Skip to content

Top Navigation

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Recipes
  • Cooking 101
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
SUBSCRIBE
Pin FB

Explore Cooking Light

Cooking Light Cooking Light
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 31-Day Healthy Meal Plan

      Our 31-day calendar of meals and tips shows you how to cook more and love it with fun, family-friendly meals that come together quickly and deliciously. Read More
    • Dinner Tonight: Quick and Healthy Menus in 45 Minutes (or Less)

      Hundreds of delicious recipes, paired with simple sides, that can be on your table in 45 minutes or less. Read More
    • Our Favorite Healthy Air Fryer Recipes

      Who ever said that chicken wings, doughnuts, and pizza couldn't be healthy? Read More
  • Recipes

    Recipes

    See All Recipes
    • Breakfast & Brunch
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Drinks
    • Recipe Makeovers
    • Quick & Healthy
    • Diabetic
    • Gluten-Free
    • Vegetarian
    • Cooking Light Live
  • Cooking 101

    Cooking 101

    See All Cooking 101
    • Essential Ingredients
    • Cooking Techniques
    • Meet the Chef
    • Cooking Resources
    • Budget Friendly
    • Smart Choices
  • Eating Smart
  • Healthy Living

    Healthy Living

    See All Healthy Living
    • Weight-Loss
    • Health
    • Fitness
    • Home
    • Travel
    • Nutrition 101
  • News

Profile Menu

Your Account

Account

  • Email Preferences

Manage Your Subscription

  • All Access Subscribers
  • Magazine Subscribers
  • Cooking Light Diet Subscribers
Login
Logout
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Eating Smart
  3. Our Favorite Store-Brand Products

Our Favorite Store-Brand Products

March 01, 2012
Skip gallery slides
Pin
Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Don't know which store-brands will give you flavor you are looking for? We're giving you the scoop on the best budget-friendly buys.
Start Slideshow

1 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

The Best Store-Brand Products

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Deciding when to buy budget-friendly store-brand products and when to pass and go for the gusto can be a tricky task. Luckily, we've done the dirty work so you don't have to. Cooking Light staffers weeded through countless products to bring you the best that the store-brands have to offer.

We'll start with Whole Foods Organic 100% Whole-Wheat Bread. A hearty, dense texture makes this ideal for toast, slathered with a tart fruit preserves.

Shop: Organic 100% Whole-Wheat Bread

1 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Albacore Tuna

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
What you want from canned tuna are distinct, meaty flakes, and that’s exactly what you get here—plus clean, pure tuna taste.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Albacore Tuna

2 of 28

3 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Market Pantry Unsalted Butter

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Superior creamy texture at a great price—about $2 a pound. This is the butter to stock up on.

Shop: Market Pantry Unsalted Butter

3 of 28

Advertisement

4 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walmart Great Value Pie Crust

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Its neutral flavor puts focus on the filling. Straight out of the box, its thickness is ideal for heavy custards or quiches.

Shop: Great Value Pie Crust

4 of 28

5 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Archer Farms Steamable Frozen Green Beans

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Your standard steam-in-the-bag bean goes upscale with these haricots verts--like beauties. They maintained their flavor and texture, despite being frozen. Grassy, crunchy, and crisp, they're the perfect go-to for the time-strapped cook.

Shop: Archer Farms Extra-Fine Green Beans

5 of 28

6 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Toasted Sesame Oil

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
A nutty, nuanced oil that's bold but not bitter. Intensely roasty, toasty flavor with a clean finish.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Toasted Sesame Oil

6 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walmart Great Value Unsalted Butter

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Clean, clear butter flavor.

Shop: Great Value Unsalted Butter

7 of 28

8 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Canola Mayonnaise

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Light, silky texture, balanced vinegar-lemon tang, and a nice salty kick.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Canola Mayonnaise

8 of 28

9 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Market Pantry Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Dark, strong, with an intense smoky character.

Shop: Market Pantry Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce

9 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Ketchup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Flecks of spices set this ketchup apart from other brands. We loved the sweet and naturally clean flavor and applaud Whole Foods for making a great product with only 160 milligrams of sodium per tablespoon. Less salt but lots of flavor.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Ketchup

10 of 28

11 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Archer Farms Vindaloo Indian Simmering Sauce

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Lemony and full of heat, with a backbone of cumin, coriander, and cardamom. Coconut milk and butter provide creaminess (and 4g sat fat). Traditional with pork, but try with potatoes.

Shop: Archer Farms Vindaloo

11 of 28

12 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Light Coconut Milk

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Thinner (without being watery) with a milder hit of coconut flavor. Not overly sweet. Does not have the oaky taste found in some light coconut milks—best in a dessert recipe.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Light Coconut Milk

12 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walmart World Table Salsa Verde

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
This is a chip clinger with cumin, salt, and heat all getting their turn on the palate. Tangy with a smoky endnote—you can tell the jalapeños were roasted properly.

Shop: World Table Salsa Verde

13 of 28

14 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Archer Farms Tortilla Chips

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
They’re corn-yellow-pretty, delectably crunchy, nicely salted, and loaded with hearty flavor. Plus, a zip-top bag closure staves off staleness (if they last long enough for a third or fourth session).

Shop: Archer Farms Tortilla Chips

14 of 28

15 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Crunchy Mini Twists

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Whole Foods’ house brand offered a buttery flavor balanced with just the right amount of salt and crunch (again, not tooth-breakingly hard, but not airy or floury, as several samples were).

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Organic Crunchy Mini Twists

15 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Market Pantry Light Sour Cream

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
So thick and luscious that one tester thought it might be mascarpone cheese.

Shop: Market Pantry Light Sour Cream

16 of 28

17 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Black Beans

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
These hearty beans hold up well during the canning process—firm, yet still tender.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Black Beans

17 of 28

18 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Market Pantry Applesauce Natural

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
The intensity of the apple flavor really hits in every bite—with just the right sweetness to balance the tart notes.

Shop: Market Pantry Applesauce Natural

18 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Homestyle Waffles

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Crisp on the outside with a tenderly chewy middle. Not overly sweet, so they're the perfect accompaniment for maple syrup.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Organic Homestyle Waffles

19 of 28

20 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walmart Great Value Pure Olive Oil

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
This oil's clean, fresh taste is the perfect backdrop for sautéing veggies like mushrooms and onions, but its grassy finish was something we savored with a simple slice of crusty bread.

Shop: Great Value Pure Olive Oil

20 of 28

21 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Archer Farms Plain Soy Milk

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Stands out for its nice, thick, creamy texture and light sweetness.

Shop: Archer Farms Plain Soy Milk

21 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

22 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Balsamic Vinegar

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
For a budget balsamic, this one packs a thick, rich punch. Ready to drizzle or glaze grilled chicken or salmon.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Balsamic Vinegar

22 of 28

23 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Oat & Honey Granola

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Slightly puffed brown rice gives this not-too-sweet granola a nice, light crunch.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Oat & Honey Granola

23 of 28

24 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Market Pantry Frosted Bite-Sized Shredded Wheat

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Its toasted whole-wheat notes are complemented—rather than obscured—by the sweet frosting. Tall, fluffy biscuits don't lose their crunchy mojo in milk.

Shop: Market Pantry Frosted Bite-Sized Shredded Wheat

24 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

25 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Diced, No-Salt-Added Tomatoes

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
A midsummer-fresh tomato taste and a nice, thick texture make this a great option for any soup, stew, or sauce that needs body.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Diced, No-Salt-Added Tomatoes

25 of 28

26 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Target Archer Farms Whole-Wheat Spaghetti

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
Great for those just starting down the whole-wheat pasta path. A subtler flavor for subtler sauces—basic marinara would be perfect.

Shop: Archer Farms Whole-Wheat Spaghetti

26 of 28

27 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Walmart Great Value Tomato Ketchup

Credit: Photo: Randy Mayor
Walmart's house brand is thick and clingy, has a robust vinegar flavor, and the standard 190 milligrams sodium. Its brightness is balanced by a smooth, sweet finish.

Shop: Great Value Tomato Ketchup

27 of 28

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

28 of 28

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Unsalted Butter

Credit: Photo: Manfred Koh
A good basic-butter choice if you’re looking for organic.

Shop: 365 Everyday Value Unsalted Butter

28 of 28

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 28 The Best Store-Brand Products
    2 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Albacore Tuna
    3 of 28 Target Market Pantry Unsalted Butter
    4 of 28 Walmart Great Value Pie Crust
    5 of 28 Target Archer Farms Steamable Frozen Green Beans
    6 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Toasted Sesame Oil
    7 of 28 Walmart Great Value Unsalted Butter
    8 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Canola Mayonnaise
    9 of 28 Target Market Pantry Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce
    10 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Ketchup
    11 of 28 Target Archer Farms Vindaloo Indian Simmering Sauce
    12 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Light Coconut Milk
    13 of 28 Walmart World Table Salsa Verde
    14 of 28 Target Archer Farms Tortilla Chips
    15 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Crunchy Mini Twists
    16 of 28 Target Market Pantry Light Sour Cream
    17 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Black Beans
    18 of 28 Target Market Pantry Applesauce Natural
    19 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Organic Homestyle Waffles
    20 of 28 Walmart Great Value Pure Olive Oil
    21 of 28 Target Archer Farms Plain Soy Milk
    22 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Balsamic Vinegar
    23 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Oat & Honey Granola
    24 of 28 Target Market Pantry Frosted Bite-Sized Shredded Wheat
    25 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Diced, No-Salt-Added Tomatoes
    26 of 28 Target Archer Farms Whole-Wheat Spaghetti
    27 of 28 Walmart Great Value Tomato Ketchup
    28 of 28 Whole Foods 365 Everyday Value Unsalted Butter

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    Cooking Light

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • Customer Service this link opens in a new tab
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    MeredithCooking Light is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. © Copyright 2023 Meredith Corporation. All Rights Reserved. Cooking Light may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright Cooking Light. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.cookinglight.com

    View image

    Our Favorite Store-Brand Products
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.