- A dietitian and mother of two young children argues that Target deserves more recognition for its healthy grocery options.
- She recommends specific products that have become staples in her family's diet, emphasizing protein-rich snacks, plant-based options, and kid-friendly foods.
- Key recommendations include Stonyfield organic yogurt pouches for their protein and lack of added sugar, and Kodiak Power Waffles for their whole grains and protein content.
- The article also highlights Wonderful Pistachios for satiety, Nasoya Thai Basil Vegetable Dumplings as a plant-based toddler favorite, and Local Hive honey as a natural sweetener.
Quick Summary
A dietitian and mother of two young children argues that Target deserves more recognition for its healthy grocery options. She recommends specific products that have become staples in her family's diet, emphasizing protein-rich snacks, plant-based options, and kid-friendly foods.
Key recommendations include Stonyfield organic yogurt pouches for their protein and lack of added sugar, and Kodiak Power Waffles for their whole grains and protein content. The article also highlights Wonderful Pistachios for satiety, Nasoya Thai Basil Vegetable Dumplings as a plant-based toddler favorite, and Local Hive honey as a natural sweetener.
Additional picks include Gimme Roasted Seaweed Snacks, Egglife egg white wraps, exotic dragon fruit, Bako sweet potatoes, and Veggies Made Great muffins that conceal vegetables. The author notes that Target offers a wide variety of nutritious brands, making it a convenient destination for healthy shopping.
Target's Nutritional Variety
A registered dietitian and mother of two young children stated that Target should receive more credit for its healthy grocery selections. She expressed appreciation for the store's seemingly endless variety of nutritious brands, noting that she makes a special trip once a month to restock family favorites.
The author, who has identified several products as non-negotiables in her cart, emphasized that Target offers a wide variety of nutritious brands. She argues that the retailer is a great choice for healthy shopping and suggests that consumers who do not currently shop for groceries there should consider changing their habits.
I appreciate the store's seemingly endless variety of healthy brands to choose from.— Dietitian and mother of two
Dietitian-Approved Snacks
Several specific snack items were highlighted for their nutritional benefits and convenience. The author recommended Stonyfield organic ZEROg added sugar yogurt pouches, citing that each pouch contains 5 grams of protein and 0 grams of added sugar while being made with real fruits.
Other snack recommendations included:
- Wonderful Pistachios (without shells) for a portable snack containing complete protein and fiber
- Gimme Roasted Seaweed Snacks, which are low in calories and provide vitamins B12 and K
- Local Hive raw & unfiltered honey, used as a natural sweetener containing vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
The author also noted that the seaweed packs are equivalent to a full serving of vegetables.
Meal Components & Pantry Staples
For meal preparation, the dietitian pointed to several items that provide protein and whole grains. Kodiak Frozen Power Waffles were praised for being made with 100% whole grains and containing 12 grams of protein. The author also mentioned Egglife wraps, which are made from egg whites and provide around 11 grams of protein depending on the flavor.
Additional meal components include:
- Nasoya Thai Basil Vegetable Dumplings, made with tofu and organic vegetables, containing 7 grams of protein
- Bako sweet potatoes, rich in vitamin A and fiber, ready to eat in about 8 minutes
- Veggies Made Great muffins, which list vegetables like yellow squash, carrots, and zucchini as top ingredients
These items are described as convenient options for busy parents.
Exotic Produce & Fresh Options
The author noted that some Target locations carry exotic fruit, specifically mentioning Frieda's honey dragon fruit. This fruit is described as sweet and full of fiber, vitamin C, and iron. The preparation method involves simply slicing the fruit and scooping out the flesh.
In addition to exotic options, the retailer offers fresh produce that is convenient for quick meals. The dietitian mentioned microwaving a Bako sweet potato for a fast meal, often topping it with black beans, guacamole, and salsa. These sweet potatoes are triple-washed and ready to eat in approximately 8 minutes.
"If you aren't shopping for your groceries at Target yet, it might be time to change that."
— Dietitian and mother of two
Frequently Asked Questions
What healthy grocery items does a dietitian recommend at Target?
A dietitian recommends Stonyfield yogurt pouches, Kodiak waffles, Wonderful Pistachios, Nasoya dumplings, Local Hive honey, Gimme seaweed snacks, Egglife wraps, frieda's dragon fruit, Bako sweet potatoes, and Veggies Made Great muffins.
Are Kodiak waffles healthy?
According to the dietitian, Kodiak Power Waffles are made with 100% whole grains and packed with 12 grams of protein.
What are the benefits of Gimme Roasted Seaweed Snacks?
They are low in calories (30 per serving), provide vitamins B12 and K, and each 10g pack is equivalent to a full serving of vegetables.
