5 Foods You Should Never Buy At Walmart

Walmart’s famous for its “rollback” deals, making it a go-to spot for budget-conscious shoppers looking to stock up on groceries and household essentials. With aisles full of just about everything you can think of, it’s no wonder busy families love the convenience of one-stop shopping. But before you throw everything in your cart, you might want to think twice—some items are better bought elsewhere. Here’s the scoop on what not to buy at Walmart, and why a quick detour to a different store might actually save you in the long run.

Organic Produce

You might be surprised, but when it comes to organic produce, Walmart isn't your wallet’s best friend. Despite its reputation for low prices, studies over the past decade have shown that Walmart ranks near the bottom for both affordability and freshness in the organic section. If you're looking to fill your cart with crisp, organic fruits and veggies without breaking the bank, Trader Joe’s is the better bet—offering both better quality and more budget-friendly options.

Maple Syrup

When it comes to maple syrup, nothing beats the rich, authentic taste of the real stuff. Sure, the imitation kind made from corn syrup is easier on the budget, but when you're ready to indulge, quality matters. Unfortunately, Walmart isn’t the place to score the good stuff. Not only is their selection lacking in quality, but the price tag might leave a bitter taste—real maple syrup there can cost nearly double compared to other stores. For the real deal at a sweeter price, you’re better off shopping elsewhere.

Organic Milk

Organic milk is naturally a bit more expensive than regular milk—after all, it comes from cows fed non-GMO diets and milked according to natural cycles. But even with that in mind, Walmart’s pricing still raises eyebrows. Shockingly, a gallon of organic milk at Walmart can cost more than at Whole Foods—and that’s saying something. If you're trying to keep your fridge stocked with organic essentials without splurging unnecessarily, this is one dairy item you might want to grab elsewhere.

Shrimp

Shrimp might be a seafood favorite, but where it comes from matters more than you might think. A huge portion of shrimp sold at chain stores like Walmart is imported from Thailand—a country where troubling human rights violations plague the shrimp industry, including reports of child and slave labor. On top of that, there’s a serious health concern: a study revealed that 60% of shrimp sold at major retailers contained harmful bacteria. So, if you want your shrimp without a side of guilt or risk, it’s best to buy from a trusted local source or a specialty seafood market.

Ground Beef

Ground beef is a kitchen staple, but picking it up at Walmart might not be the wisest move. Beyond the fact that it’s often pricier than at competitors like Aldi—which consistently offers lower prices per pound—the quality can be hit or miss. Even more concerning are the safety issues: Walmart has faced multiple recalls from major beef suppliers, including a massive one in 2018 involving 6.5 million pounds of ground beef. If you’re after both value and peace of mind, you might want to steer your cart toward a different meat counter.