The Best Things From Target's Good & Gather Line
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We all know Target is a treasure trove of items, from affordable home décor with an upscale appearance to useful kitchen gadgets you never knew you needed to trendy outfits and shoes you just can't live without. But did you know that Target's grocery aisle has food and beverages that are nutritious, satisfying, and less pricey than those found at high-end supermarkets?
It was in September of 2019 when Target replaced its Archer Farms and Simply Balance brands with Good & Gather, which is an appropriate description of all it has to offer. With a total of 12 food categories, such as Deli, Produce, Kids, and Entertaining Meat & Cheese, you would be hard-pressed not to find what you're looking for on your shopping list.
These products not only stand up to Target's high-quality standards, but also come out on top when it comes to quality and taste. The lineup includes many beloved Archer Farms and Simply Balance products that have been reformulated and improved upon. So, for foodies looking for value, Good & Gather items are a solid choice for discriminating palates and the pocketbook.
Original oat milk
Not just for the lactose intolerant, oat milk offers many benefits similar to the dairy version but without all the adverse effects like bloating, gas, diarrhea, and nausea. Good & Gather's version is an excellent source of riboflavin, vitamin B12, and vitamin A, in addition to having no artificial flavors, colors, or gluten. Another big benefit: it does not contain any of the eight major allergens, making it safe for those with food intolerances. According to Good Housekeeping, its vitamin and mineral content is similar to cow's milk because the FDA allows manufacturers to fortify oat milk with both vitamin D and A.
Even better, because of its smooth and creamy consistency, Good & Gather's oat milk can be used just like cow's milk in almost any recipe. Shape recommends adding it to smoothies, creamy soups, and baked goods. It also can be used in place of regular milk for pancakes, waffles, mashed potatoes, and your favorite milk-based casserole.
Plant-based Items
Plant-based food sales have the potential to increase significantly by 2030, reports Fortune, going from $29.4 billion in sales in 2020 to a potential $162 billion in 2030. Good & Gather's offerings include more than 30 plant-based items that not only focus on quality and flavor but also are affordable. This is not always the case with meatless proteins and dairy-free beverages. This line was created by Target's internal team of food scientists and recipe developers, so you know it will be top quality.
You don't have to be vegan or vegetarian to appreciate the health benefits of plant-based items. MD Anderson Center reports that these foods support immune systems and reduce inflammation with phytochemicals and antioxidants; are beneficial to weight loss; are high in fiber; and can reduce the risk for cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and even mental illness.
Whether seeking meatless alternatives for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, there are many Good & Gather plant-based options available. Choose from a variety of meat substitutes for chicken and beef, along with a wide range of dips and salad dressings.
Diced tomatoes
Tomatoes are chock full of health benefits. According to WebMD, the antioxidant lycopene that gives tomatoes a bright red color and protects from the sun's ultraviolet rays also shields our cells from damage when eaten. Not to mention this fruit's other nutritional advantages, as these are a good source of potassium, vitamins B and E, and flavonoids.
For those seeking simple meal prep, canned tomatoes are an easy add in, and if these are already cut, even better. Good & Gather's canned diced tomatoes make meal prep a cinch. No slicing or dicing is needed. Simply mix this healthy ingredient into chili to enhance the rich, tomato flavor. Add it to soups for a more flavorful and hearty meal or side. Good & Gather's diced tomatoes are the perfect ingredient for stews to incorporate even more nutritional value. And these already diced tomatoes are a given for including in red sauce for pasta. Tapping into Good & Gather's diced tomatoes also equals less work in the kitchen, making meal prep easy and fast. Just 25 calories a serving, these canned diced tomatoes are grown in the USA and contain no synthetic colors or artificial flavors, making them a great pantry staple for quick weekly meals.
Omega-3 trail mix
When seeking healthy food additives, you can't go wrong with omega-3s. There is evidence that these essential healthy fats are good for your heart, as they help lower triglycerides or the unhealthy waxy fats in the blood, according to The Cleveland Clinic.
While DHA and EPA omega-3s are found in seafood and plants contain ALA omega-3s, there are other options to add this important nutrient to your diet.
ThedaCare gives Good & Gather's Omega-3 Trail Mix high marks for its healthier profile of just 5 grams of sugar, 5 grams of protein, and lack of sodium. While the more indulgent trail mix incorporates calorie-laden ingredients such as chocolate, peanuts, and coconut, this version includes dried sweetened cranberries, almonds, raw walnut pieces, pepitas, and raw pecan halves.
Part of the problem with trail mix snacking is not knowing when to stop at a serving. That won't be an issue with Target's version, as its Omega-3 Trail Mix comes in 10 individual 1-ounce bags that easily curtail over-indulging. Enjoy a bag on its own or pair it with fruit, yogurt, or a beverage for a fulfilling mid-day pick-me-up.
Strawberry mango sparkling water
For those addicted to sugary beverages like soda or high-cal juices, it can be difficult to find a satisfying alternative. Fortunately, there have been a bevy of options that have come out over the last several years to help quench your thirst.
Those looking for a soda substitute have latched on to a healthier version — flavored sparkling water. There is no shortage of innovative and appetizing flavors, but CNBC called out Good & Gather's Strawberry Mango Sparkling Water as one of the more unique offerings. Made with natural flavors, Target's unsweetened version is satisfying, light, and refreshing with 0 calories to keep those weight watching goals intact.
And because it comes in an eight-pack, not a traditional six-pack, you are getting a great value. Pop a can in your lunch bag, grab one for that work commute, or use it as a substitute for the kids' juice box. This flavorful water also is great as a cocktail mixer for the grownups!
Avocado toast salad kit
We all know salads are good for us, and the convenience has been greatly enhanced by today's salad kits. With avocado toast all the rage on today's restaurant menus, it makes sense that this flavor profile is translated into a salad (via Insider). That's just what Good & Gather's Avocado Toast Salad Kit brings to the table. It not only combines two types of cabbage, both green and red, but adds in a super food, kale, to give it an even stronger nutritional profile.
As if that wasn't enough, this salad also includes romaine lettuce, carrots, green onion, and shredded white cheddar cheese. Yes, there's a lot going on here! But the real magic is in the mini toasts and real Hass avocados that set this salad kit apart. What makes a salad kit sing, however, is the dressing. Many would agree that the perfect topper for Target's Good & Gather Avocado Toast Salad is the mouthwatering avocado ranch dressing that brings out the flavors of its many ingredients. Eat this salad as a meal on its own or serve it with your favorite entrée for a fulfilling yet healthy side.
Ultra thin pizza crust
As the cost of eating out continues to skyrocket and our wallets are impacted by inflation, we're all looking for easy alternatives for making our favorite meals at home. More and more of us are discovering the joy of creating pizza in our kitchens, as we can get creative in adding any ingredients of our choosing. According to Forbes, there's never been a better time for in-home pizza making.
With Good & Gather's Ultra Thin Pizza Crust, you don't have to be a chef or know your way around raw dough. This prepared crust not only will simplify pizza night but also won't bog you down with unhealthy ingredients. This is because the crust is organic with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Another big plus is that this is a carbon neutral product, which means as a consumer you are benefitting the environment while feeding your hungry family.
Each package contains two 5-ounce pizza crusts and is recloseable for easy storage. The crusts are ready to bake, so simply top with your favorite sauce, mozzarella and other cheeses, and as many toppings as you like for a quick meal that you (or the kids) created yourself.
Fair trade coffee
Target made the commitment that, by 2022, 100% of its Good & Gather's Fair Trade Coffee would be Fair Trade Certified. In the last 20 years, there has been much more awareness about what fair trade means and who it benefits. Fairtrade America defines this as "changing the way trade works by prioritizing better prices, decent working conditions, and a fairer deal for farmers and workers in the Global South." To put it simply, products designated fair trade guarantee that farmers and manufacturers in developing countries are paid a fair wage for their items.
Good & Gather coffee is Fair Trade Certified by Fair Trade USA and USDA organic. But that's not all; when you purchase this brand, Target contributes to community development funds in Brazil, Colombia, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico, Nicaragua, and Peru. You can enjoy your java while contributing to a better world, it's a win-win!
Offered in 12-ounce bags or 16-count single-cup pod versions, you are sure to find a few favorites with Good & Gather's wide range of varieties and flavors.
Meal solutions
The USDA reports that Americans spend an average of 37 minutes preparing food, serving, and cleaning up. Enter an affordable prepared food line that hits the mark. Good & Gather's creative meals and sides will limit your time in the kitchen, and no one but you will know. That's because this line includes unique recipes with premium ingredients that you'd swear are restaurant quality. Select from 36 appealing options, from the unique Red Wine Braised Beef Mezzaluna Ravioli and Sesame Ginger Asian Noodle Salad or comfort foods like White Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese and Chicken Noodle Soup. Simply heat according to the directions and serve. Good & Gather's prepared meals are convenient, fast, and easy options everyone can enjoy that won't break the bank.
Quick and simple cleanup also is a definite plus with these meals. No need to dirty multiple pots, pans, or utensils. After a long commute and hectic workday, the last thing you want to do is spend your evening in the kitchen making dinner for the family and washing dishes afterwards. It's time to put the seemingly endless chopping and slicing of veggies and other ingredients in your rear-view mirror. What can be easier?
Mini cucumbers
If you're like most people, you like cucumbers but don't like all the chopping involved or the fact that they don't last long enough after being cut. What if there was another option? Good & Gather has you covered! Its mini cucumbers are small enough to eat whole and made for dipping with no prep work needed. And when used as an ingredient, these hand-held veggies can be more easily sliced than their traditional counterpart for salads or as a sandwich topping.
What are mini cucumbers? Also called gherkins or Persian English cucumbers, this variety is most similar to traditional English cucumbers, yet there are some differences. Both have thinner skins and less seeds inside than traditional cucumbers, but Good & Gather cukes are 5 to 6 inches long, about half the length of English cucumbers. When it comes to taste and texture, this line will not disappoint, with a sweet flavor and crisp bite.
Good & Gather's mini cucumbers are greenhouse grown and sold in 1-pound plastic bags that help keep them fresher longer.
Original beef jerky
Many of us are trying to fit more protein in our diets. Why? Unlike carbs, there are so many positives to doing this. Not only does it help us bulk up our muscles, but protein also keeps those hunger pangs under control for longer periods as it fills our bellies.
Providing its take on a classic meat snack, Target's Good & Gather Original Beef Jerky is made from USDA certified beef so you know the taste will be top-notch. With a whopping 10 grams of protein and no artificial ingredients, nitrates, or nitrites, you won't be ingesting anything but meat. Because it is 98% fat-free, it also is friendly to the waistline. Beef jerky is definitely a solid snack option if you're constantly on the go or looking to ward off hunger during the day.
The 10-ounce package is portable to take on hikes or long unrefrigerated car rides, but it's also filling and a healthier option than chips or candy. For those watching their carbs, Good & Gather's Original Beef Jerky is a solid choice.
Organic apple strawberry fruit puree pouches
Finding a nutritious snack for the kids that they will actually eat is a common dilemma for all parents. What if there was a favorite kid's food that's conveniently contained in a pouch and can be easily eaten anywhere at any time?
Target literally hits the mark with its Good & Gather Organic Apple Strawberry Fruit Puree Pouches. Environmental Working Group gives this product high marks, and it's easy to see why. Each 3.17 ounce pouch contains 1/3 cup of fruit or 16.5% of the daily recommendation and satisfies the pickiest eaters, both young and older.
When you're faced with a temperamental toddler who just won't finish their pouch, it can be easily resealed for finishing later with the built-in resealable cap. Talk about convenience on the run! Plus, Target also had safety in mind with this product, which is made with no synthetic colors and has BPA-free packaging. Chances are you will be grabbing a tasty puree pouch for yourself but your best bet is to do so during naptime to avoid a possible meltdown.
Signature Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
One of Italy's most coveted cheeses, Parmigiano Reggiano is not your run of mill Parmesan. It was first developed back in the Middle Ages and became recognized as a European Protected Destination of Origin (PDO) cheese in 1996. Aged over two years, Good & Gather's 7-ounce Signature Parmigiano Reggiano is an authentic version imported from Italy that is PDO certified from the Consorzio Del Formaggio Parmigiano Reggiano. Yep, it's the real deal! But it's the nutty, salty, and sweet taste sensation that sets this cheese apart. How amazing that a simple combination of cow's milk, salt, and calf rennet can result in a truly unique and flavorful cheese.
Good & Gather's Parmigiano Reggiano is a hard cheese that is best served at room temperature and can definitely be eaten by itself or with a drizzle of honey for a sweet and savory sensation on the palate. Yet, it's more often used in recipes for topping pasta, salads, soup, and other dishes.
What makes this PDO cheese so special? Forbes touts the tight regulations, which results in a perfect taste and texture, along with a 12-month minimum aging process that ensures consistency with every bite. With two times this minimum aging requirement, Good & Gather's Parmigiano Reggiano is at the height of maturity with an even bolder flavor.