Target has been our favorite shopping paradise for everything from hot home decor accents to wardrobe updates, but did you know it’s also a hidden gem of awesome grocery bargains? Abandon the notion that big-box stores sell only processed foods and canned goods. Target rivals full-fledged grocery stores, with an incredible selection of healthy, high-quality food at prices that are simply sublime. It’s time to explore the aisles beyond the home department and discover a whole new universe of healthy possibilities.
So, if you want to fill your pantry with smart, health-conscious picks without breaking the bank, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve compiled the list of the best healthy foods that must go in your Target cart, all handpicked and well-backed by nutritionists. So, let’s begin and give your meals and snacks a makeover using these hidden Target gems.
1. Canned Beans
When it comes to affordable, powerhouse foods, dietitians’ first choice is canned beans. Johna Burdeos, RD, of Dietitian Johna comments: “The healthiest food I buy at Target is no different than the healthy food I buy at the other grocery stores.” Store brands are her complemented money-saver and she adds that “You can’t go wrong with inexpensive plant protein like canned beans.” As grocery prices continue to rise, finding nutrient-rich foods that won’t drain your wallet is a deal.
These humble legumes are packed with protein, fiber, folate, magnesium, and iron. They’re seriously versatile and become a kitchen rescue for a busy person. Shelf-stable and quick to cook, canned beans can be paired with healthy grains like brown rice or quinoa, or simply tossed with pasta for a quick, filling meal.
Burdeos offers a tasty tip: “Mash canned beans with seasonings, herbs, and spices to make a dip.” Serve it with veggie sticks, whole grain crackers, or pita as a healthy snack or appetizer. Simple ingredients can create great and healthy results.
2. Saffron Road Chicken Tikka Masala
Frozen meals are typically maligned, but Saffron Road Chicken Tikka Masala bucks the trend. This dinner is one of the only frozen meals that is free of preservatives and chemicals. It’s an excellent example of how convenience does not have to come at the expense of quality or health. The dinner tastes and feels like the real thing, offering a rich, savory experience. It’s a perfect option for that crazy night when you need to have a healthy dinner in a hurry.
It’s a staple in Target’s frozen foods aisle when time is of the essence, but hunger remains achievable.
3. Bob’s Red Mill Gluten-Free Organic Quick Cooking Rolled Oats
Bob’s Red Mill Quick Oats are a staple in most pantries. Kristen Nicolai, MS RD, and owner of Nutrition By Kristen, uses them in everything from classic oatmeal bowls to smoothies and baked goods. Oatmeal is a highly revered food for its soluble fiber that is an excellent choice for heart health and digestion.
Having instant-cooking oats on hand means that a healthy, high-fiber meal is only minutes away at all times. Whether you are looking for a full breakfast, a baking mainstay, or a smoothie kick, these oats are an essential item to have in your pantry.
4. Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes Breakfast Cereal
Target’s cereal aisle can be tricky with sweetened options beckoning your taste buds. But Nature’s Path Heritage Flakes are the healthier choice. Registered dietitian Elisa Bremner, MS, RDN, CDN, advises looking for cereals that have fewer than 10 grams of sugar and more than 3 grams of fiber per serving. Heritage Flakes are just that, offering a healthy, fiber-filled start to your day.
Mix it with Ripple pea milk (also available at Target) and sliced banana to make a healthy, quick breakfast that’s tasty and wholesome.
5. Good & Gather Frozen Steam-in-Bag Edamame
Good & Gather Frozen Steam-in-Bag Edamame is a must-buy from Target’s in-house food brand. Registered dietitian Mary Wirtz uses it for fast, well-balanced meals, often pairing it with Good & Gather’s whole grain brown rice for a healthy dinner in under 15 minutes. Wirtz loves how quick and nutritious it is microwave the edamame and rice, then add some air-fried chicken breast, and you’ve got a filling meal.
Edamame itself is a protein-rich snack too, ideal for the addition of nutrition to any meal. It’s a convenient, healthy choice for meal preppers and anyone in need of an easy snack.
6. Good & Gather Gluten-Free Red Lentil Rotini
Need a healthier pastas alternative? Good & Gather Gluten-Free Red Lentil Rotini is the answer. This lentil pasta is not only a gluten-free substitute, but a nutritional upgrade that turns your pasta night into a wholesome yet delectable experience. It’s high in protein and fiber and contains all the macronutrients needed for a fulfilling meal.
This rotini made with lentils is ideal for the gluten-free consumer or the individual seeking to add more plant protein to their diet. It offers a tasty and healthy alternative to pasta without compromising your health goals.
7. Grillo’s Pickles
Pickles are usually relegated to the bottom of the hamburger toppings list, but Target’s Grillo’s Pickles are a surprisingly healthy and low-calorie snack. Kristen Nicolai, MS RD, likes that they only have a few simple ingredients and contain no added sugar. With only 5 calories per serving, these pickles are a great answer to satisfy your crunch and tart craving without guilt.
Nicolai suggests they would be a great addition to dips, salads, or sandwiches. Their crunchy, delicate texture and pungent vinegary flavor add zip to any meal, and they are just as delicious straight out of the jar.
8. OLIPOP Sparkling Tonics
Craving a soda but want to do something healthier? OLIPOP Sparkling Tonics are a godsend. Dietitian Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN, loves these bubbly drinks for the friendly ingredients for their gut health. 9 grams of fiber and only 2 grams of sugar per serving, OLIPOP tonics are a healthier replacement for typical sodas.
Manaker even suggests using the OLIPOP root beer flavor to make a gut-friendly root beer float by combining it with low-sugar vanilla ice cream. It’s an intelligent and nutritious way to indulge in the classic favorite.
9. Stunning No Shell Roasted Salted Pistachios
Yummy No Shell Roasted Salted Pistachios make a great snack. Lauren Manaker highlights them for their protein content, which will satisfy you and keep you full. They’re even a complete plant protein, providing all nine amino acids that are essential, so they’re a nutritional powerhouse.
Because of their easy packaging, these pistachios are perfect for grabbing and go. Spice up your life with the chili-roasted flavor use them as a salad topper, a fish topper, or as a snack in their own right.
10. Mamma Chia Squeeze Vitality Snack
Mamma Chia Squeeze Vitality Snacks are a convenient and nutrient-packed way to enjoy chia seeds. These snacks contain 1,200 mg of omega-3s and fiber, making them a great option for boosting your daily intake of essential nutrients. Kristen Nicolai, MS RD, loves their portability, making them perfect for a quick snack at home or on the go.
These squeeze pouches are a mess-free, tasty snack that provide an explosion of nutrition, and they’re a perfect inclusion in your Target basket.
11. Frozen Blueberries
Fresh fruit is always wonderful, but frozen blueberries have still more antioxidants. Registered dietitian Mary Wirtz describes that frozen berries are harvested at the optimal time and flash-frozen, preserving their nutrient value. They are wonderful to add to smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt.
Kristen Nicolai, MS RD, never exhausts Wyman’s Fresh Frozen Wild Blueberries and adds them to her diet to reap vitamins, fiber, and antioxidants. They are a nutrient-dense addition to any dish or snack.
12. Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken
For quick, healthy meals, Kevin’s Natural Foods Cilantro Lime Chicken is a blessing. This sous-vide chicken is completely cooked and comes with chimichurri sauce. Prepping takes just five minutes. It’s perfect for busy evenings when you need a quick, healthy meal.
Serving it with whole grain tortillas and lime-flavored slaw makes it a balanced, whole meal. It’s a quick way to enjoy a whole meal with minimal preparation.
13. Kevin’s Natural Foods Korean BBQ-Style Chicken
Another excellent meal short cut from Kevin’s is their Korean BBQ-Style Chicken. It is prepared in five minutes and contains antibiotic-free chicken and sweet and spicy Korean BBQ sauce. It’s a tasty, quick meal option that’s perfect for crazy weeknights.
Serve over rice, bread, or salad to create a balanced, satisfying meal.
14. Primal Kitchen Balsamic Vinaigrette With Avocado Oil
Primal Kitchen Balsamic Vinaigrette With Avocado Oil is a health-conscious condiment. Dressings at most supermarkets are filled with added sugars and bad fats, but this one is naturally made, so it’s a better choice for your meals. Mia Syn, MS, RD, loves to use it as a marinade for chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables.
It is a taste-enhancing, versatile condiment that can easily elevate.
