Walmart vs. Sam's Club: Where 8 Summer Cookout Staples Cost Less
A backyard cookout usually starts with burgers or brats. Then the buns. Then charcoal. Then ketchup, mustard and any other odds an ends you forgot about initially. Before long, shopping for a laid-back summer hangout feels more like catering an event.
That's where choosing the right store can make a difference.
Explore Next: 5 Surprising Sam's Club Buys That Beat Dollar Tree Prices
Find Out: 9 Unusual Ways To Make Extra Money (That Actually Work)
We compared regular prices on eight summer grilling staples at Walmart and Sam's Club, then calculated the unit price for each one to identify which retailer offered the better value. Here's what we found.
Read More: The Best Walmart Buys for the Money Right Now
1. Ground Beef
Sam's Club has the better value on ground beef. Member's Mark 80/20 ground beef is priced at $5.92 per pound, with the average package costing about $18.94.
At Walmart, a 5-pound roll of 80/20 ground beef chuck has a regular price of $32.43, or about $6.49 per pound. While Walmart sells the larger package, Sam's Club comes in slightly cheaper on a per-pound basis.
2. Bratwurst
Sam's Club offers the better value on bratwurst, as well, at about 83 cents per link. An 18-count package of Johnsonville brats costs $14.98.
At Walmart, a five-pack of Johnsonville brats costs $4.48, or about 90 cents per link. If you're grilling for a crowd, Sam's Club gives you more for your money.
3. Chicken
Walmart wins the least expensive chicken award. Their boneless chicken breasts are priced at $2.57 per pound.
Sam's Club's Member's Mark chicken breasts run $2.88 per pound. Whether you're serving grilled chicken alongside burgers or as the main event, Walmart appears to be the way to go.
4. Charcoal
Sam's Club offers the better value on charcoal at about 59 cents per pound. A two-pack of Kingsford charcoal briquets (20 pounds each) costs $23.48.
At Walmart, a 16-pound bag of Kingsford charcoal costs $10.92, or about 68 cents per pound. If you grill throughout the summer, buying the larger pack can add up to meaningful savings.
5. Hamburger Buns
Hamburger buns cost less at Walmart. An eight-count package of their Great Value hamburger buns costs $1.48, or about 19 cents per bun.
At Sam's Club, a 16-count package of Mrs. Baird's buns costs $3.64, or about 23 cents per bun.
6. Ketchup
Sam's Club offers the better value on ketchup. A three-pack of Heinz ketchup at 44 ounces each costs $10.98, or about 8 cents per ounce.
At Walmart, a 32-ounce bottle of the same brand of ketchup costs $4.98, or about 16 cents per ounce. The larger pack is likely the better buy if ketchup is a summer staple at your house.
7. Mustard
Sam's Club also offers the better value on mustard. A two-pack of French's mustard at 30 ounces each costs $5.48, or about 9 cents per ounce.
At Walmart, a 20-ounce bottle of the same mustard costs $2.54, or about 13 cents per ounce. Like ketchup, the larger bulk package pays off.
8. Corn on the Cob
Fresh corn is another win for Sam's Club. An eight-count package of sweet corn costs $4.97, or about 62 cents per ear.
At Walmart, fresh sweet corn on the cob costs $1.25 per ear. If corn is on the menu, consider Sam's Club first.
Which Store Should You Shop?
Walmart had the lower price on chicken and hamburger buns, making it a good choice if you're shopping for a single cookout and only need smaller quantities. Meanwhile, Sam's Club had the lower unit price on ground beef, bratwurst, charcoal, ketchup, mustard and corn. Those savings come with larger package sizes, making them a better fit if you grill often or host larger gatherings.
One more factor to consider: Sam's Club charges $60 per year for a basic membership (as May 2026, up from the previous $50). If you only shop there occasionally, the savings may not be enough to offset that cost. However, if you fire up the grill throughout the summer, the lower unit prices can help the membership pay for itself.
If you're buying ingredients for one backyard barbecue, Walmart is still a practical choice because you can purchase smaller quantities. If you're stocking up for a summer full of cookouts, Sam's Club offers the better overall value.
Editor’s note: Prices and availability are subject to change.
This article was provided by MoneyLion.com for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal or tax advice.
More From MoneyLion: