This curated roundup highlights 20 of Walmart’s most talked-about pre-made foods—both deli-fresh and frozen—based on widespread online reviews and taste tests.
From shopper-approved favorites like mac and cheese and rotisserie chicken to misses like coleslaw and frozen fried rice, it compiles real consumer consensus on taste, quality, and overall value for 2025
Worth Buying
Freshness Guaranteed Potato Wedges – $0.97 (4 oz)
- Summary: Battered potato wedges that serve as a fry alternative; soft inside with just enough coating for flavor.
- Taste Test: Reviewers love the balance—no overly floury batter; one Mashed tester reverted to “4-year-old appetite” mode, calling them a “prime pick.” TikTok highlights crispiness.
- Takeaway: Perfect stand-in for fries; consistent quality makes them a reliable deli grab.
Marketside Spinach Dijon Salad – $2.97
- Summary: Hearty baby spinach base with eggs, cheese, cranberries, almonds, and fried noodles; sweet-spicy Dijon-honey dressing.
- Taste Test: Testers rave about the sturdy greens supporting toppings; “pie-in-the-sky” hopes met with Panera-like quality per reviews. Reddit calls it lunch-worthy.
- Takeaway: Solid for quick lunches or dinners; nutrient-packed with exciting flavors.
Freshness Guaranteed Potato Salad – $4.47 (32 oz)
- Summary: Classic tender potatoes with balanced dressing and seasonings; not overly mayo-heavy.
- Taste Test: Serviceable and palatable; reviewers note tender chunks without overpowering flavors—better than many store versions. Frequent cookout recommendation on Reddit.
- Takeaway: Reliable picnic or side dish; invites repeats for its no-fuss appeal.
Marketside Caesar Chicken Wrap – $5.44
- Summary: Tortilla wrap with chicken, Caesar dressing, and fillings; good ratio avoids sogginess.
- Taste Test: Spot-on nuance; testers appreciate the dressing balance, calling it an “exemplary substitute” for pricier chains like Panera. YouTube praises portability.
- Takeaway: Lunchbox or cooler essential; saves money for sides.
Marketside Artichoke Spinach Tomato Flatbread – $4.97
- Summary: Take-and-bake flatbread with gourmet toppings like artichokes, tomatoes, spinach, mozzarella, and white sauce.
- Taste Test: Convincingly upscale; reviewers love the depth from veggies—better than frozen pizza. TikTok ranks it high for crisp crust potential.
- Takeaway: Party menu upgrade; quick oven prep elevates it.
Marketside Cookies ‘N Creme Mousse – $2.48
- Summary: Chocolate mousse with cookie crumbles top and bottom; lush, single-serve dessert.
- Taste Test: Heavy-lifting flavor in a fluffy package; cleared in bites per testers. Rave for pillowy texture on Mashed.
- Takeaway: Meal-ender delight; contender for repeats.
Freshness Guaranteed Chicken Egg Roll – $1.00
- Summary: Crispy single-serve egg roll with chicken, cabbage, and carrots; convenience-store style but better.
- Taste Test: Three-bite sensation; reviewers say it’s not wrong at all—compares to Panda Express. Daughter tester approved for snacks.
- Takeaway: Peckish guest fix; pairs with stir-fry.
Freshness Guaranteed Rotisserie Chicken – $5.97
- Summary: Whole roasted chicken from the hot deli; versatile for meals or shredding.
- Taste Test: Juicy and well-seasoned; Reddit and TikTok users praise as a budget staple—better value than fast food. Often discounted evenings.
- Takeaway: Family meal base; frequent repeat for ease.
Freshness Guaranteed Mac and Cheese -$3.84
- Summary: Creamy deli-style mac with silky cheese sauce on arc-shaped noodles; often compared favorably to homemade or Sam’s Club versions.
- Taste Test: Reviewers note a rich, cheesy flavor without thinning; one YouTube tester called it “magnificent” and better than boxed Kraft. TikTok users praise its fresh, hot-bar vibe.
- Takeaway: Great budget side or quick meal replacement; high repeat-buy rate for its premium feel at a low price.
Freshness Guaranteed 8-Piece Fried Chicken – $7.97
- Summary: Hot deli fried chicken pieces; crispy exterior with tender meat.
- Taste Test: Mixed but mostly positive—TikTok notes fresh batches are “super good”; Reddit loves with sides like mac. Avoid old batches.
- Takeaway: Picnic or dinner win; check freshness.
Freshness Guaranteed Mashed Potatoes – $3.84
- Summary: Thick, fluffy mashed potatoes with buttery flavor and pepper spice; seen as a superior alternative to fast-food options like KFC.
- Taste Test: Testers describe them as “revelatory” with a cream cheese-like richness; holds up well even when cooled. Reddit users recommend as a hurry-up dinner side.
- Takeaway: Ideal for last-minute meals; affordable and versatile for one or two people.
To Skip
Freshness Guaranteed Homestyle Coleslaw – $3.47
- Summary: Mayo-based slaw with cabbage; intended for picnics or sandwiches but inconsistent.
- Taste Test: Overpowering onion in some batches caused throat issues; previously best but now “roulette.” Mashed warns of curdling.
- Takeaway: Skip due to variability; opt for homemade.
Marketside Creamy Mushroom and Herb Soup – $2.97
- Summary: Umami-rich soup but oversized and unremarkable.
- Taste Test: Standard mushroom flavor—nothing justifies the size; better with canned. Reviewers call it forgettable.
- Takeaway: Pass for smaller, cheaper alternatives.
Freshness Guaranteed Pasta Garden Salad – $3.74
- Summary: Corkscrew pasta with veggies and Italian dressing; ready-to-serve but basic.
- Taste Test: Workable but unimpressive—hopes dashed by heavy dressing or imbalance. Mashed says skip for exciting options.
- Takeaway: Avoid; no edge over others.
Marketside All American Sub – $4.97
- Summary: Pre-made sub with meats, cheese, and condiments; convenient but lacks customization.
- Taste Test: Bland with flavorless meat and mushy cheese; tiny packets insufficient. Reviewers prefer sandwich shops.
- Takeaway: Steer clear; better value elsewhere.
Freshness Guaranteed Chicken Tenders – $4.97 (4 pieces)
- Summary: Breaded tenders for quick eats; small portion disappoints.
- Taste Test: Nothing special—kids found them underwhelming. Mashed notes not worth writing home about.
- Takeaway: No-go; poor quantity for price.
Great Value Chicken Fried Rice (Frozen) – $6.92
- Summary: Frozen meal with chicken, rice, and veggies; quick microwave.
- Taste Test: Soggy and bland; ranked worst in Business Insider reviews—lacks flavor. Repeated complaints on YouTube.
- Takeaway: Skip; inferior to homemade or other brands.
Great Value Frozen Tilapia Fillets – $17.47
- Summary: Skinless, boneless frozen fish; budget protein.
- Taste Test: Lower quality—fishy or mushy; FinanceBuzz calls it avoidable compared to specialty stores. Reddit echoes poor texture.
- Takeaway: Pass; better fresh options.
Freshness Guaranteed Popcorn Chicken – $2.96
- Summary: Bite-sized fried chicken; often discounted but mixed.
- Taste Test: Overly greasy or small; some Reddit users like discounted, but others find it subpar vs. boneless wings.
- Takeaway: Inconsistent; opt for tenders if needed.
Marketside Boneless Wings – $6.00
- Summary: Sauced chicken bites with sides option; deli hot item.
- Taste Test: Decent value but bland sauces; Reddit mixed—depends on server, but not standout. TikTok notes average.
- Takeaway: Skip unless on sale; better wings elsewhere.
