17 Items You’ll Kick Yourself for Buying at Walmart

Walmart may be known for its low prices and wide selection, but not everything on their shelves is a great deal. A recent survey found that 33% of customers consider Walmart to have the worst quality produce compared to other major grocery chains¹.

Before you fill up your cart, take a look at this list of 17 items experts say you should avoid purchasing at Walmart.

1. Organic Produce

While Walmart has expanded its organic offerings in recent years, their prices on organic fare often can’t compete with budget-friendly chains like Trader Joe’s and Aldi.

Amazon Prime members may also find better deals on select organic items at Whole Foods.

2. Store-Brand Groceries

Walmart’s Great Value brand may be tempting due to its low prices, but the quality often falls short.

In many cases, the price difference between Great Value and name-brand items is negligible, making it worth spending a little extra for better taste and quality.

3. Maple Syrup

You’ll pay a premium for maple syrup at Walmart compared to buying in bulk. Costco sells a 33.8-ounce bottle for about 39 cents per ounce, while Walmart’s generic brand costs nearly 64 cents per ounce.

For the best value, stick to warehouse clubs.

4. Vitamins & Supplements

Vitamins can take a toll on your wallet over time, so it pays to buy your go-to brands in bulk when they go on sale.

You’re better off stocking up at a wholesale club or watching for deals at drugstores instead of buying supplements at Walmart.

5. Furniture

Walmart’s low prices on furniture come at the cost of quality. Experts especially warn against purchasing Walmart’s wooden furniture, which tends to be prone to damage and deterioration.

For affordable, long-lasting pieces, try shopping at local furniture stores or discount retailers like Big Lots instead.

6. Gift Cards

Buying gift cards at Walmart means paying full price, but savvy shoppers can snag multi-packs at a 15-20% discount at wholesale clubs like Costco and Sam’s Club(ref).

Gift card resale sites like GiftCardGranny may have even steeper discounts on certain brands.

7. Wrapping Paper

You can often find gift wrap and gift bags at dollar stores for just a buck, a better bargain than Walmart’s $1.48 to $5.48 price range.

For more bang for your buck, opt for bulk rolls of reversible wrapping paper at Costco or Sam’s Club.

8. Disposable Plates & Utensils

While Walmart’s generic disposable plates may cost as little as 3 cents each, you’ll likely sacrifice quality for that low price.

Paying a bit more for sturdier, name-brand plates at Costco could save you from potential party fouls and messes.

9. Nuts & Nut Butters

Walmart’s Great Value nuts and nut butters may tantalize with low prices, but you can often find better deals on larger quantities at Aldi.

Walmart’s store-brand peanut butter in particular has gotten poor marks for quality, with many reviewers calling it dry and difficult to spread.

10. Deli Meat

Pre-packaged deli meat at Walmart often lacks in freshness and flavor compared to meat sliced fresh at the deli counter or purchased from a specialty shop.

For the best taste and texture, skip the refrigerator case and head to the deli department.

11. Luggage

Walmart may have some cheap luggage options, but investing in better quality bags from brands like Samsonite or Travelpro will give you more durability in the long run.

For frequent fliers, it’s worth spending a bit more on well-made suitcases that can withstand heavy use.

12. Jewelry

With the exception of very inexpensive costume jewelry, it’s best to steer clear of Walmart’s jewelry department.

The quality of their fine jewelry is often questionable, so you’re better off shopping at a reputable jeweler for those special pieces.

13. Appliances

Walmart’s selection of appliances is limited and the quality of their house brands is hit-or-miss. You’ll likely find a wider variety and better deals at appliance-focused retailers like Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe’s.

14. Seafood

Shoppers have reported issues with freshness and quick spoilage when it comes to Walmart’s seafood department.

Walmart also ranks low on Greenpeace’s sustainable seafood scorecard(ref). For the best quality and sourcing, opt for a dedicated fishmonger or the seafood counter at a higher-end grocer.

15. Batteries

Walmart’s battery prices can’t compete with bulk deals at warehouse clubs. An 18-pack of Energizer AAs is $34.98 at Sam’s Club, while a 4-pack is $14.76 at Walmart. Plus, Costco’s batteries last longer in Consumer Reports’ tests(ref).

16. Paper Products

Walmart’s prices on paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues can be higher than warehouse clubs or discount stores.

For bulk purchases, warehouse retailers like Costco or Sam’s Club often offer larger packages at a better per-unit price, saving you more in the long run.

17. Tools & Hardware

While Walmart may have affordable options in their hardware section, experts suggest looking elsewhere for quality.

Hardware stores like Home Depot or Lowe’s typically have a wider range and better durability in tools, especially for items that will see frequent use.

Source:
1. mashed.com survey