How Does Target’s Good & Gather Brand Compare to Name Brand Equivalents?
Target’s exclusive store brands have gained quite a loyal following over the years, and it’s no wonder why! These items consistently cost less than their name-brand counterparts, they come with a money-back guarantee, and Target fans consider many of these products to be every bit as good or even better than the more expensive leading brands!
Based on the quality and value of Target’s other store-owned brands, we have high hopes for Target’s new flagship brand, Good & Gather. We’ve been eagerly waiting for these products to hit Target’s shelves, and nearly 650 items have been released so far. Over 2,000 products will be released by the end of next year!
Now that this brand is available for purchase at Target, we were eager to give it a try. We found all of Good & Gather’s products to be priced competitively, coming in at lower prices than their name-brand equivalents across the board.
But can Good & Gather compete with the bigger brands in terms of taste, texture, and overall quality? We sent Stetson on a Target run to find out!
To see Stetson sample these products next to their name-brand equivalents, you can watch his taste test and hear his honest opinions in a replay of this Facebook live video.
1. Good & Gather Almonds, Peanuts & Sea Salt with Cocoa Drizzle Nut Bars
This 4-pack of nut bars is made with almonds, peanuts, sea salt, and a cocoa drizzle for a simple and tasty snack. Like the Kind Caramel Almond and Sea Salt Bars, these Good & Gather Nut Bars are gluten-free, Kosher, and made with non-GMO ingredients. The two ingredient lists are very similar, with the most notable difference being that the Good & Gather Bars are made with peanuts and cocoa, while the Kind Bars do not contain peanuts and have a caramel flavor (rather than chocolate).
The Good and Gather Bars are sold in a box of 4 for $4.29 (a cost of $1.07 each), while the Kind Bars are sold in a box of 6 for $7.69 (a cost of $1.28 each). Stetson says,
These two bars taste very similar. I would say that the Good & Gather Bar tastes saltier, but I like it. It’s a nice sweet and salty combo, and a satisfying snack. Since they taste pretty much the same and the nutritional information is similar, I would say go with the Good & Gather Bar based on price alone.
Hip Tip: Now through November 2nd, get 5% off Good & Gather Bars when you use this Target Circle offer (formerly known as Target Cartwheel). Learn more about this brand new loyalty program here!
2. Good & Gather Applesauce Squeezers
These Good & Gather Applesauce Squeezers make for a mess-free, on-the-go snack for the whole family. Like the GoGo s SqueeZ Applesauce, the Good & Gather Applesauce Squeezers are Non-GMO Project Verified and packaged in BPA-free pouches with resealable lids.
The ingredient profile of these two products is very similar, so the major differences we noticed were in the prices and textures. The Good and Gather 4-Pack is priced at $1.79, while the GoGo SqueeZ 4-pack costs $2.59. Here’s what Stetson noticed about the difference in texture:
The Good & Gather applesauce feels thicker, has a better texture, and just tastes better. It seems more like traditional applesauce that you would eat with a spoon. Compared to Good & Gather, the GoGo SqueeZ Applesauce seemed watered down to me. For fun, you could let your kids do their own taste test, but I’ll bet they’re going to like these Good and Gather Applesauce Squeezers the best!
Now through November 2nd, get 5% off Good & Gather Fruit Snacks when you use this Target Circle offer (formerly known as Target Cartwheel). Learn more about this brand new loyalty program here!
3. Good & Gather Tropical Cherry Sparkling Water
This Tropical Cherry Sparkling Water from Good & Gather is an unsweetened carbonated beverage made with natural flavors. The ingredient list on Cherry Bubly is identical to the Good and Gather brand (just carbonated water and natural flavor), so we had to compare these two products based on price and taste alone.
The Good and Gather Sparkling Water was priced at $2.99 for an 8-pack, while the Cherry Bubly cost $3.69 for an 8-pack. Here’s what Stetson had to say about the taste:
The Good & Gather sparkling water had an unpleasant aftertaste. It’s definitely not as smooth as the Bubly, which goes down a whole lot easier. Maybe the difference is because these two flavors aren’t an exact match. The Good & Gather is Tropical Cherry, which has a hint of lime. The Cherry Bubly is just straight-up cherry. It might just be this flavor that I’m not a fan of. I’d really like to try some of the other flavors to be sure!
Now through November 2nd, get 5% off Good & Gather Sparkling Water when you use this Target Circle Offer (formerly known as Target Cartwheel). Learn more about this brand new loyalty program here!
4. Good & Gather Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa
This Good & Gather Hazelnut Spread with Cocoa is sweet, buttery hazelnut and smooth, rich cocoa blended together into a spreadable treat. When we compared its ingredient list with that Nutella’s, the main difference we noticed is that Good & Gather uses only natural flavors, while Nutella includes something called vanillin, which is a type of artificial flavoring.
The Good & Gather Hazelnut Spread comes in a 13-oz. jar and is regularly priced at $2.79. The same-size jar of Nutella costs $3.49. Here’s what Stetson had to say after comparing these two products:
I have to say, this Good and Gather spread is really good! I think these two products both taste and smell the same. I couldn’t tell any difference at all, so if you like Nutella, I bet you’ll be a fan of this Good & Gather Hazelnut Spread for only $2.79!
Now through November 2nd, get 5% off Good & Gather Nut Butter and Jelly when you use this Target Circle Offer (formerly known as Target Cartwheel).
5. Good & Gather Baked Sea Salt Pita Chips
These Good & Gather Baked Sea Salt Pita Chips are seasoned only with sea salt for a light flavor that is advertised to pair well with any dip. These two products share very similar nutritional information and ingredient lists. The Good & Gather Baked Sea Salt Pita Chips are priced at $2.49 for a 7.3-oz bag, while Stacy’s Pita Chips cost $2.99 for a similarly-sized bag. We were eager to see how these two pita chips would compare. Here is Stetson’s honest opinion:
I didn’t think either one of these brands of pita chips had any flavor. I don’t even taste any salt! Maybe that’s the whole idea though – you can eat them with any kind of dip and they won’t clash with it. Stacy’s chips have a texture that can only be described as chalky, and I didn’t really like that at all. If you’re looking for a plain chip with a nice crunch to eat with some dip, then I would recommend the Good and Gather Pita Chips over Stacy’s.
Now through November 2nd, get 5% off Good & Gather Chips when you use this Target Circle Offer (formerly known as Target Cartwheel).
We’re looking forward to trying more of Target’s Good & Gather items as the retailer continues to roll out its new flagship brand. Have you had the chance to test any products from this new line? We’d love to know what you think!
We Taste Tested 5 Boxed Mac and Cheese Brands and picked a clear winner!
I have noticed that the G&G prices are higher than the Market Pantry items were. YMMV, depending on where you live. The quality is fine.
Thanks for the comment, Deb!
Deb- that has definitely been the case here in central Texas 😕
I noticed that too. I was looking for shredded cheese and noticed the G&G shredded cheese was $2.89. I can usually get name brand for the same price or less. On a good note, I was able to load up on Market Pantry items that they were clearing out to make room for the G&G products.
I tried the cheese, and it definitely didn’t compare to Kraft or Sorento. G&G had no taste and was waxy. Both shredded cheddar and mixed shredded.
I would imagine because this is supposed to be more like the Simply Balanced product line…more non gmo and organic. Comparing G&G to Market Pantry is kind of like comparing apples to oranges, they’re not the same quality.
I’m willing to try it, I got a coupon In the mail for $5 off $15 G&G products.
Thanks for the comparisons! I’ll be on the lookout for this rollout since I haven’t noticed at my stores yet.
You’re very welcome, Nee!
Such a great information thanks 😊
Don’t know how it compares but that is the dumbest name I’ve ever heard. What does it even mean?
It probably refers to returning back to simpler times or hunting and gathering (similar to paleolithic). Gathering your food items in a more natural, wholesome standpoint. They’re good so go gather some.
The G & G organic milk is the best tasting milk ever.
Thanks for sharing, Amanda!
I just ordered the hazelnut spread, for my husband & son (I despise anything hazelnut), for $1.99 & 5% off using the circle thing.
I hope they enjoy it, Gina G.!
I tried swiss cheese slices and almond milk. Taste both fine to me. Like the milk price.
Watch for a coupon flyer in your mail! I got one for $5 off $15 for Good and Gather items 😃
SWEET! I hope to score that one too! Thanks for letting us know!
Thank you for this comparison, I’ve been wondering about this new line from Target. I enjoyed most all of the Market Pantry items I tried.
I’m glad it helps you! I hope you have a good experience with them as well!
I tried the unsweetened almond milk and I think the taste and quality are very good. It helped that I had the extra 5 percent to trying it over Silk brand. I will be buying the G&G almond milk again.
I tried the sparkling water (strawberry mango) and I found it had less of that carbonated taste and more of a fruity taste. I loved it and perfered it over other brands!!!!
Thanks for letting us know, Tiffany!
I got the G&G plastic bendy straws and about 9 out of 10 break when you bend them. A small irritation but I definitely won’t buy them again. Up&Up straws worked fine.
My family recently did a blind taste test (for our personal blog/site) and one compared cracker cut sharp white cheddar between G & G and Cracker Barrel, across the board Target’s brand beat out the name brand! We compared lots of other name brands vs store brands w/o anyone knowing which was which, made it more interesting and unbiased.
I tried the G&G grapefruit sparkling water and I agree with the reviewer. It had an unpleasant aftertaste. Stick with the name brand when it comes to sparkling water
Because of this post, I tried cherry Bubly. I love it. I’d rather have Coke or Pepsi but I am trying to avoid sugar/sugar substitutes. Thanks for the recommendation
Aww, That’s awesome to hear! You’re so welcome!
I was at Target today and picked up the G&G sparkling water in lime flavor. Sorry to say I did not like the flavor. I put half of the can in a glass and the rest in the refrigerator, when I got it later it was flat. No sparkle here G&G.
What is the nutritional difference and ingredient difference between the Nutella and G&G spread? Similarly with some of the other products like the applesauce and chips?
I find Nutella to be richer but G&G is definitely acceptable.
Do you know where these products are made? I bought the Ketchup which is organic and no HFCS for $3.29. Heinz comparable is $7.29. I can’t find any info online about this.
I tried the Good & Gather Toasted Hazelnut Coffee and it is awful! Worst coffee I’ve had in ages. I loved the Archer Farms Coffee, but this is not something I would wish on anyone. I’ve wasted my money on a pound of coffee I can’t drink; and won’t be buying coffee from Target again.
I agree! I loved all the archer farm coffees, the good and gather have no flavor at all! So bummed!
I tried their Vanilla Bean Brulee coffee and it tastes like perfume. It’s terrible. The old Archer Farms Caramel Brulee was my favorite coffee. The new Good and Gather version is the worst coffee I’ve ever had. I went and left a review and all the G&G coffee except the Pumpkin Spice have terrible reviews. Whoever thought these G&G coffees were a good idea doesn’t drink coffee.
Bought a whole fresh chicken, as I usually bought the Smart chicken they sold. I opened the pkg and feathers around 1 leg and pin feathers in other areas. I want my smart chicken back . The good and gather was not the quality, and not much diff in price. Also I agree with the cheese talk, I won’t buy the G&G brand. Do we have to go to other stores, when we have been Target shoppers for years???