A Former McDonald's Employee Says This Walmart Breakfast Item Is Basically The Same As What The Chain Serves - And Costs Less - Tasting Table

"The price of hash browns at McDonald's has been rising steadily over the last few years. At some locations they cost over $3 apiece."

"Several times when working at McDonald's, our delivery truck would come late or even not come that day at all. I remember twice while I was working there during the summer, that our manager ran out in the morning to Walmart down the street and bought the Great Value hash browns to stock up because we were low."

"A 10-pack of Great Value Shredded, Seasoned Potato Hash Brown Patties is $3.42. In comparison, a McDonald's hash brown soared to $3.99 in 2025 at some San Francisco locations."

"While many commenters online agreed that charging over $3 for a McDonald's hash brown was extreme, opinions differed on whether a Great Value hash brown patty was a reasonable substitute."

McDonald's hash browns are considered an underrated breakfast item, complementing their sandwiches perfectly. Due to rising prices, some locations charge over $3 for a single hash brown. A former employee revealed that managers sometimes bought Walmart's Great Value hash browns when supplies ran low. A 10-pack of these hash browns costs $3.42, making them a cheaper option. However, taste tests indicate that Great Value hash browns may lack flavor and quality compared to McDonald's offerings, leading to mixed opinions among consumers.

Read at Tasting Table