[Oistrakh12]

How is the quality of the produce at wal-mart supercenters? Are they generally a lot cheaper than at Smith's?

[PinkString]

I will be honest. Walmarts produce is not very good quality. I much prefer Smiths for quality. Smiths is not much higher when you factor in the quality of their produce. Better taste by far.

But, If you want really cheap produce that is much better quality than Wally world, go to Sprouts first, Winco second, and Walmart last. I like Walmart the most for their really good selection of frozen veggies, and that's about it.

[oeccscclhjhn]

I like walmart for certain things. Three items I specifically go there for now - all three are their Great Value brand.

- Great Value full fat greek yogurt (plain)

- Great Value organic crunchy peanut butter

- Great Value almond flour

Surprisingly, the peanut butter and almond flour is cheaper and has less carbs per serving that much more expensive brands. A plus plus type situration. The yogurt has great ingredients, and not that expensive.

All taste great.

[vegasfan1985]

You can buy everything at Walmart but the produce when it comes to food. I don't know where they get it from, but it spoils quickly and just doesn't seem very good. Smith's has good produce. I agree.

[halocheffer]

smart and final has some nice produce and selection. 2 things. mushrooms at smiths and smart and final are just not 100%. they do not seem as fresh as stores on the east coast. and the shallots are HUGE! smaller on the east coast

[BBMW]

A while back, a chef who used to post here wrote up a guide to local ethnic market's in the valley. They'd likely be a great source of good cheap priduce.

[PinkString]

Originally Posted by vegasfan1985

You can buy everything at Walmart but the produce when it comes to food. I don't know where they get it from, but it spoils quickly and just doesn't seem very good. Smith's has good produce. I agree.

I needed some potatoes one day, and happened to be at Walmart. I opened the bag to check how they looked and almost passed out from the odor inside. They seem to spray the crap out of their produce, and that could probably be why it tastes bad. (Costco does this too!)

[jambo101]

In America, estimates say that Chinese suppliers make up 70-80 percent of Walmart’s merchandise, leaving less than 20 percent for American-made products.
Press Releases | Alliance for American Manufacturing

[Svoboda]

Originally Posted by jambo101

In America, estimates say that Chinese suppliers make up 70-80 percent of Walmart’s merchandise, leaving less than 20 percent for American-made products.
Press Releases | Alliance for American Manufacturing

Food is pretty much that remaining 15-20%. You can typically find out where the food comes from at your local Walmart by speaking with the produce manager or butcher -- like the actual farms.

I've experienced the same quality produce at most of the major chains -- it can be hit or miss depending on what you're looking for. I will say the freshest stuff I've got this season has been at La Bonita on Rainbow. I stopped there for some hot salsa and got what seemed like straight off the farm avacado and tomatoes.

[44inarow]

Produce is the big thing that the major superstores can't quite manage, I've found. Hell, I absolutely love Trader Joe's, but their regular produce is terrible, in my opinion.