I Love Walmart Great Value Items, but I’ll Never Buy These 14 Again

Generic store brands from big box and discount retailers can help to keep your budget in check. But the best way to save money at Walmart isn’t always on Great Value items.

Even though Great Value is, as the name implies, usually a “great value,” sometimes these Walmart bargain buys miss the mark. If you’re not sure what to stock up on and what to skip, we’ve got you covered with our least favorite picks.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

Walmart Secrets: 7 genius hacks all Walmart shoppers should know

1. Stack Attack Sour Cream and Onion Potato Crisps

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $1.72

Overall, this Pringle's dupe is an affordable option that can keep your grocery budget in line. But it may disappoint serious flavor cravers.

You may not get the crunchy snap and tangy zest you expect from the name-brand version. Instead, these Great Value chips have a somewhat greasier texture and saltier taste.

For just over a quarter more, you can pick up a pack of the real deal (Pringles) at Walmart.

2. Sugar Free Syrup

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $2.36

There’s something fishy here. And you’ll see what we mean when you take a look at this product’s nutrition label.

Great Value’s sugar-free syrup went viral in videos that point out an odd addition to the ingredients list — anchovies.

3. Italian Style Finely Shredded Cheese

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $1.97

The price is right with this Great Value pick. While staying on budget is always on your mind, you don’t want to sacrifice taste for cost. If you need cheese for a dinner party or upscale event, this Walmart brand buy may not cut it.

A slightly waxy texture makes this bagged blend a better option for kids’ meals or melting into other cheeses.

Walmart shoppers may find the $2.88 five-ounce tub of refrigerated Frigo shredded parmesan or BelGioioso’s eight-ounce ball of fresh mozzarella ($4.14) better options.

Make Money: 8 things to do if you’re barely scraping by financially

4. Bacon Cheeseburgers

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $8.67

This frozen, ready-made cheeseburger pack is a convenient choice for families on the go. For under $9, you’ll get four burgers with buns, bacon, and cheese — which equals a $2.16 per sandwich price tag.

While the price is slightly less than what you might pay for a Jr. Bacon Cheeseburger at Wendy’s or a comparable product from other fast food chains, you won’t get lettuce, tomatoes, or condiments.

And, if freshness is more important to you than price, skip the frozen burgers and pick up a few pounds of Walmart’s quality ground beef.

5. Pancake and Sausage On A Stick

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $7.46

Are you shopping for a fun, once-in-a-great-while breakfast pick for your kiddos or grandkids? Great value’s Pancake and Sausage On A Stick is it. But if nutrition is a priority, pass on these pancakes.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting total sodium intake to no more than 1,500 mg per day. Each one-sausage stick contains a whopping 420 mg — along with 10 grams of fat and 210 calories.

6. Frozen Brussels Sprouts

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $1.42

Great Value’s frozen Brussels Sprouts are on par with many competitors' prices. But when it comes to freshness, these packaged frozen veggies aren’t a top choice.

The slightly larger $2.98 one-pound bag of fresh Brussels from Walmart is well worth the extra money.

7. Fruit Smiles

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $2.48

Fruit Smiles are an easy on-the-go snacking option. While kids may enjoy the candy-like treats, these snacks may not make you “smile.”

We have no complaints about the tangy taste, but the tough texture is hard to chew through. For $0.50 more, you can score a box of softer Welch’s brand-name fruit snacks at Walmart.

8. Purified Bottled Water

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $3.64

Bottled water is almost never budget-friendly. Instead of wasting $3.64 on 24 bottles, refill your own reusable tumbler from the tap.

This could save you hundreds of dollars per year. As a bonus, it is also an environmentally friendly option.

9. Tomato Ketchup

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $1.28

Some generics will never taste like the original. Whether you’re a die-hard Heinz fan or just a ketchup connoisseur, this Great Value alternative leaves something to be desired.

10. Hamburger Buns

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $1.46

This eight-count pack is perfect for a potluck picnic event at your child's or grandchild’s school. And while the kiddos may not care about flimsy buns sandwiching their burgers, you do. The affordable generic is an option for anyone who needs a basic bun or buns in bulk. If you prefer something more substantial, consider a bakery-fresh choice.

11. Frozen Beef Burgers

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $27.84

At under $3.50 per pound, these burgers are a bargain. Like the Great Value buns, this frozen box of patties is the perfect pick for a kids' BBQ picnic or similar event.

Shoppers who are searching for an easy meal prep option for family dinners or want a higher-quality gourmet cut of meat may need more than these thin beef burgers.

12. Canned Pulled Pork

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $4.12

Canned meat is always an iffy proposition, and this product is no different.

Instead of a meal in a can, swap out this Great Value brand buy for Walmart’s Marketside Ready to Heat Smoked and Seasoned Pulled Pork in BBQ Sauce.

The additional cost of the $7.97 16-ounce container is well worth the money you’ll spend.

Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt

13. Disinfectant Spray

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $4.48

This under-$4.50 disinfectant spray kills 99.9 percent of germs on contact, making it useful and affordable.

Compared to brand-name Lysol sprays, this pick is a bargain. While the price is nice, the smell isn’t.

The “Fresh Linen Scent” has an off after-odor that lingers. Shoppers with a sensitive nose may prefer another less fragrant product.

14. All Purpose Cleaner with Bleach

Courtesy of FinanceBuzz

Price: $2.77

This Great Value cleaning product is another item that delivers on usefulness and price — but not on scent. An overpowering bleach smell may make it challenging to use this all-purpose cleanser.

Bottom line

From ingredients and taste to overall affordability, no product line is perfect. While Walmart’s Great Value brand can help you save more on everyday essentials , it doesn’t always live up to the hype.

While you might need to pass on some of these less-than-ideal items, many of the Great Value food, beverage, cleaning, and home buys are can’t-miss bargains. Before you fill your fridge or pack your pantry with products, do some research and choose options that combine quality and price.

More from FinanceBuzz:

Get Out of Debt for Good: Try these 6 clever ways to crush your debt.