The other day I went through the grocery section of our Super Walmart for the first time in a long time, and let me tell you what – I could not believe what I saw! I tried shopping for real food at Walmart during our 100-day budget pledge back in 2010 and it honestly felt like a big waste of time. I found a grand total of three organic items, which did not make traversing through the football field size store (with two little kids in tow) feel worth it.
So, I was shocked to see all the changes they’ve made in recent years and thought it would be fun to share what real food you can buy there now (read: this post is not sponsored). Be sure to head on over there so you can stock up and don’t forget to tell your friends about it too (i.e. share this post) – we need to show Walmart these items are in demand!
Real Food at Walmart
What (Real Food) to Buy at Walmart
Rule Breakers
Don’t forget to vote with your dollars and tell your friends about this, too.
Easy Weeknight Spaghetti Bolognese
Wal-Mart will not get one cent from me. There are other ways to save money without doing it on the backs of underpaid, overworked employees in their US stores and overseas factories.
My thoughts exactly. Nice to see the options for those that do shop there and those who have no other affordable grocery stores nearby, but I have never shopped at Walmart and never will, especially not for produce.
Why are you under the impression only Wal-Mart underpays and overworks their employees? Almost all retailers are guilty of this practice. I have worked at some “upper” scale retail companies and they are no better than Wal-Mart in regards to these practices.
Yeah, I have to agree. Walmart gets it because they’re the biggest, and they don’t do as well as Costco when it comes to employee compensation, but they’re definitely no worse than Target.
I work retail, at Pottery Barn (formerly Target!) My husband is a student. We have a son. We can’t afford Whole Foods for all of our groceries or always get to a farmer’s market, so I appreciate cheaper options like this.
I have several friends that work at Walmart and love their job. I know they’re very thankful for employment in this economy. And for them, having a job is a much better option to collecting a check from the government. Just sayin’. :)
Well, if you don’t bother shopping there, there is no way for those “underpaid” to get paid more. Your argument is hypocritical and does nothing to promote advancement for those who do work there.
walmart has had some great food choices for years. at least 3 that i know of.
super excited by the enjoy life chips price. i pay 7.99 for a bag
WalMart’s Organic ranch dressing is delicious!!!
Which Walmart was this? I live in Charlotte too & would love to know!!
I was wondering the same thing. We are close to Charlotte. Ours has some of these options but not as many.
On Independence Road / Hwy 74 in Matthews! The one by Kate’s Skates.
WOW! This is great! Just like you, I stopped shopping at Walmart years ago mostly due to their limited organic/real food options.
I will be checking out my local Walmart in Michigan to see if they are carrying any of these same options. I am especially interested in the Smuckers Fruit & Honey and the chocolate chips!
Thanks so much for sharing this, Lisa!!
I know! Isn’t it awesome to have options? :-)
They’ve got organic butter and apples too!
Did they have the Kerrygold butter?! My local one does. It is in the regular butter section.
Yes, they have Kerrygold.
Keep in mind though, walmarts vary tremendously in what they offer depending on location. Sadly, many do not offer this selection at all. You are lucky to find a small organic veggie section(often just as expensive as competitors ) and sometimes looking pretty sad. BUT, it is a good sign they are at least trying to offer safe food to Americans- about time.
Good to know…..thanks! How much was the hamburger??
$5.98 :)
I absolutely LOVE the Wild Oats brand of just about everything. Before, I had to travel well over an hour or shop at my incredibly over-priced and quality-challenged grocery store. I now do the bulk of my weekly shopping at Wal-Mart and couldn’t be happier. The spices, frozen fruit and rice and quinoa are some of my favorite products. Thank you for highlighting the amazing options now available – I hope everyone loads up their carts with these healthy options so Wal-mart continues to stock them. If my local store is any indication, these items are in high-demand, which makes me happy for so many reasons.
This is great to know. I had stopped shopping at Wal-Mart years ago because I couldn’t find enough healthy food choices (whole and organic). Thank you, Lisa for enlightening me!
Those prices sure look high compared to the same healthy brands elsewhere. I don’t like shopping at Walmart because the junk food is Cheap and the healthy food is way over priced . It makes me sad shopping there because those on a limited budget get the short end of the stick and their employee are not treated well.
MEGAN | April 7, 2016 at 12:37 pm
disregard earlier comment, as other readers have corrected me about Walmart employee experience and I appreciate that. I do still believe the healthy food is over priced and the junk food is cheap, at least where I live. thanks
I think that’s true of any grocery store. I get email flyers from several stores in my area, and inevitably the cheap junk food is on sale and the whole food is not. I’ve done the grocery pick up from Walmart and it’s been ok. I hate going into the store because it just feels dark and oppressive in there.
I have been buying these items at Walmart for several years. I find it not too kind of you to assume that it’s bad Walmart is big. I like that I can do all my shopping in one place and that it is spacious. What does it mean “I never thought I would say this”? Again, another slam. Walmart and other grocery stores will stock the items that people want. And at a better price. We just have to tell them. We have no whole Foods or any other “organic” stores in my area. The closest is 50 miles away.
“I never thought I would say this” because of my experience (hardly finding any organic, real food there) in 2010. I am not sure why you think I am “slamming” Walmart in this post when I am praising them for these new selections and encouraging people to shop there and buy them.
Because the title and tenor of the post is assuming that you would NEVER find good stuff at Walmart. Your comment about the football sized store is saying that big is bad. Read the comment from the woman whose husband works for Wally World. I worked there,too. Nope- they are not perfect. But your article starts out on a bad note inviting criticism of Walmart instead of just saying: “Hurray! My local Walmart has joined the whole food and organic world! Good news for you who don’t have options! Walmart has listened to the customer again and provided what we want!”
I think she did say that “hurray….” and I also think the reference to the football sized store was more related to the fact that she had two kids in tow and not a slam on how big Walmart is. Given Walmart’s past record of not stocking many organic items I think that justifies her statement of “I never thought I would say this”. It’s all about how you interpret it. Lisa is helping us to keep encouraging Walmart to change and offer more organic items, let’s not quibble and lose that momentum…
Yes, please tell us which Walmart this was. I live in Weddington. Thanks for the info!
The one on 74 by Kate’s Skates!
the one on Galleria Blvd. Off of Sardis Rd North sales all this stuff as well. They are usually more instock too. That is my favorite store.
Awesome! Thanks for the update. The last time we were traveling to visit family in WI and wanted to cook our meals at the hotel (everyone does feel better skipping most restaurant food + one kiddo has severe food allergies), we went to a Walmart for groceries. Oh man – it was hard and kind of sad to see the options that were available (almost no organic and so much highly processed convenience food). This excites me for upcoming travel. Many thanks, Lisa!
I love your article. Where people shop and work are definitely a choice. If I am shopping and on a budget that can help my family I would consider shopping here. If people want to work at walmart (at a minimum wage) that’s their decision to do so its better than being unemployed, they also promote within. Target, Macy’s and other stores pay minimum wage too I dont get the employment comment.
Again, great resource article.
We just started on the real food lifestyle two months ago and on our limited budget have always shopped at Walmart for groceries. I felt like I was cheating because I wasn’t shopping at Whole Foods! We’ve been able to make the real food thing work for about $100 a week by shopping carefully at Walmart. It’s awesome that a store like that has such a great variety of organic options.
My husband has worked for the Walmart corporation for 25 years. He is not overworked (except when he chooses too because he tends to be a workaholic :)), he is not underpaid. We in fact have some of the best insurance in the country, especially now that Obamacare is in place. Walmart is not perfect. Nor is Target, Costco, or any of the other companies they are compared to. Some of all those companies business practices I don’t agree with. Some of their clerks are not the friendliest, that is everywhere! I am not trying to start a Walmart war, I just try to defend when I can so people will use them if it is the best option near them. I personally don’t shop at the Walmart that is closest to my house. I don’t like how it is managed and it is smaller so a lot of the above items they don’t have. It is worth the extra 15 minute drive to a bigger, cleaner store. The majority of our organic produce, when in season comes from a local food co-op. But, it is nice to have options when what we need is not available there. We should all be informed when making choices with our $$, I’d be happy to answer any questions about what we know about Walmart. Lisa I appreciate you letting everyone know what they have. For some areas and budgets this is all people have and it is a good option in my opinion!
as a walmart associate, thank you!!
What great timing for this newsletter! I just gave my mother a lecture for shopping at Walmart—without even going to see that several of my favorite brands are there. Shame on me and thanks for the info. which I will pass on.
I am loving Walmart lately. They have started a free grocery pick-up in our area. I order all my groceries online, and when I go to pick them up, they bring them to my car. The employees are always very friendly and helpful. And about once a month, they will give me a goodie bag of samples. With small children, it really is awesome!
Our local grocery store, Meijer, (the Walmart of Michigan) carries a coconut oil spray. I love it!
My local walmart has been carring alot of organic foods. Wild Oats also has a ketchup that we just love. Also an organic apple sauce. The store brand organic milk is great, we can no longer drink anything else. We went whole foods a year ago an I’ve noticed Walmart has added alot over the year.
I was so glad when I saw that WM has added their real food selections. We are retired and money is always an issue. Their stuff is fairly reasonably priced.
I have been using the organic chicken broth for awhile and it has more flavor than other broths I have tried.
Organics at Walmart is very exciting! I also like Green & Black’s Dark Chocolate and even feed it to my children but my aunt recently sent me this http://www.asyousow.org/our-work/environmental-health/toxic-enforcement/lead-and-cadmium-in-food/
Does anyone know about lead and cadmium in chocolate? Green & Black’s is on the list.
Awesome! How much was that grass fed beef?
Which Walmart in the Charlotte area did you shop at? The one closest to my house (Arboretum) doesn’t have all of these great options, but I’m willing to drive to another one!
Ignore this! I just saw that others asked the same question and you’ve already answered. Thank you!
disregard earlier comment, as other readers have corrected me about Walmart employee experience and I appreciate that. I do still believe the healthy food is over priced and the junk food is cheap, at least where I live. thanks
Information being more widely available (like your blog!) for dummies like me, I think, are why stores like Walmart and Aldi are finally listening. Two years ago I was feeding my toddler jello for breakfast because it contained bits of fruit in it and I was none-the-wiser. Thank you to you, your family and your staff for getting the word out there and breaking unhealthy eating generational cycles.
It’s awesome to see organic and whole food at Walmart. I was doing some price shopping last year for a workshop I gave on healthy eating on a budget… I really wanted Walmart to be cheaper, but it was right in line with our local Kroger for most items. But, it’s fabulous that they offer it!
Thank you for the information! I can only hope that Canadian Walmarts will consider offering these products too! Fingers crossed.
I was thinking the same thing. I am not a big fan of Walmart, but if Walmart Canada start providing healthy options, I might consider shopping there some.
I shop at Walmart and very happy about the healthy foods I’m finding. Wildoats, Newmans, Hormel & Amy’s Kitchen, just to name a few. I am hoping that we will see more foods also cutting the sodium content, though.
Did you check to see where the Organic grass fed meat came from? If it says product is from a combination of three countries then I question the purity of the product, Aldi has the same meat but it comes from 3 different countries, no thanks
I buy grass fed and organic beef only if i is sourced and packaged in the United States and family owned. Have learned to read the fine print on many products labeled organic. Organic is sometimes misleading because now everyone wants to get on the organic wagon I have found I still have to be vigilante
I get this… more people need to read labels closer. I buy my grass fed meat from a local farm; it costs less than the Organic @ Kroger too. I’m not a Walmart fan & haven’t been for years so my $$ still go to other stores and local businesses – I even get my milk & eggs from locals. I can see how the product was raised or grown and it keeps the money in the community when you deal with the farmers directly.
We buy direct from the farmer too. I works out to be cheaper per lb than anything you can buy retail. The catch is usually you have to buy a side at a time (or, if you’re lucky, 1/2 of a 1/2), but if you find one or two families to split with it’s doable. The farm we buy from raises Galloway cattle, and are smaller so my family of 6 can eat a side about every 12 months. How many people can say they even know what species/breed they’re eating?
Annette, I am so glad you explained this. I just bought the grassfed beef from Aldi and I knew it seemed too good to be true, but I couldn’t figure out why. I will go back to buying from our local farmer (for a few dollars more per pound). Thanks for the info!
I agree, I noticed that at Aldi and immediately put it down, You definitely don’t want meat that has travelled thousands of miles – yuck!
Thanks for sharing! How do the chocolate chips taste in comparison to the Toll House? I’ve seen them, but have been afraid to buy them!! Also, the avocado spray, would you use it in your muffin tins? Does it have a heavy taste?
Thanks!
I personally use the chocolate chips to bake with and to top yogurt or granola. They are great! The avocado spray is also great because it is so heat tolerant. I have used the same brand avocado oil but don’t anymore as I can detect the flavor. I prefer the flavor of olive or corn oil. My mother doesn’t really like the flavor of olive oil but loves the avocado oil. So, I think, you’ll just have to try it!
Also, I use those silicone muffin cups…so, no oil needed!
Thanks for this! While I am glad that more stores are pushing organic, I still don’t support Walmart. They are a horrible corporation.
Also, thank you for showing the prices on these items as well. I can do way better at Trader Joes or even Whole Paycheck (Whole foods). Course, I live in FL…might be regional pricing.
Region and local competition has a lot to do with it! Our local grocery is way more expensive on these items than the Walmart, and considering we live over an hour away from the nearest Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods, I am grateful that Walmart is stocking these options.
I 100% agree with you. I hardly ever shopped at Walmart because it always seemed like work and it just wasn’t worth it. Sure things were cheaper but the quality just wasn’t there. Fairly recently I went to our Neighborhood Walmart and I was absolutely floored with the options. I mean in all honesty, they could have just had one organic option and I would have been amazed; however, to see them expand that dramatically was really wonderful! Thank you for sharing this post. I don’t believe we have all the same options here but I’m hoping they trickle down our way!
Just another reason why you have a fantastic blog. You continue to stay relatable to people across all social and economic backgrounds. As a nutrition professional it make me so happy to see stories and information that will benefit those who cannot afford to do any shopping farmers markets and speciality stores. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had that option? Kudos for the good story.
I just discovered that WalMart is the ONLY place in my town where I can buy Tortilla Land refrigerated flour tortillas. They aren’t “top-tier” in organic, but they are made from a few simple ingredients, they taste great, and they are super easy to fix. (Much easier than making them myself.) That is a staple for me!
I go to Walmart for these tortillas too!
TortillaLand tortillas are the best, aren’t they? Some Walmarts carry the cheese flour tortillas. I think I’ve only found the corn tortillas at Publix or Harris-Teeter. A nice clean label albeit not organic but oooo, so good.
It was also just recently reported in the news that Walmart has announced its intent to sell only cage free eggs i all its stores by 2015. Walmart has not always had the best reputation, but they really do offer a lot of great products, if you know where to look. And they do a lot for their local communities as well.
Here’s the link to the NBC news article…
http://www.nbcnews.com/business/business-news/wal-mart-switch-all-cage-free-eggs-2025-n551571
Cage free means NOTHING. It’s a scam. I buy cage free from a local man. I see the hens roaming around and he grows his own non GMO feed. These labels have no regulation.
True, but I like to think that small steps of progress are being made. Buying local is definitely so much better!
As someone who lives in the heartland of Walmart, Rogers, AR (next town in Bentonville, home of Wally World aka walmart), there are very few options locally to buy from without paying through the nose.
I have been so supportive of how many options Walmart has brought in over the last 8.5yrs I’ve lived here, and as a Health Coach, it is awesome when I can tell folks that they can get soooooo many great ‘Real Foods’ at Walmart. They are always surprised when I show them all the great options during a Grocery Trip!
Thanks for exploring & keeping it real by sharing withOUT being paid for it!!!
Just be sure to check the ingredient lable on the “Wild Oats Organic” pastas. All of the whole wheat options are made with semolina, which is highly processed. Look for whole wheat durum for pasta ingredient. Wal Mart “Great Value” brand of whole wheat pasta is made with the whole wheat durum.
Having lived in four states in the last five years, it greatly depends on the competition around Walmart. If there is a organic/health store around they carry alot of great products. Where I live now there is not a competing organic/whole food store and Walmart carries very little organic foods. It’s hard to get whole foods where I live now.
Thank you for shining a positive light on shopping at Walmart. It’s challenging to fill teenage boys and live wisely (quality food & financially sound).
How any of them are really derived from organic ingredients though?
Hi there! Where in the US are you that your prices are that good? We should do a Walmart US versus Canada Walmart for stock and price comparison! Nice to see all the organic products but I don’t think we gave the same where I am!
While I really appreciate this list, it seems you place focus on “organic” items versus the “real food” itself.
I love the Wild Oats organic applesauce–original and cinnamon–at Walmart. I stock up on it every time I got to my local neighborhood market. It is about the same price as conventional applesauce too.
The Walmart neighborhood market also has a small gluten free section with some nice brown rice pastas and other gluten free products at a good price for those who need to avoid wheat like my family.
Walmart is an unethical company that doesn’t pay it’s employees enough to even stay off welfare and it contributes to environmental degradation. Cheap prices are a high price to pay for how Walmart destroys so much in America not to mention China. It’s unfortunate that Lisa is SO uneducated about the reality of Walmart that she is shamelessly promoting them. I seriously have to question her credibility when reading such ignorant posts as this one. What next? Should we use Dove products because they “promote female empowerment”? Nevermind the chemicals, airbrushing of their “real” women, the fact that they own Axe which objectifies women in all of their commercials, etc. Gosh Lisa, do some research and inform yourself before attempting to preach to the masses if you want to be taken seriously.
Lighten up SAM! Lisa this is a great posting with the shopping list. Yes I too have been very pleased with the increase in Whole food and Organic food / simple food options now available at Walmart Grocery. Unlike Sam, I really don’t care if people want to work at Walmart for less and stay on welfare. They can always go look for a job elsewhere. And for harming the environment? If the US leaders want to enable US companies to buy products globally for lower cost than that which can be MFG here in the USA, I say good for them! Nothing illegal about it. So when the US and Global readers start to enact the same enviro and trade laws as imposed on the USA and Great Britain / Aus etc… then we can start to see prices level out and favor US made products. So Sam should do something about that rather than quibble the fact with Lisa. I personally find myself at Walmart 3 times a month Sam! great products, great service, great prices and great return policy.
Wow, Kevin, a bit defensive, huh? All I was saying is that people (Lisa included since she has a large readership) should consider the ramifications of where they spend their money. That’s all. I know you value what appears to be cheap prices at Walmart and it’s unfortunate that you can’t see the larger consequences of supporting such an organization. Oh well, you have to deal with the fallout of your uneducated choices. Ignorance truly is bliss, I can agree to that much.
PJ, “unkind” words? Hardly. My opinion is perhaps a little too direct for the “let’s praise Lisa with warm fuzzies club” but it’s hardly unkind to keep it real. If it’s too much for you to handle maybe you should question why. You are part of the problem if you’re not part of the solution. I choose to educate people rather than bury my head and wait for change. Take a stand for something or fall for anything (everything?) isn’t that right?
Many people shop at Walmart and that won’t stop because of your unkind words replied to Lisa. She is doing a great job trying to help people eat real food. No one has to shop there. It was general information. Thank you Lisa for the information.
Do you personally know people that work at Walmart and are on welfare? I do not. My husband has worked for the company for 25 years, I have worked as a merchandiser in Walmarts and gotten to know employees. We have four people at church that work for Walmart. None are on welfare and all seem to be doing ok. Are there always times you wish you made more money? Of course, but they pay competitively for the job and have benefits that can’t be beat in this Obamacare age. If you have some facts behind your comments, not newstories, I would love to see them. I always like to stay educated about where my money goes.
While the King Arthur flour is not their organic brand, the conventional flour is non-GMO. I checked with the company.
Good to know about the organic selections!
I have been buying a lot of the organic products our local Walmart now offers and have been very happy with them. It also carries the “better-for-you” sugars. We have 2 overly priced health food stores and a Fresh Mrkt, but I will shop at Wmart or online before going to either of those places. THANK YOU, Lisa, for the info. Much appreciated.
Were there enough good finds at Aldi to do a new post about shopping there? I’ve heard they are cheap but have never been into one. However they just opened one in my area. Wondering if it’s worth going to as we’re on a budget!
I have noticed that Walmart is selling more organic and non-GMO products. I wanted to also let you know that Walmart also has the Savings Catcher program. You can sign up on line for it , enter in your receipt code and if a local store has any of your products for less than you get the difference on a gift card. I have saved a lot this way and cash it in when I get my groceries the next time or let it build up. I am also finding more organic coupons online and I use them at Walmart as well. Our prices here in Michigan are less for those products shown , I pay almost a dollar less than pictured here, it really depends on where you live.
Do you have any go-to brands or stores for buying cheese? I see a lot of cheese in your recipes but I often have a hard time finding cheeses that are good quality with minimal ingredients.
Not sure if it was posted but Wild Oats is Walmart’s organic brand.
Oh, good to know! I was wondering about the connection :)
I discovered this a while back. We love Walmart’s Wild Oats organic brands, they’re good plus the prices are awesome. I’ve noticed over the last several years that it’s gotten a lot easier to find good quality food at good prices. I remember when I first started buying real food, I had to get most of my food from Azure Standard (food coop) because I couldn’t find the things I needed around here. We don’t live in a big city so we don’t have access to organic grocery stores. Now I’m happy because our local Krogar grocery store has gotten a really nice organic section and has a lot of real food options. So between that and Walmart, I’m able to get most everything I need locally now. I’ve also noticed my grocery bill has gone down quite a lot, which is a good thing! :-)
Check out Cornucopia.org or Thrive Market explaining how the USDA revokes Grass Fed Label standards. Not only that but they don’t have to say where they source their meat from. Buyer beware, even organic do your research especially when your dealing with big business. Companies and manufacture want to give you a false sense of security. It’s easy to check, 100% grass fed labels can no longer be trusted unless you know your source.
Everything listed I can get at HEB, but the last item made me cringe. That’s not chocolate. If you want a fabulous organic chocolate for baking/cooking, go with Guittard. It’s sold there as well and a glorious silky indulgence that is actually cheaper than that dairy free whatever it is pictured. (and yes, I did look at the ingredients)
Walmart has MaraNatha all natural Peanut Butter and Almond Butter on their shelves now. This is the best peanut butter I have ever used. It is a $1 higher but not cottonseed oil or other bad stuff. I am happy Walmart is carrying some real food products. Thanks for the good info.
Unfortunately it really varies by location. Our Walmart has virtually none of these items.
HI Lisa,
I live in the Charlotte area too and I was curious as to which Walmart you visited so I can check it out. The one nearest us doesn’t stock nearly as many Organic/healthy options. Thanks!
The Walmart in Matthews on Galleria has all of these items. And if you can’t find it at Walmart (cashew butter, for instance), there is a health food store on the on the other side of the parking lot. I still prefer Publix and Costco for most of my healthy food shopping because their carts push straight and the shopping experience is much more enjoyable than at Walmart. .
I went to the one on 74 by Kate’s Skates!
Thank you thank you thank you! We are traveling from New Zealand to visit my family in Tennessee next month. I have been contemplating taking all of the allowed food with me from here but now I know that there are acceptable substitutes! Where my family lives only has Walmart so i am so glad to see this. Thanks again!
I did some research in to King Arthur Flour and while it is not organic, they are a company that is focused on good quality non-GMO flour. It is pretty much the only flour I get now (Unless I am fortunate enough to get local/grown myself wheat/flour)
And they are a certified B Corp…that’s new. I just pulled up their website, didn’t know that from before!
http://www.kingarthurflour.com/info/gmo-faqs.html
I just have to say, that I’m continually sad to see people and companies that focus on being ecologically responsible support Walmart. The corporate mindset of Walmart has done a great deal to undermine the family, by paying low wages, driving out small business and creating a workplace culture that devalues workers. I would hope that people who say they want to do what is right for their environments and families would also want help by supporting better businesses. I hope you will use your forum to support businesses that are building up our communities, and stop promoting Walmart which is leading the way in tearing them down.
Just what I was going to post. I can find more organic at my Wegmans grocery the prices just as good and they pay employees well. They are a little corporate several stores from Rochester to Buffalo, NY but they treat employees good and try to do a lot of local.
That is a very important point and a great notion, but for the communities and people that only have access to such quality food through Walmart, this post is very helpful!
I would like to know why you think they pay low wages and devalue workers? Why are they not ecologically friendly and why they undermine family? I am asking as a spouse of a 25 year employee of the Walmart corporation. Our family has never felt undermined. We have never felt we are paid too little. (and no we are not in upper management as I have been accused) All new stores and remodels use eco friendly practices, lightbulbs, etc. They recycle like crazy every bit they can from boxes, to bags, to everything in between. Has everything been rosy for 25 years? Obviously not, but all in all they take care of families with their amazing benefits. They pay a competitive wage. They try to please customers which is nearly impossible really. They are so big, imagine the needs and wants of customers in New York compared to New Mexico. It takes a lot to keep it all going. Are they huge? Yes. Have businesses gone out of business because they can’t compete. Yes. Have I seen mom and pop businesses put others out of business? Yes. It’s called competition.
I really would like to know facts. If you have facts to support your claims, I would love to see them. Not news stories, not heresay, but facts. I do want to spend money wisely, but I don’t believe everything I hear on tv just to have a cause.
I’m glad you’ve had a positive experience, but I don’t see that as the norm. Look at had happened to areas once Walmart have moved in. The small mom and pop stores are for was out. The average wages drop in areas. Companies race to the bottom instead of the top. Walmart has used our social safety nets as a part of their plan to save money, instead of planning to care for employees. Walmart is leading the way in the fight against increasing wages and because they have such large numbers they can actually effect change. I do not want the structure of Walmart to be the prevailing one in our country. If you have employees that need a food bank you are doing something wrong.
This is the last time I’ll comment. I have other fish to fry! But, the article you linked too is old information, and at the time was considered skewed by only including the people they wanted to include to get the results they wanted. I did find an article that said while there are Walmart employees on Medicaid, the numbers are the same for the averages of other American companies. I lost the article on my tabs or I’d link it for you. Another article I found was on the great insurance http://www.newsmax.com/US/walmart-healthcare-insurance-plans/2014/01/07/id/545728/ This article is older as well, but we have seen it actually get better since the date of this article. Yes, Walmart runs specials and lower prices when they open a new store. All retailers do. Yes, Walmart does discourage unions. People either love or hate unions. I personally don’t care for them because my dad always worked union jobs and they did not help him. I personally don’t think people stocking shelves should be paid more than people that work as nursing home aids making sure our elderly and needy are taken care of, jobs like that. Should people be paid fairly for inflation, yes, but not more and more just so they can have cell phones and cable. Food, yes, but wants, no. One more article for food for thought http://www.csrwire.com/press_releases/27204-Walmart-Foundation-Expands-Hunger-Relief-Efforts-Donates-More-Than-7-8-Million-to-Support-Summer-Feeding-Programs-and-U-S-Food-Banks
This is their most recent contribution to making this country better for everyone. Yes, there are things they do that do not help the greed and materialism in this country, but I don’t think you can blame those things on a single retailer. But, as I just wanted people to do from the beginning, really find out for themselves what they are saying. Don’t just assume something is bad because someone said so or maybe at one point had a ways to go to do the right thing. People change all the time, companies are no different.
Here is a link to an article with the facts you requested not news, but I’m not sure how you get the facts of someone doesn’t research and report them… http://www.apwu.org/news/deptdiv-news-article/walmart-destroying-america
I could not agree more.
Thank you, Meneca. I had bookmarked this post so I could come back on the weekend when I had time to respond. I am all for Lisa’s emphasis on high-quality whole foods, but I would never support Walmart because of their poor treatment of their employees, especially women. Their business model is the opposite of what I want for my community, and I refuse to patronize them, even if I pay a few cents more for organic food elsewhere. Compared to most of the world, our food is really inexpensive, and I would rather spend my money with businesses that follow equitable practices with their employees. It’s ridiculous that a company the size of Walmart relies on tax-sponsored safety nets to provide for the employees because they are too profit-driven to pay decent wages and benefits. It’s well known that they avoid paying benefits by scheduling employees for less than full-time hours, and their abysmal treatment of women in management has been well documented. I live in coastal NC, and in a nearby community, Walmart moved in, drove the locally-run groceries out of business, and then moved out in a couple of years because their profit margin wasn’t high enough, The many poor and elderly residents are left without access to fresh food, and only a big, empty, ugly building remains. This is just one of thousands of examples. Sure, the peanut butter might be a little cheaper, but we can do better for our families and our communities.
Thank you! Just in time, Im on my way grocery shopping. Blessed to live near a 24/7 Walmart.
They also have a growing gluten free selection of foods. It is interspersed throughout the store, so it can be a challenge to find. But it certainly beats driving around to 4 different stores to get everything we need.
I’ve only ever been in Walmart once back in 2009 when I was on holiday in America, but by the sounds of it, it’s changed quite a bit!
That’s awesome news!
Hopefully I’ll get the opportunity to go back to America and check it out in the next couple of years.
Dan
I live far away from any “whole foods” stores and the local options are ridiculous – Over priced and not organic anything. I for one and completely grateful that I have a Walmart within 20 miles & that it provides organic choices.
We are on a farm and raise most of our food. There are not any Trader Joes or Whole Foods out where I live. It is awesome that we have WalMart and Walmart has organic.
:)
Yes! Same here! People should not shame others because that is all they have to live a healthy life!
Our Walmart in Canada (northern Ontario) has nothing like this. I barely see any Organic produce, or anything organic at all for that matter.For where I live Costco is the best choice for Organic. Our grocery store has an aisle devoted to organic stuff and the produce has some selection.
Last comment on Walmart for Sam and others that think what they hear on the Media is true. This is not a forum for political discourse, however obviously Sam is not “Awake” meaning to be awake to lies, deception and misinformation hyped up by our major media outlets. (Not too unlike all of the false promises and bad food mfg processes all of the prepared food companies bring to us that Lisa’s web site fights against daily) . You see Sam, Mr. Sam Walton is a genius multi billionaire (least he was till he recently died and his surviving wife is currently the richest single lady in the world), So was Henry Ford, Dale Carnegie and the like. What I find offensive of Walmart naysayers is what is the difference if I shop for my Groceries at Giant Eagle, Aldis, Piggly Wiggley, or even Department Stores like Sears, Value City or Best Buy?????? Really Sam these stores all pay their employees the same wage because they all do the same job!!!!! You make me laugh!!!!! They ALL sell pretty much the same products!!!!! I feel sorry for the little hardware store or small grocer in my neighbor hood that is struggling against Walmarts impressive product portfolio, clean safe stores, and awesome people that work there. But in my business where I make my money if I don’t innovate and am not competitive ….. guess what Sam, I am out of a job. Sam would you spend $34,000.00 on a nice American car, or instead 16,000.00 on a nice Kia???? Again the problem is not with Walmart, the problem is with our Government and International trade practices that are allowed. Sam it is very possible that you work for the Fed or a local government and get way overpaid for the job that earns you money and you are fortunate if so. When it comes to Walmart, that store offers low income wage earners with multiple children to clothe and feed an excellent economical choice and wonderful place to spend their hard earned money and receive a great value.
I never comment, but I have to tell you this blog post came out at the perfect time. My City Market bill has been steadily growing (though my shopping habits haven’t changed) over the past six months or so. Seeing that Wal-Mart has so many options now makes me think it’ll be worth my time to give it a shot!
I am all for organic items but are these items GMO free and labeled as such. Most everything comes from some items that has GMO so I am concerned that buying organic that is not GMO FREE!
Certified organic means that GMOs are prohibited from being used in that product.
I’d like to encourage people, as much as possible, to buy local whole foods and grow their own. We are so dependent on supermarkets for our food supply. How great would it be to make it a goal to become more self-sufficient? It would give us more control over food availability, improve health, give us a greater connection and appreciation for the earth and even save money! Not to mention the pride over homegrown, organic food. Any effort in this direction is great, even if it’s a window herb garden.
This is a great option but for those like myself who live in an apartment, the grocery store has to meet the need due to lack of space. You can only grow some many herbs on your porch…
I agree! I live in a condo, and as a single mom don’t have the time, resources, or space to grow my own food. I definitely agree though that local, homegrown food is the way to go if you’re able to do so!
Thank you 100 days of Real food, this is good news!
What do you use Avocado Oil for?
Hi Diana. Avocado oil is great. It is very neutral in flavor, a really healthy fat, and you can use it for higher temp cooking without worrying about oxidation.
Yes, it’s great for our budget but it comes with a price. Those low prices can be directly correlated to workers who are underpaid and treated unfairly. I refuse to support this ugly empire no matter what they sell.
On the flip side- look at how many people have benefited by Walmart-jobs, goods manufactured, increased standard of living for some, and the ability for low income (and many middle income people) to buy goods that are more affordable so we can better afford gas and mortgages and other required bills. There’s usually PROS and CONS to issues.
I agree with you, Susan. We have a hard time financially and i honestly dont know what we’d do without our WalMart.
Its also created many jobs here in our small town and the pay is about the same as most other places here. If people want to make more money, they should go to college and pursue other work. Nobody forces these jobs on them.
I agree with Alison. I refuse to support Walmart or that very reason.
Wow. Nice to see the prices, too. It’s hard to guarantee the full integrity of products in organizations with such long supply chains, no? Do you have any concerns about the quality of the meat… The local lore around here is that Wal-Mart meat is lower quality than some other grocery chains. Take care.
Where are these foods being produced from? Mexico,china,USA or where. Orgin can determine price. This is why we rarely visit our local walmart. Almost everything is imported. Our fry’s has a nutrition section with organic foods. They also have meats, dairy, and yes even baby food that is organic. There employees are treated quite well.
Unfortunately if you live in small town midwest, you have crappy walmart stores that only carry a few good items. I do LOVE LOVE LOVE the Wild Oats brand, and I have been on their site, read about their company and they are pretty awesome. I also find in the smaller walmart store that what I can buy organic, non-gmo today may not be available the next trip. Our produce offerings change constantly with the organics, I was actually told that they were getting rid of the organic section of produce, so far it is still there. I do shop walmart and buy most all of these brands, even if I have to go to larger stores. But I also found that my local Kroger (Fry’s in the west) has much better options, and shelf labels for organic are green, for Gluten Free they are purple. It makes shopping so much easier! The Simple brand at Kroger is very decently priced, if not organic it is at least 101 ingredients you dont need or want, and many are GMO free.
I live in Southeastern VA and I know my Wal-Mart doesn’t offer a lot of these products, so it varies by location. However, it is wonderful healthier options are becoming available and hopefully will make their way to other locations.
Has anyone tried that ground beef? How is it?
I didn’t like the organic (not grass fed) vacuum sealed ground beef from Costco. It comes from multiple countries and had an off taste. I’ve tried multiple batches of it to give it a fair shot. Sometimes it wasn’t as bad as other times but still not good enough to continue buying due to inconsistencies (I always buy the best date possible with at least several days away from the “use by date”). I actually like the non organic ground beef from Costco better (which doesn’t come vacuum sealed). I think the vacuum sealed organic grass-fed ground beef from Trader Joes isn’t bad and worth buying (the last time I checked, it was only from the USA and not multiple countries like the one from Costco).
P.S. I think that they should give a frozen option for those vacuum sealed meats – meaning that they should freeze them immediately after packing them and keep them frozen to maintain maximum freshness.
I honestly think it’s the gases they pump in to keep it fresh as long as possible rather than the meat going off.
I’ve tried vacuum packed meats from various stores and have never cared for it.
When I looked at the Trader Joes beef it said it was from China, Paraguay and New Zealand!
I have tried it. It’s good! They also have Bison.
Grass Fed ground beef from Sprouts is excellent. Ground fresh daily and it goes on sale often. Invest in a vacuum pack machine and you can really save money.
Walmart has really evened the playing field for those on a budget. Honestly speaking their wild oats brand is pretty good, especially the bread that’s organic and free of HFC. They have really stepped up their game and are listening to how we are voting with our dollars. I had to recently nix Target in light of all their political stand with bathroom safety and found that my local Walmart and HEB is actually A LOT more reasonable when it comes to organic prices yay! Go Walmart!
Love this! I closed all affiliation with Target for that reason as well so I’m trying to figure out where to go. Walmart it is ☺️
OMG if you are talking about what I think you are, get a life. Transgendered people are not targeting your little princess, they are too busy fighting off all the prejudice and judgment that comes their way each and every day. Thank for you alerting me to the fact that Target supports our LGBTQ brothers and sisters–you just gave me another reason to shop there.
Wow, Marisol. All I see here is, “IT’S ALL ABOUT MEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!” You don’t care about prejudice, you only care about yourself.
I have had a lot of trouble finding any bread products including tortillas anywhere. I’m better off making my own. So far the recipes we’ve found here on 100days has been wonderful. I just need to get my plan accomplished in the mornings so that we have it by dinner time. Starting cooking for dinner time at 4 or 5 is no longer an option for this busy Momma. Also I’ve been using the whole wheat biscuits recipe to make flat bread sandwiches. Turns out great and it’s super fast. I just flatten them to 1/4 inch think and about 5 inches across. I cut them in half after they bake.
I love the organic options that I can get at Walmart, most especially because it is where I primarily shop. However they have just announced plans to ditch the Wild Oats brand. It apparently is not making them any money. They are said to be planning to expand organic options for their Great Value brand… I’ve never seen any organic Great Value items. I really like the Wild Oats brand and I’m so disappointed at this turn of events.
Went food shopping today and my WalMart now has a tiny selection of canned Great Value organics.
My husband and I are temporarily working the winter at Wal-Mart to help compensate our travels starting in May and for the rest of the year. It was convenient for us to work there as we travel the country.
We are pleasantly surprised at the fresh food choices, as well as choices for other organic products which they are currently expanding. I did here that they are in the process of eliminating the Wild Oats brand as it wasn’t profitable, but are bringing in more products to compete with stores like Whole Foods. They are in the process of updating and remodeling a large portion of their stores nationwide. Expanding their grocery is part of the remodel.
I have to say I wasn’t a Wal-Mart advocate before working the temporary job, but we do like the food changes we are seeing.
I love this in theory, but do you think we can trust the sourcing?
Do you mean because it’s “WalMart?” Why should that make a difference. If you have credible and documented reason to question, please share for those of us who shop there.
If we’re talking about the end product – food / food quality, there’s absolutely no reason to put down walmart. I think this blog tries to center around the end result – health/quality/price.
I think once some of our families’ basic needs are met and we’re feeling comfortable, we start talking about spending our hard earned dollars in a way that aligns with our personal / community values and political perspectives. What might sum up the controversy/comparison of Walmart with other food stores is this:
The controversy is around politics (where corporation execs spend their lobbying dollars) and business practices (means to the end). For example, we could compare the overall impact of a certain company with a long history of poor treatment of it’s employees and a record of undercutting and ultimately bankrupting small grocers, suppliers and growers with a company that creates living wage jobs with great benefits and sources from sustainable (maybe even local) sources.
Probably as much as you can trust the ‘sourcing’ from anyplace else. If you didn’t grow it/kill it/clean it/make it, it’s a crap shoot. I have heard that because Walmart is so big, they can make demands of their suppliers and usually they comply. Don’t know if that is a positive or negative.
Why do you “hate to admit” that Walmart might be trying to meet customers needs on whole clean foods? Admit it and stop being judgmental of Walmart because it doesn’t fit your lifestyle. Walmart helped me survive 2008 when everyone raised prices and took advantage of people. Times were tough and I shopped there and even crossed state lines to get a break on taxes. When I go to Walmart I keep an open mind.
I’m sure I read something a few weeks back that Walmart was getting rid of that Wild Oats brand.
We are just starting out Real Food journey and Wal-Mart is the main store I shop at. Mainly because there aren’t any health food stores near me, but also because I can order everything online and pick it up. I was so happy to see that a lot of the items I picked from my shopping trip are listed here. <3. I am trying out your 5 free meal plans. The whole wheat banana pancakes were a got this morning. They taste just like banana bread!
hit** not got. Sorry- autocorrect.
Walmart also carries Great Value organic dark/semi-sweet chips. They are 2.88 a bag. I don’t buy the Enjoy Life anymore.
Wow – US Walmart puts Canadian Walmart to shame with this list of options.
I hope you know that peanut butter contains rodent hair :/