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14 Pantry Essentials Always Worth Buying at Target

Stock up on staples for your pantry without busting your budget at Target.

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Updated Oct. 2, 2024
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Stocking up your pantry can be easy and affordable when you head to Target, so start your shopping list now to save money on essentials you’ll use everyday.

You can choose from plenty of name brands or try and save a little more cash with Target’s store brands.

Check out these options to see which ones you need to add to your list when you shop at Target.

Editor’s note: Prices are subject to change and may vary by location.

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Good & Gather Iodized Salt

Courtesy of Target Target Good & Gather Iodized Salt

Price: 79 cents

Salt is one of those pantry essentials we use every day to add flavor to recipes, for baking, and so much more.

If you’re running low, grab a 26-ounce container of Target’s in-house brand salt for less than a dollar.

Good & Gather Sea Salt Roasted Nuts

Courtesy of Target Target Good & Gather Roasted Nuts

Price: $13.99 (on sale from $14.99)

Nuts can be a great snack as well as a healthy treat to add to your pantry and you can get a mixed variety when shopping at Target.

The 30-ounce pack includes almonds, cashews, hazelnuts, and pecans.

Market Pantry Ketchup

Courtesy of Target Target Market Pantry Ketchup

Price: $1.99

Ketchup is a popular condiment to store for whenever you make burgers or fries and need a bit extra.

The 38-ounce bottle of Market Pantry Ketchup is cheaper per ounce compared to Walmart’s Great Value Ketchup, making this essential a real steal.

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Good & Gather Granulated Sugar

Courtesy of Target Target Good & Gather Granulated Sugar

Price: $3.29

Four pounds of sugar can go a long way when you’re making baked goods for the holidays or just for an everyday treat.

Make sure you have plenty around in your pantry whenever you need it with this value-priced bag.

Good & Gather Enriched Long Grain White Rice

Courtesy of Target Target Good & Gather Long Grain Rice

Price: $6.99

You might be surprised to find that the Good & Gather Enriched Long Grain White Rice costs the same — or less — than many grocery stores.

You can choose this six-pound bag for all your cooking needs or go with a smaller size.

Maruchan Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup

Courtesy of Target Target Maruchan Chicken Ramen Noodle Soup

Price: 35 cents

One of the cheapest meal options you can find at Target is this classic instant noodle soup.

The 3-ounce packet of ramen noodles has the same per-unit cost compared to a similar 48-pack of ramen noodles from Costco.

Jif Creamy Peanut Butter

Courtesy of Target Target Jif Creamy Peanut Butter

Price: $3.19

Peanut butter is a great addition to your pantry if you’re looking to pack a protein punch to sandwiches, fruits, and more.

Check out the 16-ounce option at Target to add to your cart.

Good & Gather Vegetable Oil

Courtesy of Target Target Good & Gather Vegetable Oil

Price: $3.99

Vegetable oil can be used in recipes or even put in a frying pan when you’re cooking dinner.

The 48-ounce bottle at Target is less than the same size at Walmart, making this one you’ll want to add to you cart.

Good & Gather Unbleached All Purpose Flour

Courtesy of Target Target Good & Gather All Purpose Flour

Price: $2.59

The Good & Gather Unbleached All Purpose Flour can help you with baking delicious treats or making dinner.

Target has you covered with a five-pound bag for an extremely affordable price.

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Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix

Courtesy of Target Target Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix

Price: $2.07 (on sale from $2.59)

Baking mixes are always good to grab on sale to keep stocked in your pantry for a last-minute treat.

The 16.3-ounce box of Betty Crocker Fudge Brownie Mix is currently cheaper than the same box at Walmart.

Good & Gather Spaghetti

Courtesy of Target Target Good & Gather Spaghetti

Price: 89 cents

Spaghetti and meatballs can be an easy meal that the whole family can enjoy for not a lot of money.

You can pick up a one-pound box of their in-house brand spaghetti for less than a dollar.

Campbell’s Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup

Courtesy of Target Target Campbell’s Condensed Mushroom cream Soup

Price: $1.39

This iconic cream of mushroom soup can help you through winter nights or be used as an ingredient for casseroles — and it won’t break the bank.

Stocking up on some cans will make sure you have a variety of options any night.

Kraft Original Mac and Cheese Dinner

Courtesy of Target Target Kraft Original Mac Cheese Dinner

Price: $1.29

Kraft Original Mac and Cheese is a pantry staple and an easy dinner option when you’re rushing around after school and work.

Stock up on several boxes when you head to Target to have on hand in your pantry for those busy nights.

Dealworthy Make-a-Size Paper Towels

Courtesy of Target Dealworthy Make a Size Paper Towels

Price: $1.49

Target’s new Dealworthy label passes deep discounts to consumers on staples like paper towels.

A similar version from Walmart is almost an entire dollar more.

Bottom line

Walter Cicchetti/Adobe target store

Target can be a great place to stock up on staples for your pantry and help you save money on groceries when you find good deals.

You should always take a list with you when you shop at Target so you can find exactly what you need while still sticking to your budget.

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Author Details

Jenny Cohen

Jenny Cohen is a freelance writer who has covered a bit of everything, from finance to sports to her favorite TV shows. Her work has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and FoxSports.com.