SUMMERS picnics and barbecues usually call for paper plates and plastic utensils, but some are better than others.
There is nothing worse than sitting down to eat a meal and not being able to cut your food because of a crumby plastic knife.
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Or trying to pick something up with a plastic fork only to have the prongs break on you.
It even seems like some plastic utensils are so small they're meant for a doll set.
To prevent you from wasting money, The U.S. Sun did a 'snap test' and tried some of the most popular grocery store's plastic utensils as part of our latest Bang For Your Buck series installment.
We wanted to find which set of forks and knives was worth the money, and which ones cracked under pressure.
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The brands we tested are Great Value from Walmart, Smartly from Target, Boulder from Aldi, and Dollar Tree.
Each set of utensils was scored on a scale of one to 10 in three categories; durability, size, and value, totaling the highest possible score of 30.
We put the utensils to the test with a meal of grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, steamed broccoli, and carrots.
There was a considerable price disparity among the brands, which made this a bit harder to judge.
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Read on to see which brand offered the biggest bang for your buck.
4. DOLLAR TREE
- Score: 14 out of 30
- Price: $1.25 for 48 pieces
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While the Dollar Tree cutlery held up, the actual sizes of the utensils were much smaller than the others.
The tiny fork and knife made me feel like I was using children's utensils.
When it came time to cut into the chicken and broccoli, the knife wavered a bit but was able to cut all the way through with a little extra pressure.
I was only able to find a 48-count set of utensils, which is a decent amount for $1.25, but it would have been nice to have a larger quantity available.
3. WALMART
- Score: 19 out of 30
- Price: $3.94 for 48 pieces
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I know, this result shocked me too.
While the knife and fork cut through the chicken and vegetables with ease, it's hard justifying spending $3.94 on just 48 utensils.
I did consider getting the 120-count pack, but that was an eyewatering $7.99.
It may not sound too bad, but when you realize this is more expensive than Target it makes you wonder if Walmart is still the spot to go to for the lowest prices.
However, the cutlery was a good size and felt durable, I didn't feel like it was going to snap while I was enjoying my meal.
2. ALDI
- Score: 22 out of 30
- Price: $7.69 for 96 pieces
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Aldi's Boulder line offers a pack of only 96 utensils for a whopping $7.69.
While this was on the pricier side, the amount I got made up for it.
These were very similar to Walmart utensils in size and durability, but the Aldi ones are just a smidge bigger.
The fork and knife cut through my food like it was nothing, and the knife almost cut through the paper plate I had.
This would have gotten the top spot had it not been for the value of the Target option.
1. TARGET
- Score: 25 out of 30
- Price: $3.99 for 120 pieces
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Target is the winner of this Bang For Your Buck, but it was a close one.
There was no beating the $3.99 price for 120 pieces of cutlery.
This is actually the smallest size that's offered. If you need more, you can grab the 240-count is $7.89.
The utensils themselves were a bit on the smaller side, but still bigger than the Dollar Tree ones.
While eating my meal, the knife was a bit finicky but the fork held things down.
I would buy these again knowing I'm getting a great deal and a set of utensils that won't ruin my summer barbecue.
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BOTTOM LINE
If you want to have fewer dishes or are planning a large party, disposable utensils are the way to go.
Target is the best option overall. The 120-count box of cutlery was decently priced and durable enough to eat dinner with.
It was surprising to me that the Aldi option was over $7, as the store is known for its affordable items.
I'm not sure I would buy them again, but it's an option I'll always keep in the back of my mind.
On the other hand, the Walmart option wasn't worth the money to me, and neither were the Dollar Tree ones.
The smaller quantities were more affordable, but not very useful if you're planning on having more than just a few people over.
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To go along with your plastic utensils, see which brand of plastic cup gives you the biggest bang for your buck.
And, take a look at what we think the best paper plate option is.
