CookingLight.com: The Best-Store Brand Products
Best Healthy Lunch Ideas
Click here to see a definitive guide to a healthy lunch on the go—complete with nutrition-boosting tips, make-ahead strategies, and tasty pack-and-go recipes.
Best Healthy Lunch Ideas | CookingLight.com: The Best-Store Brand Products | Comcast.net News
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The Best Store-B...
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
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Market Pa...
Superior creamy texture at a great price—about $2 a pound. This is the butter to stock up on.
Shop: Market Pantry Unsalted Butter
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Walmart Great Va...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Archer Fa...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Walmart Great Va...
Clean, clear butter flavor.
Shop: Great Value Unsalted Butter
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
Light, silky texture, balanced vinegar-lemon tang, and a nice salty kick.
Shop: 365 Everyday Value Canola Mayonnaise
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Market Pa...
Dark, strong, with an intense smoky character.
Shop: Target Market Pantry Lower-Sodium Soy Sauce
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Archer Fa...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Walmart World Ta...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Archer Fa...
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
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Market Pa...
So thick and luscious that one tester thought it might be mascarpone cheese.
Shop: Market Pantry Light Sour Cream
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
These hearty beans hold up well during the canning process—firm, yet still tender.
Shop: 365 Everyday Value No Salt Added Black Beans
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Market Pa...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Walmart Great Va...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Archer Fa...
Stands out for its nice, thick, creamy texture and light sweetness.
Shop: Archer Farms Plain Soy Milk
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
Slightly puffed brown rice gives this not-too-sweet granola a nice, light crunch.
Shop: 365 Everyday Value Oat and Honey Granola
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Market Pa...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
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
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Target Archer Fa...
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
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Walmart Great Va...
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
(Photo: Randy Mayor)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Whole Foods 365 ...
A good basic-butter choice if you’re looking for organic.
Shop: 365 Everyday Value Unsalted Butter
(Photo: Manfred Koh)
The opinions expressed are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Comcast. -
Best Healthy Lun... Click here to see a definitive guide to a healthy lunch on the go—complete with nutrition-boosting tips, make-ahead strategies, and tasty pack-and-go recipes.
