10 Things This Nutritionist Always Shops for at Walmart
I was practically raised in a Walmart and now, as a full-fledged adult, I still love shopping there. It’s one of my weekly go-tos for everyday necessities, groceries, beauty supplies, and even discovering new products. You may be surprised to learn that Walmart not only helps me save money, but it also helps me eat a healthy plant-based, mostly all-organic diet.
Recently I documented one of my typical Walmart visits. From veggies to whole grains, and everything in between, here’s what’s in my Walmart cart each and every week!
1. Shelf-Stable Non-Dairy Milk Beverages, from $1.78 for 32 ounces
I always start at the back of the store, where the dairy and non-dairy items are found, and then work my way up through the store. Walmart has an incredible line of organic non-dairy beverage items under their Great Value Organic brand. Seriously, of all the generic organic brands I’ve ever tried, Walmart’s is one of the best.
I also love that they carry my favorite brand of vanilla soy milk and my favorite brand of unsweetened vanilla almond milk. I stock up on these shelf-stable gems and never have to worry about precious fridge space!
2. Blue Diamond Whole Natural Almonds, from $6 for 25 ounces
Blue Diamond is my go-to brand for natural almonds because they’re always so fresh and crisp. So I love that Walmart carries small cans and larger bags for a variety of needs. These healthy nuts are packed with B vitamins, protein, and important minerals like magnesium, copper, and zinc, and even have 6 grams of protein per ounce!
I stock the 100-calorie packs in my purse for on-the-go snacks, and I keep a larger bag in my house at all times. I soak these and make my own almond milk from time to time and use them for toppings on oatmeal, homemade raw trail mix, and more!
Related: How To Make Almond Milk at Home
3. Great Value Organic Unsweetened Applesauce, $2.56 for six
Unsweetened applesauce is always in my pantry (or fridge!) at all times. I use it as a natural sweetener and oil replacement in baked goods, add it to oatmeal, and eat it straight up as a snack. I try to buy organic applesauce whenever I can, and I have to say, Walmart’s Great Value Organic line is one of the best generic brands of applesauce I’ve ever had. Their other unsweetened shelf-stable fruit — such as diced pears and peaches — also shows up on my shopping list.
4. Organic Flax, Chia, and Hemp Seeds, from $4.98 for one pound
Walmart carries a variety of flax, chia, and hemp seeds, which are some of my go-to sources of plant-based omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, B vitamins, and minerals like magnesium, zinc, and iron. The best thing (aside from the price) is the fact that Walmart’s offerings come in these handy containers — no transferring contents from huge plastic bags. I keep these in the fridge or freezer and use them in smoothies, oatmeal, baked goods, and more.
5. Plain Shredded Wheat Cereal, from $2.29 for 16 ounces
Plain (unsweetened) shredded wheat is my go-to cereal because it’s one of the only dry cereals on the market that has no added salt or sugar, which means I can dress this up however I want — without all the junk. With nothing but pure, non-GMO whole-grain wheat, this is the healthiest cereal on the market, in my opinion! I top mine with frozen strawberries, sliced banana, and a sprinkle of cinnamon, and love it with vanilla soy milk for a nutrient-dense late-night snack or lazy dinner. I prefer the name brand, but Walmart’s generic line is also pretty good too!
6. Whole Grains, prices vary
From oatmeal to whole-grain organic brown rice, barley flakes, and even trendy ancient grains like quinoa, farro, and wild rice, Walmart has really upped their game in the whole grains department in the last year! Tip: The Great Value Organic line of whole-grain products is just as good as name-brand stuff (if not better!) and usually half the price.
My favorites are plain whole-grain oatmeal, barley flakes, wild rice, quinoa, and farro, which are incredible low-fat sources of B vitamins, protein, zinc, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants beneficial to heart health and overall wellness.
7. Herbal, Green, and Black Tea, from $2.25
I’m a bit of a tea hoarder, I’ll admit! Whether it’s herbal, green, black, or a specialty variety, I love all kinds of teas. I keep an embarrassing amount of these in my pantry at all times and I love that Walmart carries a huge assortment. A few of my top picks include peppermint, chamomile, and hibiscus tea for a caffeine-free fix, and green, chai, and black tea blends for a coffee-free antioxidant-rich caffeinated boost. Be sure to also try some of the specialty blends such as Detox tea, Sleepytime tea, and Cold Care tea!
8. Great Value Organic Frozen Fruit, from $4 for 16 ounces
Frozen fruit is always stocked high in my freezer and although I prefer to buy it in bulk from Costco, I love Walmart’s Great Value Organic frozen fruit line, too. My favorite picks for smoothies and oatmeal are organic raspberries, assorted berry mixes, sweet dark cherries, and sliced strawberries. These fruits are great sources of fiber, antioxidants, and beneficial compounds shown to support heart health, healthy aging, and digestion. Plus, I never have to worry about these going bad!
9. Great Value Organic Frozen Vegetables, from $1.38 for 16 ounces
Like their organic frozen fruit line, Walmart’s entire line of Great Value Organic frozen veggies is a must-try! If you’re tired of the ho-hum frozen broccoli and cauliflower, definitely check out Walmart’s line of options. I have spotted everything from trendy purple cauliflower and frozen steamable pumpkin to other options like frozen kale, sweet potatoes, and butternut squash. I use these in a variety of entrées and love that they’re fresh-tasting and usually less than $2.
10. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables, prices vary
My last stop in Walmart’s grocery section is the produce department, and here I stock up on all sorts of healthy veggies and more. Some of my top picks for veggies are organic leafy greens, organic carrots and celery, fresh ginger root, bunches of beets, bagged kale, and bagged sweet potatoes.
I love that Walmart shops from local farmers in South Carolina at my neighborhood store, so everything is usually very fresh and most varieties are available in organic options — at Walmart prices. My top picks for fruits include pineapple, organic green apples, organic bananas, California navel oranges, green kiwis, and papayas.
Do you shop at Walmart? What are your favorite healthy products?