7 Best Grocery Deals at Walmart This Summer
In this year’s Summer of Savings survey, GOBankingRates found that a whopping 36% of consumers prefer to shop at Walmart for their summertime needs. This is a much higher percentage than those who said they shop anywhere else.
In fact, only Costco (13%), Amazon (12%) and local grocery store chains like Publix and Kroger (11%) were anywhere near as popular an option as Walmart. Among the least popular choices were Dollar Tree, Aldi, BJ’s Wholesale Club and Trader Joe’s.
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Considering Walmart’s broad selection of items, online and in-person shopping options, members-only deals and storewide discounts, it’s not so surprising that the store would come out ahead of the competition this summer. But what are the best grocery deals to be had right now?
Here’s what the experts say.
Seasonal Produce
Walmart tends to have a pretty large grocery section, much of which is priced competitively low. So, if you’re looking for something light, refreshing and healthy this summer, check out their seasonal produce.
One option Todd Stearn, founder and CEO of The Money Manual, suggested is fresh blueberries. An 18-ounce container costs just $4.14. It’s regularly priced at $6.84, so that’s $2.70 off.
Another option Stearn suggested is whole seedless watermelon. It regularly costs $8.98 but is roughly half off right now at just $4.68. That’s some significant savings for a summertime treat you’re bound to pick up and add to your shopping cart anyway.
Find More: 12 Best Aldi Items Dropping in Price Just in Time for Summer
Boneless Chicken Breasts
The store doesn’t slack off when it comes to its meat selection either. If you’re looking for some lighter fare but still want to get plenty of protein — and a little bit of iron this summer — then you might want to get some all-natural boneless, skinless chicken breasts. A 3-pound pack usually costs $9.74, but it’s only $8.76 right now.
While you can always shop for each ingredient individually, where you can really start seeing some savings is at the end of a grocery list. Take just the chicken breast, a container of blueberries and a watermelon, for example.
“Fresh produce and quality meats are expensive,” Stearn said, “so the savings of nearly $8 you’ll keep in your pocket with the purchase of just these three items is pretty impressive.”
Macaroni and Cheese
When you’re on the go a lot, as is often the case when warmer weather arrives, the last thing you want is to be stuck in a kitchen all day while the day grows long. That’s where boxed meals that are cheap, easy to prep and filling come in.
At Walmart, you can pick up a box of Great Value Macaroni and Cheese for just $0.58. This isn’t even the sale price. It’s just a great deal, and it’s much cheaper than Kraft or similar brands.
If you want something a little different, be sure to try out the Simply Pure Deliciousness Macaroni & Cheese.
“Over three servings of mac & cheese for $1.54? Sign me up,” said David Bakke, budgeting expert at DollarSanity. “And I’ve actually eaten this. It’s not Stouffer’s or Kraft quality, but it is pretty darned good.”
Spices
“Walmart is a great superstore where you can find anything from meals to single ingredients at a very reasonable price,” said Adam Wood, an avid Walmart shopper and co-founder of RevenueGeeks. “I always prefer to shop at Walmart for all my groceries and never get disappointed with its quality.”
One of the top grocery deals you can find at the store this summer — and year round — is on spices.
“You can get quality organic spices at Walmart without breaking the bank,” Wood said. “There are typically some great deals on these items, so you might want to look around now.”
Great Value spices — from Italian seasoning and paprika to garlic salt and oregano leaves — cost about $1.12 per container. In comparison, name-brand spices cost double that amount, if not more.
Great Value Pasta and Sauce
Pasta’s one of those things that lasts a long time in the pantry and makes for a pretty quick — and versatile — meal. While you can cook plenty of hot meals with pasta, you can also whip up some cold pasta dishes for the summer months.
Walmart’s very own Great Value brand has a lot to offer when it comes to raw pasta. Whether you’re looking for rotini, bowtie, rigatoni or penne as your base, you can expect to spend just $0.98 per 12- to 16-ounce box. Add a jar of red sauce for $1.62 and you’ve got yourself a cheap, easy meal for under $3.
If you aren’t that into pasta, Walmart’s also got affordable prices on rice, beans, quinoa, couscous and more. See what’s on sale right now or when you’re going to shop to get the best deals.
McCormick Taco Seasoning
“I don’t know if you’ve noticed, but seasonings at the grocery store have become more expensive,” Bakke said. “That’s why you should jump on this deal for taco seasoning from McCormick. It’s only 97 cents.”
McCormick’s taco seasonings aren’t all the same either. You can get mild, hot or other options all for the same price. That’s a great deal for Tuesday Taco Night or a casual summer afternoon in your backyard with your friends.
Humm Kombucha
You can find a decent selection of healthy foods at Walmart — besides the obvious fruits and vegetables. One such option is Humm Kombucha.
“I’m a big proponent of working probiotics into your diet in light of the obvious health benefits they can offer to your digestion and mental health in particular,” said Catherine Rall, Walmart shopper and registered dietician at Happy V. “Right now, Walmart has a great deal on Humm Kombucha, with 12-ounce cans for just $1.24 after a mail-in rebate.”
If you’re a big fan, you can get this beverage in a 12- or 16-pack of 12-ounce cans. They come in a variety of flavors and have less sugar than other brands. Plus, they’re highly rated online.
Getting the Most Bang for Your Buck at Walmart This Summer
If you’re looking for the best ways to stretch your budget further at Walmart, here are a few smart shopping tips:
Use Ibotta: “With an Ibotta account, you can save even more on these products and there are a variety of food products you can get for free after rebate,” Bakke suggested.
Get a Walmart+ membership: With this membership, you’ll get access to free shipping and delivery (no minimums), fuel savings and exclusive deals.
Shop clearance: You may be able to find some boxed or canned goods on clearance at your local Walmart. “Just be sure to check the expiration dates,” Bakke said. “But if those are in order the savings are tremendous.”
Shop the sales. “It’s always a good idea to check out the grocery sales before making your meal plan for the week and putting together your shopping list so you can shop around those sales,” Stearn said.
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This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Best Grocery Deals at Walmart This Summer
