Produce With a Short Shelf-life
Produce that spoils quickly may not last long enough when stored (even properly) at home, and delicate items, such as berries and leafy greens, are also more prone to have wilted leaves, mold, a soft or mushy texture, or any other signs of early rotting already visible in store.
“Be cautious when buying fresh produce with a short shelf life, such as berries and delicate greens, and especially at Walmart, since Walmart’s high turnover can sometimes result in options that aren’t as fresh for purchasing in-store,” Best says.
Instead, consider buying these delicate, and often seasonal produce picks, from grocery stores known for fresher produce—or better yet—from local farmers’ markets, where top quality and flavor are a better bet.
Pre-Packaged Deli Meats
Deli meats are easy and convenient to assemble for sandwiches or roll-ups. However, not all pre-packaged deli meats taste alike, and some are definitely better than others. When it comes to the pre-packaged deli meats at Walmart, Best notes that they may “lack freshness and flavor.” Instead, Best says, “Opt for freshly sliced deli meats at the counter or from specialty delis for a better selection of meats and cuts in terms of texture, flavor, freshness, and quality.”
Store-Brand Canned Soups
Processed, packaged soups can be a gamble at any grocery store. However, canned soups are of particular concern when it comes to those offered at Walmart.
“Walmart’s store-brand canned soups can be loaded with sodium and artificial additives,” Best explains. Stay away from Walmart’s store brand and opt for more reputable soups, which have less sodium and fewer additives. Still, always remember to read labels first before checking out.
Generic Breakfast Cereals
Walmart has a nice variety of grains and breakfast cereals; however, its generic cereal offerings are rather lackluster. In this case, it’s a good idea to opt for a reliable name-brand cereal (and name-brand products in general) that you’ve had before or have heard good things about …
