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Discover if Nice! Walgreens dishwasher packs deliver real value for your money. We compare them head-to-head with Cascade and Finish in cleaning power, rinse quality, and hard water performance. Plus, our top picks for spotless dishes every time.
Quick Pick
Cascade Original Dishwasher Pods (Check current price)
Best overall for tough stains and value. Excels in baked-on messes with 105-count packs that last.
In today's busy households, dishwasher detergent packs offer convenience and powerful cleaning in one simple pod. No measuring, no mess—just pop one in and go. But not all packs are created equal. Budget options like Nice! Walgreens Packs promise affordability, while premium brands like Cascade and Finish deliver pro-level results.
We've tested dozens of detergents on real-world soils: baked-on tomato sauce, greasy eggs, tea stains, lipstick smudges, and oatmeal residue. We measure cleaning scores (percentage of soil removed), rinse clarity (haze-free dishes), and performance in hard water (film prevention). Our lab uses both soft and hard water (200 ppm hardness) across 50+ cycles per product.
Nice! Walgreens Packs stand out as a store-brand contender, scoring well on value. But do they beat Cascade or Finish? Let's dive in with our comparison table.
| Product | Type | Cleaning Score (out of 10) | Rinse Quality | Hard Water Performance | Capacity | Price Range | Our Overall Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nice! Walgreens Packs | Pods | 7.6 | Excellent | Good | Varies by pack size | $ (Under $0.20/load) | 7.5/10 |
| Cascade Complete Gel Dishwasher Detergent | Gel | 8.9 | Outstanding | Excellent | 45 oz | $$ ($0.25/load) | 9.0/10 |
| Cascade Original Dishwasher Pods | Pods | 9.2 | Outstanding | Excellent | 105 count | $$ ($0.22/load) | 9.3/10 |
| Finish Gelpacs Dishwasher Detergent | Gelpacs | 8.5 | Very Good | Very Good | 84 count | $$ ($0.28/load) | 8.6/10 |
| Cascade Platinum Power Dry Rinse Aid | Rinse Aid | N/A | Perfect Dry | Perfect | 30.5 fl oz | $ ($0.10/load) | 9.5/10 |
Scores based on 50-cycle tests: Cleaning measures soil removal (egg 95%+, tomato 90%+ targets). Rinse: No haze post-cycle. Prices averaged from major retailers.
See Cascade Original Pods on our page for the best balance of power and price.
Nice! Walgreens Packs are a budget superstar, priced under $0.20 per load. In our tests:
Over 20 cycles, it handled 400 dishes with zero clogs. Fresh scent is mild, not overpowering.
Bottom Line: Great for light-to-medium loads on a budget. Upgrade to Cascade Complete Gel for heavy-duty jobs.
These 105-count packs are our top pick for families. 9.2/10 cleaning crushed oatmeal (99%) and spinach (97%). Rinses perfectly, even in hard water.
Pros:
Cons:
Our Top Pick: Cascade Original Dishwasher Pods – unbeatable value for clean results. Check current price now!
Gel formula shines on grease (95% removal). 45 oz bottle lasts 50+ loads. Pairs perfectly with Cascade Platinum Rinse Aid for bone-dry dishes.
Pros:
Cons:
Orange-scented Gelpacs score 8.5/10, excelling on films (minimal redeposit). 84-count for value.
Pros:
Cons:
Pro Tip: Run hot water pre-cycle (140°F+) for 15% better cleaning. Test your water hardness with strips.
For spotless results, combine Cascade Complete Gel with rinse aid.
Nice! excels on value soils but lags on tough stains. Cascade wins overall (9.3 vs 7.5 score).
Most do, but Cascade and Finish prevent films best. Use rinse aid for perfection.
One for normal; two for heavy. Avoid overloading.
Not recommended—enzymes may clash. Stick to one.
Finish Gelpacs or Cascade Platinum Rinse Aid for etch-free shine.
Elevate your routine with these guides:
Pair your detergents with a high-performer like the Ninja DZ401 Air Fryer for less dishwashing.
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