Walmart is one of those places where you can walk in with a grocery list and feel pretty confident you’re getting reasonable prices. Between the Great Value products, everyday low prices, and shelves full of options, it’s easy to assume you’re saving money just by shopping there.
But not everything in the grocery aisles is necessarily a bargain. Some products cost more because they’re already prepared or packaged for convenience, while others seem inexpensive until you compare how much you’re actually getting.
Before your next Walmart grocery run, take a closer look at these nine items before putting them in your cart.
Name-brand pantry staples
Pasta, rice, flour, sugar, canned vegetables, and other pantry basics don’t necessarily need a recognizable brand name to get the job done. Walmart’s Great Value products and other lower-priced alternatives may offer similar ingredients and quality for less, so compare labels and unit prices before paying extra for familiar packaging.
Precut fruits, vegetables, and salad kits
Those containers of sliced fruit, chopped vegetables, and ready-made salad kits can save time in the kitchen, but you’re also paying for someone else to do the preparation. Whole fruits, vegetables, and plain bags of greens may give you more food for your money, especially if you don’t mind spending a few minutes washing and chopping.
Individually packaged snacks
Small bags of chips, crackers, cookies, and other individually wrapped snacks are convenient for lunches, but the cost per ounce can be considerably higher than buying the regular-sized package. A larger bag or box divided into reusable containers can often stretch your snack budget further without giving up the convenience of having portions ready to grab.
Bottled water
A case of bottled water might not seem like a major expense when you’re already buying groceries, but buying it week after week can add up over a year. If your household has safe drinking water, a reusable bottle filled at home is generally much cheaper than buying disposable bottles repeatedly.
Grocery packages that are too big or too small
A giant bag of potatoes or an oversized container of fresh produce might look like a fantastic deal, but those savings disappear if you throw half the food away. Smaller packages aren’t always the answer either, since they can cost more per ounce or pound, so the better purchase is usually the size your household can realistically finish.
Individual yogurt cups
Those little yogurt cups are easy to toss into your cart for breakfast or a quick snack, but buying several individual servings can cost more than purchasing one larger container. If your household eats yogurt regularly, a large tub portioned into smaller containers may be cheaper, especially when you add your own fruit or toppings.
Related: These Grocery Chains Are Cheapest Across the Country
Bags of shredded cheese
Pre-shredded cheese is convenient for tacos, casseroles, and homemade pizza, but it can cost more per ounce than a block of the same cheese. Buying a block and shredding only what you need can save money, and you can store the rest for another meal.
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Fresh herbs in small plastic containers
A tiny package of basil, cilantro, parsley, or rosemary can be surprisingly expensive for something you may only need a few leaves of. Larger bunches may offer better value, and you can often grow frequently used herbs in a small pot at home so you don’t have to buy another package every time a recipe calls for a little seasoning.
Fresh meat and seafood bought without a plan
A markdown sticker on meat or seafood can make you buy something you weren’t planning to cook, but a discount doesn’t help if the food spoils before you use it. Check the package condition and date information, and only buy what you can safely cook or freeze within the recommended storage period.
