My friend Sarah called me in a panic last weekend. She had bought bacon for Sunday breakfast with her family, but something wasn’t right. The package hadn’t expired yet, but the bacon looked brown and gray. After hearing which brand she bought, I wasn’t surprised – it was Great Value from Walmart, consistently ranked as one of the most problematic bacon brands in America. Here’s what you need to know before your next grocery trip.
Why Great Value bacon doesn’t live up to expectations
Shopping at Walmart often means finding good deals, but their store-brand bacon is one item you might want to skip. Many customers have reported that Great Value bacon turns an unappetizing brown or gray color well before its expiration date. This isn’t just about appearance – it’s a sign that something’s not quite right with the product’s quality control.
The packaging itself poses another problem. Numerous shoppers have found broken seals and damaged packages, which can lead to premature spoilage. When you’re spending money on breakfast meat, you shouldn’t have to worry about it going bad before you even get it home.
Even when the bacon is fresh, the quality isn’t impressive. The slices are often inconsistent – some pieces are paper-thin while others are thick chunks. This makes it nearly impossible to cook evenly. You’ll end up with some pieces burnt to a crisp while others are still raw and chewy.
The fat-to-meat ratio is another significant issue. While good bacon should have a balance of fat and meat, Great Value bacon often has an excessive amount of fat. This means you’re getting less actual meat for your money, and what you do get often shrivels up to nothing when cooked.
Common complaints from disappointed customers
The stories from unhappy customers paint a clear picture of why this bacon brand falls short. Many people have opened their packages to find that the bacon pieces are so thin, they break apart before even making it to the pan. This isn’t just frustrating – it makes the bacon practically unusable for recipes that call for whole strips.
Regular buyers often mention that the bacon has an odd texture, sometimes feeling slimy or sticky even when fresh. When cooked, it tends to become either too crispy or stays rubbery, with very little middle ground for achieving that perfect bacon texture.
Another frequent complaint focuses on the inconsistent quality between packages. One week you might get a decent package, but the next week’s purchase could be mostly fat with very little meat. This lack of consistency makes it hard to rely on Great Value bacon for regular meal planning.
The taste itself often disappoints as well. Many customers describe it as bland or having an artificial smoky flavor that doesn’t taste natural. Some have even reported a strange chemical aftertaste that lingers after eating, which is definitely not what you want from your morning bacon.
Storage and packaging problems to watch for
The packaging issues with Great Value bacon go beyond just broken seals. The thin plastic used in their packaging is prone to tearing, which not only affects the bacon’s freshness but can also create a mess in your shopping bag or refrigerator. Nobody wants to deal with bacon juice leaking all over their other groceries.
Even when stored properly in the refrigerator, many customers report that the bacon often develops an off-putting smell before reaching its expiration date. This suggests potential issues with the packaging’s ability to maintain proper freshness.
The way the bacon is arranged in the package can also be problematic. Unlike other brands that neatly layer their bacon strips, Great Value bacon often appears jumbled or stuck together. This makes it difficult to separate the slices without tearing them, leading to waste and frustration.
If you do buy this brand and notice any issues with the packaging, it’s important to return it immediately. However, many customers have found that by the time they notice these problems, they’ve already lost their receipt or the return window has passed.
Price versus quality breakdown
While Great Value bacon might seem like a good deal at first glance, the actual value isn’t there when you consider what you’re getting. The excessive fat content means you’re paying for less usable meat than you’d get with other brands. When you factor in the shrinkage during cooking, you’re actually getting less bang for your buck.
Consider this: comparable store brands like Market Pantry from Target often provide better quality at similar price points. When you account for the amount of edible bacon you actually get after cooking, these alternatives often work out to be more economical.
The frequent need to replace spoiled packages or waste strips that are too thin or fatty adds to the real cost. If you have to throw away half a package because it went bad early or because the strips fell apart, you’re not saving money – you’re wasting it.
Looking at monthly breakfast costs, buying a slightly more expensive but more reliable brand can actually save money in the long run. You’ll use fewer strips to get the same amount of meat, and you won’t have to deal with replacement costs for spoiled packages.
What happens when you cook it
The real test of bacon quality comes when it hits the pan, and this is where Great Value consistently falls short. The thin, uneven slices make it almost impossible to achieve that perfect crispy-yet-chewy texture that makes bacon so good. Some pieces will burn while others remain undercooked, no matter how carefully you watch the temperature.
During cooking, customers notice that the bacon produces an excessive amount of grease, yet still manages to come out dry and crispy rather than satisfyingly meaty. This suggests a poor meat-to-fat ratio that affects both texture and taste.
The bacon also tends to stick to the pan more than other brands, making it difficult to flip without breaking. This can be especially frustrating when trying to cook larger batches for family breakfasts or when preparing bacon for recipes that require whole strips.
Another common issue is how the bacon curls and warps during cooking. While some curling is normal, Great Value bacon often curls so much that it cooks unevenly and can be difficult to use in sandwiches or other dishes where flat strips are preferred.
Better alternatives at similar price points
If you’re shopping on a budget, there are several store brands that offer better quality than Great Value without breaking the bank. Target’s Market Pantry bacon, for example, provides more consistent slices and better overall quality at a comparable price point. The meat-to-fat ratio is more balanced, and the packaging is generally more reliable.
Another good option is Trader Joe’s store brand bacon, which offers excellent value for money. While it might cost slightly more than Great Value, the quality difference is noticeable, and you’re less likely to waste money on unusable pieces or early spoilage.
Some regional grocery chains also offer their own bacon brands that provide better quality at budget-friendly prices. These options often come from local suppliers and tend to have better quality control than mass-produced alternatives. Plus, you’re supporting local businesses and getting a superior product.
Even Aldi’s bacon options typically offer better quality than Great Value while maintaining competitive prices. Their bacon tends to have more consistent slicing and better packaging, reducing the risk of premature spoilage or damaged products.
Tips for choosing better bacon
When shopping for bacon, there are several key things to look for that can help you avoid disappointment. First, check the packaging carefully for any signs of damage or leakage. A good package should be securely sealed with no tears or punctures. The bacon inside should look fresh and red, not brown or gray.
Look at the meat-to-fat ratio through the package window. Good bacon should have a nice balance of meat and fat – if you see mostly white fat with tiny strips of meat, keep looking. The slices should also be consistently cut, not varying wildly in thickness from one end to the other.
Consider the price per ounce rather than the package price. Sometimes spending a little more upfront gets you more usable bacon in the end, especially when you factor in potential waste from poor quality products. Remember that extremely low prices often indicate lower quality meat or processing standards.
Pay attention to the expiration date and buy from stores with high turnover in their meat department. This increases your chances of getting fresh bacon that will last until its expiration date. If possible, check reviews or ask friends about their experiences with different brands available in your area.
Your breakfast choices matter – they set the tone for your entire day. While saving money is important, compromising on bacon quality with Great Value brand isn’t worth the hassle. Instead, explore other budget-friendly options that offer better reliability and satisfaction. Your morning self will thank you.
