11 Grocery Shopping Errors Vermonters Make at Walmart

There’s no doubt about it—Walmart is convenient and attracts budget shoppers. You can grab everything from bananas to bed sheets in one trip.

But just because it feels like you’re getting a deal doesn’t always mean you are. Vermont residents make a bunch of simple mistakes there without even noticing.

So if you’ve ever walked out of Walmart wondering why your bill was so high, this one’s for you.

Thinking Bigger Always Means Cheaper

Buying the jumbo-size ketchup or that 36-pack of granola bars feels smart, but it isn’t always. Sometimes the bigger size is actually more expensive per ounce, and sometimes you won’t finish it before it goes bad.

Walmart sells giant tubs of sour cream that could last a family of six for weeks—but if you’re cooking tacos for two, it’s probably going to spoil before you use it all.

The smaller one might be a better move.

Check the unit price and think about what you’ll actually use. There’s no point in saving a few cents if half of it ends up in the trash.

Only Looking at the Middle Shelf

Here’s a little Walmart (and grocery store as a whole) trick: the middle shelf is prime real estate. That’s where they stick the expensive or popular stuff because it’s right at eye level.

But look up or down, and you might find the same thing for cheaper.

Let’s say you’re grabbing granola bars. The name-brand ones are front and center, but the Great Value or other off-brand ones might be on the bottom row.

Same flavor, lower price.

Give the shelf a quick scan before you grab anything. The best deals are often hiding just out of reach.

Missing the Hidden Food Deals Outside the Grocery Aisles

Walmart’s food section isn’t the only place with snacks. Sometimes you’ll find great deals in the clearance aisle, the seasonal section, or even over by electronics (no joke—we once saw discounted trail mix over there).

Around back-to-school time, you’ll see snack packs and juice boxes in random spots for cheap.

And during holidays?

Oh man, they’re practically giving away candy the day after.

So don’t be afraid to wander a bit. Just keep your list in mind so you don’t walk out with seven bags of Easter M&M’s and no bread.

Not Paying Attention to the Tiny Price Tags

You know those yellow price tags on the shelves? They’re not just there for decoration.

Right under the big price, there’s usually a smaller number called the unit price. That tells you how much something costs per ounce or pound, and it’s super helpful.

Let’s say you’re staring at two bags of Great Value shredded cheese. One’s $2.48 and the other is $3.96. The cheaper one looks like the winner, right?

But nope—the bigger bag might give you more cheese for less money per ounce. So you’re actually getting a better deal if you grab the bigger one.

Walmart can be sneaky like that. It’s easy to miss the better value unless you slow down and do a little side-by-side check.

Even a few cents can add up over a cart full of groceries.

Getting Too Excited About Rollbacks

Oh man, those bright red “Rollback” signs really know how to grab your attention.

They make you feel like you’re getting a steal, but sometimes the discount is barely anything. Like a box of cereal that used to be $3.98 is now $3.88.

That’s not even enough for a gumball.

And here’s the thing—just because it’s on rollback doesn’t mean it’s the lowest price around. You might see a name-brand mac and cheese on rollback, but the Great Value version sitting right next to it is still cheaper, even without any flashy sign.

If you see a rollback, cool. But double-check nearby items and maybe even scan the barcode with the Walmart app.

Sometimes those “deals” are more like marketing tricks.

Buying Fruit That’s Totally Out of Season

Walmart always has strawberries, even in the dead of winter. But guess what? Winter strawberries are usually bland and cost twice as much.

They’ve been shipped from far away, and by the time they hit your cart, they’re often not in the best of shape.

If you want juicy fruit that doesn’t make your wallet cry, stick to what’s in season. In the summer, hit up the fresh cantaloupes and watermelons. In the fall, apples and sweet potatoes are where it’s at.

You’ll get better flavor at better prices.

And yeah, Walmart usually has signs with the country of origin. If those blueberries are coming from halfway across the globe, maybe grab the locally grown grapes instead.

Ignoring Great Value

Look, we all know someone who turns their nose up at store brands. But Great Value isn’t just the “cheap” version—it’s actually good most of the time.

Some of it tastes exactly the same as name-brand stuff, and sometimes it’s made by the same company, just in a different package.

You can get Great Value frozen waffles for way less than Eggo, and they toast up just the same, from our experience. The same goes for snacks like animal crackers or canned veggies.

Why pay $1 more for the same green beans just because of a logo?

Try swapping out one or two name-brand items for Great Value next time and see how it goes. It’s a low-risk experiment and could save you a chunk of change.

Shopping While Starving

Walking into Walmart—or any grocery store, for that matter—hungry is a rookie move. The smell of the bakery, the fried chicken under the heat lamps, those giant cookies staring at you—it’s a trap.

You’ll end up buying food you didn’t even know you wanted.

Have you ever grabbed a family-size bag of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos just because they looked good in the moment?

Same.

Hunger makes you toss all kinds of impulse buys into the cart, especially junk food and frozen stuff.

Grab a snack before you shop—maybe even something from Walmart, like a banana or one of those $1.24 yogurts. It’s easier to make smart choices when your stomach isn’t making the decisions for you.

Not Flipping the Box to Check the Date

You’d think everything on the shelf would be fresh, but like any grocery store, that’s not always the case.

Walmart moves a ton of food, but sometimes older stuff gets pushed to the front so it sells faster. That gallon of milk you just grabbed?

Might expire in two days.

Always flip the carton or reach toward the back. You’ll usually find longer expiration dates there, especially on dairy, meat, and bread. Even shelf-stable stuff like salad dressings can be just a couple of months from expiring.

And don’t be shy about checking canned goods, too.

Just because it’s in a can doesn’t mean it lasts forever. Grab the one that’ll stay good the longest, especially if you’re not using it right away.

Sleeping on the Walmart App

If you’re not using the Walmart app while shopping, you’re missing out. It’s super helpful.

You can scan barcodes to check prices, see if something’s cheaper online, or find out which aisle the peanut butter you’re after is in.

Not all Walmart stores price match anymore, but some still might if you’re polite about it.

The app also helps you make lists, catch sales, and even order online for pickup. Basically, it makes the whole Walmart experience way smoother.

Winging It Without a List

Walmart is huge. If you go in without a list, you’ll probably come out with two frozen pizzas, a bag of popcorn shrimp, and no eggs—true story.

Having even a basic list helps keep you focused.

Even jotting stuff down on your phone can keep you from wandering aimlessly through the snack aisle. If you plan out a few meals first, you’ll know what ingredients you actually need instead of just grabbing random stuff.