Best Toilet Papers Wipe Out Top Brands

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Consumer Reports revisited its toilet paper ratings after testing more than two dozen products, naming the worst and best brands. The results may be a surprise to those who think the top national brands are always preferred.

Three Walmart products were named in its top five winner's circle: White Cloud, which is sold only in its stores, placed first, and Walmart's Great Value Ultra Strong was third. In second place was Quilted Northern Ultra Plush.

All three toilet papers rated highly in softness, though the top-rated White Cloud 3-Ply Ultra Soft and Thick "combines softness with superior strength and disintegration," said Consumer Reports' Daniel DiClerico.

The products are rated with machinery and "sensory panelists" on four criteria: strength, tearing ease, softness and disintegration.

The lowest-rated toilet paper brands included CVS Earth Essentials, getting dings on strength and softness, as well as Whole Foods' 365 Everyday Value and Walgreen's Big Roll.

The eco-friendly toilet paper Seventh Generation was soft but not as strong as those in Consumer Reports' recommended list.

Costco's Kirkland toilet paper brand narrowly missed Consumer Reports' recommended list with an overall score of 69 out of 100. Consumer Reports said Kirkland's softness and disintegration were excellent but it's not as strong, nor as easy to tear as other toilet paper brands.