The 14 Worst Pantry Items To Get At Walmart (Don’t Waste Your Money)

If you've ever wandered through the pantry aisle looking to save money at Walmart, you might've been tempted by the low prices, especially on store brands like Great Value and Marketside.

Unfortunately, not everything cheap is worth buying. From limp loaves of bread to soggy veggie grillers, many of these items fall short on taste, nutrition, or value.

Here are a few of Walmart's pantry products that are not only disappointing but could also cost you more in the long run.

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

Price: $1.42

This bread is notorious for being too moist, floppy, and flavorless. Some reviewers even describe it as already moldy upon purchase. Worse still, its long shelf life often means it already tastes stale when purchased.

A slightly higher price for artisanal or store-bakery bread delivers freshness, texture, and nutrition you'll enjoy more than pre-sliced loaves.

Price: $9.82

They may look like a healthy grab-and-go snack, but reviews suggest you're mostly paying for peanuts. Shoppers frequently complain that almonds and cashews are mainly what is in the tub, making the "deluxe" label feel misleading for people who want more variety.

For the nearly $10 price tag of this Walmart version, Costco's Kirkland blend offers 2.5 pounds of a more varied, higher-quality nut variety at a price of $7.40 per pound.

Price: $1.74

Walmart's pasta sauce may save a buck, but it's heavy on salt and light on flavor. It has a thin texture and a metallic aftertaste, which leaves many meals tasting flat and processed. 

A jar of Aldi's Reggano sauce or Classico on sale offers greater depth and flavor at a comparable price.

Price: $1.78

This pantry staple is a must for many baked goods, but Walmart's version has a thinner consistency and an odd aftertaste. Many reviews say that the cans are always damaged and dented, which is not good for canned products. 

When you're investing time and ingredients into baking, it's worth spending a few extra cents to avoid a flop.

Price: $5.88

Don't be fooled by the "classic" label, because many reviewers say this budget brew tastes weak, bitter, or burnt. It may cost less than name-brand coffee, but even older coffee makers struggle to produce a satisfying flavor. 

For less than a dollar, consider upgrading to something like Folgers or Eight O'Clock for a more balanced morning cup.

Price: $3.46

Despite McCormick's trusted name, many reviews note a surprising chemical-like flavor in this pantry staple. Several buyers report it smells stale, with little to no garlic punch.

For cooks who value seasoning that holds up in stews or roasts, it's better to use fresh cloves or a premium brand. Target's Good & Gather option is the same size, but only $0.99 and highly rated.

Price: $1.87

While this Walmart instant oatmeal may be convenient, many reviewers say it's often soggy, overly sweet, or turns gluey fast and sticks to your dishes. 

With flavors that taste more artificial than comforting, it's a far cry from a hearty breakfast. For a dollar more, Quaker offers a smoother texture and richer taste.

Price: $1.93

While Kellogg's version is a nostalgic classic, the Great Value knockoff lacks crunch and has a stale, overly sweet taste. It also gets soggy fast in milk. 

Reviewers say it's not even worth the $2. For a few cents more, name brands on sale or Aldi's Millville cereal line offer better quality and flavor for only a dollar more.

Price: $2.97

This canned classic falls flat in both taste and texture. It's overly salty and oily, and lacks the crispy, meaty consistency you want in a corned beef hash. 

Reviewers also report an unpleasant smell after opening the can. Hormel has a much more authentic flavor, and you'll pay just $1 more for a can of the name-brand at Walmart.

Price: $3.47

They look fresh in the bakery section, but many shoppers say these cookies taste more like processed dough than home-baked treats. They're often dry and crumbly with an artificial flavor. 

For around the same price, brands like Pepperidge Farm or even baking your own from a $4 Nestle mix get tastier, fresher results.

Price: $1.17

These may seem like an easy pantry win, but buyers have flagged them as a bad purchase that goes crusty fast after opening the bag, and sometimes has little to no flavor, even with a chemical-like aftertaste. 

For consistent quality, Jet-Puffed remains a safer and fluffier bet, selling for just $1.98 at Walmart.

Price: $1.12

They promise a backyard BBQ staple, but shoppers say the beans are gritty and swimming in a vinegar-tasting sauce. 

Several note an odd aftertaste and a lack of smoky depth. Bush's or even store brands like Kroger typically offer richer, heartier beans that feel worth the shelf space.

Price: $0.58

Even at just 58 cents, this boxed mac and cheese isn't worth the savings, and it doesn't deliver on the "thick and creamy" promise. 

The sauce is watery, not creamy. Some shoppers claim that Walmart must have changed its recipe in 2025, and that Kraft is better.

Price: $1.50

It might sound hearty, but this canned soup has very little real vegetable content. It's mostly broth with a few sad carrots and overcooked potatoes. 

Reviews mention a tinny taste and a lack of seasoning. Progresso or Amy's, while a bit pricier, offer far better nutrition, texture, and flavor.

Avoiding low-quality pantry items is actually one of the savvy shopping hacks you can use to keep your kitchen stocked with meals you'll actually enjoy, while saving money on groceries.

While Walmart offers some great values and products, the items on this list are questionable. From making smarter store-brand swaps to buying in bulk, thoughtful planning can help you keep your grocery bill low and your pantry well-stocked with high-quality options.