When it comes to rotisserie chicken, Walmart’s $4.98 offering may appear to be a bargain, particularly given its low pricing. However, if you pay attention to what you’re getting, you may reconsider grabbing another one. Walmart’s rotisserie chicken weighs only 1 lb. 13 oz., which is rather tiny considering the price. Compare this to competitors like Sam’s Club and Costco, where you can get a larger, juicier 3-pound chicken for the same price.
Though Sam’s Club is owned by Walmart, the rotisserie chickens are definitely not the same thing. Sam’s Club’s chicken weighs three pounds, which matches Costco’s rotisserie offering, and both are well-known for their flavor and value. The greater size alone may appear to be worth the trade, but the quality difference does not stop there.
Taste tests typically show that Costco’s rotisserie chicken is the best in terms of flavor, tenderness, and consistency, whereas Walmart’s chicken falls short. Walmart’s turkey has received conflicting reviews online, with several consumers complaining about variable quality—some say it is overcooked and dry, while others say it is undercooked.
One Reddit user even said, “Sam’s rotisserie chickens crush Costco’s rotisserie chickens every day of the week,” praising the chickens’ balanced flavor and consistency. However, for many customers, Costco remains the go-to source for a juicy, tasty chicken.
When it comes to nutritional content, Walmart stands out, although perhaps not for the greatest reasons. Its rotisserie chicken has 690 mg of sodium per 3-ounce serving, which is more than Sam’s Club (550 mg) and Costco (460 mg). If you’re looking for a low-sodium option, Whole Foods has rotisserie chicken with only 280 mg of sodium per 1/4 of a bird, making it a healthier choice for individuals watching their sodium intake.
Finally, while Walmart’s $4.98 price may appear to be a bargain at first glance, the smaller size and uneven quality may cause you to reconsider. Sam’s Club or Costco may be a better choice for both quality and quantity if you want a more pleasing bird with consistently positive feedback.