When shopping at Kroger, you might assume their store brands offer good value, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, you’ll find items that actually cost more but don’t deliver better taste or quality.
This article highlights 10 Kroger products where you’re paying extra without getting better flavor or satisfaction in return. Knowing which items to skip can save you money and prevent disappointment on your next grocery trip.
Kroger Pineapple Upside Down Cake
If you’ve tried Kroger’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake, you might notice it doesn’t quite live up to the price tag. The cake often tastes bland, lacking the rich caramelized flavor you’d expect.
The texture can be a bit off too—sometimes dry or overly sweet.
You can find it in various sizes and versions, including a bakery fresh option and smaller frozen cakes. But paying extra here doesn’t mean you’re getting better quality or flavor. It’s one of those Kroger items where saving money on a different brand might be a smarter move.
Kroger Salsa (old recipe)
If you’ve ever picked up Kroger’s salsa a while ago, you might remember it tasting pretty off. The old recipe often had a weird flavor that didn’t sit right with many people.
Some customers said it tasted stale or had a strange smell, which made it hard to enjoy. You’d expect salsa to be fresh and tangy, but this one missed that mark.
Even though it might cost more than some other brands, the taste didn’t match the price. So, if you’ve tried the older version, you probably weren’t too impressed.
Kroger Crispy and Crunchy Ripples Chips
If you're looking for ripple chips with a satisfying crunch, these might catch your eye. But be careful—many find them too oily and overly hard to enjoy comfortably.
You might expect a bold flavor, but these tend to come off bland. They can even feel rough on your mouth, which isn't what you want in a snack.
For the price, there are better options that deliver more taste without the unpleasant texture. You might want to try those instead if flavor and comfort matter to you.
Kroger Store Brand Cheez-Its
If you’re expecting the Kroger store brand Cheez-Its to match the original, you might be disappointed. Many people find that these taste bland and lack the cheesy punch you’re used to.
Some say they even taste like cardboard, which isn’t exactly snack-worthy. Your kid might even turn their nose up at them.
While Kroger’s store brands often deliver great value, these crackers are one spot where the price doesn’t seem to match the flavor. You might want to skip these for the real deal instead.
Kroger Box Macaroni and Cheese
If you grab Kroger’s boxed macaroni and cheese, you might notice it costs a bit more than other brands. But, honestly, lots of people say the taste doesn’t measure up.
The recipe was changed recently, and some fans were pretty disappointed. The noodle texture feels different, and the cheese sauce isn’t as creamy as before.
You can find this at most Kroger stores, and it’s easy to get through delivery or pickup. Still, if you want something that tastes better for less, you might want to look elsewhere.
Kroger Frozen French Fries (higher priced varieties)
When you pick Kroger’s higher priced frozen french fries, you might expect a big upgrade. But in many cases, these varieties don’t taste better than the regular or cheaper options.
You could end up paying more for fries that aren’t crispier or more flavorful. Some shoppers find that Kroger’s premium frozen fries fall short compared to other brands that cost less.
If you want fries that are crispy and tasty without breaking the bank, you might want to skip the priciest Kroger options. There are better choices out there that won’t hurt your wallet as much.
Private Selection Pasta Sauces (some flavors)
If you’re expecting all Private Selection pasta sauces to be hits, some flavors might surprise you in a not-so-great way. A few have a flavor profile that falls flat or feels off compared to their price.
For example, some flavors lean too sour or have strange aftertastes that don’t blend well with pasta. You might find the heat or seasoning levels either too mild or oddly unbalanced.
So, while the brand aims for gourmet quality, a few sauce options don’t quite deliver the richness you might expect for the cost. It’s worth trying different flavors carefully to find the ones that suit your taste.
Kroger Trail Mix (premium bags)
If you reach for Kroger’s premium trail mix bags, be ready to pay more than some other brands. The taste doesn’t always match the price, though. Many people find these mixes lack the balance or crunch they expect.
You might notice the ingredients are decent, but bigger names like Trader Joe’s or even some store brands offer better flavor for less. If you want quality trail mix without the premium price tag, it’s worth exploring alternatives.
Kroger’s basic trail mix options tend to be more budget-friendly and sometimes taste better than their pricier counterparts. So, keep an eye out for deals before splurging on the premium bags.
Kroger Bakery Cookies (select types)
If you're grabbing Kroger bakery cookies, you might notice some cost more than expected. But the taste can be a bit hit-or-miss depending on which type you pick.
Some varieties feel overly sweet, which can take away from the cookie experience. You might find the flavors less balanced compared to other bakery options.
Even though the cookies look fresh, they don’t always match up in taste. So if you’re paying extra, you may want to be selective with your choices.
Kroger Store Brand Yogurt (certain varieties)
Some Kroger store brand yogurts don’t hit the mark, especially certain frozen yogurt bars. You might find these varieties disappointing compared to other options.
While Kroger usually offers good deals on taste and price, not all its yogurts live up to expectations. If you’re looking for a reliable yogurt, you might want to skip these specific flavors or types.
It’s worth trying other brands or Kroger’s Simple Truth line, which tends to have better quality and fewer additives. This can save you from paying extra for a product that doesn’t taste as good.
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