4. Kitchen Basics (Trash Bags, Foil, and Food Wrap)

Everyday household items that we use and then throw away are prime candidates for saving money. Think about it: does the brand of your trash bag or the aluminum foil you use to cover a casserole really matter once it has served its purpose? For most uses, the answer is a resounding no. This makes kitchen basics one of the easiest areas to embrace Walmart generic brands.

Great Value offers a wide range of these products, from drawstring kitchen trash bags to heavy-duty aluminum foil and plastic food wrap. Often, the only noticeable difference might be slightly less fancy packaging. In terms of performance, they hold up very well against their name-brand competitors like Glad, Hefty, and Reynolds Wrap. A trash bag will hold your trash, and the foil will cover your dish just fine.

One thing to keep in mind with product comparisons in this category is thickness or strength. For example, Great Value may offer both a standard and a “heavy-duty” or “strong” version of their trash bags or foil. If you are using them for very heavy items or for freezing, it might be worth spending a few extra cents on the stronger version. Even so, the stronger Great Value option is almost always cheaper than the equivalent name-brand product.

Your Money-Saving Move: Try the “one-step-down” method. If you normally buy the most expensive, super-flex, scented name-brand trash bags, first try the heavy-duty Great Value version. If that works well for your needs, on your next trip, try the standard Great Value version. You might find that the most basic and cheapest option is perfectly adequate for your household, unlocking maximum savings. Also, remember Walmart’s satisfaction guarantee. If you try a Great Value product and are truly unhappy with its performance, you can typically return it for a refund. You can review current policies on the Walmart website.