7 ‘Low-Quality’ Walmart Grocery Items You Shouldn’t Be Buying, According To Food Experts

January 7, 2024 by Julia DeKorte

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Walmart may have the best deals on clothes, furniture, decor, appliances, and groceries, but that doesn’t always mean you should buy them. Especially with groceries, you don’t want to risk buying low-quality items just because they have a good price. Keep reading to find out which Walmart grocery items you should leave on the shelves.

1. Berries & Leafy Greens

Berries and leafy greens are a staple in most homes, but if you buy low-quality berries and greens, they’re prone to wilting and molding very quickly. Walmart, unfortunately, often stocks low-quality fresh produce, so it’s best to leave it on the shelf.

Walmart shopper and registered dietitian Trista Best weighed in on the topic, and said, “Be cautious when buying fresh produce with a short shelf life, such as berries and delicate greens, and especially at Walmart, since Walmart’s high turnover can sometimes result in options that aren’t as fresh for purchasing in-store.” Instead, try shopping at a local farmer’s market!

2. Frozen Seafood

While it can be tempting to buy seafood frozen instead of fresh in order to keep it for longer, Best recommends staying away. “Walmart’s frozen seafood selection can be hit or miss in terms of quality and sourcing, so when buying frozen seafood, look for sustainable options with clear labeling, or consider purchasing seafood from a dedicated fish market.”

Seafood can be tricky to begin with, so you want to make sure you’re buying the best quality you can.

3. Store Brand Canned Soups

You also want to stay away from store-brand canned soups, as they are heavily processed, meaning they contain a lot of sodium and other chemicals in high amounts. “Walmart’s store-brand canned soups can be loaded with sodium and artificial additives,” Best says.

Instead of choosing the store brand option, choose a more well-known brand, like Campbells. While it may cost a couple cents or even a dollar extra, it’s much better for your health in the long run.

4. Pre-Packaged Deli Meats

For anyone with children in school deli meats are often a staple for lunches, which is even more of a reason to stay away from low-quality deli meats. Plus, higher quality deli meat will taste better. Best explains that pre-packaged deli meats at Walmart "lack freshness and flavor," and it's better to go with the fresh sliced deli meats at the meat counter.

Or, if you're feeling fancy, Best recommends heading to a "specialty deli for a better selection of meats and cuts in terms of texture, flavor, freshness, and quality."

5. Baking Supplies

Calling all bakers! While this one may come as a surprise, Best recommends staying away from baking supplies such as "flour, sugar, and baking chocolate at Walmart." According to her, they lack quality and flavor, so you're not getting your money's worth, and are better off shopping elsewhere.

Again, Best recommends a specialty store. "Specialty baking stores often carry higher-quality options that can make a significant difference in your baked goods," she says. This might be something you want to pick up at a Whole Foods or Wegmans!

6. Generic Instant Coffee

For those of you that need to have that warm cup of coffee every single morning, you're better off shopping for it somewhere other than Walmart. Walmart's instant coffee options are definitely on the lower end on the quality scale, and as a result, you won't have as strong of a flavor, aroma, or potency.

Best says, "Invest in premium instant coffee brands or explore Walmart's ground coffee options for a better coffee experience." Or, take yourself out for a treat at a local coffee shop!

7. Generic Breakfast Cereals

Walmart has a pretty large variety of generic cereal options, but Best says customers are better off shelling out a couple extra bucks on a name brand option. "Generic cereals may not offer the flavor or quality as name-brand options, so if you enjoy breakfast cereal, consider investing in a higher-quality brand cereal for a tastier breakfast."

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