Great Value - High Quality - More Choice

I wonder if we did the whole blindfold challenge, how many people would "truly" notice the taste difference between the name brand and the generic brand?

While some products one might notice a difference, I think a lot of it really is all about perception.

Wal-Mart recently re-packaged their Great Value brand, and along with that they have changed the formula of 750 items and added more than 80 new products, to continue offering families quality items at competitive prices.

So how does the Great Value brand stack up to the competition taste wise?  Wal-Mart sent our family a few items from more than their 5000+ branded items available, to taste test and here are the results --

*  Twist and Shout Chocolate Sandwich Cookies - Both Amber and I thought them equal to Oreos.  Hubby however, remains loyal to his Nabisco cookies.

*  Pecan Shortbread Cookies - I'm sorry little baking elves, but hands down we preferred the Great Value to the ones baked in a tree.

*  Cheese Crackers - I did not notice a difference from these to Cheez-Its, Amber said she liked Cheez-Its better, but the Great Value ones were okay.  She ate these straight out of the box though and I personally think it was a perception issue on her part.  I'm pretty sure that if I had put them in a plastic container, she wouldn't have noticed the difference.

Our family already buys the Great Value Instant Oatmeal which is comparable to any name brand, and is a better deal because you get more packages in the box for less money.  We also regularly buy the Great Value Macaroni & Cheese.

As for the new packaging, we note that the crisp white with identifiable photos and bold lettering makes it stand out better on the shelves than their prior packaging in the blue with yellow print.

I honestly will always give the store brand a chance once, since for most items it is not a noticeable taste difference and when you live in podunk like we do, and coupons are nearly non-existent, the store brand is generally a better deal.

How about you all?  Store Brand?  Name Brand?  Or does it depend on the item?

If you are loyal store brand buyer, or want a reason to try and see if it really does measure up to the national brands join The Round Table.

The Round Table offers users the opportunity to complete surveys regarding Great Value products. Each completed survey enters the user into a monthly drawing for ten $500 Walmart gift cards. This is Great Value’s investment in listening, and represents their desire to truly understand how consumers view their products and their brand. They’re looking for your feedback on Great Value products – good or bad!

The initial sign up on this is starting at 200 people, so it may be full right now.  Walmart hopes to grow the community to 20,000 customers by the end of the year. So bookmark the link and keep trying!