Queso, also known as chile con queso, is a popular Tex-Mex style cheese dip made from melted cheese, milk, spices, and other ingredients. It’s typically served warm with tortilla chips for dipping. Queso can be found in many grocery stores, including Walmart. But is Walmart’s store brand queso any good?
Walmart sells several varieties of queso under its Great Value brand. Options include traditional queso blanco and queso dip, queso with tomatoes and green chiles, queso with bacon, and queso fundido. Walmart’s queso is affordable, costing between $2-$3 for a 16 oz tub. Being an inexpensive store brand dip, some may wonder if Great Value queso compares favorably to bigger name brands in terms of flavor and texture.
Taste and Texture
Most Walmart customers who have tried Great Value queso are pleasantly surprised by the taste, especially considering the low price point. The classic queso blanco and bacon queso varieties appear to be the most popular and well-liked.
The queso blanco has a smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. It has gooey melted cheese notes with subtle hints of seasonings like garlic and onion powder. The bacon queso adds crunchy bits of bacon and a smoky flavor that enhances the cheese dip.
Other Great Value queso dips seem to be more polarizing. The queso with green chiles and tomatoes receives mixed reviews. Some find it flavorful and enjoy the spiciness and chunks of vegetables. Others feel the add-ins detract from the creamy cheese flavor. The fundido style queso also gets a range of feedback. Some love the stringy melted cheese texture while others find it too thick and greasy.
Overall, the consistency of Walmart’s queso is on the thick side. Customers note it has a creamy, indulgent texture thanks to melty cheese and added thickeners like whey protein and gums. The dip easily coats chips without being overly thin or runny. While thickness seems to be a matter of personal taste, most agree the flavors are solid, especially for the price.
Ingredients
A look at the ingredients labels shows that Walmart queso contains pretty standard items for this type of cheese dip. The main ingredients are milk, cheese, and whey protein concentrate.
The classic queso blanco contains pasteurized milk, whey protein concentrate, Monterey Jack and cheddar cheeses (cultured milk, salt, enzymes), modified cornstarch, contains less than 2% of salt, sodium phosphate, natamycin (a natural mold inhibitor), onion powder, garlic powder, natural flavors, extractives of paprika and turmeric for color.
The cheese, milk, and whey provide the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Cornstarch helps thicken the dip. Spices like onions and garlic provide flavor layers. Overall, the ingredient lists are relatively simple and free from artificial additives aside from some natural flavors.
When compared to other major queso brands like Tostitos and On the Border, Walmart’s queso contains very similar components. The biggest difference is that name brands tend to use higher amounts of real cheese rather than whey protein. However, Walmart’s version still delivers on the classic queso flavor and texture for a faction of the price.
Appearance
The appearance of Walmart’s queso is consistent with what you would expect from a jarred, store-bought cheese dip. All varieties have an orangey cream color from cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses.
The classic queso blanco has a uniform smooth and creamy texture. The vegetable and bacon quesos have specks of color from the tomatoes, chiles, and bacon mix-ins. When heated, the dips become a lighter orange color from the melted cheese. They smoothly coat chips with a thick, creamy cheese layer.
Some customers note that water separation can occur after opening, especially if left in the fridge for prolonged storage. This is common with any cheese-based dip. Simply stirring the queso smooths it out again. Otherwise, the appearance remains appealing throughout use if stored properly.
| Queso Variety | Color | Texture |
|---|---|---|
| Queso Blanco | Uniform pale orange | Smooth and creamy |
| Bacon Queso | Orange with bacon bits | Smooth with crunchy bits |
| Green Chili Queso | Orange with specks of green | Smooth with vegetable chunks |
Price
One of the biggest selling points of Walmart’s queso is the affordable price. A 16 ounce tub of any variety costs between $2-$3. This is significantly cheaper than most national brands. For example, a comparable sized tub of Tostitos queso costs over $5.
Being able to get a tub of creamy, cheesy queso dip for around $2 makes it easy to always have some on hand for chip dipping. Walmart customers appreciate getting quality at such a low price point. Between the cost savings and generally positive product reviews, the Great Value brand is the go-to choice for many shoppers.
Selection
Walmart offers a solid variety of queso options under their store brand. Shoppers can find traditional queso blanco, spiced up queso dips, and queso fundido.
Here is an overview of the types of Walmart queso currently available:
Queso Blanco
This classic white queso has a smooth texture and mild cheddar flavor. It makes a perfect dip for tortilla chips or topping for Tex-Mex dishes.
Queso with Green Chiles and Tomatoes
Spices and vegetables provide a bolder, Southwestern queso flavor. The green chiles offer mild heat.
Bacon Queso
Smoky bacon flavor gives this queso rich, savory taste. Bits of crispy bacon add crunch.
Queso Fundido
Melted Monterey Jack and cheddar make this stringy, cheese-heavy queso. It has a tangy, potent cheese flavor.
Queso Mild Dip
This basic queso has a milder, creamier flavor from a blend of cheeses.
While not as extensive as specialty brands with 10+ quesos, Walmart covers all the basic flavors from mild to spicy. Having both simple and loaded queso options means there’s something for every taste preference.
Nutrition
Queso is a high calorie and high fat food, so it’s important to watch portion sizes. A 2 tablespoon (1 oz) serving of Walmart queso contains around:
- 70-90 calories
- 6-8 grams of fat
- 2-3 grams of saturated fat
- 5-8 grams of protein
- 2-3 grams of carbohydrates
- 150-220mg of sodium
Varieties with add-ins like bacon contain slightly higher fat and calories. The queso is high in saturated fat from the cheese and milk. It also provides some protein. Sodium levels are moderate but can add up if consuming larger portions.
Overall, the nutrition stats are average for this type of creamy cheese dip. Track serving sizes to keep calories and fats reasonable. Consider alternatives like salsa, guacamole, or Greek yogurt dip for lower fat options. But for an occasional treat, Walmart’s queso won’t break the caloric bank.
Storage
Properly storing queso is important for retaining the texture and flavor. Follow these tips for keeping Walmart queso fresh:
- Keep unopened queso refrigerated until ready to use.
- Use within 1-2 weeks for best quality and to avoid spoilage.
- After opening, transfer any unused queso to an airtight container.
- Make sure queso is covered and sealed before returning to the fridge.
- Avoid introducing extra air by repeatedly opening and closing.
- Queso can be frozen for longer term storage. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.
- Discard any queso that looks curdled, watery, or smells odd.
Following proper refrigerated storage ensures the queso retains its thick, creamy texture and cheesy flavors. It prevents premature drying out or bacterial growth. With a bit of care, an opened tub of Walmart queso will stay fresh for a week or more.
Uses
Queso is a versatile Tex-Mex ingredient. Walmart’s store brand queso can be used in the following ways:
Chips and Dip
It’s hard to beat queso as a dip for tortilla chips, pretzels, crackers, veggies, or other dippers. The smooth, rich cheese pairs perfectly with crunchy snack foods.
Quesadillas
Drizzle queso over a quesadilla before folding and pan-frying for ooey-gooey cheese layers.
Tacos
Spoon queso over meat in tacos and burritos for extra flavor.
Breakfast
Queso makes a decadent topping for scrambled eggs, breakfast potatoes, or avocado toast.
Nachos
No nacho plate is complete without melted cheese. Walmart queso is perfect for drenching tortilla chips.
Burgers and Fries
For an indulgent treat, top your burger and fries with queso drizzle.
Baked Potatoes
Queso amps up a loaded baked potato when used in place of regular shredded cheese.
These are just a few ways to enjoy Walmart’s queso both as a dip and an ingredient. The options are endless for this versatile Mexican cheese sauce.
Comparisons
How does Walmart queso stack up against other major brands? Here is a brief comparison:
Tostitos
Tostitos queso has high customer ratings but is over twice the price. The texture and real cheese flavor are excellent. More natural ingredients are used.
On the Border
This restaurant-style queso is thicker than Walmart’s version. The spicy flavors and smooth melting texture get rave reviews. But it’s pricier.
Frito-Lay
Frito-Lay queso has a slightly artificial, overly salty flavor according to some reviews. But it’s comparable to Walmart at a similar low price point.
Trader Joe’s
Trader Joe’s queso is loved for its unique flavors like hatch green chile. But availability is limited regionally. The price is reasonable but higher than Walmart.
Pace
Pace queso has lower customer ratings compared to other brands. Many report a grainy or chalky texture. But it’s very inexpensive at around $1.50 per jar.
Overall, Walmart’s queso holds its own against pricier name brand competitors. While specialty quesos may edge out in terms of authentic restaurant-style flavor and ingredients, Walmart remains a solid option that balances cost, quality, and accessibility for shoppers. The Great Value brand beats most other low-cost, mass-marketed quesos.
Consumer Reviews
Most customer reviews of Walmart’s queso on sites like Influenster are positive:
- “This queso is really good, especially for the price! It tastes like queso dip I’ve had at restaurants.”
- “We always keep this queso stocked in our fridge. Great creamy texture and cheesy flavor without breaking the bank.”
- “I was surprised how good this dip tastes. Definitely satisfies my Mexican food cravings for an appetizer queso.”
- “It’s not as thick as restaurant-style queso but the flavor is still there. For a little over $2 you can’t beat it.”
- “I add my own spices sometimes to give it a kick but overall a good dip.”
Some less positive reviews include:
- “The texture was off-putting. More runny and grainy than creamy smooth like I prefer.”
- “I had to add extra cheese to get a thicker, cheesier flavor. Next time I’ll just buy a cheaper cheese sauce and add my own cheese.”
- “Thebacon flavoring tasted fake to me. I’d stick with the traditional queso.”
In general, the consensus seems to be that Walmart queso tastes better than expected based on the inexpensive price tag. There are some variations between the flavors and textures. But overall most agree it makes a tasty, affordable, and convenient queso dip.
FAQs
Does Walmart queso need to be refrigerated?
Yes, Walmart queso must be kept refrigerated for food safety and to maintain proper texture. Store unopened containers in the fridge and use within 1-2 weeks. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Can Walmart queso be frozen?
For longer term storage, the queso can be frozen. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving headspace to allow for expansion. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
Is Walmart queso spicy?
The classic queso blanco and queso dip have no heat. The version with green chiles provides mild spice. Add your own diced jalapenos if you want to turn up the heat.
Does Walmart sell homemade or fresh queso?
No, Walmart does not offer any fresh-made or homemade style queso options. All their quesos are commercially produced shelf-stable dips. For homemade queso, you would need to make it from scratch.
What is the difference between Walmart’s queso blanco and queso dip?
There is little difference between these two varieties. They are both mild, creamy queso blanco style dips. The queso dip may contain slightly different cheese and spice blends but they are largely the same.
Conclusion
For a convenient, inexpensive cheese dip, Walmart’s Great Value queso hits the mark. While not as gourmet as some homemade or restaurant versions, the creamy texture and cheesy flavors satisfy queso cravings. The classic queso blanco offers crowd-pleasing taste that coats tortilla chips or bakes up melted. Spiced up varieties add extra dimensions like smoky bacon or mild heat. Just a couple dollars gets you restaurant-worthy appetizer to stock up on for Tex-Mex food nights. Considering the friendly price, good taste, and availability, Walmart queso is a recommended buy. Their queso may not be the most authentic, but it delivers on cheesy, creamy flavor.