Shopping at Walmart has become a regular part of many people’s lives because of its low prices and huge selection of items. While some items are truly great deals, not everything at Walmart is worth buying—even with their famous “everyday low prices” promise.
My years of comparing prices and product quality across different stores have shown that some items at Walmart end up costing more in the long run or just don’t meet basic quality standards. The following list covers 13 products that customers should think twice about before buying at Walmart, based on factors like durability, price comparisons, and overall value for money.
Fresh Produce
Fresh fruits and vegetables at Walmart often spoil faster than those from dedicated grocery stores or farmers markets. The produce typically travels long distances to reach stores, meaning it’s already aged before hitting the shelves. Many items show bruising and damage from rough handling during transport. The quality issues mean you’ll likely throw away food sooner, wasting both money and food.
Batteries
Major brand batteries at Walmart usually cost more per unit compared to buying in bulk from warehouse clubs or online retailers. The store’s own Great Value batteries don’t last as long as premium brands like Duracell or Energizer. Store-brand batteries often leak more easily and can damage your devices, leading to expensive repairs or replacements.
High-End Electronics
Walmart’s electronics selection focuses mainly on budget models with fewer features. Their TV models often use lower-quality panels and cheaper components. The extended warranty plans cost more than protection plans from dedicated electronics stores. Customer service and technical support for expensive electronics purchases is often limited and unhelpful.
Meat Products
The meat department often stocks lower grades of beef and poultry. The packaging dates can be misleading, as products may get repackaged near expiration. Color enhancement techniques make meat look fresher than it actually is. The quality and freshness don’t match what you’d find at a proper butcher shop or higher-end grocery store.
Kitchen Tools and Gadgets
Kitchen items sold at Walmart sometimes break easily due to cheap materials and poor construction. The non-stick coatings on pans wear off quickly, exposing potentially harmful base metals. Knife sets become dull rapidly and can’t be properly sharpened. These items end up needing frequent replacement, costing more over time.
Pet Food
Many pet food brands at Walmart contain low-quality fillers and artificial preservatives. The store often stocks older inventory that’s closer to expiration dates. Premium pet food brands sold there frequently cost more than at pet specialty stores. Storage conditions can affect food quality, especially for sensitive formulas.
Fine Jewelry
Walmart’s jewelry pieces often use lower-quality gems and metals. The craftsmanship shows obvious flaws and poor finishing details. Settings become loose more easily, risking stone loss. The warranty and repair services don’t match those of dedicated jewelers.
Wooden Furniture
Furniture pieces often use cheap composite materials instead of solid wood. Assembly quality is inconsistent, leading to wobbly or unstable items. The finish easily scratches and chips, showing the inferior materials underneath. These pieces typically last only a few years before needing replacement.
Bedding Sets
The sheet sets the pill and wears thin after just a few washes. Thread counts are often inflated or misrepresented on packaging. Colors fade quickly, even with gentle washing. The material feels progressively rougher with each wash cycle.
Health Supplements
Vitamin and supplement quality control isn’t as strict as specialty health stores. Storage conditions can affect product potency and effectiveness. Expiration dates may be closer than those at dedicated vitamin shops. The selection of specialized supplements is usually limited.
Cleaning Supplies
Concentrated cleaning products are often watered-down versions of name brands. The packaging quality leads to leaks and spills more frequently. Store brand cleaners require using more products to achieve the same results. The scents tend to be overwhelming and artificial.
Paint Supplies
Paint quality is lower than what’s available at hardware stores. Brushes shed bristles and rollers leave lint in paint jobs. Color matching services are less accurate than at paint specialty stores. The selection of specialty paints and finishes is limited.
School Supplies
Paper products tend to be thinner and tear easily. Writing instruments have inconsistent ink flow and break more often. Backpacks show wear and tear much sooner than better brands. The apparent savings don’t justify the need for frequent replacements throughout the school year.
25 Things You Should Never Buy Used—No Matter How Good the Deal
25 Things You Should Never Buy Used—No Matter How Good the Deal
15 Cars Mechanics Say They’d Never Buy
15 Cars Mechanics Say They’d Never Buy
16 Holiday Items Smart Shoppers Buy at Dollarama
