Walmart’s shelves are stacked with Great Value products—but not all are actually a great value. Some deliver impressive taste, quality, and savings that rival name brands, while others fall short with questionable flavor, texture, or ingredients. If you’re shopping on a budget, it’s important to know which items deserve a spot in your cart and which ones are better left on the shelf. We’ve reviewed the research, scanned the labels, and listened to what savvy shoppers are saying. Here are 12 Great Value products you should avoid at Walmart—and 12 that are absolutely worth buying every time you shop.
1. AVOID: Peanut Butter
When it comes to peanut butter, Great Value’s version doesn’t quite spread the joy. It’s packed with hydrogenated oils and added sugars that undercut the health halo many expect from a pantry staple. The flavor lacks depth and natural nuttiness, often tasting overly processed and oddly sweet. Texture-wise, it’s thicker than it needs to be, and the oil separation can be unpredictable. If you’re looking for a smooth, wholesome option for your toast or baking, you’re better off reaching for a more natural brand that skips the extra fillers and delivers true peanut taste without compromise.
2. AVOID: Cinnamon Applesauce
Right out of the cup, this cinnamon applesauce feels more like a dessert than a healthy snack. The sweetness overpowers the natural apple flavor, and the cinnamon barely makes an impact. With added sugars that many health-conscious shoppers try to avoid, this snack loses its appeal for both kids and adults.
The texture is decent, but it’s hard to enjoy when you know there’s a better version available—specifically Great Value’s own unsweetened organic applesauce. If you’re looking to enjoy real fruit flavor with a hint of spice, skip this overly sweet option and grab something more wholesome.
3. AVOID: Frosted Toaster Pastries (Cookies and Cream)
Disappointment comes early in the morning with these toaster pastries. The crust is dry, the frosting is minimal, and the filling lacks that indulgent cookies-and-cream richness you’d expect. When toasted, they become brittle; when eaten straight from the pack, they taste oddly stale.
Compared to popular name brands like Pop-Tarts, Great Value’s version cuts corners in both flavor and texture. Even as a quick snack, these pastries miss the mark. They may cost less, but the savings aren’t worth sacrificing taste. If you’re after nostalgic breakfast comfort, keep looking—this isn’t the shortcut you’re hoping for.
4. AVOID: Four Cheese Complete Potatoes
Instant comfort food should be satisfying—but these fall flat. The “Four Cheese” label sounds promising, yet the flavor is oddly artificial and lacks the rich, creamy depth cheese lovers expect. Texture-wise, the potatoes can turn gummy or watery, depending on preparation, and the powdered cheese blend doesn’t do much to help. The sodium content is sky-high for a side dish, and the payoff in taste just doesn’t justify it. If you’re in a hurry, there are better-tasting options in the freezer aisle or even within the Great Value brand itself that don’t taste like salt and disappointment.
5. AVOID: Pretzel Bites Filled with Beer Cheese
These sound like a fun party snack, but they’re more of a letdown than a crowd-pleaser. The pretzel shell lacks that signature chewy bite, and the beer cheese filling is sparse and oddly sour. When baked, the bites often split open and ooze unappetizingly, leaving behind dry dough and greasy residue.
The salt level is off the charts, making them feel more like a sodium bomb than a savory treat. For something that’s supposed to be indulgent and fun, they’re more likely to be forgotten than devoured. Skip the snack table filler and find a better frozen bite.
6. AVOID: Sliced Strawberries with Sugar
At first glance, these frozen strawberries seem like a convenient smoothie boost or dessert topping—but a closer look reveals a sugar overload. The added sweetener overwhelms the natural tartness and brightness of the berries, turning them into syrupy chunks better suited for a pie filling than a health-conscious snack. They’re not ideal for anyone watching their sugar intake or trying to maintain the integrity of a fresh fruit flavor. With unsweetened frozen strawberries readily available, there’s no reason to settle for this overly saccharine option. Nature did it better—no extra sugar needed.
7. AVOID: Creamy Speculoos Cookie Butter
While cookie butter is never exactly a health food, this version makes indulgence feel a little less worth it. It’s extremely sweet with a chalky texture that doesn’t spread smoothly, and the warm spice flavor is drowned out by pure sugar.
Compared to higher-end versions, it lacks depth and leaves an odd aftertaste that doesn’t satisfy long-term cravings. The ingredients list is a minefield of additives and oils, which doesn’t help its case. If you’re going to splurge on a treat this decadent, it’s worth spending a little more for something that nails both flavor and texture.
8. AVOID: Fruit Cocktail
This old-school canned classic gets a downgrade in the Great Value version. Drenched in heavy syrup, the fruit becomes mushy and overly sweet, losing any freshness or texture you’d expect. The syrup coats every bite with a cloying stickiness, masking the natural flavors of the fruit. It also loads up on added sugars, making it a poor choice for anyone seeking a more balanced snack or dessert topping. With better options available—like fruit packed in juice or water—this is one shortcut that simply isn’t worth the trade-off in taste or healthfulness.
9. AVOID: Frozen Egg Rolls
These frozen appetizers are more freezer filler than flavorful find. The wrapper is thick and chewy rather than crisp and flaky, and the filling lacks the bold flavor you’d hope for in a savory snack. Often filled with mushy vegetables and sparse protein, the texture inside is inconsistent and bland.
Even with a generous dunk in dipping sauce, they struggle to impress. While they might pass as a last-minute snack, they don’t hold a candle to restaurant-quality egg rolls or even other store brands. There are much better options in the frozen aisle if you’re craving something crunchy.
10. AVOID: Salisbury Steak
Microwaveable comfort food doesn’t have to be bad—but in this case, it is. The Salisbury steak comes smothered in a gelatinous brown gravy that tastes more like salt than savory satisfaction. The meat itself is spongy and underseasoned, with an off-putting texture that makes it difficult to enjoy. Side items (if included) are often overcooked or bland, adding nothing to the experience. As a quick dinner, it’s far from comforting and lacks both quality and flavor. You’re better off with a frozen meal from a more reputable brand that puts real effort into taste.
11. AVOID: Frozen Tilapia Fillets
Seafood lovers, beware—these tilapia fillets don’t deliver on freshness or flavor. Even when prepared carefully, they often have a rubbery texture and a faint, unpleasant fishiness that lingers. The fillets vary in thickness and size, making consistent cooking a challenge, and the end result rarely satisfies.
Unlike higher-quality frozen seafood, these don’t offer much in the way of clean taste or flaky texture. For anyone seeking a healthy dinner option, this isn’t it. With so many better frozen fish options on the market, there’s no reason to settle for subpar seafood.
12. AVOID: White Sandwich Bread
Basic sandwich bread should be soft, sturdy, and subtly flavorful—unfortunately, this one misses on all counts. It’s overly airy with a tendency to tear under the weight of anything more than peanut butter. The crust is dry, and the crumb lacks the pillowy bounce you expect from a good loaf. Even when toasted, it doesn’t hold up well, often becoming brittle rather than golden. While it may be one of the cheapest loaves on the shelf, it doesn’t offer the value in either taste or performance. You’re better off spending a few cents more for a better bite.
13. BUY: Thick & Creamy Macaroni & Cheese
Some store-brand mac and cheese tastes like it belongs in a dorm room microwave—this one’s a delicious exception. Great Value’s Thick & Creamy version lives up to its name with a velvety sauce that clings to tender noodles like the boxed classics should.
It’s easy to prepare and genuinely comforting, with a rich flavor that rivals even pricier brands. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or indulging in a late-night craving, this mac delivers both flavor and nostalgia. It’s an ideal pantry staple for quick meals that don’t feel like afterthoughts—and at this price, it’s hard to beat.
14. BUY: Naturally Hardwood Smoked Uncured Turkey Bacon
Unlike many bargain bacons that sizzle into grease puddles, this turkey bacon stays lean and flavorful. It crisps up beautifully in the skillet, offering a smoky, savory profile without the heaviness of pork-based alternatives. Shoppers love that it’s uncured and contains no nitrates or nitrites, making it a more health-conscious pick without sacrificing taste. Whether you’re layering it into sandwiches or enjoying it beside eggs, it’s a satisfying way to keep breakfast light yet hearty. For anyone seeking a lower-fat bacon option that still brings bold flavor, this one absolutely earns a permanent place in the fridge.
15. BUY: Colombian Ground Coffee
Wake-up calls are a lot more pleasant with this robust Colombian brew. It delivers a rich, full-bodied flavor with deep, roasty notes that rival many premium coffeehouse blends. Whether brewed in a drip machine or French press, it has the strength and aroma to please serious coffee lovers on a budget.
There’s no burnt aftertaste or watery disappointment here—just consistently good coffee in every cup. If you’re tired of overpaying for your morning ritual, this is one of the best deals in Walmart’s coffee aisle. Bonus points: it’s a perfect base for both hot and iced coffee creations.
16. BUY: Vanilla Ice Cream
Few things beat a bowl of creamy vanilla ice cream—and Great Value’s version truly delivers. It’s smooth, indulgent, and made with real vanilla flavor that doesn’t taste artificial or overly sweet. The texture is thick and luscious, perfect for scooping onto pies, blending into milkshakes, or enjoying all on its own. Unlike other budget-friendly ice creams that skimp on flavor or feel icy, this one feels premium without the price tag. It’s a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike, making it a freezer staple that punches well above its cost. Sweet tooth approved.
17. BUY: Mozzarella String Cheese
Snack time gets an upgrade with this peelable, portable cheese stick. It’s got a mild, creamy flavor and satisfying texture that makes it popular with kids, but even adults find it perfect for a midday snack or lunchbox addition.
Each stick peels easily and stays fresh in its individual packaging—ideal for on-the-go munching or pairing with fruit and crackers. Unlike some competitors, this string cheese doesn’t taste rubbery or bland. It delivers real dairy goodness in a fun, convenient form that’s hard to beat. Affordable, versatile, and tasty—it’s everything string cheese should be.
18. BUY: Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Don’t let the price fool you—this olive oil stands up to name-brand bottles for both cooking and finishing. With a mild, fruity profile and smooth consistency, it works beautifully in salad dressings, sautés, marinades, and even drizzled on roasted veggies. It’s one of those pantry staples you’ll reach for often, and its budget-friendly price means you won’t hesitate to use it liberally. While it might not replace ultra-premium oils for dipping bread, it more than holds its own in everyday recipes. For shoppers looking to elevate meals without overspending, this oil is a golden deal.
19. BUY: Butter Flavor Jumbo Biscuits
Big, golden, and bursting with buttery goodness, these biscuits taste like they were made from scratch—without the effort. They bake up tall and flaky with a golden crust that’s irresistible fresh from the oven. Ideal for breakfast sandwiches, side dishes, or simply slathered with jam, these biscuits are a warm, comforting addition to any meal. What sets them apart is the rich flavor and consistent texture, which many find indistinguishable from name-brand competitors. If you want that homemade biscuit experience without mixing dough at dawn, these jumbo beauties are ready to rise to the occasion.
20. BUY: Spicy Brown Mustard
This mustard doesn’t just complement your sandwich—it elevates it. With a bold blend of spices and tang, Great Value’s spicy brown mustard brings a zesty kick without overpowering the palate. It’s perfect for dressing up sausages, burgers, or pretzels, and its smooth consistency makes it great for marinades and dips too. Shoppers are often surprised at how flavorful and balanced it is, especially for a store-brand item. It rivals deli favorites at a fraction of the price and proves that you don’t need to splurge to bring serious flavor to the table.
21. BUY: Cheese Puffs
Cheesy snack cravings meet their match with these puffs. They’re delightfully crunchy, generously dusted with bright orange cheese seasoning, and surprisingly addictive. Unlike some cheaper versions that feel stale or flavorless, these offer that light-as-air texture with a big, satisfying cheddar punch.
They’re a great pick for road trips, movie nights, or whenever your salty snack cravings hit. Fans say they hold their own against name brands like Cheetos at a much friendlier price. If you’re looking for a crunchy treat that doesn’t taste like cardboard, these deliver the goods in every puff.
22. BUY: Restaurant Style Salsa
Chunky, zesty, and full of bold tomato flavor, this salsa tastes like it came from your favorite Mexican joint. Packed with bits of onion, peppers, and cilantro, it delivers a fresh, homemade texture that’s rare in a jarred product—especially at this price. Whether you’re dipping chips or spooning it over tacos and eggs, it’s a flavorful, versatile condiment that belongs in your fridge. There’s just the right balance of acidity and spice, making it ideal for mild to medium heat lovers. For a salsa that brings serious flavor without the restaurant markup, this one hits the spot.
23. BUY: Deluxe Moist White Cake Mix
Birthday cakes, cupcakes, or just-because treats—this cake mix does it all with ease. The batter bakes into a tender, fluffy crumb with a rich vanilla flavor that feels anything but bland. It rises evenly, holds moisture beautifully, and works great with add-ins like fruit, chocolate chips, or flavored frostings.
Many home bakers swear it outperforms pricier brands for both taste and reliability. Whether you’re celebrating or just craving a slice of something sweet, this mix delivers bakery-quality results with pantry-level effort. It’s proof that delicious doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated.
24. BUY: Organic Tomato Ketchup
When it comes to condiments, even a basic ketchup can make or break a meal—and this one rises to the occasion. Made with organic tomatoes and no high-fructose corn syrup, it offers a cleaner, more natural flavor that’s both rich and tangy. The texture is satisfyingly thick, and the balance of sweetness and acidity is spot-on. Whether you’re pairing it with fries, burgers, or meatloaf, it consistently delivers bold tomato taste without the artificial aftertaste. Affordable and flavorful, it’s an easy swap that makes everyday dishes feel just a little more elevated.
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