13 Walmart Items I Never Thought I'd Buy (But Now I Always Do)

If you've ever gone to Walmart for specific essentials and left with something you never thought you'd buy, you know how it goes when you're surprised to have found a new must-have. 

These hidden gems are one of the best ways to save money at Walmart. Here are 13 Walmart items I never expected to buy, and now I always do.

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

Price: $17.44

This 40-ounce tumbler is vacuum-insulated and stainless steel. You can choose from colors like black, electric blue, gradient, hot pink, white, lilac, and tan, with some of the other colors being even cheaper.

"The cup was well thought out and better than most expensive tumblers. The large handle is comfortable to hold. The bottom part is padded, making it feel high-quality," shares one customer.

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Price: $3.37

These Great Value Twist & Shout Chocolate Flavor Sandwich Cookies are comparable to Oreos, but at a lower price. Oreos from Walmart cost about 28 cents per ounce, but the Great Value option comes out to under 18 cents per ounce, offering significant savings.

Many customers say these cookies taste just like Oreos, and some think they taste even better.

Price: $7.48

If you need a long-lasting moisturizer, this 33-ounce bottle of Equate Daily Moisturizing Lotion with Colloidal Oatmeal is the way to go. Compare it to Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion, which costs $16.70 for only 12 ounces, and you'll see why I always come back for this.

Price: $7.34

A 50-by-60-inch Mainstays Cozy Plush Throw Blanket is available in a variety of colors to suit any decor.

With a 4.7-star rating and nearly 1,300 five-star reviews, it's a clear customer favorite. O "This throw is so cute, warm, and soft," raves one customer.

Price: $11.20

Each 12-ounce two-wick scented candle from Better Homes & Gardens produces a beautiful scent for your home while adding lighting and ambiance. Customers love this candle, with one sharing, "Burns great and smells wonderful!"

"Beautiful, luxurious candle," praises another.

Price: $5.48

Leggings are a fashion must-have, and Walmart's No Boundaries High-Rise Angle Leggings are bound to become a closet essential.

They have a 27-inch inseam, and customers love them, with an overall 4.4-star rating.

Price: $7.98

A 500-count bottle of ibuprofen is a deal that'll last you months. You won't have to worry about running out, making this Walmart find one you won't want to go without.

Price: $39.99

This set comes in blue, dark blue, green, light blue, and purple, with each option having a different design. They mimic higher-end dinnerware, like the dark blue option that resembles the Mikasa Darcy Dinnerware Set for $121.26 from Bed Bath & Beyond.

The "Green" choice is a dupe of the Euro Ceramica Charlotte Dinnerware Set from Bed Bath & Beyond for $83.51.

Price: $1.97 (on sale from $2.24)

Blocks of cheese can be used for anything, since you can cut them into cubes, slice them for sandwiches, or shred them. Some brands are better than others, though, with Walmart's Great Value 8-ounce Colby and Monterey Jack block cheese being a customer favorite.

With plenty of five-star reviews, you can rest assured it's a high-quality product. One customer shares, "It is as good as name-brand cheeses without the higher price."

Price: $6.12

Makeup remover wipes are a handy item you won't turn back from once you try them, and Walmart's Equate brand is affordable and high-quality. You'll get 80 alcohol-free, oil-free, makeup-removing wipes for less than eight cents each.

These wipes are comparable to Neutrogena Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes but at a lower price, with Target offering a 25-pack of the name brand for $5.69 or nearly 23 cents each.

Price: $2.12

An eight-count of Great Value Burrito Flour Tortillas is an item you won't stop buying once you try it.

One customer shares that these tortillas are "Remarkably better than all the other tortilla brands." Another raves, "The tortillas are soft, fresh, and the flavor is on point. They can pass for homemade tortillas."

Price: $5.84

Meal prep containers are perfect for planning or storing leftovers, but they can get expensive. However, this 10-piece set of two-compartment meal prep food storage containers is high-quality and affordable.

It comes with five containers and five lids, and the dishes are microwave-safe for heating leftovers.

Price: $7.56

Stocking your pantry with a 32-count variety pack of Great Value Fruit & Grain Cereal Bars ensures you always have a nutritious snack on hand. You'll get 16 strawberry bars, eight apple bars, and eight mixed berry bars, with each being only 130 calories and naturally flavored.

One customer raves, "These bars are absolutely wonderful, they are better than the name brand."

These Walmart finds started as random pick-ups, but now they're items I always buy.

You can also learn some extra grocery budget hacks to keep more money in your pocket and stretch your budget. Another idea is to use one of the best cash back credit cards to earn more back on each purchase while shopping at Walmart, as long as you pay your balance off in full each month.