If you’ve ever stood in the Target aisle wondering “is this actually healthy?” you’re not alone. Big box stores can be super overwhelming because there are so many options! But if you know where to look, there are tons of healthy hidden gems … often at great prices. Here are some of my favorites.

(Side note: If you want a personalized breakdown of what your body needs (not just a list), take our quick “Is This Normal?” quiz)

Best Healthier Sweets and Snacks at Target

• Lesser Evil popcorn
  • Why I like it: one of my personal favorites as a fun, tasty, “munchy” snack with a fairly large portion size
  • Watch out for: even though the portion size is 3 cups, I could probably eat 3 servings mindlessly without getting full, so I pour into a bowl and eat from there after putting the bag away

• Hu Kitchen dark chocolate
  • Why I like it: because I eat chocolate every single day, I want it to be good quality and filled with great ingredients! Hu is one of my favorites
  • Watch out for: sadly, still a good idea to portion control!

• Simple Mills almond flour pancake and waffle mix
  • Why I like it: simple ingredients, gluten-free, dairy-free, easy to make, tasty
  • Watch out for: Although there are only 5g added sugar, this is still a high carb choice. Pair with protein for stable blood sugar, and see this post for more on stabilizing blood sugar!

• Simple Mills almond flour bars
  • Why I like it: simple ingredients, gluten-free, dairy-free, great texture
  • Watch out for: This is definitely not a protein bar (3g) and is a high carb bar. Great for kids or pre workout, not for sitting at a desk.

• Purely Elizabeth Cookie Granola
  • Why I like it: clean ingredients – mostly organic and with a bit of added fiber
  • Watch out for: this stuff is SO delicious that it’s easy to munch straight out of the bag, and if you do, I guarantee you’ll eat at least 3x the recommended 1/3 cup serving size (which is quite small). For things like this, I do recommend measuring out for most people!

• Cocojune coconut yogurt
  • Why I like it: Excellent probiotic content for those needing to be dairy-free, and one of the best tasting coconut yogurts out there
  • Watch out for: unlike dairy yogurt, this is not a good source of protein, so add in protein powder or other protein options if needed!

• Good & Gather raw nuts
  • Why I like it: most nuts have seed oils added in the roasting process, but raw nuts do not! Great healthy fats to make a satiating snack
  • Watch out for: munching from the bag tends to lead to a high calorie intake, so add some veggies or fruit on the side for more fiber to fill you up.

Best Pantry Staples at Target

• Muir Glen tomato sauce and other tomato products
  • Why I like it: organic tomatoes in a BPA-free can are as good as it gets!
  • Watch out for: extra sodium if you need to be cautious (most people actually don’t need to be as cautious as you may think!)

• Ultima Replenisher
  • Why I like it: my favorite go-to electrolyte for most people (see this post for why)
  • Watch out for: be sure to drink some plain water each day as well so your taste buds don’t get conditioned to only sweet things!

• Siete taco shells and taco seasoning
  • Why I like it: grain-free, quality ingredients, awesome flavor
  • Watch out for: additional sodium if you need to be aware

• Organic spices (Good & Gather brand)
  • Why I like it: adding a few spices and seasonings can make all the difference to otherwise bland meals. I say add liberally!
  • Watch out for: not much to note here!

• Bob’s Red Mill Rolled Oats
  • Why I like it: oats have great soluble fiber and healthy carbs, especially important if you’re active! From a bowl of oatmeal (with protein added) to healthier baking, these are very versatile
  • Watch out for: making a carb-imbalanced meal. Always add protein and/or healthy fat for stable blood sugar!

• Bob’s Red Mill Flaxseed Meal
  • Why I like it: did you know that flax is excellent for estrogen balance? It’s also rich in omega-3s, soluble fiber, and overall great for you. Add in to yogurt bowls, oatmeal, smoothies, sprinkle on salads, or even soups!
  • Watch out for: it’s best to keep milled flax in the freezer once the bag is open so it doesn’t go rancid.

• Chosen Foods avocado oil and avocado oil spray
  • Why I like it: it’s difficult to find oil sprays without expellers or additives, and Chosen Foods does this. Neutral taste and still sprays well!
  • Watch out for: it is expensive, but in my mind healthy oils are worth it

• Banza chickpea pasta
  • Why I like it: one of the best tasting gluten-free pasta “alternatives” – even kids tend to like this one!
  • Watch out for: For many people, 11g protein (one serving) is still not enough for a meal, so add in more protein if needed.

Best Healthy Proteins at Target

• Sardines preserved in lemon
  • Why I like it: you’d be hard-pressed to find a more nutrient-dense food than sardines! Such great omega-3 content in a few bites (see this post for more!)
  • Watch out for: the taste can be a lot for some people, but try them mashed on healthier seed-based crackers or in a salad!

• Good & Gather wild Alaskan sockeye salmon filets
  • Why I like it: individually packaged for easy defrosting, nutrient-dense, super tasty protein option!
  • Watch out for: not much to note here!

• Vital Farms pasture-raised eggs
  • Why I like it: Super high quality eggs, rich in choline, protein, and healthy fats
  • Watch out for: while people monitoring LDL cholesterol can still have yolks, you don’t want to have too many the day before your blood test as they can transiently raise cholesterol.

• Kevin’s refrigerated meals or frozen bowls
  • Why I like it: arguably the best ingredients of any premade meal! Also so easy to make, and no one has ever told me they don’t like the taste – a big win in this department! Great for family meals when preparation didn’t happen.
  • Watch out for: Some of the Kevin’s options don’t have enough vegetables for most. Add in a bag of frozen veggies!

• Truvani protein powder
  • Why I like it: great ingredients and heavy metal testing (see this post for how to choose a protein powder)
  • Watch out for: most of our protein should come from whole foods (here’s how much you need), but this is a great addition!

• Kettle & Fire bone broth
  • Why I like it: There isn’t a better tasting, better ingredient bone broth on the market, in my opinion. Great protein content high in amino acids that are gut-soothing and good for overall health. Add to soups, drink like tea, or even add to smoothies!
  • Watch out for: not much here, except that it is expensive, and making your own bone broth is a cheaper alternative

• Chomps meat sticks
  • Why I like it: Great portable way to get in whole foods protein on the run.
  • Watch out for: If you need to watch saturated fat and you’re craving multiple of these sticks per day, you may want to switch to the turkey variety.

Best Overall Options at Target

• Note that whole foods, like fruits and vegetables, will always be the healthiest! So I can’t leave them off of any list. Enjoy liberally!
• Organic berries
  
• Organic frozen vegetables
  

One more note! If you’re dealing with fatigue, cravings, or weight that won’t budge, your food choices may be part of a bigger picture.

• Take the “Is This Normal?” quiz to help uncover which of these food choices may be best for you based on what area of your health needs prioritizing.
• And of course, if you want help personalizing your nutrition, you can book a free consultation with our team.

Now it’s your turn … What are some of your favorite Target finds? What did I miss?