We all know that moment. It’s Sunday morning, and you’re getting ready to make a big breakfast. You open that package of bacon, only to find weird coloring, odd textures, or slices so thin they practically disappear in the pan. Not all bacon is created equal, and after sifting through countless reviews and taste tests, one brand consistently ranks at the bottom: Walmart’s Great Value bacon. Before you grab that cheap package on your next shopping trip, here’s why so many bacon lovers say you should leave it on the shelf.
Great Value bacon turns brown before its time
There’s nothing worse than opening a fresh pack of bacon only to find it’s already turning an unappetizing shade of brown or gray. According to multiple reports, Great Value bacon often changes color well before the expiration date. This isn’t just a cosmetic issue – it’s a sign of quality problems. When bacon starts turning brown prematurely, it suggests that either the meat wasn’t fresh to begin with or there are issues with how it’s being preserved.
The color change usually starts at the edges of the slices and spreads inward, making the bacon look old and unappealing even when it should be fresh. Many customers have reported opening packages that were still weeks away from their expiration date, only to find discolored meat inside. The packaging itself is prone to damage, which can lead to air exposure and speed up spoilage. When you’re paying good money for breakfast meat, you shouldn’t have to worry about it looking bad before you even get a chance to cook it.
The inconsistent slice thickness ruins your breakfast
One of the biggest complaints about Great Value bacon is how wildly the slice thickness varies within a single package. One slice might be so thin you can practically see through it, while the next is twice as thick. This inconsistency makes it nearly impossible to cook the bacon evenly. When you put inconsistent slices in a pan, the thin parts burn to a crisp while the thicker sections remain undercooked and chewy. It’s frustrating to stand over the stove trying to manage such unpredictable cooking times for what should be a simple breakfast.
The inconsistency problem extends beyond just thickness. Many customers have noted that some packages contain mostly fat with very little actual meat. The fat-to-meat ratio is often skewed, leaving you with strips that shrink down to tiny pieces after cooking. This means you’re not getting good value for your money, despite the brand name’s promise. When you compare side by side with other budget brands like Target’s Market Pantry, the difference in consistency becomes even more obvious. Your breakfast deserves better than a guessing game of which slices might cook properly.
The chemical aftertaste ruins the whole meal
Many bacon lovers have reported an odd, chemical-like aftertaste when eating Great Value bacon. This unpleasant flavor can overpower the natural smokiness you expect from good bacon. The aftertaste has been described as metallic, artificial, or just plain weird. This problem might be related to the preservatives and additives used in the processing. While all commercial bacon contains some preservatives, the balance in Great Value seems off, resulting in that strange flavor that lingers on your tongue.
The taste issue isn’t just about the aftertaste – many reviewers find Great Value bacon to be bland overall, lacking the rich, smoky flavor that makes bacon so popular. Even the varieties labeled as “hickory smoked” or “applewood flavored” don’t deliver the taste they promise. In taste tests, Great Value consistently ranks near the bottom for flavor compared to other brands. When the main point of bacon is to add amazing flavor to your breakfast, a bland or chemical-tasting product defeats the whole purpose. Your taste buds deserve better than bacon that leaves behind an unwanted aftertaste.
It shrinks more than other brands when cooked
Have you ever filled a pan with bacon only to end up with tiny strips that seem to have disappeared during cooking? Excessive shrinkage is a common problem with Great Value bacon. This happens because of the high fat content and water added during processing. When heated, the fat melts away and the water evaporates, leaving you with much less bacon than you started with. What looked like a decent amount in the package turns into a few small, sad pieces on your plate.
The shrinkage problem is worse with Great Value than with many other brands. In comparisons, Great Value bacon loses significantly more volume during cooking than quality alternatives. This makes it a poor choice for recipes that call for a specific amount of cooked bacon, since you’ll need to use more strips to get the same result. Multiple reviews have pointed out that Great Value bacon produces excessive grease during cooking, indicating high fat content that melts away rather than producing substantive cooked meat. When you’re trying to feed a family or make bacon for a recipe, this level of shrinkage means you’re not getting your money’s worth.
The high sodium and preservative content
While all bacon contains sodium, Great Value bacon ranks among the worst when it comes to salt content. A typical serving can contain an alarming amount of your daily recommended sodium intake. This isn’t just about taste – it’s about how you feel after eating it. Many people report feeling extra thirsty after consuming Great Value bacon, a clear sign of its high salt content. The excessive sodium isn’t doing your body any favors, especially if you’re watching your salt intake or have high blood pressure concerns.
Beyond just sodium, Great Value bacon contains numerous preservatives that have raised health concerns. Ingredients like sodium nitrite, sodium erythorbate, and sodium ascorbate have been linked to health problems when consumed regularly. While these preservatives are common in many processed meats, some brands have moved to more natural preservation methods. Great Value continues to use traditional preservatives in higher amounts than necessary. When companies like Applegate and Boar’s Head have shown it’s possible to make bacon with fewer additives, there’s little excuse for the chemical cocktail found in Great Value’s product.
Better budget alternatives exist at the same price
The main appeal of Great Value bacon is its low price, but several other store brands offer better quality bacon at similar price points. Target’s Market Pantry bacon has been praised for its more consistent slicing and better flavor, while still maintaining an affordable price tag. Aldi’s brand has also received positive reviews for striking a good balance between cost and quality. Even Trader Joe’s offers bacon options that won’t break the bank but deliver a much more satisfying experience.
Costco’s Kirkland Signature bacon deserves special mention as a budget-friendly option that doesn’t sacrifice quality. It consistently ranks among the top bacon brands in taste tests, offering thick, evenly cut slices with great flavor at a price that competes with Great Value when bought in bulk. Other regional grocery chains like Kroger and Publix also offer store-brand bacon that outperforms Great Value in quality tests. With so many alternatives available that don’t cost much more (and sometimes even cost the same), there’s little reason to settle for inferior bacon just to save a few cents.
The packaging problems create storage issues
The packaging for Great Value bacon creates its own set of problems. Many customers report that the plastic tears easily, which exposes the bacon to air and speeds up spoilage. Once the package is compromised, you either need to use all the bacon immediately or find another container to store it in. This is an extra hassle that you shouldn’t have to deal with, especially when you’re just trying to make a quick breakfast. The flimsy packaging creates food waste when bacon goes bad faster than it should.
Beyond tearing, the vacuum seal on Great Value bacon packages often fails before the package is even opened. You might notice that the package looks puffy or that the bacon slices are no longer tightly packed when you pick it up at the store. This is a sign that air has gotten in, which can lead to premature spoilage. Some customers have even reported finding mold on newly purchased bacon that was still within its sell-by date. When other brands manage to create more durable packaging that keeps their product fresh, there’s no excuse for these persistent packaging failures that put your breakfast at risk.
After looking at all the evidence, the case against Great Value bacon is pretty clear. From its premature browning and inconsistent slicing to its chemical aftertaste and excessive shrinkage, it falls short in almost every category that matters. With so many better alternatives available at similar price points, there’s no reason to settle for a subpar breakfast experience. Your morning meal sets the tone for your day – it deserves better than bacon that disappoints.
