Walmart's "New Look" for Great Value Brand

**beks37** · 09-21-2009, 11:07 AM

There was a topic a few weeks back about the new look that Walmart has for their Great Value Brand. Some liked the new look and some didn't.

Well, I was shopping this weekend and noticed that in addition to changing the look of their packaging, they are also reducing the quantity of product!

For example, their 12" torillas used to come in a package of 10, now they come in a package of 8. I only noticed because in order to use the whole package of 10 I make enchiladas one night and use 6 and then another recipe that uses 4. So, bought a different brand that was more expensive that had 10 tortillas, but it was cheaper than buying 2 packages of Great Value tortillas.

Another thing I noticed was the Salsa. They used to carry Sam's Choice salsa 26 oz jars for $1.98. Now they sell Great Value salsa in 24 oz jars for the same price.

It is just so frustrating! Has anyone else noticed any of their favorite Great Value brand product affected by the "new look"?

**imagine** · 09-21-2009, 11:30 AM

When the box design changes is when lots of other changes happen too. Learned this years ago because of allergies. Always check the ingredients list when box designs change. Hadn't thought about checking the size too. Good for you for noticing.

The only thing I have noticed as with the design change they must have decided to change items they carry too. The whole wheat bread we have always bought has changed to split top wheat. I read the ingredients and it appears not to be whole wheat. Sigh.

It also seem harder for me to find their brand on the shelves now. It is also harder to tell what the item is.

Wal-mart use to be my every week fill up the cart main grocery store. Now every time I have been I am able to go in the express lane.

I think I'm going to try and go every two weeks instead of once a week to Wal-mart now.

**cab54** · 09-21-2009, 12:32 PM

Huh. Didn't notice the size/amts. I will look closely NOW, thanks!

I DO like the way the packaging stands out so you can see it. DH and I don't need large amts of anything anymore since the kids left (unless I'm making to freeze), but that is still a rip off. Pooh!

**DixieJ** · 09-21-2009, 12:35 PM

I've noticed the new packages, but didn't catch that the quantity had been reduced. Thanks for pointing that out--guess I need to be more observant!

**jlaporte** · 09-21-2009, 12:53 PM

i like the new pkg. as for the size diffrence i have noticed it on a few item. especially the salsa!

**calimomx2** · 09-21-2009, 01:04 PM

I only noticed the package change.....I need to pay more attention!

**amyd** · 09-21-2009, 01:36 PM

I have noticed the quality seems to be better. The sour cream is actual cream, enzymes and something else, not the stuff with a bunch of additives. It tastes much better too! The flour label no longer says it contains soy. If they are switching to more natural, less additives, then I don't mind paying a bit more!

**mrsfoamy** · 09-21-2009, 01:51 PM

My daughter said she noticed the salsa wasn't as good. Someone else also wondered if the new packaging was less expensive to manufacture, because they aren't using so much colored ink... dunno, it's a thought.

**2ndGenGranola** · 09-21-2009, 02:17 PM

I haven't noticed the size reduction but I have noticed more natural ingredient's in at least the kinds of stuff I like to buy.

**imagine** · 09-21-2009, 03:59 PM

Originally Posted by 2ndGenGranola

I haven't noticed the size reduction but I have noticed more natural ingredient's in at least the kinds of stuff I like to buy.

Like in what?

Please tell.

**2ndGenGranola** · 09-21-2009, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by imagine

Like in what?

Please tell.

Friday is our junk food night. I will usually pick out something of their brand in the frozen foods section. I'm seeing more markings of "no preservatives", "no artificial colorings" (and the ingredients read that way too) and such which are music to our ears.

**bluedog** · 09-21-2009, 05:16 PM

Walfart strikes again!

**Libby** · 09-21-2009, 07:25 PM

From an unnamed source, these changes are a direct reflection of the consumer 'wants'.

The recent changes in their packaging to plain white and very minimal colours is to help keep them competitive with other store brands out there in regards to environmentally friendly packaging which in turn also helps keeps their costs down. No more special paper/cardbaord packaging with super colourful images.

The portion/quantity sizes going down is in regards to competition across the entire market. Everyone is on this 'health kick'. Less supersizing and eating more conciously.

Example - chips. A large bag is $0.99 (approx) and a smaller supposed single serve portion is only $0.79 (approx). Most of us would buy the bigger one which is more then twice the size of the single serve for only $0.20 more. Simple economics I guess but what we fail to acknowledge is that a lot of us can't just eat 'one portion' thus making us overeat with the rest of the bag laying around.

How many items do we see now labelled or marketed as '0 trans fat' or 'light' or 'x amount of points' or '100 calories' and my fave 'with powerful antioxidants'. A simple glance at the ingredients and nutritional information can be all you need sometimes to notice that what you are buying never had these concerns to start.

Frankly I am applauding the food industry for trying to keep up with 'our' (the consumers) needs, wishes and wants. More environmentally friendly packaging and slightly healthier/better for you food products.

Its just up to us to wade through all the marketing ploys and schemes to really ensure we are getting what we thought were buying and to verify that their claims are true.

Sadly, we may not be getting as much bang for our buck but our overall health may be improving. Education is key.

**Missourimom** · 09-21-2009, 08:46 PM

I personally don't care for the new look at all. The packaging isn't appealing at all. It reminds me of the basic generic goods my mother used to purchase when I was a little girl and the can would simply say CORN and nothing else.

**Libby** · 09-21-2009, 08:51 PM

Originally Posted by Missourimom

I personally don't care for the new look at all. The packaging isn't appealing at all. It reminds me of the basic generic goods my mother used to purchase when I was a little girl and the can would simply say CORN and nothing else.

I know...totally 'retro' if you will lol. Makes me feel 'cheap' for buying store brand but then again most of the store brand that I buy - in terms of food - goes into a food saving kind of container so the packaging just goes into the recycling asap.