Walmart tomato prices vary by type and season, from about $0.88 to $3.50 per pound

The price you pay for a tomato at Walmart depends on what kind you buy and when you buy it. A single medium beefsteak tomato costs between $1.50 and $2.50. Roma tomatoes, which are smaller and used for sauce, run $0.88 to $1.50 each. Cherry tomatoes sold in pints or containers cost $2.00 to $3.50 per container. Prices shift with the season — tomatoes are cheaper in summer when they are in season locally, and more expensive in winter when they come from farther away.

Walmart's prices also depend on your location and the specific store. A Walmart in a rural area may charge differently than one in a city. The best way to know the exact price at your store is to check the produce section in person or call ahead. Walmart's website shows prices for some locations if you enter your zip code, though not all stores update this information daily.

Key Takeaways

  • Medium beefsteak tomatoes at Walmart typically cost $1.50 to $2.50 each, while Roma tomatoes run $0.88 to $1.50 each.
  • Cherry tomatoes sold in pints cost $2.00 to $3.50 per container, depending on size and season.
  • Tomato prices drop in summer when they are in season and rise in winter when supply comes from distant regions.
  • Your local Walmart's prices may differ from other stores, so calling ahead or checking in person gives you the most accurate figure.

How season affects what you pay

Tomatoes grown locally cost less because they do not have to travel far. From June through September, when tomatoes grow in most of the United States, prices at Walmart drop. A beefsteak tomato that costs $2.25 in July might cost $3.00 in January, when tomatoes come from Mexico or Florida.

Winter tomatoes also tend to be less flavorful because they are picked before they fully ripen, then ripened in transit. Walmart sometimes marks these down slightly to move them, but the discount is usually small. If you want the best price and taste, buy tomatoes during the summer months when local supply is highest.

Beefsteak versus Roma versus cherry tomatoes

Beefsteak tomatoes are the large, round ones you see in the produce section. They cost the most per pound because they are bigger and take longer to grow. Walmart prices them individually rather than by weight, so you pay one price per tomato regardless of size variation.

Roma tomatoes are smaller and more oblong, bred for cooking and sauce-making rather than eating fresh. They cost less per tomato than beefsteak but are also sold by weight in some stores. A pound of Roma tomatoes (usually three to four tomatoes) costs $1.50 to $2.50 at Walmart.

Cherry tomatoes come in plastic pints or clamshell containers. You pay for the whole container, not by weight. A pint of cherry tomatoes weighs about 10 ounces and costs $2.00 to $3.50. Grape tomatoes, which are similar in size, cost about the same. These are more expensive per pound than larger tomatoes because of the labor to harvest and package them.

Organic versus conventional tomatoes

Walmart carries both organic and conventional tomatoes. Organic tomatoes cost roughly 50 to 100 percent more than conventional ones. A conventional beefsteak tomato might cost $1.75, while an organic one costs $3.00 to $3.50. Organic Roma tomatoes run $2.00 to $3.00 per pound, compared to $1.00 to $1.50 for conventional.

The price difference reflects the cost of organic certification and the smaller yields from organic farming. Walmart's organic tomatoes come from the same suppliers as other stores, so the price is competitive with other grocers. If budget is your main concern, conventional tomatoes are the cheaper choice. If you prefer produce grown without synthetic pesticides, the organic option costs more but is available year-round at most Walmart locations.

Where to find the best price on tomatoes

Walmart's produce prices are usually competitive with other grocery chains, but not always the lowest. Aldi and discount grocers sometimes undercut Walmart on tomatoes, especially in summer. Farmers markets often have cheaper tomatoes in season because there is no middleman, though prices vary by vendor and location.

If you shop at Walmart regularly, check whether your store has a digital coupon program. Walmart occasionally offers discounts on produce through its app or website. These coupons are usually small — $0.25 to $0.50 off — but they add up if you buy tomatoes weekly. Buying tomatoes in bulk when they are cheap and canning or freezing them is another way to save money over the year, though this requires equipment and time.

How to pick a good tomato at Walmart

Price is only part of the equation. A cheap tomato that is hard, pale, or damaged is a waste of money. Look for tomatoes that are firm but yield slightly to pressure. The color should be deep red or, for heirloom varieties, a rich color appropriate to the type. Avoid tomatoes with soft spots, cracks, or bruises.

Smell the tomato if you can — a ripe tomato has a faint sweet smell at the stem end. Walmart's tomatoes are often picked early and ripened in storage, so they may not smell as strong as farmers market tomatoes. This is normal and does not mean they are bad; it just means they will have less flavor than a vine-ripened tomato. If you are buying tomatoes for when ready use, pick the reddest, firmest ones. If you plan to use them in a few days, slightly less ripe tomatoes will continue to ripen at home.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are tomatoes more expensive in winter?

Winter tomatoes come from Mexico, Florida, or other distant regions because local tomatoes are not in season. The cost of shipping, storage, and handling adds to the price. Winter tomatoes are also picked earlier and ripened in transit, which requires more handling and increases waste, further raising the cost to the consumer.

Does Walmart price tomatoes by weight or per item?

It depends on the type. Beefsteak tomatoes are usually priced per item, so you pay one price regardless of size. Roma tomatoes and bulk loose tomatoes are often priced by the pound. Cherry tomatoes and grape tomatoes are sold in containers at a fixed price per container. Check the sign above the tomatoes or ask a produce associate to confirm the pricing method at your store.

Are Walmart tomatoes cheaper than other grocery stores?

Walmart's tomato prices are usually competitive but not always the lowest. Aldi, discount grocers, and farmers markets may have lower prices, especially in summer. The best way to compare is to check prices at stores near you. Walmart's prices also vary by location, so a store in one city may charge differently than another.

Can I return a tomato if it goes bad quickly?

Walmart has a return policy for produce, though it is more lenient for some items than others. If a tomato is visibly damaged or spoils within a day or two of purchase, bring it back with your receipt. Walmart will usually refund or replace it. Keep your receipt and the tomato (or what is left of it) to show the associate.

What is the difference between a tomato and a heirloom tomato at Walmart?

Heirloom tomatoes are older varieties grown from seeds saved year to year, bred for flavor rather than shipping durability. They cost more — usually $2.50 to $4.00 each — because they are harder to grow and do not ship as well. Standard beefsteak tomatoes are bred to be uniform, firm, and long-lasting. Heirloom tomatoes are softer, more flavorful, and more fragile. Walmart carries heirlooms seasonally, usually in summer.