Recommended for you
Tariffs have taken center stage amid discussions of U.S. economic policy, and shoppers are already starting to feel the squeeze, especially at notoriously budget-friendly retailers like Walmart.
While the company's recent earnings exceeded expectations, executives made it clear that price hikes are on the horizon due to increased costs of imported goods. Walmart CEO Doug McMillon acknowledged that, even though the company plans to do everything it can to minimize the impacts on customers, retail margins are too tight to absorb the full blow of the new tariffs.
Categories like food, electronics, and toys – many of which are imported from other countries – are expected to see price increases in the months ahead. So, if you want to avoid paying more later, now might be the time to stock up on these Walmart finds!
Scroll on for 8 Walmart finds worth buying now before they become more expensive.
Walmart
Great Value Frozen Shrimp
Shrimp has always been a reliable and affordable go-to for quick dinners, but that's about to change. Practically every shrimp offering under the Great Value brand is expected to see price increases due to new tariffs on seafood imported from Mexico and Canada.
Suppliers in Norway and Chile might step in to fill the gap, but the added costs of transportation and sourcing could still push prices up by as much as 10%. So, your best move is to stock your freezer with shrimp now!
Walmart
Great Value Pure Granulated Sugar
Granulated sugar is also at risk of price hikes thanks to tariffs on imports from Mexico and Canada, two of the largest sugar exporters to the U.S. That's why, from your morning coffee to even your weekend baking recipes, almost every sugar-infused product could become more expensive.
And it's not just the white granulated variety that's at risk. Brown sugar, powdered sugar, and even sugar syrup could be affected. If sugar is a go-to in your kitchen, it's a smart idea to start filling your pantry now.
Walmart
Great Value Canola Oil
Cooking oil is a kitchen essential, but Walmart's Great Value Canola Oil is in the tariff crosshairs due to the United States' dependence on Canadian canola exports.
Canada sends millions of tons of canola oil, seed, and meal to the U.S. each year, and the tariffs are expected to disrupt the flow and raise costs. If you like to fry, bake, or sauté, this is one pantry staple that's worth buying in bulk.
Walmart
Great Value Pure Maple Syrup
If you're looking forward to pancakes, waffles, or French toast in your future, you can't go wrong by grabbing a few bottles of Great Value Pure Maple Syrup in advance.
The U.S. sources the bulk of its maple syrup from Canada, and new tariffs on Canadian goods are poised to send prices higher. Even if domestic syrup producers try to fill the gap, their equipment and supplies are often imported from Canada, too, meaning prices are likely to rise across the board.
Walmart
Great Value Baking Unsweetened Cocoa Powder
Even the simplest baking ingredients seemingly aren't safe from the tariffs. Great Value Unsweetened Cocoa Powder could become pricier because a lot of cocoa is imported from Canada, which is now facing stiff trade restrictions.
More than $2 billion of cocoa goods were shipped from Canada to the U.S. in 2023 alone, so the tariff effects are expected to ripple through the market. Regardless of whether you're a home baker or simply love chocolate, it might be wise to stock up now before this sweet treat becomes a luxury.
Walmart
Great Value Whole Frozen Strawberries
Frozen fruit is a more affordable alternative to fresh produce, right? Unfortunately, that might not be the case for long.
Great Value Frozen Strawberries and other frozen mixes that include strawberries are likely going to become more expensive soon due to tariffs on Mexican produce. Not to mention, fresh strawberries and other fruits might also jump in price, making things like smoothies and healthy snacks harder to afford!
The good news is that you can grab a few bags now to store in your freezer and avoid higher price tags later.
Walmart
Marketside Organic Grass-Fed Ground Beef
Beef prices have already been creeping up, but now, tariffs on Canadian beef might push them even higher.
It's important to note that Canada doesn't just export beef – it also sends livestock to the U.S., meaning the whole production pipeline will feel the hit. So, if you regularly cook burgers, tacos, or even meatloaf, it'd be smart to stock up now. Grab some packs of Marketside Grass-Fed Ground Beef to freeze and supplement your meal planning later.
Walmart
Great Value Colombian Coffee
Finally, it could soon cost more to brew your morning cup of joe. Tariffs targeting nations like Colombia, Peru, and Costa Rica, which supply a large portion of the United States' coffee, could drive up the price of beans and grounds alike.
The best thing you can do now is start buying more in advance. Unopened and vacuum-sealed bags of coffee beans can last up to two years. They can also be placed in the freezer to extend shelf life.
Subscribe to our newsletter for more food news!
Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.
