These Target foods changed everything when it comes to meal planning!

“You should try to eat healthier!” You’ve probably heard this a thousand times from TV ads, doctors, friends, and so on. This is a quite popular phrase that annoyed me greatly a couple of years ago.

The turning point came when my doctor told me that my blood work was not that great and I should try to change something about my diet. Well, she told me this countless times, but this time it was more serious.

I got an appointment with a nutritionist who gave me a meal plan. “Great!” I said to myself. But following it was not that easy, considering that there was food there that Bill and Jake would never eat. I had to cook them for myself, and this meant more planning.

But there were also days when I didn’t feel like cooking. What happens then? Well, I try to find the best foods that are also healthy and nutritious. One of the stores that I like very much is Target. I feel like here I find everything I need, and this is why I recommend it.

Crispy chicken breast strips

When I’m too tired to think but need something fast, one of the Target foods that I love is exactly this chicken. These frozen chicken strips are definitely my lifesaver, and besides this, they are also on top of my taste tier list. I simply love them!

I keep a bag in my freezer at all times because they cook quickly, taste amazing, and can be paired with literally anything from a simple salad to mac and cheese. This versatility is exactly what made me adore them.

I’ve thrown them on top of Caesar salads, used them in wraps, and even chopped them up for quick chicken and rice bowls. When my brain is too foggy to plan a meal, these strips become the main dish that I use to build everything else around it.

Refrigerated snack packs

This is a newer product at Target, but it’s one of my favorites of all Target foods. Sometimes I am not hungry, but I still crave a snack. The majority of snacks, such as chips or chocolate, are extremely unhealthy, leaving me with little choice.

If you are like me, and by this I mean not the type who will slice some carrots to snack on, these Target snack packs might be your solution. These pickled olive packs are brilliant for those moments when you want something salty and satisfying but don’t want to commit to a full meal.

The portion sizes are perfect. They are enough to satisfy your craving but not so much that you feel overly full. Plus, they’re already portioned, which is amazing when you don’t feel like measuring stuff.

Ready-made pastas

Good & Gather offers ready-made pastas among its product range. These are one of those Target foods that I find perfect for the times when even boiling water feels like too much effort. The quality is surprisingly good for something that’s essentially fast food, and they satisfy that comfort food craving without requiring any cooking skills.

I keep a few different varieties in my pantry because sometimes I want something fresh, sometimes something with vegetables, and sometimes something with protein. Having options means I can match the pasta to whatever vague craving I’m experiencing.

Sauz Pasta sauces

Sauz brand jarred pasta sauces entered Target stores in 2024, and they introduced a new exclusive flavor, along with three popular sauces, quickly becoming a top-buy product. When my mind is completely frozen and I have no idea about what to make for dinner, pasta is often the answer. It’s comforting, filling, and quick. What more can you want? Of all Target foods, these sauces are Jack’s favorites. I always send him a couple of jars when I have the time.

What I love about the Sauz brand is that the flavors are so much better compared to your typical jarred sauce. They taste fresh and complex, so even when I’m just boiling some pasta and dumping sauce on top, it feels like I’ve made something special. Keep a box of pasta and a jar of Sauz in your pantry, and you’ll never be more than 15 minutes away from a satisfying meal.

Greek vanilla yogurt

This Greek yogurt is very smooth and fluffy, and I generally use it in smoothies because its delightful vanilla flavor softens the sour aftertaste. When I can’t decide between something sweet and something healthy, this yogurt is the best choice.

A thing you need to consider is that it’s protein-packed but doesn’t feel heavy. This is a big plus, at least for me. Whether I’m eating it straight from the package, mixing it with granola, or using it as a base for a quick smoothie, it always hits the spot. The vanilla flavor is subtle but present, making it feel like a treat even when it’s technically a healthy choice.

Olive tapenade hummus

Target’s Good & Gather Olive Tapenade Hummus, made with chickpeas, black and green olives, lemon, and garlic, is as delicious as my homemade version. Sometimes Bill says that he likes this one more, and I get a little bit upset, but he is just joking. But trust me when I tell you that this isn’t your basic hummus. It’s got personality and depth that make even the simplest snack feel special.

I’ve found that having a pack of this hummus in my fridge eliminates so many “I don’t know what to eat” moments. Pair it with some pita chips, fresh vegetables, or even just crackers, and suddenly you have a satisfying snack or light meal. The olive tapenade flavor is sophisticated enough that it feels like you’re treating yourself, even when you’re just trying to get some nutrition into your body.

Avocado toast salad kit

Sometimes when I can’t decide what to eat, it’s because I want something fresh but don’t want to do the work of chopping and preparing. These salad kits solve that problem completely. Good & Gather offers “avocado toast” salad kits among their more than 2,000 products, and they’re perfect for those moments when you want something green, healthy, and satisfying. The kit comes with everything you need. Greens, toppings, and dressing, all of them portioned perfectly. It takes the decision-making out of salad-making, which is exactly what I need when my brain isn’t cooperating.

Good & Gather plant-based line

This is their store brand, but people love it, so it has expanded to include a plant-based line. I am not strictly vegetarian, but I’ve found these products to be excellent go-to options when I want something different but don’t want to think too long about it. What surprised me the most is that Bill and the kids also like them. And they are convinced carnivores!

What surprised me is the variety. At this point, the variety in this line means there’s usually something that fits whatever vague craving I’m having. Whether it’s plant-based burgers, alternative dairy products, or protein-packed snacks, these items offer something different from the usual suspects in my fridge.

These are my favorite Target foods. If you have any other Target foods that you would classify as life-saving, please don’t be shy and simply share them in the comments!

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