Most shoppers assume that store-brand goods are lower quality, but that’s not always true. In fact, many Great Value products come from the same factories as the pricier versions sitting beside them on the shelf. Big companies often produce for both their own label and for retailers’ private brands, allowing consumers to get comparable quality for less. The catch? They rarely advertise these connections. Here are 10 Great Value products that are secretly made by famous brands—and how knowing them can help you shop smarter without spending more.
1. Great Value Ice Cream and Blue Bell Share Similar Suppliers
Walmart’s ice cream line is one of the best examples of Great Value products that are secretly made by famous brands. Several flavors and formulations have been traced back to the same manufacturing facilities that produce Blue Bell and other regional ice cream labels. While the recipes aren’t always identical, the quality and consistency are strikingly similar. Many shoppers report that Great Value’s chocolate, vanilla, and cookie varieties taste almost indistinguishable from premium brands. For less than half the price, it’s an indulgence that doesn’t break the grocery budget.
2. Great Value Peanut Butter Comes from the Makers of Peter Pan
Another one is Walmart’s peanut butter. Industry sources have long noted that it’s produced by ConAgra Foods—the same company behind Peter Pan. The texture, color, and flavor of both are nearly identical, with only minor differences in sweetness. By skipping marketing and brand overhead, Walmart can offer the same smooth spread for significantly less. It’s proof that generic doesn’t always mean generic in taste.
3. Great Value Ketchup Matches Heinz Quality Standards
When it comes to condiments, few realize that some Great Value products taste nearly identical to name brands because they follow the same recipe benchmarks. Walmart’s Great Value ketchup is rumored to come from the same supplier that bottles Heinz’s off-brand products. Many consumers who did blind taste tests found little to no difference between the two. The tang, thickness, and balance of sweetness all hit the same familiar notes. For families, this swap can cut costs without cutting flavor.
4. Great Value Coffee Is Produced by Smucker’s
Coffee lovers might be surprised to learn that several products that are secretly made by famous brands come from major coffee companies. Walmart’s ground coffee and single-serve pods are supplied by the J.M. Smucker Company—the parent of Folgers and Café Bustelo. The beans are roasted and packaged using similar methods but sold at a lower price through Walmart’s private label. Regular drinkers often say the flavor profile feels identical to mainstream Folgers blends. It’s one of the easiest ways to wake up to savings every morning.
5. Great Value Cheese Often Comes from Kraft Suppliers
Cheese is another grocery staple where Great Value delivers nearly identical results to name brands. Walmart sources many of its shredded and sliced cheeses from the same facilities used by Kraft and other large dairy producers. Because the manufacturing lines are shared, the only real difference is the packaging. For households that go through cheese quickly, buying Great Value versions can save several dollars per pound. It’s an everyday switch that adds up fast.
6. Great Value Cereal Shares Factories with Post and General Mills
Many shoppers overlook breakfast foods when searching for deals. Walmart’s cereals—like Toasted Oats or Crispy Rice—are often produced in the same plants that make Post and General Mills classics. The flavors, crunch, and even box sizes are nearly identical. Kids usually can’t tell the difference, and parents can save over a dollar per box. It’s one of the simplest substitutions for long-term savings.
7. Great Value Batteries Are Manufactured by Energizer
When it comes to household essentials, batteries might not be the first thing that comes to mind. Walmart’s Great Value batteries are manufactured by Energizer, one of the leading names in battery technology. That means comparable lifespan, power output, and reliability—just without the marketing markup. For families that use lots of batteries for toys, remotes, and flashlights, this is a hidden bargain worth knowing.
8. Great Value Pasta Comes from American Italian Pasta Company
The pantry is full of great value products that are secretly made by famous brands, and pasta is no exception. Walmart’s Great Value spaghetti, penne, and elbow macaroni are produced by the American Italian Pasta Company, which also supplies Mueller’s and other well-known pasta labels. The texture and cooking time are almost identical, delivering al dente perfection at a fraction of the price. Since dry pasta stores well for months, stocking up on the store brand is an easy win for thrifty shoppers.
9. Great Value Milk and Dairy Often Come from Regional Dairies
Unlike many private labels that import or outsource production, Great Value’s milk and dairy products come from local or regional dairies—the same ones that bottle for major supermarket brands. These often share the same processing plants and quality controls as the bigger brands. Because the supply chain is shorter, Walmart can offer lower prices without reducing freshness. For everyday use, the taste and nutritional content are virtually identical. Shoppers just pay less for the same gallon.
10. Great Value Snacks Are Made by the Same Brands You Already Love
Companies like Frito-Lay and Kellogg’s produce white-label versions for Walmart under private contracts. That’s why Great Value chips often taste familiar and stay just as crispy. You’re getting the same high-quality snack—just in different packaging. For budget-conscious families, it’s one of the easiest ways to snack smarter.
Brand Names Aren’t Always Worth the Premium
The secret behind many Great Value products that are secretly made by famous brands is simple: quality doesn’t always cost more. Major manufacturers rely on large production lines, so making products for private labels keeps their factories efficient while helping consumers save. For shoppers, this means you can enjoy the same reliability and flavor without paying for logos and marketing. Once you know which items to trust, switching to Great Value can lead to long-term savings without compromise. Sometimes, the smartest spending happens behind the label.
Have you discovered any Great Value or store-brand products that taste or work just like the name brand? Share your finds in the comments below.
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