The 20 Most Overrated Name Brands You’ll Find at Walmart

Let’s be real—just because something has a fancy logo or a flashy commercial doesn’t mean it’s worth the price tag. Walmart is full of name-brand items that scream “premium” but whisper “meh” regarding quality or value. Some brands coast on reputation alone, while others charge double for products that don’t perform better than the store-brand version right next to them.

Whether it’s overpriced cleaning supplies, overhyped snacks, or beauty products that don’t deliver, these brands might not deserve the space in your cart—or your wallet. Here are 20 name brands at Walmart that might be better off staying on the shelf.

20. Febreze

Febreze Air Freshner
Wikimedia Commons

It smells nice, but the scent fades fast, and the price increases. Generic air fresheners can do the same without eating into your grocery budget.

19. Gatorade

Gatorade
Wikimedia Commons

You’re mostly paying for the brand and the nostalgia. Plenty of cheaper electrolyte drinks do the same job without the sugar overload.

18. Burt’s Bees

Burt’s Bees
Flickr

The branding screams all-natural, but the price tag is way higher than the results. That lip balm isn’t curing anything but your desire to feel crunchy.

17. Doritos

Doritos
Flickr

They’re iconic, yes—but are they $5-a-bag iconic? The flavor dust gets old fast, and other chips also add crunch.

16. Axe

Flickr

The commercials are loud, the scent is more audible, and the performance is mediocre. You can find better body sprays that don’t smell like high school gym class.

15. Tide

Tide Laundry Detergent
Flickr

It’s been the go-to laundry detergent forever, but it’s pricey for what you get. Walmart’s brand often cleans just as well for way less.

14. Monster Energy

Monster Energy
Flickr

The branding is all hype and chaos, but the crash hits just as hard as any other sugary drink. If you’re chasing energy, there are cheaper and better options.

13. Colgate

Colgate Toothpaste
Wikimedia Commons

It’s toothpaste. Not gold. Many store brands are dentist-approved and don’t charge extra for the same clean feeling.

12. Hershey’s

Hershey’s
Flickr

Yes, it’s a classic. But if you’ve had chocolate from literally anywhere else, you know Hershey’s is just mid-tier at best.

11. Old Spice

Old Spice
Flickr

It’s trying too hard to be funny and edgy, but the deodorant barely lasts the day. There are better-smelling, longer-lasting options out there.

10. Tropicana

Tropicana
Flickr

It’s not as fresh as it pretends to be and is not worth the premium price. Just go with the generic OJ and call it a day.

9. Head & Shoulders

Head & Shoulders Dandruff Shampoo
Flickr

The promise of a flake-free scalp sounds excellent, but the formula can be super drying. Other shampoos handle dandruff without turning your hair into straw.

8. Lunchables

Lunchables
Flickr

Nostalgic? Sure. Worth the money? Not. You’re paying for packaging and three crackers.

7. Crest

Crest
Flickr

Another toothpaste brand that is coasting on name recognition. You can find the same active ingredients in cheaper tubes with less marketing flair.

6. Clorox

Clorox Bleach
Wikimedia Commons

It’s bleach. That’s it. You don’t need to pay extra for a label when the off-brand bleach does the same job.

5. Kellogg’s

Kellogg's Crunchy Nut Cereal
Flickr

You’re paying more for less cereal and more air in the box. Off-brand cereals taste almost identical once the milk hits.

4. L’Oréal

Loreal Products
Flickr

The commercials promise luxury, but the actual results are underwhelming. There are better drugstore beauty brands that don’t break the bank.

3. Pop-Tarts

Pop-Tarts
Flickr

They’re barely frosted anymore, and the flavors keep getting weirder. You’re better off grabbing the store brand that covers the whole pastry.

Read More: Our Advice: Avoid These 20 Grocery Items at Walmart

2. Dasani

Dasani Water Bottles
Flickr

Widely considered one of the most disappointing water brands out there. It somehow manages to taste worse than your tap water.

Read More: 10 Must-Buy Items at Walmart

1. Nike

Nike Shoes
Flickr

It’s Walmart’s budget-friendly Nike gear, but you’re still paying extra for the swoosh. The quality doesn’t always match the hype, especially compared to other athletic brands in the store.

Read More: Why Housewares at Walmart Are the Real Hidden Gems You Need

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