17 Walmart Food Gems That Actually Beat the Big Brands

Walmart’s store brands aren’t just “good for the price” anymore—they’re legit name-brand challengers.

From firmer canned tuna and extra-seasoned chips to creamy ice cream, hearty breakfast bowls, and baking staples, these Great Value and bettergoods picks deliver big flavor for less.

Great Value Chunk Light Tuna in Water — $0.96 (5 oz)

• Better than: StarKist ($1.25+)

• The Win: While name brands have become increasingly “mushy” and water-heavy, fans report Great Value offers firmer, larger chunks of fish.

• The Savings: Nearly 25% cheaper per can, making it a pantry staple for budget-conscious healthy eaters.

Great Value Glacier Ranch Tortilla Chips — $2.24 (9.75 oz)

• Better than: Doritos Cool Ranch ($4.50+)

• The Win: Extreme seasoning! Loyalists claim these chips have a more aggressive flavor dust and a satisfying “snap” that the original has lost lately.

• The Savings: You can buy two bags of Great Value for the price of one name-brand bag.

Bettergoods Cinnamon Honey Butter — $2.56 (3.7 oz)

• Better than: Texas Roadhouse retail version ($3.50+)

• The Win: Part of Walmart’s new chef-inspired line, this butter has cleaner ingredients and a richer, more authentic cinnamon “whip” than the official restaurant-branded tubs.

Great Value Hazelnut Spread — $4.97 (26.5 oz)

• Better than: Nutella ($6.50+)

• The Win: Texture is king here. Reviews highlight that Walmart’s version is thicker and less “runny,” making it perfect for dipping pretzels or spreading on toast without the mess.

Great Value Thin Pretzel Sticks — $2.44 (16 oz)

• Better than: Rold Gold ($4.00+)

• The Win: These sticks are prized for being extra crispy without being overly salt-heavy, which can sometimes make name brands feel “hard” rather than “crunchy.”

Great Value Pepperoni Pizza Snack Rolls — $4.73 (50 ct)

• Better than: Totino’s ($6.00+)

• The Win: Fans on social media swear the filling in the Great Value version is more flavorful and the crust stays crispier in the air fryer compared to the name brand.

Great Value Frosted Strawberry Toaster Pastries — $2.18 (12 ct)

• Better than: Pop-Tarts ($3.90+)

• The Win: While Pop-Tarts may have slightly more filling, the Walmart version is famous for having more frosting and sprinkles, providing a better “edge-to-edge” flavor experience.

Bettergoods Cold Brew Coffee Ice Cream — $3.44 (16 oz)

• Better than: Ben & Jerry’s ($4.80+)

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• The Win: This specific pint is going viral for its ultra-creamy base and balanced coffee notes that lack the “artificial” aftertaste often found in more expensive boutique pints.

Great Value Sausage & Gravy Breakfast Bowls — $2.43 (7 oz)

• Better than: Jimmy Dean ($3.40+)

• The Win: Shoppers report a higher gravy-to-potato ratio and larger chunks of real sausage, making it a much more “hearty” morning meal for under $2.50.

Great Value Shredded Mozzarella Cheese — $1.97 (8 oz)

• Better than: Sargento ($3.50+)

• The Win: Consumer tests frequently rate this as “as fresh and tasty” as the leading brands, with a perfect, gooey melt that doesn’t get overly oily on pizzas.

Great Value Savory Steak Sauce — $2.78 (10 oz)

• Better than: A.1. Sauce ($5.00+)

• The Win: This is a “tangy over sweet” win. Many prefer the slightly more vinegar-forward kick of the Great Value version over the increasingly sugary name brand.

Great Value All-Purpose Flour — $2.38 (5 lb)

• Better than: Gold Medal or King Arthur ($5.20+)

• The Win: In blind bake-off tests, cookies made with Great Value flour often rank higher for texture. It provides a reliable crumb for half the cost of premium brands.

Bettergoods Wood-Fired Ultra Thin Pizza — $7.54 (15.45 oz)

• Better than: California Pizza Kitchen ($9.00+)

• The Win: The “wood-fired” crust provides a restaurant-style char and artisanal toppings (like Ricotta and Pepperoni) that traditional frozen pizzas can’t match.

Great Value Plain Nonfat Greek Yogurt — $3.36 (32 oz)

• Better than: Chobani or Fage ($5.80+)

• The Win: Fans find the Great Value texture to be just as thick and high-protein as the name brands, making it an incredible value for meal-prepping parfaits.

Great Value Twist Up Soda — $1.00 (2 Liter)

• Better than: Sprite ($2.50+)

• The Win: It has a “crisper” carbonation. Fans who find Sprite too syrupy often prefer the lighter, cleaner citrus finish of Twist Up.

Great Value Milk Chocolate Crispy Wafer Bar — $0.94 (Full Size)

• Better than: KitKat ($1.50+)

• The Win: This “dupe” is frequently cited for having a higher chocolate-to-wafer ratio, making it feel more indulgent than the original name brand.

Great Value Chili With Beans — $2.14 (15 oz)

• Better than: Hormel ($2.80+)

• The Win: The flavor profile is described as “more homemade,” with a thicker sauce and more visible spices compared to the thinner, saltier consistency of the name brand.