12 Things You Should Always Buy at Target
Updated: Dec. 06, 2022
Get the most bang for your buck with these food and home items.
Nuts, seeds and trail mix
Although nuts are high in calories and fat, they’re nutritional powerhouses. In fact, research shows that eating nuts and seeds daily could lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and it may even lengthen your life, according to Harvard Medical School. That said, nuts and seeds could cost a pretty penny, which is why the Target-exclusive brand Archer Farms’ 15-plus trail mix and nut packet variations are so appealing. And at $8 for a 27-oz. mixed package, you can’t go wrong.
Did you know there’s a scientific reason you can’t just buy one thing at Target?
Spices
Although a little spice could go a long way in some recipes, spices themselves are expensive pantry staples. Target, however, has lots of spices at great prices under their Market Pantry label. Staple seasonings like ground cinnamon, onion powder, and garlic powder are available for a little over $1—and the reviews are glowing.
Sparkling water
Target sells LaCroix, a sparkling water brand with a cult-like following, including harder-to-find flavors like Passionfruit and Key Lime, according to reviews. And if you’re looking for a more cost-friendly alternative, the Simply Balanced Target brand for flavored sparkling water for less than $3 for an eight-pack.
Next up: We tested a bunch of sparkling waters. Here are the brands we like best.
Frozen fruits and veggies
Stocking up on frozen fruits and vegetables is a convenient way to eat more nutrient-dense foods, without food waste. Target’s frozen fruits and veggies eliminate that possibility of tossing rotten or forgotten produce. According to a Consumer Reports test, the mixed frozen vegetables from Target’s Market Pantry brand were just as crisp and fresh-tasting as Birds Eye.
Condiments
Other great grocery-section finds at Target are condiments. Expert taste testers at Consumer Reports found that the Market Pantry Ketchup is just as full-flavored Heinz. And the Market Pantry Mayonnaise, which rivaled Hellmann’s in taste and texture, costs 25 percent less. Here are the insider secrets to help you save at all your favorite stores.
Paper towels, toilet paper, and tissues
For your average everyday spills, Target’s Up & Up Full Sheet Puddle Busters fit the bill. The towels are high scorers in absorbency and wet strength on Consumer Reports’ paper towel rating and review list. Plus, the Up & Up brand also sells tissues and toilet paper—both of which have rave reviews too. That might be because of their $8 and $13 and price tags for packs of 8 and 36, respectively. Target gives lots of coupons for Up & Up with receipts as well.
Generic drugs
A Consumer Reports survey found that Target’s drug prices beat out chain giants like CVS, Rite Aid, and Walgreens. The generic version of Advil at Target, by the Up & Up brand, cost about $1.99 for 100 capsules—compared to $6.99 for Rite Aid’s store brand, per Consumer Reports. Similarly, prices at Target for Aleve and Alegra 24-hour are less than those at Walgreens and Rite-Aid. Even prescriptions are cheaper at Target. Consumer Reports found that generic prescription drugs, such as certain diabetes drugs and antidepressants, could cost as little as $4 for a 30-day supply.
Wine
Sipping vino from a box doesn’t seem so odd when you pay less than $5 a bottle. Target’s boxed wine, Wine Cube, comes in a three-liter box that is equal to four regular bottles. Although, you can’t find this product for sale in every Target due to restrictions in individual states. These are the Kirkland items you should always buy at Costco.
Toys
Target is a major player in the toy store arena—especially when it comes to the holiday season. CBS News reports that the store’s $10 off coupons, combined with the Target Cartwheel coupon app, could offer as much as 40 to 50 percent off toys. “Target is really good at predicting the hot toys for Christmas and pricing them lower than the competition,” Kyle James of Rather-Be-Shopping told gobankingrates.com. “They know once they get shoppers in the toy aisle, they’re probably going to buy other stuff at full price. So, if your child asks for a popular, and thus hard-to-find toy this Christmas, be sure to check Target first.”
Towels
Bath and hand towels are consistently popular Target items. Not only does the store have a great selection, but they also always have strong sales, gobankingrates.com reports. Target’s Fieldcrest and Threshold brands are especially known for being both soft and durable, according to reviews.
Coffee makers
Target is the home to a few exclusive Black & Decker coffee makers, among other brands. Here’s our Test Kitchen’s favorite coffee maker.
And if looking at coffee makers makes you crave coffee, look no further than to Target and Starbucks collaboration for a quick caffeine fix!
Home decor
Lamps, dishes, and accessory home decor items at Target are the main items interior designers recommend buying, according to TODAY. Target’s trendy designer collaborations let you add stylish decor without breaking the bank. “Side tables, baskets, clocks, vases—they do such a good job putting out great design for relatively little,” Erin Gates, a Boston-based interior designer, stylist, and creator of the blog Elements of Style told TODAY. Again, the Threshold Target brand reigns supreme in this home-centric category. Next, check out the savvy shopping tricks you’ll wish you knew all along.
Note: Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
