificial ingredients. Fresh, loose-leaf salad greens or organic options from other stores are generally a better choice.
5. Canned Vegetables
Canned vegetables at Walmart, especially the Great Value brand, may not offer the best flavor or nutritional value. Many canned vegetables are high in sodium and may have a mushy texture after being preserved. Fresh or frozen vegetables often retain more nutrients and have better flavor, making them a better option when compared to canned varieties.
6. Frozen Dinners and TV Dinners
Walmart offers a range of frozen meals, including cheap options like frozen dinners and TV dinners, but these often contain high levels of sodium, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients. They’re also typically lacking in freshness, flavor, and nutritional value. Instead, consider preparing homemade meals or investing in frozen meals from brands known for higher quality ingredients.
7. Non-Organic Dairy Products
Walmart’s dairy products, including milk, cheese, and yogurt, are often produced with hormones and antibiotics that many consumers prefer to avoid. Additionally, their non-organic options can sometimes be lower in quality compared to local or organic dairy products. If you’re concerned about food quality or sustainability, opt for organic dairy brands that are available at many grocery stores, including those that prioritize animal welfare and environmental sustainability.
8. Pre-Packaged Bakery Items
Walmart’s pre-packaged baked goods, such as muffins, cakes, and cookies, often contain artificial flavors, preservatives, and excessive amounts of sugar. These mass-produced items can lack the fresh taste of products from local bakeries or specialty stores. If you’re looking for a treat, it’s often better to buy fresh, locally baked goods, or even bake at home.
9. Processed Snack Foods
Walmart offers a wide variety of chips, cookies, and other processed snacks that can be high in unhealthy fats, sugars, and preservatives. While they may be inexpensive, these snacks generally provide little nutritional value and can be bad for your health when consumed in excess. Opt for healthier snack alternatives like fresh fruits, nuts, or homemade baked goods instead.
10. Pre-Packaged Meat (Hot Dogs, Deli Meats)
Pre-packaged meats like hot dogs, lunch meats, and deli meats from Walmart, especially the Great Value brand, can be loaded with preservatives, sodium, and low-quality meat cuts. These products may not be the healthiest option, as many are highly processed and filled with artificial ingredients. If you’re craving deli meats, choose organic or higher-quality brands available at other grocery stores.
11. Walmart’s Brand of Organic Foods
Although Walmart carries organic products, many of their store-brand organic foods don’t always meet the high standards of other retailers or specialized organic markets. These items may not be as fresh, and in some cases, the sourcing or production methods could be questionable. When shopping for organic products, it’s often better to look for certified organic brands at stores that specialize in organic and natural foods.
12. Frozen Fruits
While Walmart’s frozen fruit selection is typically budget-friendly, some of their frozen fruit offerings—especially from the Great Value brand—can be of subpar quality. The fruit may have been frozen too long, losing texture and flavor. When purchasing frozen fruit, look for reputable brands that specialize in frozen produce to ensure better quality and flavor.
13. Canned Fish (Tuna, Salmon)
Canned fish products at Walmart, particularly the Great Value brand, can be low-quality, and may not be sustainably sourced. While canned fish can be a convenient option, many Walmart canned fish options may lack flavor and be high in sodium. If you’re looking for higher-quality canned fish, consider brands known for their sustainability practices or opt for fresh or frozen options.