These Target Brand Items Are Better AND Cheaper Than Name Brands
Calling all Target shoppers!
If you love wandering the aisles of your Target store, we have rounded up our absolute favorite Target brands that are amazingly cheaper than name brands while being the same quality… if not better!
One thing that we love about shopping for Target brands is that there is essentially NO risk when buying them! If you’re not 100% satisfied with any Target Owned Brand item, you can return it within one year with a receipt for an exchange or a full refund – no questions asked! Plus, RedCard Debit and Credit cardholders will receive an extra 30 days to return nearly all items purchased with their RedCard at Target and Target.com. Sweet! 🙌🏻
BUT, are you wondering if these Target-owned brands are any cheaper or just as good as the name brands?! Wonder no more! From Smartly to Good & Gather and Up & Up, we love these affordable and high-quality options that you won’t find anywhere else but Target!
Here are 10 specific Target brand items that we love!
1. Target Brand Good & Gather Organic Dark Chocolate Chunks
Good & Gather Organic Dark Chocolate Chunks – $3.39
-VERSUS-
Enjoy Life Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips – $4.99
You save: $1.60 / bag
Target’s Good & Gather Organic Chocolate Chunks are the perfect buy for anyone wanting delicious, chocolatey morsels without the extra mystery ingredients. They’re also super affordable, coming in at only $3.39–that’s more than $1 cheaper than competing brands.
My Hip sidekick, Sara, loves to use the Good & Gather chocolate chunks when she bakes! Here’s what she says about them:
“I love Target’s Good & Gather line for a few staples! I always buy their chocolate chunks for whenever I make waffles for the kids. They’re inexpensive and the cleanest ingredients I have found compared to many other brands.”
2. Target Brand Good & Gather Double Chocolate Chunk Granola
Good & Gather Double Chocolate Chunk Granola – $3.69
-VERSUS-
Purely Elizabeth Chocolate Sea Salt Granola – $5.99
You save: $2.30 / bag
Target has a TON of Good & Gather granola flavors and even some grain-free varieties! And they’re just as crunchy & satisfying as their pricier, name-brand counterparts. From indulgent s’mores to blueberry flax, you could enjoy these with a smoothie bowl in the morning or as a sweet ice cream topping.🍦
Check out what this Target reviewer said about the Good & Gather double chocolate chunk granola:
“I’ve tried a couple different kinds of granola (chocolate especially) and have not found one that had a real chocolate taste to them until I discovered this kind. Not a chance I’m ever going back to anything else now. Amazing granola & also super cheap for only $3 when on sale!”
3. Target Brand Good & Gather Tortilla Chips
Good & Gather Organic White Corn Tortilla Chips – $2.99
-VERSUS-
Tostitos Original Restaurant Style Tortilla Chips – $3.99
You save: $1 / bag
While we found Target’s Good & Gather Organic Tortilla Chips to be even better than the popular Tostitos brand, the price comparison between the two is even better too. 🙌🏻 Target’s chips come in at about 25% cheaper than other popular brands!
Check out this review from a Target.com customer:
“I am not a tortilla or corn chip lover but WOW! I was looking for something healthier than regular chips and I figured I could ‘settle’ for this if I got some salsa from my local Mexican restaurant. But none needed, these chips are so good! I eat them plain and love them.”
4. Target Brand Good & Gather Spices
Good & Gather Onion Powder – $1.19
-VERSUS-
Mccormick Onion Powder – $3.49
You save: $2.30 (and maybe even more!) / jar
Spices can get pricey, especially if you’re in the market for less-common blends. Not only are Target’s Good & Gather spices reasonably priced, but they also have a great selection! They carry harder-to-find mixes like garam masala, za’atar seasoning, and herbes de Provence. And even better, many of their spices are organic. 🙌
I’m actually a fan myself and get spices almost exclusively at Target!
If I shop anywhere else in my area, I’ll likely be paying at least double what I’m paying for Good & Gather spices, and the quality is exactly the same in my experience. I actually go out of my way to get these blends! And as someone who loves experimenting in the kitchen, I so appreciate that they have such a great variety. I don’t have to pay an arm and a leg to get the spices I need for my dishes.
Hip Tip: If you find your spices caking a lot, try pouring what you need into a prep container and then adding that into your meals. If you add the seasonings directly from their container, the steam from whatever you’re cookin’ will float up into the jar and make your spices hard & cakey.
5. Target Brand Up & Up Diapers
Up & Up Diapers – $4.59 – $29.99
-VERSUS-
Pampers Baby Dry Diapers – $8.99 – $39.99
You save: $4.40 – $10.00 / pack
Need diapers? Target’s Up & Up brand has got you covered! The prices of their diapers are an astonishing difference compared to the large, popular diaper brands like Pampers.
Not only are they the most affordable, quality option, but they also come in the largest quantity boxes so you know they’ll last you longer than the average box. They’re also a favorite among Hip2Save readers!
6. Target Brand Smartly Liquid Hand Soap
Smartly Citrus Grove Liquid Hand Soap – $0.95
-VERSUS-
Seventh Generation Mandarin Orange and Grapefruit Liquid Hand Soap – $2.99
You save: $2.04 / bottle
Hand soaps are a bathroom essential, but they can definitely be on the spendier side. Luckily, Target brand hand soaps are an absolute steal–and they smell amazing!
My Hip sidekick, Amber, always picks up Target’s Smartly hand soaps! Here’s what she says about them:
“These soaps smell amazing and last and work super well for their price. They are not always in stock at my location, so I like to grab a few when I see them. My favorite is Citrus Grove.” – Amber
7. Target Brand Up & Up Fragrance-Free Baby Wipes
Up & Up Baby Wipes – $1.39 – $18.99
-VERSUS-
Waterwipes Unscented Baby Wipes – $3.99 – $42.99
You save: $2.60 – $24 / container
Whether you need baby wipes in bulk or just a small package to throw in your bag when you’re on the go, Target has you covered with the Up & Up baby wipes. And even better, they’re fragrance-free and about half the price of other unscented wipes! That’s a HUGE savings if you use baby wipes on the regular.
Here’s what one reviewer had to say about the Up & Up wipes:
“I was looking for a simple wipe that wasn’t so expensive. When I stumbled across this I thought I would give it a try. It was so worth it! It is inexpensive, and you get so many wipes for your buck! They work great and aren’t overly ‘wet’ so your little one doesn’t feel too soaked after using them. Plus no fragrance at all!”
8. Target Brand Up & Up Plastic Sandwich Bags
At Target, you can score their Up & Up sandwich bags and other disposable plastic baggies for a few dollars less without compromising on quality. Compared to the popular Ziploc brand, we love these cheaper options by Up & Up that make lunches, daily organizing, and clean-up more budget-friendly.
Check out this review from a Target customer:
“I have these set up on a monthly subscription. They work just as well as the name brand for less $$. I love that they come in such a big box as we go through several sandwich bags a day with our family of 5. The zipper stays closed, they do not leak, and they hold up well!”
9. Target Brand Room Essentials Microfiber Sheet Set
Room Essentials Microfiber Sheet Set – $9.50 – $22.00
-VERSUS-
Bare Home Solid Microfiber Sheet Set – $26.99 – $54.99
You save: $17.49 – $32.99 / set
Target actually has an awesome, highly-reviewed line of microfiber sheet sets that come in all sorts of fun colors and patterns! They’re definitely budget-friendly and just as comfy as the spendier sheet sets.
Here’s what one Target shopper said about their set:
“Second time buying these sheets and as usual not disappointed. These sheets are super soft and clean looking. Not only are they a great price but the quality is on point. I have spent five times more on sheets and these by far surpass the more expensive brands. Simple, clean, affordable. love them.”
10. Target Brand Good & Gather Pure Maple Syrup
Good & Gather 32 oz Pure Maple Syrup – $14.69
-VERSUS-
Spring Tree 8.5 oz Pure Maple Syrup – $6.19
You save: $0.27 / oz
Good-quality pure maple syrup is one of those “splurge” items that we think is totally worth it. It’s worlds away from the maple-flavored corn syrup blends that are usually a lot cheaper at the expense of quality. And while Target’s Good & Gather 12 oz maple syrup is still a steal compared to other brands, you’ll score the most savings if you buy the bulk 32 oz container.
Our team member, Sara, sticks to buying the Good & Gather pure maple syrup! Here’s what she loves about it:
“My entire family loves this syrup! I always know if we need a staple item, I can depend on Good & Gather for quality products and syrup is one of those staples I always scoop up when I’m at Target. It’s a great-tasting syrup with nothing added and the best price – even compared to ALDI which I love!” – Sara
I agree with all items except the target brand diapers , they do not compare to pampers at all! U can’t leave these diapers on for a long period at all , pampers u can ! I will always buy a better brand of diapers you save money I have found .
Thanks for letting us know what you have thought of them! We sure appreciate hearing about your experience!
I agree. They aren’t very good. Walmart has a brand called Parent’s Choice that is a good alternative if you’re looking for an inexpensive diaper that holds up.
The Smartly soap didn’t work for me even though it was such a good deal and had a nice scent and lather to it. I tried them during the pandemic and they dried out my hands so badly. If you have to wash your hands very often throughout the day, I would recommend trying a more moisturizing hand soap.
Sorry to hear it dried out your hands, Judy! Thanks for the honest review!
I recently tried their tomato sauce, cheese slices, tuna & taco spices pack and liked them all.
I switched over to the Up & Up zippered storage bags a few years ago after reading a review in Consumer Reports that touted these as being a less expensive and quality alternative to the leading brands. I have not been disappointed! The cost savings can be significant, and they are a good quality.
Agree with others who say that U&U diapers not as good as Pampers. I hate going for brand names, but with my son n his heavy bladder, I need the best n have tried many brands, n Pampers is the most leak-proof day n nite. However, I do luv the U&U baby wipes n do stock up on them. My son n I luv the cucumber melon scented ones. Work well, large in size, smell great, best deal. Prefer to get plastic storage bags at Dollar Tree.
I work in the nursery at one of my PDO’s now, and several parents have started using the Rascal and Friends diapers- they’re pretty “plush” feeling more like some name brands. They say they’re much cheaper and they’ve been good while we have had them. May want to try them out
We use a lot of baby wipes, and are very happy with the up & up Sensitive Skin wipes. Currently they are $12.39 for 736 wipes vs $16.99 subscribe & save at Amazon for 576.
I really appreciate posts like this, thank you so much! I am definitely going to try some of these items.
You’re very welcome! Glad this was helpful!
I agree on the up & up baby wipes! I purchased the largest box they had, poured liquid hand sanitizer over them and used them as antibacterial wipes when traveling! Other brands would breakdown and leave fibers all over everything!
Aldi baby wipes are great, their diapers are not. I had grabbed both in a pinch when I forgot the diaper bag at home and we’ve used the wipes ever since. Just wish I’d figured that one out sooner!
We like the up and up disinfecting wipes, toilet paper (red package) and ultra soft tissues.
We like the frozen vegetables and the Good and Gather ( made in Italy) Margherita pizza. We but a lot of Target Brand food products and found them comparable to brand names. The one exception is cream cheese in a tub.
Thank you!
Thank you for this post! I’ve always wondered about the quality of some of these items, and I appreciate you sharing this. I just discovered the Good and Gather sparkling water and I am loving the Raspberry Hibiscus flavor.
I get all our pantry items from Target now. Canned veggies and tomato sauce and chicken stock in the cartons and canned green chiles and the chai in the carton – and more! The prices are comparable if not better than Fred Meyer and Albertsons; and there is no difference in quality and taste.
I just wanted to mention that they enjoy life chocolate chips ARE more expensive Than most chocolate chip brands in general, because this Is a specialty item, specifically Allergan friendly & vegan. There are 14 Ingredients (many) considered Allergens or sensitivity ingredients that they are made without. They are also made in a dedicated gluten-free and nut free facility. All of those things considered these are of course going to be more expensive. I am gluten-free, and it’s no different when I purchase gluten-free items they are much more expensive in general than your average non-gluten items in the grocery store. The other brand mentioned if you look at the details , says it “may contain milk”, At the same time it also says it doesn’t not contain any of the main 8 allergens but it does not specifically list which of those they are talking about,this would not necessarily be allergen friendly if you have a dairy and or milk sensitivity. The two brands in the two items mentioned have different ingredients and or lack of. I don’t know that comparing these two bags of chocolate chips is necessarily of Equal comparison. Close comparison but Enjoy life chocolate chips in my experience are always more expensive because of what they are.
Thank you so much!
The Good and Gather Sweet Potato Chips are delicious. I don’t know the price difference from Trader Joes, but they are equally as good, possibly better than Trader Joes.