16 Walmart Brand Items That Are as Good (Or Better) Than the “Real” Stuff

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These Walmart brand products give the big names a run for their money.
Updated Sept. 7, 2023
A man grocery shopping

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We all love to save money on groceries. But when you are at Walmart holding a Great Value peanut butter in one hand and a Peter Pan peanut butter in the other, you probably wonder if it is wise to choose the store brand.

In many cases, the answer is a resounding “yes.” Store-brand items from Walmart are often just as good as their name-brand counterparts.

Here are 16 items nearly always seen as equal to or better than the name brand.

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

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Great Value Cheese Puffs

Courtesy of Walmart Great Value cheese puffs

Move over, Cheetos! Many shoppers find that Great Value Cheese Puffs pack just as much finger-lickin’ cheesy flavor into a small puffed corn snack as the name brand.

These cheese puffs are great to bring along for a road trip, pack for a picnic, or delight any kid looking for an afternoon snack. A 13.5-ounce bag is $3.18.

Great Value Original Saltine Crackers

Courtesy of Walmart Great Value original saltine crackers

For something as simple and classic as saltine crackers, you don’t need to splurge on a name brand: Great Value’s Original Saltine Crackers will get the job done.

This is a great choice whether you’re looking for something to eat with ginger ale while you’re ill or love using salty crackers to top your soup. A 16-ounce box is $1.52.

Equate Nutritional Shake

Courtesy of Walmart Equate nutritional shake

Trying to fit extra protein and vitamins into your daily diet? Try a Walmart Equate Nutritional Shake.

These cost-effective shakes taste like creamy chocolate and don’t leave the aftertaste that some name-brand nutritional drinks are known for. They are lactose-free but also fit 9 grams of protein into each bottle. Get a 24-count package for $26.36.

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Mainstays Beach Towels

Courtesy of Walmart Mainstays beach towels

Beach towels often require replacement after summer because they get left at the pool or become tired after long beach days covered in sand.

So, there’s no reason to spring for something expensive when you can grab four super-soft Mainstays Beach Towels for just $23.88.

George Men’s Premium Denim Jeans

Courtesy of Walmart George men's premium denim jeans

Jeans can be one of the most challenging clothing items to shop for, but Walmart has done it again.

The retailer’s store brand for men, George, includes George Men’s Premium Denim Jeans, which wear like an expensive pair of department store jeans.

Dress them up or dress them down — at $17.88 a pair, you will keep more money in your wallet and never feel bad about the cost per wear.

Equate Aspirin

Courtesy of Walmart Equate aspirin

Because the Food and Drug Administration strictly regulates medications, you can feel confident buying Walmart generic drugs from their in-house Equate brand rather than splurging on the name-brand medications.

The active ingredients, strength, and dosage will all be the same as in a name brand. Many great medications are available, but it’s tough to beat a 100-count package of Equate Aspirin tablets for just 98 cents.

Better Homes and Gardens Round Tufted Storage Ottoman

Courtesy of Walmart Round tufted storage ottoman

Walmart offers a line of Better Homes and Gardens products.

The Better Homes and Gardens Round Tufted Storage Ottoman has details like nailhead trim and a removable top for added storage. It’s a multitasking piece that is as stylish as it is functional.

For just $134, you can get a look that appears to have walked straight out of a high-end furniture store.

Parent’s Choice Dry & Gentle Diapers

Courtesy of Walmart Parents Choice dry and gentle diapers

When it comes to diapers and other baby goods, Walmart’s Parent’s Choice brand is just as good as the name brands.

A 27-count package of Parent’s Choice Dry & Gentle Diapers is just $4.98.

Great Value Wavy Lightly Salted Original Potato Chips

Courtesy of Walmart Great Value wavy and lightly salted potato chips

For just $3.18, you can get a family-size bag of Great Value Wavy Lightly Salted Original Potato Chips to satisfy your salty cravings.

Whether you want them for lunch, a picnic, or a summer barbecue, you’ll get the delicious crunch you know and love from name-brand potato chips, but at a lower price.

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Great Value 100% Arabica Donut Shop Coffee

Courtesy of Walmart Great Value 100% Arabica donut shop k cups

If you love the classic taste of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee, Walmart’s aptly named Donut Shop Coffee is a worthy substitute. It has that familiar easy-to-drink medium roast taste that’s bright and flavorful but light enough to agree with almost any palate.

A 96-count box of Great Value Donut Shop 100% Arabica Medium Roast Ground Coffee is $25.98.

Equate Beauty Gentle Skin Cream

Courtesy of Walmart Equate beauty gentle skin cream

The price of skin cream can seem steep, particularly when you’re shopping for specific skin concerns and trying to avoid fragrances, parabens, and other potentially irritating ingredients.

Walmart’s Equate Beauty Gentle Skin Cream is a budget-friendly alternative to Cetaphil for sensitive skin. A 16-ounce package is just $6.77.

Athletic Works Women's Regular Dri-More Core Relaxed Fit Yoga Pants

Courtesy of Walmart Athletic Works women's regular yoga pants

There’s no need to spend $98 on yoga pants when you can get a better deal from Walmart’s Athletic Works brand. These inexpensive store-brand leggings are perfect for athleisure or workout purposes, and they wear just like the name brands.

You can get a pair of Athletic Works Women's Regular Dri-More Core Relaxed Fit Yoga Pants for $15.96.

MoDRN Scandinavian Linear Triangles Rug

Courtesy of Walmart Scandinavian linear triangles rug

Don’t spend serious money on a high-end modern rug when you can get something from Walmart’s MoDRN home line.

With Scandinavian influences, Walmart is channeling some of the most stylish home retailers in the game. This rug — made of durable, stain-resistant polypropylene — has striking stripes and boho-inspired tassels. It costs $115.60.

Mainstays Jumbo Stackable Plastic Closet Organizers Boxes

Courtesy of Walmart Stackable plastic closet organizers

Why spend more money than you have to on organization? Mainstays plastic storage bins get the job done and stand up to the wear and tear of pulling them in and out of the closet, under the bed, or wherever you’re stashing extra stuff.

You can get a set of six 68-quart boxes for $48.77.

Mainstays 13.2 Gallon Trash Can

Courtesy of Walmart mainstays 13.2 gallon trash can

A trash can is another item where you probably don’t want to spend a lot of cash. Luckily, Walmart’s Mainstays 13.2 Gallon Trash Can is just $49.98.

It has a motion sensor and is just as sturdy as any fancy name brand you’ll find.

Great Value Creamy Peanut Butter

Courtesy of Walmart Great Value creamy peanut butter

Great Value Peanut Butter can hold its own against all big brand names. It has the peanut flavor and creaminess that people love.

On top of all that, the price is right at $5.98 for the 64-ounce jar.

Bottom line

Syda Productions/Adobe Girl with food in shopping cart

From products for your pantry to home goods, Walmart’s store brands offer quality and style at a price that can boost your bank account.

It’s always worth taking a swing through Walmart to see what’s on the retail giant’s shelves.

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Current Offer

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Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn 2% cash rewards on purchases

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Heather Bien Heather Bien is a writer covering personal finance and budgeting and how those relate to life, travel, entertaining, and more. With bylines that include The Spruce, Apartment Therapy, and mindbodygreen, she's covered everything from tax tips for freelancers to budgeting hacks to how to get the highest ROI out of your home renovations.