Walmart can be a convenient place to stock up on groceries, and many of its prices are worth checking out. But a low shelf price doesn’t always mean you’re getting the most for your money, especially when you’re paying extra for convenience or buying food you may not finish.
Before you fill your cart, take a closer look at these nine grocery purchases. Depending on what your household eats and how often you shop, you may find a better value by choosing a different package size, preparing something yourself, or comparing prices elsewhere.
Prepped Produce and Salad Kits
Precut fruit, chopped vegetables, and bagged salad kits make meal preparation easier, but you’re often paying extra for the washing, chopping, and packaging. If you have a few minutes to prepare the ingredients yourself, compare the price per pound with whole produce or plain greens before reaching for the ready-to-eat version.
Single-Serve Snack Packs
Individually packaged crackers, cookies, and chips are convenient for lunchboxes and busy days, but those small portions can cost considerably more per ounce than a larger bag or box. If your household goes through snacks regularly, buying a larger package and dividing it into reusable containers may help you spend less.
Bottled Water
A case of bottled water might look inexpensive, but buying one every week can turn into a recurring grocery expense. If your tap water is safe to drink, filling reusable bottles at home can be a less expensive option that also saves room in your shopping cart.
Name-Brand Pantry Staples
It’s easy to reach for the same familiar brands of pasta, flour, sugar, and canned vegetables without checking what else is on the shelf. Compare unit prices and ingredient lists with Great Value and other store-brand options, since the name-brand version may cost more without offering a meaningful difference in how you use it.
Related: 7 Canned Foods Frugal People Always Buy
Grocery Packages That Are the Wrong Size for Your Household
A small bag of rice may cost more per pound, while an oversized bag of produce can waste money if you can’t finish it before it spoils. Look at the unit price, available storage space, and how much your household realistically eats before assuming the smallest or largest package is the better deal.
Individual Yogurt Cups
Single-serving yogurt cups are easy to grab for breakfast or a snack, but buying several at a time can cost more than purchasing a larger tub. If you eat yogurt regularly, compare the price per ounce and consider portioning it yourself with fruit, granola, or other toppings you already have.
Shredded Cheese
Pre-shredded cheese saves a little preparation time, but it may cost more per ounce than buying a block of the same variety. If you use cheese often, check the unit prices to see whether grating it yourself is worth the extra step.
Fresh Herbs in Small Packages
Those little plastic containers of basil, parsley, and other herbs can be surprisingly expensive when a recipe calls for only a small amount. Compare them with larger bunches, freeze suitable leftover herbs for future cooking, or consider growing a pot of an herb you use often.
Fresh Meat and Seafood You Don’t Have a Plan to Use
A discounted package of meat or seafood isn’t much of a bargain if it sits in your refrigerator until you have to throw it away. Before buying, check the packaging and freshness, then make sure you can cook or freeze it within the recommended storage window.
