Canned food is a pantry staple, offering convenience and long shelf life. But not all canned goods are created equal, and some are downright disappointing.
When shopping at Walmart, it’s wise to be selective because a bad can could mean sacrificing taste, texture, and overall quality. Some of these cans are loaded with excessive sodium, questionable ingredients, or just plain bad flavor.
So, before you toss that can into your cart, check out our list of 16 canned foods from Walmart, whether it’s their own brand or another cheap one, that you should definitely avoid.
1. Cut Green Beans
Ah, the humble green bean—a side dish staple. But Walmart’s canned cut green beans are more like a side dish disappointment. These beans often have a mushy texture that’s less “fresh garden veggie” and more “wet paper towel.”
To make matters worse, they’re notoriously over-salted. Sure, canned goods aren’t known for their crispness, but these beans take soggy to a whole new level. Many customers report an unappealing metallic aftertaste, which might leave you wondering if you’re eating beans or licking a tin can.
If you’re craving green beans, opt for fresh or frozen. They’ll retain their flavor, texture, and dignity—something Walmart’s canned version simply can’t claim.
2. Fruit Cocktail
Walmart’s fruit cocktail is like a sad, sugary trip to a canned fruit graveyard. With bits of fruit swimming in syrup so thick you could probably use it as pancake topping, it’s hard to tell what you’re eating.
Is that a grape or a mushy marble? Pineapple or an unidentifiable chewy cube? The texture of the fruit is more “rubber ducky” than refreshing snack, and don’t get us started on the bland, overly sweet taste.
Plus, the mix is heavy on the cheap filler fruit, like pale chunks of tasteless pear, while the good stuff (hello, cherries!) is barely there. For a better fruit cocktail experience, skip the can and make your own mix with fresh fruit and a light drizzle of honey. You’ll thank yourself.
3. White Tuna
If you’re grabbing a can of Walmart’s white tuna, prepare yourself for a fishy disappointment. This canned tuna often comes with an overpowering smell that could clear a room. As for the texture, it’s usually dry and stringy, which is basically the opposite of what you want in a tuna salad or sandwich.
To make matters worse, you might end up with unexpected bits of gristle or bone lurking in the can—because nothing says “bon appétit” like crunching on tuna cartilage. And let’s not forget the excessive liquid in the can, which leaves you wondering if you bought tuna soup instead. Stick to higher-quality brands for your tuna fix; your taste buds will appreciate the upgrade.
4. Canned Vienna Sausages
Vienna sausages are already a polarizing food, but Walmart’s canned version takes things to an entirely new level of questionable. These tiny sausages are slimy right out of the can, with a texture that’s equal parts spongy and gelatinous—not exactly appetizing. The flavor isn’t much better, often described as overly salty with a faint metallic aftertaste.
And then there’s the “juice” they’re packed in. What is that stuff, anyway? It’s like a mysterious, cloudy broth that defies explanation. If you’re a Vienna sausage fan, there are definitely better options out there. Or, better yet, skip the canned variety altogether and treat yourself to real sausage.
5. French Onion With Beef Stock Condensed Soup
Walmart’s French Onion Soup promises savory, hearty goodness, but what it delivers is more of a sad, salty broth with onion bits that look like they’ve been through a blender. The flavor is overly artificial, leaving you feeling like you’ve just sipped on a packet of onion-flavored seasoning.
The so-called beef stock doesn’t fare any better. It’s thin, watery, and lacks the rich, robust taste you’d expect from a decent French onion soup. If you’re craving the real deal, skip the can and whip up a homemade version with caramelized onions and actual beef stock. Your taste buds will thank you.
6. Grilled Chicken & Sausage Gumbo Soup
This canned gumbo soup feels like a betrayal to the rich, flavorful tradition of gumbo. Walmart’s version is a sad, watery soup with bits of chicken and sausage that are so small you’ll need a magnifying glass to find them. The broth is underwhelming and lacks the bold, spicy kick that makes gumbo such a standout dish.
Then there’s the rice. Oh, the rice. It’s often mushy and overcooked, turning what should be a comforting meal into a disappointing, soggy mess. If you’re in the mood for gumbo, support a local restaurant or try your hand at making it from scratch. Trust us, it’s worth it.
7. Minestrone Soup
Minestrone soup is supposed to be a medley of fresh veggies, pasta, and rich tomato broth. But Walmart’s canned version? It’s more of a medley of sadness. The veggies are mushy, the pasta is often overcooked, and the broth tastes like someone waved a tomato near it without actually using one.
There’s also a serious lack of seasoning, leaving the soup bland and uninspired. If you’re looking for a hearty and satisfying minestrone, skip the can and look for a fresh alternative. Better yet, make your own with fresh ingredients and a pinch of love.
8. Cream Of Mushroom Condensed Soup
Cream of mushroom soup is a pantry staple for casseroles and comfort food recipes, but Walmart’s version misses the mark. The texture is more glue-like than creamy, and the mushroom pieces are few and far between.
The flavor? Think bland and overly salty with a hint of “is this even mushroom?” It’s fine in a pinch if you’re making a casserole, but if you want a soup that can actually stand on its own, you’re better off looking elsewhere. Your casseroles (and your taste buds) deserve better.
9. Chili With Beans
Chili with beans should be hearty, spicy, and full of flavor. Unfortunately, Walmart’s canned chili is none of those things. The beans are mushy, the meat is minimal, and the sauce is oddly sweet with an artificial tang that’s hard to ignore.
There’s also a serious lack of spice, making this chili more suitable for someone who thinks black pepper is adventurous. If you’re craving chili, take the time to make it at home. You’ll get all the flavor and none of the disappointment.
10. Extra Noodle In Chicken Broth Condensed Soup
You’d think extra noodles would be a bonus, but in Walmart’s canned soup, it’s more like extra mush. The noodles are so overcooked they dissolve in your mouth, and the broth is bland and overly salty.
Instead of the comforting chicken soup you’re hoping for, you’re left with a sad, watery concoction that’s more depressing than delicious. Do yourself a favor and skip this one. Homemade chicken noodle soup is easier to make than you think and a thousand times tastier.
11. Clam Chowder Soup
Walmart’s clam chowder is an exercise in disappointment. The clams are sparse and chewy, the potatoes are mushy, and the broth is overly thick with a chalky texture.
The flavor is equally underwhelming, with an artificial fishiness that overpowers the subtle creaminess you’d expect in a good clam chowder. If you’re craving this New England classic, skip Walmart’s version and seek out a reputable brand or, better yet, a fresh bowl from a seafood spot.
12. Chicken Noodle Soup
Chicken noodle soup is supposed to be comforting and nostalgic, but Walmart’s canned version is more like a lukewarm memory you’d rather forget. The noodles are mushy, the chicken pieces are tiny and flavorless, and the broth is overwhelmingly salty without much actual chicken flavor.
If you’re feeling under the weather or just craving a warm bowl of soup, skip this canned option and opt for homemade or a high-quality store-bought version.
13. Corned Beef
Walmart’s canned corned beef might seem like a convenient option, but it’s a gamble you don’t want to take. The texture is often greasy, with a strange, gelatinous layer that’s hard to stomach.
The flavor is overly salty and lacks the rich, savory goodness you expect from corned beef. Plus, it’s not uncommon to find chunks of fat or gristle mixed in, making the whole experience even less appealing. If you love corned beef, treat yourself to the fresh version. Your taste buds will thank you.
14. French Style Green Beans
French style green beans are supposed to be elegant and tender, but Walmart’s version is anything but. These beans are often limp, soggy, and swimming in an overly salty liquid that does them no favors.
The flavor is bland at best and metallic at worst, leaving you wondering why you even bothered. If you’re craving French style green beans, go for the frozen variety or make your own from fresh beans. It’s worth the extra effort.
15. Pear Halves
Canned pears should be sweet, juicy, and refreshing, but Walmart’s pear halves are more like bland, mushy blobs. The texture is off-putting, with a grainy, overripe feel that’s far from pleasant.
The syrup they’re packed in doesn’t help either. It’s overly sweet and adds nothing to the already lackluster flavor. For a better pear experience, skip the can and opt for fresh or jarred pears. Your desserts (and your taste buds) will be so much better for it.
16. Canned Refried Beans
Walmart’s canned refried beans are a letdown for anyone hoping to whip up a tasty taco night. The texture is often too thick and paste-like, making it hard to spread or scoop. The flavor is equally disappointing, with an overwhelming saltiness that masks any hint of the earthy, bean-y goodness you’d expect.
If you’re craving refried beans, try making your own from scratch or opt for a higher-quality brand. Taco night deserves better.
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