15 Walmart Brand Items That Are as Good (Or Better) Than the “Real” Stuff

We all love to save money shopping. But when you're at Walmart holding a Great Value peanut butter in one hand and a Peter Pan peanut butter in the other, you probably wonder if it is wise to choose the store brand.

In many cases, the answer is a resounding "yes." Store-brand items from Walmart are often just as good as their name-brand counterparts. Here are 16 items nearly always seen as equal to or better than the name brand.

Editor's note: Prices and availability are subject to change and may also vary by location.

Price: $3.18

Move over, Cheetos! Many shoppers find that Great Value Cheese Puffs pack just as much finger-lickin' cheesy flavor into a small puffed corn snack as the name brand.

These cheese puffs are great to bring along for a road trip, pack for a picnic, or delight any kid looking for an afternoon snack. A 13.5-ounce bag is over $3.

Price: $13.98

Jeans can be one of the most challenging clothing items to shop for, but Walmart has done it again.

The retailer's store brand for men, George, includes George Men's Cotton Fit Regular Jeans, which wear like an expensive pair of department store jeans.

Dress them up or dress them down — at just $13.98 a pair, you will keep more money in your wallet and never feel bad about the cost per wear.

Price: $27.12

Trying to fit extra protein and vitamins into your daily diet? Try a Walmart Equate Nutritional Shake.

These cost-effective shakes taste like creamy chocolate and don't leave the aftertaste that some name-brand nutritional drinks are known for. They are lactose-free but also fit 9 grams of protein into each bottle. Get a 24-count package for $27.12.

Price: $9.42

Beach towels often require replacement after summer because they get left at the pool or become tired after long beach days covered in sand.

So, there's no reason to spring for something expensive when you can grab two super-soft Mainstays Beach Towels for less than $10. 

Price: $1.84

For something as simple and classic as saltine crackers, you don't need to splurge on a name brand: Great Value's Original Saltine Crackers will get the job done.

This is a great choice whether you're looking for something to eat with ginger ale while you're ill or love using salty crackers to top your soup. 

Price: $1.37

Because the Food and Drug Administration strictly regulates medications, you can feel confident buying Walmart generic drugs from their in-house Equate brand rather than splurging on the name-brand medications.

The active ingredients, strength, and dosage will all be the same as in a name brand. Many great medications are available, but it's tough to beat a 100-count package of Equate Aspirin tablets for just $1.37.

Price: $27.38

When it comes to diapers and other baby goods, Walmart's Parent's Choice brand is just as good as the name brands.

A 132-count package of Parent's Choice Dry & Gentle Diapers is just $27.38.

Price: $2.96

For less than $3 (currently on sale for $2.50), you can get a family-size bag of Great Value Wavy Lightly Salted Original Potato Chips to satisfy your salty cravings.

Whether you want them for lunch, a picnic, or a quick snack, you'll get the delicious crunch you know and love from name-brand potato chips, but at a lower price that will help you save money on groceries.

Price: $28.62

If you love the classic taste of Dunkin' Donuts coffee, Walmart's aptly named Donut Shop Coffee is a worthy substitute. It has that familiar easy-to-drink medium roast taste that's bright and flavorful but light enough to agree with almost any palate.

A 100-count box of Great Value Donut Shop 100% Arabica Medium Roast Ground Coffee is less than $30. 

Price: $7.48

The price of skin cream can seem steep, particularly when you're shopping for specific skin concerns and trying to avoid fragrances, parabens, and other potentially irritating ingredients.

Walmart's Equate Beauty Gentle Skin Cream is a budget-friendly alternative to Cetaphil for sensitive skin. 

Price: $9.98

There's no need to spend $98 on yoga pants when you can get a better deal from Walmart's Athletic Works brand. These inexpensive store-brand leggings are perfect for athleisure or workout purposes, and they wear just like the name brands.

Price: $77.99 (on sale from $98.49)

Don't spend serious money on a high-end modern rug when you can get something from Walmart's MoDRN home line.

With Scandinavian influences, Walmart is channeling some of the most stylish home retailers in the game.

This rug is made of durable, stain-resistant polypropylene with striking stripes and boho-inspired tassels. 

Price: $64.58

Why spend more money than you have to on organization?

Mainstays plastic storage bins get the job done and can withstand the wear and tear of pulling them in and out of the closet, under the bed, or wherever you're stashing extra stuff.

You can get a set of six 41-quart boxes for about $65. 

Price: $34.46

A trash can is another item where you probably don't want to spend a lot of cash. Luckily, Walmart's Mainstays 13.2 Gallon Trash Can is just under $35. 

Price: $6.47

Great Value Peanut Butter can hold its own against all big brand names. It has the peanut flavor and creaminess that people love.

On top of all that, you get 64 ounces in the jar.

From products for your pantry to home goods, Walmart's store brands help you save money. 

One of the best Walmart shopping hacks is to see what's in the clearance sections, as you might find what you are looking for at a lower cost.